Carers Information Service: 0191 490 0121
Did You Know - 1 in 7 people are carers? (thats 25,000 people in Gateshead)
Click here to download our carers information pack. - The pack is in PDF format and will take less than 3 minutes to download on a standard connection.
What we do
Inform Carers
We run a confidential Carers Information Service to provide:
- Information about carer's
rights and assessments, benefits, and other help available
- Support and a listening ear
- Help to put you in touch with other support groups or organisations that may
be able to provide further support
If you have any queries at all, no matter how big or small, please get in touch. If we don't know the answer, then we will try our best to find out for you.
We produce a Carers Information Pack which summarises your rights as a carer and the services and support which may help you and the person you care for. We also produce a regular newsletter to inform you of new and existing services, any changes in the law or benefits system and to advertise any coming events.
Carers Information Service
is staffed 10am - 3pm Monday to Friday
Tel: 0191 490 0121
E-mail: gcarers@btconnect.com
Support Carers
Some people find that caring for another person can be hard emotionally. It's
difficult seeing someone close to you unable to manage, in pain or distressed.
Caring can be a very isolating and stressful experience. Some carers may feel
guilty, angry, resentful, frustrated or depressed.
You are not alone and it can help to talk things through. Some people can talk to family members or friends, others may find it easier to talk to someone who is not directly involved.
We have two Carer Support Workers, one specifically for Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities. They can visit you at home, or anywhere else that is convenient to you, to talk things through in confidence and let you know about the help that is available.
We also run a number of carers groups throughout Gateshead. Some of these are general groups for all carers, some are for focussed on a specific disability (for example carers of people with mental ill health), others are social groups. We now have a luncheon club, art group, craft group and keep-fit sessions.
If anyone wants to speak to a Carer Support Worker, arrange a home visit or find out more about the groups we run, contact the Carer Support Worker on 0191 487 5655 or e-mail.
Represent Carers
We act as a voice for carers. We…
- Represent the carers'
voice in the planning and provision of local services
- Aim to ensure the best possible support for carers by working in partnership
with other organisations
- Identify gaps in services and raise these issues with the Primary Care Trust,
NHS Trust and Local Authority
If any carer wants to let us know their views about a particular service or lack of service, contact us. We can either pass on your views or support you to go along to meetings and speak for yourself.
We particularly need feedback on Carer's Assessments. Have you been offered an assessment? How was it? Have you received any services or support as a result of a carer's assessment?
GCA is constantly monitoring and trying to improve the services and support which is offered to carers. It is very important that we know of your experiences, good and bad. Contact us on 0191 490 0121 or e-mail.
Membership of Gateshead
Carers Association
Are you one of the 25 000 carers who lives, or cares for someone who lives,
in Gateshead? If yes, you can become a member of Gateshead Carers Association
free of charge.
As a new member, you will receive a Carers Information Pack, leaflets about local services, back issues of the newsletter and a personal membership card.
Benefits for GCA members
- Regular newsletter
- Altonaids discount (for mobility and daily living equipment)
- Discounted swim, gym and indoor bowling at Gateshead Leisure Centres
- Discounted passes for the Swallow Hotel Leisure Club
- Invites to any parties or events we have
- Access to the internet
Remember that membership
is free of charge. For details of the groups click
here.