If you provide unpaid care and support to a friend or family member due to their disability, health condition, frailty, mental health difficulties, addiction or other health and care need, then you are a carer, and we are committed to hearing and supporting you.
Facts and figures
According to Carers UK, 5 million people in the UK are juggling caring responsibilities with work. This means roughly 1 in 7 of the workforce and within the NHS this is estimated to be 1 in 5.
Many carers report that the role results in a negative and often lasting impact on their physical and mental health. However, as with the rest of the population, many people with existing disabilities or long-term conditions also take on caring responsibilities.
Carers Week research from 2018 found that 6 out of 10 people (61%) said their physical health has worsened as a result of caring, while 7 out of 10 (72%) said they have experienced mental ill health.
Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) carers provide more care proportionately than white British carers. There are close to half a million BAME carers in the UK, many of whom will not recognise themselves as carers. BAME carers are also less likely to be receiving practical and financial support with caring, often as a result of lack of advice and information.
Support in hospital
Care provided in hospital and in the community is a partnership between patients, carers, families and healthcare staff. We are committed to working with all carers to meet the needs of patients.
We will:
- Talk to you about the person you care for, the care you provide and whether you and the patient would like to continue this care whilst they are in hospital.
- Help you to care for the person in hospital, if you wish, by being flexible about visiting times.
- Share information about care and treatment with the consent of the person you care for, to help you in your caring role.
- Act in the best interest of the person you care for if they are unable to discuss their care or give consent.
- Discuss and agree arrangements for admissions / discharge with you in a timely manner.
If you have any questions we will be happy to talk to you.
Dementia
If the person you care for has dementia, whilst they are in hospital the dementia nurse specialist team can help by providing information, support and guidance. If you would like to speak to a member of the team call 0191 213 9605 or email: nuth.DementiaCareTeam@nhs.net
Carers assessment
If you have a need for support in relation to your caring role you are entitled to a carers assessment from your local council.
If you live in Newcastle, you can Adult Social CarePoint at Newcastle City Council.
Home from hospital and community support
Home from hospital and community support is a free service which provides practical and emotional support to older people returning home from hospital, or within the community, in Newcastle. The service helps people to live safely and healthily in their own homes, so that they are less likely to be readmitted to hospital.
Support is flexible and tailored to a person’s individual needs. Examples of support include:
- Collecting shopping, prescriptions or other essential items
- Performing a basic home check for safety
- Being a listening ear and someone to talk to
- Helping with filling in forms or making phone calls
- Introducing the person to longer-term community support
By getting support at the right stage, patients are more likely to live safely and independently at home.
This support is suitable for those aged 55+, being discharged from hospital, as well as those already in the community who have recently been discharged.
Patient and visitor parking concessions
Campus for Ageing and Vitality
Emergency contact scheme
This scheme is run by the British Red Cross. It helps carers think ahead and make a plan for what would happen if they cannot be there to give care because of an emergency.
Email: Carerscard_Northeast@redcross.org.uk
Online registration form: Carers Emergency Card Plan
School nursing and health visiting service
Newcastle’s 0-19 years school nursing and health visiting service can provide support to young carers around their health needs. For further information, please contact 0191 282 3319
District nursing service
If you have a district nurse they can sign-post you to other support services in the community, including respite care. Find out more here.
Newcastle City Council services
Care and support for adults
Adult Social CarePoint at Newcastle City Council give information and support to adults in Newcastle who find day to day activities difficult. This could include community activities, cooking, washing, or caring for someone. They can talk to you to find out how you are managing at home. They can have a conversation with you to understand your situation. To find out what’s working well and where they can help. They can put you in touch with local services. They can help you to:
- find out more about care and support
- get information in another language or format
- talk about any worries that you have about an adult in Newcastle
- report abuse or neglect of an adult
Newcastle City Council Adult Social Care website
Open: Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm
Email: ASCP@newcastle.gov.uk
Phone: 0191 278 8377
Mobile: 0796 847 4891 for people who are deaf or hard of hearing
Postal address: Adult Social CarePoint at Newcastle City Council, 2nd Floor, Westgate Community Complex, West Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 9LU
If someone’s life is in danger always call 999
In an emergency, Monday to Friday, 5pm to 8.30am and 24 hours at weekends
Phone Newcastle City Council Switchboard: 0191 278 7878
Ask for the Adult Social Care Emergency Duty Team.
Safeguarding children
Initial response service are the first point of contact for anyone worried about a child’s safety or welfare. They have a legal duty to safeguard children and work with families to identify support needed and who can help.
Opening times: Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm
Email: IRSADMIN@newcastle.gov.uk
Telephone: 0191 277 2500
For adult or children’s social work emergencies outside office hours, contact the emergency duty team on 0191 278 7878
Benefits
The welfare rights service supports carers in Newcastle with their benefits.
Opening times: Monday to Friday 9:30am to12pm
Telephone: 0191 277 2627
Debt
Money Matters offer debt and budgeting advice to people who live in Newcastle.
Opening times: Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 4.30pm
Telephone: 0191 277 1050
Newcastle Hospitals carers resources
To order a hard copy of Newcastle Hospitals’ carers pack, please email nuth.patient.experience@nhs.net
Young carers useful information
Contact – for families with disabled children
Support for carers of people with drug and alcohol problems
PROPS North East
PROPS North East supports families and friends affected by a loved one’s drug or alcohol misuse across Newcastle and North Tyneside.
Telephone: 0191 226 3440
Email: offce@newcastleprops.org.uk
AI-Anon
Al-Anon family groups for anyone whose life is or has been affected by someone else’s drinking.
Confidential Helpline: 0800 0086 811
Email: helpline@al-anonuk.org.uk
Useful carers information
Community reablement service – Rehabilitation, reablement and recovery | Newcastle City Council
Children and Families Newcastle
Newcastle continence support and district nursing
Patient Advice and Liaison Service
The Armed Forces Charity SSAFA
Northumberland Carers – call 01670 320025
Newcastle Carers – call 0191 275 5060
North Tyneside Carers – call 0191 249 6480
Gateshead Carers – call 0191 490 0121
Sunderland Carers – call 0191 549 3768
South Tyneside Carers – call 0191 454 3346
Durham Carers – call 0300 005 1213
Darlington Carers – call 0300 030 1215
