Working together with Black carers to drive real change

Site Admin • 11 August 2026
a set of ring binders

source : Catalyst/Caroline Caesar-Caston

published : 11 August 2026


On 1 July 2026, Catalyst 4 Change brought together 20 Black carers from Birmingham, Sandwell and Wolverhampton to share their experiences and discuss the personal impact of caring for a loved one with mental ill health.


Participants shared that the emotional impact of caring was often compounded by financial pressures, and many believed there was a common misconception that carers receive sufficient financial support to leave employment. One participant described being evicted from their home after being unable to keep up with housing payments during the transition from employment to an unpaid caring role.


Difficulty navigating the benefits system, not being listened to when advocating on behalf of their family members and being unable to maintain their own physical and mental health, were key themes of the shared challenges experienced.

The common themes and trends gathered from this event and two others conducted with mental health service users from the Black community by partner organisations, will be used to:


  • Share meaningful pathways and opportunities to get involved in driving positive changes in local services
  • Deliver events that share with community members effective ways to challenge and hold service providers to account; and,
  • Tailor funding application for culturally relevant support services
Your Voice Matters event flyer

Our next event takes place on Thursday 20 August between 10.30am – 2pm at the New Testament Church of God, Lozells.


We will present a detailed look at the combined June/July Black community consultations which took place in Birmingham, Sandwell and Coventry; hear success stories from those that have challenged systems; and share opportunities to get involved in local services and systems change work. 


Click image to enlarge/download the flyer

If you would like to attend the event on 20 August and/or find out more information about our work with Black Mental Health Carers please contact:


Caroline Caesar-Caston, Black Thrive Programme Consultant

via blackthrive@catalyst4change.org.uk

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