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: 0800 328 9241

E-mail: gcainfoservice@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. For details of the groups click here.

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 490 0121 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
• Offer training and awareness raising for people working with carers
• 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 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.

List of Support groups

ADHD group. For carers of people with ADHD. Meet fortnightly
(Pat Bolton.Tel: 0191 496 0361)

Ageing Well group. For women, from minority ethnic communities (both carers and the person they care for). Meet weekly at Bensham Grove Community Centre.
(Shaheen Rashid. Tel: 0191 490 0121)

Autism support group in Gateshead. For carers of people with Autism. Meet monthly.
(Brian Pereira. Tel: 0191 490 0121)

CASA Forum (Carers Against Substance Abuse) - for carers of people who misuse drugs or alcohol. Meet weekly.
(GCA. Tel: 0191 490 0121)

Dryden support and social group. For carers of someone with metal ill health.
Meet monthly (Alice Headford. Tel: 0191 490 0121)

Low Fell carers group. For all carers. Meet monthly at the Hardman Centre.
Dryden Road. (Bill Llewellyn. Tel: 0191 488 4567)

Moving On group. Supports former carers.
(Bill Llewellyn. Tel: 0191 488 4567)

Pakistani Community Centre group. For people from an ethnic minority.
Meet monthly (Shaheen Rashid. Tel: 0191 490 0121)

Ryton carers group. For all carers. Meet monthly at United Reformed Church, Ryton.
(Alice Headford. Tel: 0191 490 0121)

Trinity carers support group. For all carers. Meet weekly at Trinity Centre, High Street.
(Michele Rasul. Tel: 0191 490 0121)

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