Support for Carers
Who is Considered a Carer?
A carer is anyone, including children and adults who looks after a family member, partner or friend who needs help because of their illness, frailty, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction and cannot cope without their support. The care they give is unpaid.
It’s likely that every one of us will have caring responsibilities at some time in our lives with the challenges faced by carers taking many forms. Many carers juggle their caring responsibilities with work, study and other family commitments. Some, in particular younger carers, are not known to be carers. They don’t tell relatives, friends or health and care professionals about their responsibilities because of a fear of separation, guilt, pride or other reasons.
This means that the sort of roles and responsibilities that carers have to provide varies widely. They can range from help with everyday tasks such as getting out of bed and personal care such as bathing, to emotional support such as helping someone cope with the symptoms of a mental illness.
If you are a carer, please let us know - there may be additional support, resources or help we can offer.
Useful Links:
Who is Considered a Carer - https://www.england.nhs.uk/commissioning/comm-carers/carers/
Not sure if you're a carer? This checklist may be helpful - https://www.caringtogether.org/support-for-carers/who-is-a-carer
NHS Resources
There is a wealth of information on NHS Choices about carers and caring. Below are some links into the site that we hope you will find useful.
Support for Young Carers:
Watch this video to understand the role of a young carer and the support available.
Getting Help or Telling Someone:
This guide lists useful contacts to seek help with financial circumstances, mental health, telephone helplines and much more.
Taking a Break:
This guide explains how you can access carer's breaks and respite care.
Housing and Carers:
This guide provides information on tenancy rights, care home options and other tips for caring at home.
Resources for North Tyneside
There are a number of services available to carers in North Tyneside. Below are some links to charities and other resources in the area that may be useful.
North Tyneside Carers' Centre is an independent charity and the only generic carer support service in North Tyneside supporting both young and adult carers. Their knowledgeable team supports carers with everything from advocacy to mental health through one to one sessions and peer support groups.
There are a number of resources available on the council's websites including where to find help, financial information and strategies put in place to support carers.
Carers' Trust are an independent charity supporting unpaid carers and their families. They are local to Tyne and Wear.
EveryDay Care & Support, is a social enterprise wholly owned by Age UK North Tyneside, supports individuals (over 18) and families in North Tyneside and Newcastle to live independently and make more of life.
Anna Freud - National Centre for Children and Families
The national centre offers confidential support, advice, information, guidance and emotional support to young carers aged 5-18 living in North Tyneside, who are caring for a family member because of an illness, disability, mental health or substance misuse problem.
Looking After your Health as a Carer
When you spend a lot of your time focusing on someone else, you may feel as if you have no time for yourself. But looking after your own wellbeing is important for you and for them.
Carers' Specific Sessions
Contact Wellspring Medical Practice on 0191 216 4920 to discuss carer sessions. Typically these are 60 minute appointments that offer specialist support and counselling.
Free Flu Jab
Heading into the Winter months, flu jabs are available to carers in order to protect them and the person they care for. These are available at GP Surgeries and Local Community Pharmacies. More information on this can be found here.
Carer Health Checks
Contact Wellspring Medical Practice on 0191 216 4920 to discuss carer health checks.
Financial and Legal Support
This link will direct carers to the benefits that can help them in their caring role.
Benefits for the Person You Care For
This link will direct carers to the benefits and support available to the person they care for.
How your benefits maybe affected after the death of the person you look after and what happens to their benefits.
Personal and Household Finance
Advice on keeping a tight rein on household and personal finance for carers.
Managing Someone Else's Affairs
Advice on how to manage someone else's legal decisions when they are no longer able to do so themselves.
