SEVERAL events to celebrate the vital contributions made by carers are being held in Dudley from June 11-17.

Carers are being invited to walks, poetry sessions, open days, breakfast meets and afternoon teas to mark National Carers Week.

It all kicks off on Saturday (June 9) with a Family Funday at DY1 in Stafford Street in Dudley town centre from 11am to 2pm.

On Monday June 11, there will be afternoon tea and cake put on for carers from 1-4pm at Dudley Carers Hub, based at Queens Cross Network in Queens Cross, Dudley.

There will be entertainment from the Feel Good Choir and a local history talk around Memories of the Black Country.

Carers interested in attending need to book their place with the Carers Network Team by calling 01384 813239 or emailing carers.network@dudley.gov.uk

On Tuesday June 12, from 11am to 1pm there will be a morning of poetry at Dudley Library in St James’s Road. Places are limited and must be booked by calling Cara Evans on 01384 815555.

There will be an open day at the Dudley Carers Hub on Thursday, June 14, from 10.30am to 6.30pm.

Carers can drop in and find out information about the support services available, while there will also be free health checks and taster relaxation treatments.

Also on Thursday June 14, at 12.30pm, carers are invited to a gentle amble around Saltwells Nature Reserve in Netherton.

For further information, contact Alan Preece at Saltwells Nature Reserve on 01384 812795, or by emailing alan.preece@dudley.gov.uk

Finally, on Friday June 15, there will be a tea and chat session for carers at DY1 from 10am to 12 noon. Carers are invited for a free breakfast bap and a brew, and can book places by calling 01384 573381.

Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for adult social care, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many events taking place across the borough to support local carers.

“We know that carers often put their own needs to the back of the queue, often delaying doctors appointments or breaks from caring which could help them stay well.

“Carers Week is an opportunity for us to reach out to them, to discuss in informal settings what we and other organisations can do to help make their lives easier and to help them stay healthy.”

Groups such as Dudley CVS and Healthwatch Dudley are working with Dudley Council to help put the events on.