Carers' Information

Are You a Carer?

If you are please let us know - we may be able to help you

There is a wealth of information on NHS Choices about carers and caring. Below are some links into the site that we hope you will find useful.

• Young Carers

  A charitable, voluntary organisation and we offer a free support service to young carers who are aged between 5 and 17 and live in Gateshead. The services offered will depend on the age and individual needs of each young carer

• Older Carers

  Our dedicated team of Carer Support Workers are here to listen and help make life easier for adult carers in Gateshead. So whether you are a carer, you work with carers or you employ someone who is a carer… please get in touch to see how we can support you.

• Telling people

  Caring responsibilities can make it difficult to maintain friendships or develop new ones. Telling your friends you're a Carer is important so they understand and can support you.

• Taking a break

  Caring for someone can be a full-time job, but it's essential that you take time out for yourself too. Read our guide to accessing breaks and respite.

• Housing and carers

  Do you know your tenancy rights as a carer? Are you aware of all your care at home options? Do you need tips on moving someone around the home?

Contact Carers Direct

Telephone: 0808 802 0202

Helpline Information: http://www.nhs.uk/carersdirect/carerslives/updates/pages/carersdirecthelpline.aspx

Email: CarersDirect@nhschoices.nhs.uk 

Office Hours: Lines are open 8am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 11am to 4pm at weekends. Calls are free from UK landlines.

Finance and Law

Help claiming benefits, looking after your bank balance and understanding the legal issues of caring.

• Benefits for carers

  Directing carers to the benefits that can help them in their caring role

• Benefits for the person you care for

  Advice and information on helping the person you look after get the benefits that they are entitled to

• Death and benefits

  How your benefits maybe affected after the death of the person you look after and what happens to their benefits

• Managing someone's legal affairs

  Advice for when carers find they have to take over the legal affairs of the person they are looking after

• Other benefits

  Advice for carers and the people they are looking after on claiming a whole host of other benefits unrelated to their disability or caring

• Personal and household finance

  Advice on keeping a tight rein on household and personal finance for carers

• Social fund

  Universal Credit

  Universal Credit is a means-tested benefit for people of working-age who are on a low income. Whether you can claim Universal Credit depends on your personal circumstances.

  Please see the attached letter on what the surgery has to offer and additional support thats available - Carers Letter.rtf