Enhancing support for carers across diverse and underrepresented communities

Micro commission of Carer Engagement Officer

We micro-commissioned the recruitment of a Carer Engagement Officer via carer charity, Local Solutions. This appointment strengthened connections with diverse communities and supported culturally sensitive engagement to underrepresented carers across the Liverpool city region.

The project, which is due to complete in 2025–26, has already made a significant impact. So far, more than 200 carers from Yemeni, Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Somali, Turkish, Mongolian, and Indian communities have been engaged. Carers have been reached across 25 different locations, and 24 referrals for formal support have been made.

Events and Community Outreach

Throughout the year, the Carer Engagement Officer hosted a range of events to support carers and promote inclusivity. These charity-supported activities helped signpost carers to vital services and support pathways. Highlights included pop-up events during Carers’ Week and a celebration for Carers’ Rights Day. The Engagement Officer also carried out home visits, hosted community cafés, and engaged in mosque outreach to connect with carers in their local communities. A new carers’ group was launched for the L8 community at Squash Café, alongside regular ‘Coffee and Chat’ sessions that offered a welcoming space for connection and advice.

Case study: Transforming lives through compassionate support

"Thanks to the dedicated interventions of the Carer Engagement Officer, one carer’s life has been profoundly transformed. For Inaya, a Muslim woman who is the full-time caregiver to her paraplegic husband, the demands of this care left her feeling physically exhausted, emotionally strained, and socially isolated. Additionally, she struggled with her own declining health, and poor living conditions made it increasingly difficult for her to balance her husband’s needs with her own well-being.

Through tailored support, she was able to access respite care and counselling to support her recovery. Housing referrals led to vital repairs, creating a safer home environment, while benefits assistance eased financial pressures. Peer support groups reduced her isolation and fostered a sense of community.

With access to subsidised driving lessons and workshops, she’s now building confidence and working towards greater independence. With these positive changes, she’s pursuing better health, mobility, and even planning a family holiday to reconnect and recharge. Her journey is a powerful example of how culturally sensitive, holistic support can restore dignity, hope, and balance in the lives of carers."