There are nearly 560,000 carers in the West Midlands providing unpaid care, looking after an ill, frail or disabled family member, friend or partner.
Government recently announced the launch of a country-wide consultation with carers and voluntary organisations to update the 1999 Carers Strategy, making available £33m in an initiative known as the New Deal for Carers.
Under the new deal for carers, local authorities in England will be allocated a share of £25 million to provide emergency support. A further £3 million will be spent on a national advice and information service, and £5 million will be spent on a training programme for carers.