Caring for Carers

Help us to help you

We are developing a page for carers. Please check back regularly as we add more resources.

If you care for someone and you are not a professional carer, please let us know.

We understand how tough it can be looking after someone else. If we know you are a carer we will try to offer some additional support, such as being more alert to problems that are common amongst carers (such as back pain from lifting, or stress), being a bit more flexible around appointments or offering free annual flu jabs.

To let us know that you are a carer, simply complete the online form below, speak to one of the receptionists or write to us at the surgery.

Who Cares? - A patient's perspective

This article was written by one of our patients, and gives a patient's perspective of being a carer.

Carers Needs Assessment

The Care Act 2014 and the Children and Families Act 2014 strengthen the rights and recognition of carers in the social care system, and came into effect in April 2015.

New rights entitle carers and the people they care for to a clear right to an assessment of their needs regardless of their income and finances or their level of need. Young carers and the parents of disabled children are also included in the new system.

The benefit of having an assessment is that it will identify care and support needs and provide information and advice about services aimed at meeting those needs

For more information about the Carers Needs Assessment, follow the links for more information:

Useful Local Contacts

Gateshead Council: Civic Centre, Regent St, Gateshead, Tyne And Wear NE8 1HH 0191 433 3000 Adult Social Care 0191 433 7033 Web: https://www.gateshead.gov.uk/article/1819/Adult-social-care	Gateshead Carers Association John Haswell House, Gladstone Terrace, Gateshead, NE8 4DY 0191 490 0121 Web: http://www.gatesheadcarers.com/
Gateshead Crossroads- Caring for Carers The Old School, Smailes Lane, Highfield, NE39 2DB Email: reception@gatesheadcrossroads.org.uk Web: www.gatesheadcrossroads.org.uk	Age Concern Gateshead 341-343 High Street, Gateshead NE8 1EQ Tel: 0191 477 3559 Fax: 0191 478 5307 E-mail: advocacy@ageconcerngateshead.org.uk Webwww.ageconcerngateshead.org.uk
Alzheimers Society – Gateshead Branch Second floor, Computer House, High Street, Gateshead NE8 1ET Tel: 0191 477 7490 Fax: 0191 478 3131 Email: gatesheadalz@btconnect.com Web: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/	Carers Support Fund The Carers Support Fund supports carers experiencing difficulties, in an emergency or with no other financial help available to them. The fund can cover the costs of supporting a carer, for example, household equipment, short breaks or trips to see a terminally ill relative. Available to carers who live in Gateshead and whose cared for person lives in Gateshead. Contact Gateshead Carers Tel: (0191) 490 0121.
National Carers Helpline and Website Web: www.nhs.uk/carersdirect The Carers Direct helpline on 0808 802 0202	Carers (Families Affected by Someone Else’s Drug/Alcohol Use) Freephone Helpline – 0800 234 6520. Gateshead Council – (0191) 433 2344.