What's On September 2026
Welcome to our latest Edition of What's On!
We are delighted to share our brand NEW What’s On for September.
Our digital newsletter, which we are now sharing here in the form of a blog, is full of useful information for unpaid carers.
You will see we have some great events coming up. Please do also keep an eye on the Events Calendar pages on our website, as we are developing our training and activities programme and will be bringing new and varied opportunities.
You can also find below, a copy of our interactive, digital events schedule for September, ready to download or share. If you would like a copy for printing, with QR codes, please let us know.
Our website is full of information resources and with regular blogs, you can stay up to date on all things caring. We also welcome you to follow us on our socials.
If you need support, information or advice, or to be added to our mailing list, please do get in touch. We’re here to help.
Best wishes,
Carers & Communities Team
Online Membership
We are delighted to share details of our Online Membership.
As a member of the Carer Voice online membership, you'll receive our regular newsletter, opportunities to share your views and experiences, and invitations to take part in consultations, surveys and engagement activities to help shape and improve services for carers.
We would be delighted for more carers to join us.
How does it work?
We share some of the key issues carers have been talking to us about recently. We gather feedback through conversations, meetings and engagement activities to help us understand what's working well and where improvements are needed.
Current hot topics include:
Accessing Adult Social Care Assessments -
Carers have told us they are finding online assessments lengthy and difficult to complete, with some feeling unsure about what information is needed. We'd like to hear about your experience. Would practical support, a step-by-step guide or an online masterclass help you feel more confident completing these assessments? Do these reflect your experience? Is there anything you think we're missing?
Understanding Care Costs and Financial Contributions -
Some carers have told us they're unsure what to expect when it comes to client contributions and care costs. Others have shared concerns about receiving financial information or invoices before they've been given clear information about what they may need to pay. We'd like to hear about your experiences and any suggestions you have for improving information and communication around care costs.
Getting the Right Support -
Some carers have told us they find it difficult to navigate Adult Social Care services and aren't always sure what to expect throughout the process, particularly when there are delays. Others have said they would value more guidance and support to complete tasks, rather than being left to work things out alone. We'd like to hear about your experiences and what would help you feel more supported.
We also share consultations, surveys and other carer voice opportunities - find out more below in Carer Voice.
Every contribution helps shape better support for carers.
Our voice as a carer can make a real difference.
Together, carers are stronger and can help bring important issues to the forefront and inspire action.
Your Voice. Your Choice. Your Impact.
Sign up today by contacting Carer Voice.
Timms Review
"The government has launched the Timms Review to ensure that Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is fair and fit for the future in a changing world, and helps support disabled people to achieve better health, higher living standards and greater independence, including through employment.
PIP supports many people with the extra costs of a disability or long-term health condition, and the government is committed to ensuring it remains a non-means-tested cash benefit, there for people in and out of work. However, despite shifting trends in disability and long-term health conditions, as well as changes in wider society and the workplace, PIP has never been fully reviewed.
To ensure lived experience is at the heart of its work, the Review will be co-produced with disabled people, the organisations that represent them, carers, clinicians, experts, Members of Parliament and other stakeholders.
The Review will be co-chaired by Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sharron Brennan and Dr Clenton Farquharson CBE. The co-chairs will oversee a steering group which will jointly lead the Review.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) published the initial Terms of Reference in June 2025.
On 30 October 2025, we updated the Review’s Terms of Reference to reflect current government policy following changes to the Universal Credit Act, and to include additions and clarifications following stakeholder engagement over the summer of 2025.
The Review aims to report to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in autumn 2026 and we have committed to reporting its outcomes to Parliament."
Find out more on the government website and how to get involved here:
Register your interest in a shaping recommendations Workshop:
These shaping recommendations workshops are primarily for disabled people and people with long-term health conditions, ideally with experience interacting with the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) process. Participants will be invited to discuss and refine the Review’s emerging recommendations. Participants will receive a one-off payment in recognition of attendance and reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses.
There will be 15 workshops across the country during September and October 2026, with 9 held in person and 6 online. Registration of interest will open on Wednesday 12 August 2026 at 10am and close Friday 21 August 2026 at 5pm. You can register by completing this ‘about you’ form. We aim to let selected participants know if they have been invited to attend and, if so, which session by 4 September 2026.
Download your copy
of September events below.
As a carer, you have the knowledge and experience of what works well and what needs to be improved both in services for carers and those who you care for. We have a seat at the table in many meetings and boards to ensure that carers are part of the conversation when decisions are made. We welcome carers to get involved and attend meetings, where full support and training is provided.
Not able to commit to coming to regular meetings? No problem, there is plenty of opportunity to feed in your views to make sure they are heard and make a difference.
To find out more about getting involved in a way that suits you get in touch with us:
Have Your Say on Local Health and Care Services with Healthwatch
Your feedback can make a difference.
Have you recently used a GP, hospital, dentist, or other health and care service in Worcestershire?
Healthwatch Worcestershire wants to hear about your experience - whether it was positive or could have been better. Your feedback helps highlight what’s working well and where improvements are needed.
By sharing your views, you can help shape health and care services for your community and make a real difference for others.
Every story matters, and your voice can help improve services across Worcestershire.
You can share your experiences with care services and care providers, by getting involved in the #TellUs campaign.
Consultation Opportunities
Your views can help improve services locally and nationally. Below are some of the latest consultation and engagement opportunities from our partners. If there's something that interests you, we'd encourage you to take part and make your voice heard.
Worcestershire All-Age Carers Strategy Refresh -
Worcestershire County Council is inviting unpaid carers to share their views as part of the All-Age Carers Strategy 2027–2032 Refresh. By sharing your experiences, you'll help shape future priorities and ensure the strategy reflects the needs and priorities of unpaid carers.
The Casey Commission – The Big Conversation on Care -
The Independent Commission on Adult Social Care wants to hear from people with lived experience of care and caring. The Big Conversation on Care is a national engagement programme that will help shape the future of adult social care in England. Your experiences and ideas can help influence future recommendations and reforms.
Find out more in the Casey Commission newsletter or get involved directly here.
Preparing for Care Survey As carers, we often spend so much time thinking about the people we support that we don't always think about our own future. This survey invites you to reflect on what would help you plan ahead if you ever needed care or support yourself. Your feedback will help improve local information, advice and services across Worcestershire. Preparing for Care Survey
Employment Rights for Unpaid Carers -
If you work alongside your caring role, or have done in the past, the Government would like to hear about your experiences. Your feedback will help shape future employment rights and support for unpaid carers. The consultation closes on 1 September 2026.
Download the
latest update
HWIN below.
CARERS HUB : Funded by Worcestershire County Council
SWAN : Changing Lives in Worcestershire
As of the 1st of February 2026 SWAN Advocacy provide the new advocacy service in Worcestershire. This service offers:
Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy, DoLS & RPR
Care Act Advocacy
Independent Mental Health Advocacy
Continuing Healthcare Advocacy
NHS and Social Care Complaints
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