What Carers Northumberland Can Offer You

The range of support that Carers Northumberland may be able to offer includes (click on the links for further information);

• Someone to talk with you individually and listen to you in confidence
  
  
• Opportunities to meet other people in similar situations
  
  
• Regular carer support groups held in various locations across the county
  
  
• Outreach activities and events
  
  
• Information service

• Carers Emergency Card Scheme
  
  
• Continued support when caring ends
  
  
• Training opportunities to help cope with caring responsibilities
  
  
• Small grants from the Carers Support Fund towards a break from caring
  
  
• Regular newsletters
  
  
• An independent voice to reflect carer concerns and issues
  

If you would like to speak to a member of the team about any of the above please contact Carers Northumberland on 0844 800 7354 or e mail info@carersnorthumberland.org.uk.

Accessing support from Carers Northumberland

• Registration is FREE. Just download our registration form here, or ring 0844 800 7354 and ask to have one mailed out. We’re looking forward to hearing from you. Your details will be added to our database and we will send you regular information and updates on carers' issues.  We do not share our database information with any other organisations or agencies.
  
  

Local Carer Support Groups

Depending on where you live in the county there may be a regular Support Group that you can join. These groups offer the opportunity to meet and chat with others in similar circumstances and to have a short break from your caring responsibilities.

We currently have groups meeting in Berwick, Wooler, Alnwick, Amble, Felton, Ashington, Bedlington, Cramlington, Morpeth, Ponteland, Prudhoe, Bellingham, Hexham and Haltwhistle.  Download information about groups in the north here.  Download information about groups in the south east here.  Download information about groups in the west here.  For more information about where and when each group meets, contact us on 0844 800 7354.

Outreach Activities and Events

Carers Northumberland has a programme of activities and events planned throughout Northumberland.

Carers Northumberland Information Service

You can contact us by e-mail or telephone and we will take the time to answer your questions. Typical queries include subjects such as national carers' issues, legislation affecting carers, welfare rights, leisure breaks and carer benefits such as ticket discounts for travel etc.

We also hold a comprehensive library of carer-related books, DVDs and leaflets available to borrow.

Our Information Line is open Monday-Friday from 10.00am - 2.00pm, although you will generally be able to speak to a member of staff during office hours.

We realise that it is not always practical for carers to telephone during these hours, especially if working, so the Iinformation Line is also open every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month from 5.30pm until 7.30pm.

You can e-mail anytime at info@carersnorthumberland.org.uk

Carers Emergency Card Scheme

Have you ever wondered what you would do if an emergency arose or you were taken ill in the middle of the night? Who would look after the person you care for?

Carers Northumberland operates a scheme in partnership with the British Red Cross that is designed to give you peace of mind that you have a plan in place should you need it in an emergency.

Call Carers Northumberland on 0844 800 7354 to learn more about, and subscribe to, the scheme.

[Top of page]

Support when your caring responsibilities have ended

Perhaps the person you care for has moved into residential care or has died.  Carers Northumberland continues to support carers even when caring responsibilities come to an end.

When caring ends, Carers Northumberland offers:

• Someone to listen to you
  
  
• Someone to talk through your feelings and emotions
  
  
• Someone to help you adjust to your changed circumstances
  
  
• Someone to put you in contact with other people and activities for your future
  
  
• Breaks for former carers
  

[Top of page]

Training opportunities to help cope with caring responsibilities

Carers Northumberland has a prgramme of skills sessions designed to help you in your caring role. You can attend any or all of these, depending on your availability and how much support you feel you need.

If you find it difficult to leave the person you care for to attend these, please contact us and we may be able to help you.

[Top of page]

Support to help carers and former carers take a break

Carers have told us that what makes a huge difference to them is being able to take a break from their caring responsibilities, where this is practically possible.

To help carers achieve this, Northumberland Care Trust makes available a part of the Carers Grant to be awarded as funding to carers in the county; this is the Carers Support Fund.

Carers submit a brief application form and will receive between £25-£150 to be spent on something that gives them a break.  Carers Northumberland staff can help carers decide how best to spend the money to take a break.

Some examples of how carers have used the fund are:

• to enjoy a night at the cinema
• to purchase equipment for hobbies
• to access evening classes
• to take an overnight stay away from home

If you would like to know more about the Carers Support Fund you can contact Carers Northumberland on 0844 800 7354

[Top of page]

Carers Northumberland Newsletters

Carers Northumberland keeps carers informed of local and national issues and activities that might affect them and this information is distributed quarterly. Current and previous editions of the Carers Northumberland newsletter can be found by visiting the news section of this website.

Carer Involvement

Consulting with carers

Carers Northumberland provides opportunities for carers to have a say about issues that affect them. At a local level and beyond, we encourage carers to get involved and inform those that make decisions impacting on carers.

We will send information to carers registered with Carers Northumberland if there is a topic or an issue that will affect carers, inviting them to get involved in the discussions. Carers can get involved by coming to organised meetings and discussion groups or by sending us their thoughts.

Volunteering opportunities

Carers Northumberland can also offer volunteering opportunities: from becoming a member of the Trustee Board, to helping with organisational activity or even getting involved in organising social events or fundraising.

For more information about volunteering opportunities please contact us on 0844 800 7354.

[Top of page]