Support for carers

If you provide unpaid care and support to a friend or family member due to their disability, health condition, frailty, mental health difficulties, addiction or other health and care need, then you are a carer, and we are committed to hearing and supporting you.

Facts and figures

According to Carers UK, 5 million people in the UK are juggling caring responsibilities with work. This means roughly 1 in 7 of the workforce and within the NHS this is estimated to be 1 in 5.

Many carers report that the role results in a negative and often lasting impact on their physical and mental health. However, as with the rest of the population, many people with existing disabilities or long-term conditions also take on caring responsibilities.

Carers Week research from 2018 found that 6 out of 10 people (61%) said their physical health has worsened as a result of caring, while 7 out of 10 (72%) said they have experienced mental ill health.

Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) carers provide more care proportionately than white British carers. There are close to half a million BAME carers in the UK, many of whom will not recognise themselves as carers. BAME carers are also less likely to be receiving practical and financial support with caring, often as a result of lack of advice and information.

Support in hospital

Care provided in hospital and in the community is a partnership between patients, carers, families and healthcare staff. We are committed to working with all carers to meet the needs of patients.

We will:

Talk to you about the person you care for, the care you provide and whether you and the patient would like to continue this care whilst they are in hospital.
Help you to care for the person in hospital, if you wish, by being flexible about visiting times.
Share information about care and treatment with the consent of the person you care for, to help you in your caring role.
Act in the best interest of the person you care for if they are unable to discuss their care or give consent.
Discuss and agree arrangements for admissions / discharge with you in a timely manner//

If you have any questions we will be happy to talk to you.

Dementia

If the person you care for has dementia, whilst they are in hospital the dementia nurse specialist team can help by providing information, support and guidance. If you would like to speak to a member of the team call 0191 213 9605 or email: nuth.DementiaCareTeam@nhs.net

Carers assessment

If you have a need for support in relation to your caring role you are entitled to a carers assessment from your local council.

If you live in Newcastle, you can request this by contacting community health and social care direct on: 0191 278 8377 or text: 0191 278 8359

Home from hospital and community support

Home from hospital and community support is a free service which provides practical and emotional support to older people returning home from hospital, or within the community, in Newcastle. The service helps people to live safely and healthily in their own homes, so that they are less likely to be readmitted to hospital.

Support is flexible and tailored to a person’s individual needs. Examples of support include:

Collecting shopping, prescriptions or other essential items
Performing a basic home check for safety
Being a listening ear and someone to talk to
Helping with filling in forms or making phone calls
Introducing the person to longer-term community support

By getting support at the right stage, patients are more likely to live safely and independently at home.

This support is suitable for those aged 55+, being discharged from hospital, as well as those already in the community who have recently been discharged.

Patient and visitor parking concessions

Emergency contact scheme

This scheme is run by the British Red Cross. It helps carers think ahead and make a plan for what would happen if they cannot be there to give care because of an emergency.

Email: Carerscard_Northeast@redcross.org.uk
Online registration form: Carers Emergency Card Plan

School nursing and health visiting service

Newcastle’s 0-19 years school nursing and health visiting service can provide support to young carers around their health needs. For further information, please contact 0191 282 3411

District nursing service

If you have a district nurse they can sign-post you to other support services in the community, including respite care. Find out more here.

Newcastle City Council services

Care and support for adults

Community health and social care staff can talk to you and answer any questions you may have about adult social care in Newcastle. They can provide information and advice about local services and support, or may refer you for further assessment.

Opening times: Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm
Email: scd@newcastle.gov.uk
Phone: 0191 278 83 77
Textphone: 0191 278 83 59

Safeguarding children

Initial response service are the first point of contact for anyone worried about a child’s safety or welfare. They have a legal duty to safeguard children and work with families to identify support needed and who can help.

Opening times: Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm
Email: IRSADMIN@newcastle.gov.uk
Telephone: 0191 277 2500

For adult or children’s social work emergencies outside office hours, contact the emergency duty team on 0191 278 7878

Benefits

The welfare rights service supports carers in Newcastle with their benefits.

Opening times: Monday to Friday 9:30am to12pm
Telephone: 0191 277 2627

Debt

Money Matters offer debt and budgeting advice to people who live in Newcastle.

Opening times: Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 4.30pm
Telephone: 0191 277 1050

Website: www.newcastle.gov.uk/services/welfare-and-benefits/welfare-rights/benefit-advice-services-newcastle-and-benefit-offices

Your Equipment Newcastle

If you or the person you’re caring for are having problems carrying out day to day activities, Your Equipment Newcastle can help you find and buy equipment to make daily living easier.

Visit: www.YourEquipmentNewcastle.org.uk

Newcastle Hospitals carers resources

To order a hard copy of Newcastle Hospitals’ carers pack, please email nuth.patient.experience@nhs.net

Young carers useful information

Kooth

www.kooth.com

Contact

Contact – for families with disabled children

Trinity Youth

www.trinityyouth.org.uk

Support for carers of people with drug and alcohol problems

PROPS North East

PROPS North East supports families and friends affected by a loved one’s drug or alcohol misuse across Newcastle and North Tyneside.

Telephone: 0191 226 3440
Email: offce@newcastleprops.org.uk