On Monday 27th November, Chair of Trustees David Heaselgrave introduced Carers Trust Solihull’s annual report at our annual stakeholder event. Elected members, Solihull Council managers, third sector representatives, carers, volunteers, Trustees, and CTS staff gathered to reflect on the Trusts’ work in 2022-23. CEO Brandon Scott-Omenka summarised the 2022-23 year, presenting record numbers of active carers registered and being supported by the Trust as the service transitioned away from the COVID measures.
Some of CTS’ highlights from the presentation include:
- Delivered winter and cost of living support to caregivers facing exceptional hardship.
- Developing pre-bereavement counselling for carers (including Young Carer with terminally ill parents)
- Secured Triangle 1949 funding for Young Carer/Young Adult Carer Mentor and Befriending
- Produced further Carer online training films and modules.
- Grew joint work with schools to reduce carers’ education inequalities.
- Launched our new website.
- Started work on a CTS Marketing Plan with Cranfield Trust
- CTS’ Social Return On Investment indicated every pound spent on CTS services secured a benefit of £16.45 amounting to £11.5 million pounds of benefit in Solihull.
To download our annual report click the above image
Councillor Ian Courts, Leader of Solihull Council and Lead Member for Business & the Economy (Dorridge & Hockley Heath), spoke at the event about the growing recognition of the vital role of carers in the Solihull community, which came to the fore during the Covid restrictions and the critical role of the third sector and the important support provided by the Council.
Councillor Annette Mackenzie (Shirley East), a longstanding member of the Carers Partnership Board and Carer-lead for Solihull, was also present. Additionally, Councillor Ken Meeson (Dorridge & Hockley Heath), known for his longstanding interest in supporting young carers, noted during our year review that CTS is working with nearly twice as many young carers as indicated by the recent national census for the Borough.
Councillor Andrew Burrow (Meriden) made a much-appreciated donation towards our “Light Up A Carers Christmas” campaign . All the money raised goes to gifting carers of all ages this Christmas, you can find out more about the campaign here.
Throughout the Borough, elected members’ surgeries serve as crucial referral points for carers, especially to organisations like Carers Trust. You can locate your local councillor and access surgery details on the Council website.
We would like to thank everyone who attended the event and showed support for our organisation and unpaid carers across the Borough.
