The Mayor of Dudley hosted winners of the WeLoveCarers Awards 2026 at the Mayor's Parlour on 24 July to recognise the unpaid carers and professionals who provide vital support across the borough.
Honouring unpaid carers across the borough
The informal reception brought together award recipients, family members and representatives from WeLoveCarers so that the borough could publicly acknowledge contributions made during Carers Week. The annual awards celebrate people and organisations who have shown exceptional dedication and compassion in supporting carers and those they look after.
"Unpaid carers make an extraordinary contribution to our communities every day," the Mayor said, adding that the winners "have demonstrated exceptional dedication" and that it was right to celebrate their efforts.
Who was recognised
Attendees included winners of a range of categories presented during Carers Week. The awards highlight both unpaid family carers and professionals who have gone beyond their day-to-day roles to support carers and families served by health, local authority and private sector organisations.
- Mayor's Award
- Young Carer Award
- Carers of the Year Award
- Carers Champion Award
- Community Carer Award
- Workplace Champion Award
- Special Recognition Award
Local charity role and impact
WeLoveCarers, the charity running the awards, is described as an organisation run by carers for carers, providing support, information and advice to unpaid carers and their families. The charity's stated aims include reducing isolation, empowering carers and ensuring their voices are heard. Representatives from the charity attended the reception alongside winners and invited guests.
| Event | Purpose |
|---|---|
| WeLoveCarers Awards reception | Recognise unpaid carers and supporters across Dudley borough |
Why this matters for Dudley
Unpaid carers play a substantial but often unseen role in local communities, providing day-to-day support to family members and others. Recognition through awards and civic events raises awareness of the pressures carers face and the practical contributions of local services and employers. The Mayor used the occasion to thank winners on behalf of the borough for the difference they make to the lives of others, saying they "embody our bostin Dudley."
By bringing winners into the civic centre, Dudley's public authorities and community groups signal that carer support is a priority during Carers Week and beyond. Continued collaboration between charities such as WeLoveCarers, council services and health organisations will be necessary to sustain practical help and to address isolation and need among unpaid carers in the borough.
