Princess Anne launches a plan to support carers in Gateshead

HRH Princess Anne, officially launched the Gateshead Carers Development Plan at The Valley Centre, Team Valley Trading Estate on 12 February 2003. The Princess said,

"Carers need help and through this Plan, they will know that support is there."

The Carers Development Plan, produced by Gateshead Carers Strategy Group, puts forward recommendations for working in partnership with other agencies to develop and deliver services that carers need.

Work has now begun to promote the Plan within Community Based Services, Health and the voluntary sector. We will be working closely with all of our partner organisations to ensure that carers' needs are taken into account and they are given the support and services that they need and deserve.

If anybody would like a copy of the Carers Development Plan or a summary, please contact Gateshead Carers Association on 0191 487 5655.

10th anniversary of Birtley Carer Support Group

The Birtley Carers Support group is 10 years old. To celebrate this landmark occasion, all of the carer support groups got together for a party at the Swallow Hotel in Gateshead.

It was a huge success. Over 70 carers got together to make it a night to remember. We all sang and danced the night away to old favourites, performed live by The Frazers Band. Judging by the smiles on everybody's face, a great time was had by all.

Re-launch of Family and Friends Room

Bensham Hospital is a prime location for carers to receive information and support. We now run drop-in sessions in the Family and Friends Room where carers and staff can come and find out what help is available.

Gateshead Carers Association in partnership with Age Concern, The Alzheimer's Society, Gateshead Crossroads, The Stroke Association and The Parkinson's Disease Society have reopened the Family and Friends room at Bensham Hospital.

Two drop in sessions will be held each week. Tuesdays 1-3pm and Thursdays 6-7pm.

Staff members will be available on a rota basis to assist with enquires from both carers and hospital staff. No appointment is necessary, just call in and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and a chat.

We have been chosen as the Mayor's Charity

Every year the Mayor of Gateshead chooses a charity or charities to support during their term in office. This year His Worshipful the Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor David Lynn, has chosen Gateshead Carers Association.

We are thrilled to have been chosen.

New Service - Counselling for Carers

Gateshead Carers Association is now able to offer a counselling service for carers. Six volunteer counsellors are available, five women and one man. If you would like to make an appointment, telephone 0191 487 5655.

An information leaflet on the service is available from the Carers Information Service telephone 0191 487 2224.

We will soon be moving premises

Gateshead Carers Association will shortly be moving to 11 Regent Street, opposite Gateshead Civic Centre. This will make us more accessible and enable more carers to drop-in for information and support.

Events for Carers

The Action Van allows us to take information directly to your doorstep. Staff from Gateshead Crossroads and Gateshead Carers Association will be on the van to chat with you, answer any questions you may have and let you know about services that may help. A few weeks after the Action Van, there will be a community event for carers in each area. For details of the event, and the exact location of the Action Van, contact Gateshead Crossroads on 0191 478 2423.

Training for Carers

Coming soon…computer training