Dudley’s Local Offer has recently been updated, based on user feedback, making it even easier for young people with SEND to find information on local services. Tell us your thoughts on the Local Offer by completing our short survey:...

Dudley Carers Hub is marking annual National Carers Week, with a week long programme of events and activities for unpaid carers. Find out more about these at www.dudley.gov.uk/carers. Carers Week runs from 6 until 13 June aims to raise awareness of caring, the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to their families and communities. It helps people who may not think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access information advice and support. The COVID-19 pandemic had a monumental impact on unpaid carers’ lives – not only because of the increased amount of care that many provided, but because of the far-reaching effect that providing this level of care has had on unpaid carers. Many people also took on new caring responsibilities for their relatives and friends who are disabled, ill or older and who need support. So during Carers Week this year, we are coming together to make caring Visible, Valued and Supported. A carer is anyone who looks after a family member or friend who has a disability, mental or physical illness or who needs extra help as they grow older. Caring’s impact on all aspects of life from relationships and health to finances and work can be significant. Whilst many feel that caring is one of the most important things they do, its challenges should not be underestimated. Dudley Carers Hub offers support, informationa and advice to carers of all ages. Call 01384...

Essential workers are now entitled to have a free test, even if they are not displaying coronavirus symptoms. Simply visit www.nhs.uk/coronavirus and click the button that you have no symptoms. This will then link to a comprehensive list of people considered to be essential workers. These include NHS and social care staff, including social care support workers, paid carers, unpaid family carers and voluntary carers. Click yes if you qualify and choose option 3 (Council request) on ‘why you are asking for a test’. You can the arrange a free, local...

Find advice, guidance and local, practical support for older or vulnerable people across Dudley borough during the coronavirus outbreak in a handy booklet from Dudley Council. Find out more here:...

Smoking can lead to a weaker immune system, therefore putting people at greater risk of developing a severe complication from the COVID-19 virus. Those around them exposed to second hand smoke, including children, are also at an increased risk. Stopping smoking not only has health benefits for individuals and those around them, but also helps alleviate pressure on our NHS service. In Dudley, there are lots of free stop smoking services available including, ‘over the phone’ appointments with Wellness coaches, Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) products through the post, and the ‘Quit With Bella’ app – the Stop Smoking robo-coach. To access the local services, residents can call the Let’s Get Healthy Dudley team on 01384 732402 or visit: https://lets-get.com/healthy-lifestyles/stop-smoking/ Nationally, the #QuitForCovid campaign encourages smokers to quit together sharing their stories online, the website also offers information and support:...