CARERS are being offered a chance to learn about the biggest shake up of support services in 60 years.

The Care Act comes into force in April 2015 and will mean big changes to regulations relating to carers.

The changes are designed to put carers in control of how they provide care and the new act will also limit the amount people have to pay.

Dudley Council is set to host a series of workshop sessions to explain to people how the changes will work.

Councillor Dave Branwood, Dudley cabinet member for adult and community services, said: “The Care Act is a very complex piece of legislation which will bring about major changes to the way care and support services are delivered in the borough.

“These changes will, without doubt, impact on local people who currently use our services and we hope that through these sessions we can help people understand what the changes will mean to them.”

The workshops will take place at Methodist Church, Bank Street, Brierley Hill.

The sessions are open to all members of the public starting on Tuesday October 7, focusing on information and prevention. It will be followed by another workshop on Wednesday October 8 which will look at who is eligible for care and support.

Social care - who needs to pay and self funders will be the topic for the workshop on Wednesday October 15, followed by a look at integration and personalisation on Wednesday October 22.

On Wednesday October 29 people will be able to learn about safeguarding in Dudley and on Thursday November 6, the workshop will look at how the act will ensure carers are cared for. Wednesday 12 November a workshop will focus on shaping the local care market and ensuring continuity of care.

How the transition of social care services is managed for young people going into adulthood will be discussed at the penultimate workshop on Wednesday November 19 and the final workshop will look at regulation in healthcare on Wednesday November 26.

All sessions will be held from 10am to 12.30pm, to book a place people should call 01384 816955. Places are limited so people are advised to book in advance.