Resources and guidance for caregivers
What is a caregiver?
A caregiver is someone who looks after a family member, partner or friend who could not manage without this help.
It may involve offering:
- personal care
- support with things like shopping or housework
- emotional support or help managing behaviours or relationships
Who you should tell that you are a caregiver
You can register as a caregiver at your GP. By registering, you could be entitled to a health check (for over 45s), a free flu jab, and flexible appointments.
You may also want to tell your employer to see if they can support you with your caring responsibilities.
Getting support in an emergency
Our Emergency Support Service Gateshead Care Call enables you to plan for emergencies and can provide upto 48 hours emergency support, which can be extended over a bank holiday.
An emergency is any situation that takes a carer away from the person they care for or delays their return to them, either unexpectedly or at very short notice. This can include family illness, emergency medical treatment, accidents, a family death or transport delays.
To sign up, contact Gateshead Care Call at 0191 478 7665.
Getting a carer's assessment
A carer's assessment is a conversation that helps you reflect on the impact that caring is having on your life and what might help make things easier.
This could be:
- making sure you are receiving the benefits you are entitled to
- information on short breaks and the practical and emotional support available to you
- explaining what you'd need to know in an emergency
It is free for any adult caring for someone over 18. You can have an assessment regardless of the type of care you provide, your finances or the level of support needed.
It takes at least an hour and is usually face-to-face, but can be done over the phone if you prefer. Your assessor will write a plan with you outlining what support you need.
You can also have a joint assessment if preferred.
What if the person I care for doesn't want an assessment?
Under the Care Act 2014, anyone providing unpaid care for an adult has the right to a carer's assessment, even if the cared-for person has declined an assessment or does not meet eligibility criteria.
A carer's assessment can also be requested by someone who is about to begin providing care, helping them prepare and prevent future difficulties.
Employment and caring for someone
Balancing work and unpaid care is challenging, but carers have important rights that can help.
Under employment law, you can request flexible working (remote work, reduced hours or compressed weeks) to better manage caring duties. You are also entitled to time off for emergencies involving the person you care for.
The Carers Leave Act (2023) entitles you to up to five days of unpaid carer's leave per year.
The Carer's Wellbeing Fund
Unpaid carers in Gateshead can apply for a wellbeing grant of up to £200 from Carers Federation.
To apply, you must be registered with the Caregivers Connected Gateshead service. Adults aged 25 and over must be receiving a means-tested benefit to be eligible and only one adult caregiver per household can apply. The fund can help pay for things that support your wellbeing, like a short break, spa day, creative course, gym membership, or personal tech.
The fund cannot be used to pay for daily living costs, bills, debts, or items for the person you care for.
To apply, contact Caregivers Connected Gateshead via email [email protected], call 0808 801 0350 or WhatsApp/text 0774 041 0314.
Discounts
The below is a list of some places that unpaid and paid carers can receive discounts from:
- Carers Card UK includes a range of discounts and money off all major gyms
- Discounts for Carers is free to sign up to with offers on shopping, travel, utilities and more
- CEA Card allows you to accompany someone for free when they buy a ticket in a participating cinema
- Nexus offer a Companion Card that lets you take someone with you for free when you travel on buses in Tyne and Wear
- National Trust offer an Essential Companion card that lets you take one or two carers or companions with you for free when visiting one of their sites
You can also ask other companies if they offer discounts for carers.
Local support for caregivers
We have a support organisations directory for you to find local caregivers support.
View the support organisations directory