LOCALS are being encouraged to look out for friends, neighbours and family members who may be caring for a loved one, after a recent online community event highlighted the growing need for support for unpaid carers.
Hosted by Grace Cares, the latest Care Club session brought together organisations and those caring for loved ones to share advice, information and practical resources.
The session was supported by Yvonne James, principal community safety officer at Lichfield District Council, who introduced the new Find My Loved One dementia support service.
The pilot will launch later this year and will be available to all local residents and their families.
Yvonne said:
"Dementia affects thousands of families across our district – and we know how distressing it can be when a loved one becomes vulnerable or goes missing.
"Find My Loved One has been designed to give families real reassurance and to help keep people living with dementia safe within their own communities.
"We are proud to be bringing this service to all Lichfield District residents later this year, and I would encourage anyone caring for someone with dementia to find out more and register their interest."
Hannah Montgomery, co-founder of Grace Cares, said:
"There are carers living on every street in our communities, many quietly supporting a parent, partner, friend or neighbour without ever asking for help.
"Care Club exists to provide a safe, welcoming space where people can access trusted information and connect with others who understand the challenges they face.
"If everyone shares this information with just one person, we can reach many more hidden carers across Lichfield who deserve support."
The Care Club is free to attend and offers practical guidance from care professionals, alongside opportunities for discussion and peer support in a friendly environment.
The session can be viewed back below:
The next in-person Care Club meeting is from 10am to 12pm at the Cathedral Hotel and will feature guest speakers from Speakmore Language Therapy and Lichfield Arts. To reserve a place, email hello@grace-cares.com.
The online sessions continue from 2.30pm to 3.30pm on 25th August and will feature a speaker from the Cognitive Health Coach. Places can be reserved online.
