EVENTS will be taking place in Halesowen and across the borough this week to mark National Carers Week.

The national campaign, running from June 10 to 16, aims to shine a light on the challenges faced by unpaid carers as well as recognising the contribution carers make to families and local communities.

To mark the week, Dudley Council has a number of organised events taking place including an advice session for carers at Brett Young Carers Hub, Old Hawne Lane, Halesowen, from 10am to 3pm on Wednesday June 12.

Carers can book one-to-one sessions with a wellbeing advisor and find out more about services that can help them in their caring role.

The hub will also host a making carers count session on Friday June 14 from 10am to 3.30pm.

The session is for people who are new to a caring role so they can find out about their rights as a carer, what support they can access and what preventative services are available.

A host of community-organised events will be taking place too.

For a full list of events taking place during the week visit https://www.dudley.gov.uk/support-for-carers

Matt Bowsher, Dudley Council's director of adult social care, said: "It’s estimated that the value of unpaid care in England and Wales is a staggering £162billion each year.

"We have an estimated 31,500 carers in the borough, including younger carers, so it is essential we support them with all the information they need to help them in their caring role.

"As well as the events taking place this week, we have two carers hubs in the borough which are open all year round to ensure continued support is available."