A carer is someone who provides care and support to somebody who is ill, frail, or elderly. Carers are unpaid relatives, friends or neighbours who may provide care and support from a few hours a week to full time, in their own home or in the home of the person they care for. This is different to a home care worker or care assistant who is a paid worker or care assistant who is a paid worker employed to provide care.

Many carers do not consider themselves to be a carer; they believe they are simply looking after a relative, friend or child as an everyday part of their life.

Some people are able to care for their loved one without support and are happy to do so; but sometimes they may find they need help and support to continue providing care.

The Solihull Carers' strategy (download pdf) includes the views and concerns raised nationally, by professionals and more importantly by local carers themselves making sure that we are increasingly aware of the everyday challenges and obstacles that carers face.

The intention is that support will be tailored to meet individuals' needs, enabling carers to maintain a balance between their caring responsibilities and a life outside caring, whilst enabling the person they support to be a full and equal citizen.

These webpages aim to provide the carers in Solihull with advice on the local services and national support systems that are currently available to them.

From 1 July 2010, the "One Front Door" number 0121 704 8007 has been introduced for anyone not already known to adult social services to obtain general information and advice about the social care services provided by the Local Authority, services provided by partner organisations, as well as referrals and how to access adult social care services.

Residents and carers currently in contact with adult social services, professionals and staff should continue to use the numbers they already have.