On Saturday 31st August, Crossroads held a party to remember to celebrate Pride, offer advice and support to carers, and most importantly, have some fun!
The colourful party, which was originally set to take place in June to mark Carers Week and Pride month was rearranged due to unforeseen circumstances, but we don’t need special dates to celebrate.
The event held at the Oak Tree Centre in Oldbury saw dozens of people from the local community attend for fantastic entertainment from local drag artists Tiffany Sparkle and Bianca Fur Coat, delicious Caribbean food provided by Jamrock Catering, plus plenty of cake made by an Oak Tree Centre volunteer. Members of the Crossroads team were on hand to offer information and advice to unpaid carers and people (carer or not) who identify as LGBTQ+.
The Project Lead for Crossroads Carers Assistance Line (CAL) who organised the event said, “Being a carer can be challenging, but being a carer and also identifying as LGBTQ+ can bring additional challenges. Many feel out of place in traditional support groups and feel anxious about accessing services. That’s why we offer a choice – we have our Carer Support Groups and our LGBTQ+ Support Groups. Both offer information, advice and support from our experienced advisers. We strive to be inclusive and offer equality for all.”
CAL aims to break down the barriers faced by informal carers from under-represented groups, including LGBTQ+, ethnic minorities, males and young people. CAL provides a caring, listening ear and can support carers in many practical ways, including confidential one-to-one support, advice, information and guidance over the phone or face-to-face, signposting to other specialist support services provided by Crossroads and local organisations, access to regular support groups, and much more.
The CAL service is free to access and open to all carers aged over 18 living in Sandwell, Birmingham or the Black Country. Those aged under 18 will be signposted to local young carer services.
To make a referral, call our free Carers Assistance Line on 0121 803 6830.
