Who does Gateshead Carers support? Expand We support any unpaid carer who is aged 18 and over and cares for someone who lives in Gateshead. We also support those who work with carers, and those who employ carers. If you are a carer and would like to receive some support, please feel free to contact us! If you are a working carer or an employer of someone who is a working carer, you may want to take a look at our dedicated website, Working Carers and Employers.
Do I have to live in Gateshead to access your services? Expand The person you care for MUST live in Gateshead for you to receive support from us. As a carer you do not have to live in Gateshead yourself.
Can I still access your services if the person I care for has not had a diagnosis or an assessment by social services - for a patient's health care condition or social care needs? Expand Yes, we can help you with ongoing assessments as well as to better understand a health care condition or social care needs. We can also put you in touch with specialist organisations for a particular condition.
Is this a free and confidential service? Expand Our services are free to use and confidential. We are a registered charity and provide a free service thanks to the kindness of our donors. If you would like to help keep our services free, please consider donating if you can.
How do I know if I am a Carer? Expand If you look after a friend, relative, family member or neighbour who has a disability, illness, frailty or addiction and you do not get paid to do this, then you are a carer. If you're still unsure if you identify as a carer, take a look at our What is a Carer page.
I am an employer and need help and advice on supporting working carers in my organisation. Can you help? Expand Yes, we can offer Carer Awareness sessions for relevant staff and guidance on becoming a Carer Friendly Employer. Please visit our dedicated website for Employers and Working Carers http://www.workingcarersandemployers.co.uk/
I care for a relative who has a mental health / substance misuse issue but I also care for their children, can you still offer support? Expand Yes, if you care for the children of a relative (kinship carer) you can access all of our wellbeing services.
I am a wheelchair user, do you have disabled access to your offices? Expand Yes, we have 2 disabled parking bays at the front of our building at John Haswell House as well as a ramped entrance and ground floor 1-2-1 carer rooms.
Can I access counselling through your service? Expand Yes, we have an internal referral system with North East Counselling Service (NECS). We can also refer you externally to other agencies depending upon your needs.
My caring role has ended due to bereavement, can I still access your services? Expand Yes, but please ask your Carer Wellbeing Facilitator.
The person I care for is now in a care home. Can I still access your services? Expand Yes, you are still a carer and are welcome to access our wellbeing services, including putting you in touch with any specialist organisations that may be appropriate around care home arrangements.
Do you offer respite services and short breaks? Expand We do not provide a respite service but we can refer you to a respite service. You may also be interested in our Carer Wellbeing Fund and Befriending services for carers and the cared for person.
Do you offer any specific training for my role as a carer? Expand If you feel that you require training for your caring role e.g. moving and handling, please talk to your Carer Wellbeing Facilitator.
Do you help carers to access financial support and benefits? Expand We can support carers to access specific carer funding that is available. Where possible we will assist you to complete benefits forms but we may refer you onto an agency if we do not have the capacity to help.
Do I need to register as a carer with my GP? Expand We encourage you to do this so that they are aware of your caring role and can give you the support you need or direct you to relevant services.