Update from Carers Trust Solihull
Late last year, some of you may remember our story about Carers Trust Solihull once again securing Solihull Council’s contract to continue being the unpaid carer support service for the Solihull Borough. Now we would like to share with you some of the changes and improvements that are coming to our service, as part of the new contract.
Adult Carer's Assessments and Reviews
We want to let you know about some changes to how Carers’ Assessments and Reviews will be carried out in Solihull. For some time, the Carers Trust has been completing some assessments and reviews on behalf of Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council.
From 10 December 2025. All Carers’ Assessments and Reviews for carers aged 18 and over are now managed by the Council. This will include working with carers to agree personalised support plans and arranging direct payments where appropriate.
The aim of this change is to ensure conversations are joined up and focused on supporting the whole family. It will also mean that things like respite and short breaks can be organised directly following a Carer’s Assessment, which isn’t currently possible without a referral back to the Council.
Several members of the Carers Trust team have moved to work at the Council, so many of the people carrying out assessments will already be familiar to you if you have previously had an assessment or review. If you are waiting for an assessment or review on 10 December, the Council will contact you directly to arrange this.
What’s next for Carers Trust?
We will continue to work closely with the Council to make sure carers are well-supported. In addition, we plan to expand our drop-in support sessions and increase awareness-raising activities across the borough. This will give all carers, whether they are eligible for Council-funded support, the chance to access information, advice and support from our team and connect with each other.
Carers Trust Solihull will continue to offer a wide range of support for both parent carers caring for someone under 18, and adult carers supporting someone aged 18 and over.
Our young carers team have produced a short update video, highlighting the changes and improvements coming to assist and support carers aged 5 – 25.
You can stay up to date with our latest news and announcements by signing up to our newsletters.
We will still be providing a variety of activities for carers In Solihull including:
- Carer Meet ups – where carers can connect with others, share experiences, learn new skills, enjoy a cuppa, and take valuable time out from their caring role.
- Training sessions – Our training sessions support carers to build confidence and knowledge around health conditions, finances, wills and power of attorney, future planning, and navigating health and social care systems.
- Wellbeing sessions – wellbeing sessions focus on you, providing space and support for mindfulness, gentle exercise, healthy eating, and finding realistic ways to relax alongside caring responsibilities.
- Community based support hubs – carers can access one-to-one or group conversations with practitioners, offering guidance, referrals, signposting, and answers to questions.
- Virtual meet ups – For carers who find it difficult to leave the person they care for, our virtual meetings provide practical support, trusted advice, and peer connection from the comfort of home — ensuring carers never feel alone.
You can find details of our current events on our what’s on calendar, social media or by signing up to our mailing list for our monthly updates. Do not hesitate to contact us if you need further help, clarification, or just want some help. There are other new changes to the range of support we provide that will continue to roll out over the next weeks and months.
If you have any queries, please contact us:
Tel: 0121 788 0041
Email: centre@solihullcarers.org
Coming Soon: Bridgit Care
A New Digital Platform To Support Carers
We’re delighted to share that we’ve partnered with Bridgit Care, a new digital platform created to support unpaid carers.
Caring for someone can be challenging, and we know that carers often need quick, reliable advice and support at a time that suits them. Bridgit Care has been designed with this in mind, bringing personalised guidance, practical tools, and access to local services together in one easy-to-use place.
The platform is simple, user-friendly, and available 24/7, so carers can get the support they need whenever it’s most convenient.
At Carers Trust Solihull, carers’ voices are at the heart of everything we do. As we prepare to roll out Bridgit Care, we want to make sure it truly works for you.
We’re looking for a small number of carers who would like to help test the platform, share feedback, and work with us to shape it so it meets carers’ real needs.
If you’d like to get involved or find out more, please email michellestoddard@solihullcarers.org by 4th February to express your interest.
We’re thrilled to be bringing this innovative new tool to our community and can’t wait to share more with you soon.
