2. UK Carers' Centres

The Carers Trust Network supports carers locally through a unique UK-wide network of 150 Network Partners. Carers’ centres are usually independent charities that provide tailored support to help carers balance the demands of a caring role.

They offer information, advice, and practical support for carers in their local area either by telephone, drop-in, or outreach services.

2.1. Introduction
2.2. What Carers’ Centres do?
2.3. How to Find your Carer Centre?

2.1. Introduction

Gateshead Carers Association is a network partner of Carers Trust, a major charity for, with, and about carers. They work to improve support, services, and recognition for anyone living with the challenges of caring, unpaid, for a family member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled, or has mental health or addiction problems. They deliver this through the combined knowledge, skills, expertise, and experience of its founder charities – The Princess Royal Trust for Carers and Crossroads Care – and all of its Network Partners.

The Carers Trust Network supports carers locally through a unique UK-wide network of 150 Network Partners.

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2.2. What Carers’ Centres do?

Carers’ centres are usually independent charities that provide tailored support to help carers balance the demands of a caring role. They offer information, advice, and practical support for carers in their local area either by telephone, drop-in, or outreach services.

When you contact your local carer centre you will have the opportunity to talk through your concerns with a support worker. Some people find it hard to open up about their problems, but these conversations help you to have more self-awareness about your own needs and feelings and help the support worker to advise you of your options so you can make an informed decision that is right for you.

Your local carer centre can help with:

Benefits advice
Help to complete your Carer’s Assessment form
Support or liaising with social care services
Information about respite and support services (short break from caring)
Emotional support or refer you to specialist counseling services
Training e.g. about your rights, challenges of a caring role, how to deal with stress, nutrition, dementia
Understanding your rights
Preparing to talk with your line manager about your caring role e.g. helping you to recognize your needs, find out your options, think about how to reach an agreement with your employer, write a formal request

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2.3. How to Find your Carer Centre?

To search for your nearest carer centre visit the Carers Trust website on the link below:

https://carers.org/search/network-partners

You don’t need to be referred – you can just call or drop in during opening hours to make an appointment.

Alternatively contact your GP, district nurse, social worker, or local council who will put you in touch for support.

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Latest

Online Carer Café

Take a short break and join us and other carers for a video call and a cuppa. We get together every Wednesday afternoon!
Online Carer Café

Take a short break and join us and other carers for a video call and a cuppa. We get together every Wednesday afternoon!
Online Carer Café

Take a short break and join us and other carers for a video call and a cuppa. We get together every Wednesday afternoon!
Online Carer Café

Take a short break and join us and other carers for a video call and a cuppa. We get together every Wednesday afternoon!

5. Flexible Working For Carers

In this topic, we discuss the options for working co-operatively and the importance of open and honest communication.
5. Flexible Working For Employers

In this topic, we discuss the options for working co-operatively and the importance of open and honest communication.
4. Carer’s Rights (for Carers)

In this topic, we outline the employment law and the legislation that specifically relates to unpaid carers in the UK.
4. Carer’s Rights (for Employers)

In this topic, we outline the employment law and the legislation that specifically relates to unpaid carers in the UK.
3. Support for Working Carers

In this topic, we discuss the support available for working carers including financial assistance, emotional support and counseling services, breaks from caring, and why it is important to tell your GP that you are a carer.
3. Support for Employers

There are many things that you can put into place to support working carers. It is important to know that very simple changes at work can not only ease the impact of a caring role on employees but also increase staff loyalty, productivity, and performance in your workforce.
2. Best Practice

With an aging population, becoming a carer-friendly workplace makes business sense. To achieve success and remain competitive, businesses need to attract and retain skilled and committed employees. Providing flexible and supportive working conditions can help you to achieve that.
1. Carers in the Workforce

Carers provide unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who without that support would not manage their daily life. Many people do not consider themselves as a carer, because they feel caring is simply an extension of their usual role as a family member or a friend.
1. Business Case

By taking a proactive approach and encouraging flexibility, you can create a culture of trust and loyalty within your workforce. With a little bit of effort, work can be a place for your employees to thrive and reach their best potential to contribute to your business.

Donate to Gateshead Carers

We’re reaching out to more and more people who don't see themselves as carers before they reach crisis point. We need your help to do so. Whatever you can give, know that it will be used directly to support carers. Read more

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