Caring & Carers
Who is a carer?
A carer is some one who provides unpaid care to another person, this may be a child, parent, brother sister, granparent, friend or other relative. They may be caring because someone has an illness, disability, mental health problems, learning disability or addiction.
Carers say that access to information, financial support and breaks from caring are vital in helping manage the impact of caring on their lives. Below are some of the organisations both locally and nationally who help carers and addresss carers issues.
FACTS About Carers
How many?
- There are nearly 6 million carers in the UK
- 4 million are of working age
- 2.6 million Carers are paid employees as well as caring.
What are the chances of becoming a carer?
- 2.3 million adults become carers every year
- 3 in 5 of us will become carers at some point in our lives
- 1 in 8 adults is currently a carers
More about Carers
- 1.25 million carers provide 50 or more hours care per week
- 1 in 5 carers has given up paid work to care
- Of those carers providing 50 hours care per week 20% are suffering from poor health, double the proportion for the non-carer population
Breaks From Caring
Aiming High for Disabled Children - Short Breaks
Families with disabled told the goverment that their number one priority is regualr and reliable short breaks from caring. Responding to what families told them most of the funding for Aiming High for Disabled (AHDC) Children will be spent on short breaks. For more information follow the link below.
Action for Children – Monksfield
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Monksfield |
Monksfield is a friendly place where children can take a break from their daily lives to make new friends and enjoy a change of scene. Working in partnership with Northumberland Children’s Services to provide short break residential care, Monksfield provide a wide range of fun filled activities, catering for young people with learning disabilities within the county.
Monksfield has two houses; Acorn is for 6 – 13 year olds and has five single bedrooms; Oaks is for 11 – 18 year olds with four single bedrooms, both joined together by the Activity Room.
Fully trained and helpful staff are always at hand to make their guest’s stay as enjoyable and as relaxed as possible.
The criteria for admission are moderate to severe learning disabilities, so if your family is eligible, contact your Social Worker for referral.
The Alan Shearer Centre - Short Break Service
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West Denton Hall |
Tel: 0191 267 8128 |
Opening Times 24 hour Service, 7 days a week
This charity provides short-break care for people aged 8-16 years old. All domestic needs from meals to high medical care can be catered for in a setting specially designed for children and adults with physical and learning difficulties. There is a charge for this service. You can contact the centre directly.
Barndale
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Howling Lane |
Tel: 01665 605921 |
A short-break service for children aged 6-18 years who have moderate to severe learning disabilities. The service runs at weekends and provides young people with the opportunity to access a wide range of outings and activities. Referral is through a social worker
Calvert Trust, Kielder
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Kielder Water |
Tel: 01434 250232 |
This charity provides holidays for people with physical, learning or sensory disabilities. People under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a carer or parent, or come with an organised group.
Disabled Children's Access to Childcare (DCATCH)
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C/o Cramlington East Children's Centre |
Tel: 01670 739528 |
The DCATCH team is based in three Children's Centres across Northumberland; Morpeth (Tel: 01670 511581), Hexham (Tel: 01434 601698) and Alnwick (Tel: 01665 600896) Their aim is to help parents of disabled children (0-18 years) access childcare in order that they may be able to get back into work or training.
Princess Royal Trust for Carers
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers was created on the initiative of HRH The Princess Royal in 1991. At that time people caring at home for family members or friends with disabilities and chronic illnesses were scarcely recognised as requiring support.
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers is the largest provider of comprehensive carers support services in the UK. Through its unique network of 144 independently managed Carers' Centres , 85 young carers services and interactive websites, www.carers.org and www.youngcarers.net, The Trust currently provides quality information, advice and support services to almost 354,000 carers, including over 20,000 young carers.
In addition, The Trust also acts independently in the interests of carers through:
- Research, development and consultation
- Influence on national, regional and local policy
- Partnerships with ther national organisations
- nformation through website, advice and access to suppport groups.
London Office
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers
Unit 14, Bourne Court
Southend Road
Woodford Green
Essex
IG8 8HD
Tel: 0844 800 4361
Fax: 0844 800 4362
Email: info@carers.org
Glasgow Office
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers
Charles Oakley House
125 West Regent Street
Glasgow
G2 2SD
Tel: (0141) 221 5066
Fax: (0141) 221 4623
Email: Info Scotland (infoscotland@carers.org)
Northern Office
Suite 6, Oak House,
High Street,
Chorley PR7 1DW
Tel: (01257) 234 070
Fax: (01257) 234 105
Email: Info Chorley (infochorley@carers.org)
Wales Office
Victoria House
250 Cowbridge Road East
Canton
Cardiff
CF5 1GZ
Tel: 02920 221788
Email: Info Wales (infowales@carers.org.)
Carers UK
Carers UK is a membership organisation of carers, led by carers for carers. Carers are at the heart of all our work, shaping our campaigns, helping get our message across through the media, taking action to bring about change locally and nationally.
Carers UK
20 Great Dover Street
London
SE1 4LX
T: 020 7378 4999
F: 020 7378 9781
info@carersuk.org
www.carersuk.org
The Childrens Society
The Children's Society is a leading national charity that makes childhood better for all children in the UK
Our network of community-based projects provide targeted, immediate and lasting help for children who feel excluded, isolated or abandoned; children who live in a vicious circle of fear and harm, and who are faced with a lifetime of danger and disadvantage in their daily lives.
Our schools work, children's centres and mentoring schemes help many more children avoid crisis by developing the skills and confidence they need to challenge and overcome difficult situations.
Our research and campaigning creates real change by influencing the thinking of everyone - from the general public to politicians and decision makers - about how to make childhood better.
Head office
Tel:0845 300 1128
Email: supporteraction@childrenssociety.org.uk
Write:The Children's Society
Edward Rudolf House
Margery Street
London, WC1X 0JL
Carers Northumberland
Carers Northumberland
Carers Northumberland
Pegswood Community Project
Longhirst Road
Pegswood
Morpeth
Northumberland
NE61 6XG
Tel;08448007354
E-mail: info@carersnorthumberland.org.uk
Website: www.carersnorthumberland.org.uk
Do you look after somone who depends on you because of an illness, disability or frailty? You may look after a husband or wife, partner, child, parent another relative or a close neighbour or friend. It is likley that you do not stop to think about your own needs as your are busy with everything you do on a daily basis. Even if you may be managing well at the moment you never know when you might need extra support and that is why Carers Northumberland is here to support you. Carers Northumberland is a charity dedicated to;
- Puting carers first
- Supporting carers
- Informing carers
- providing a voice for carers
Young Carers
Young carers are children and young people who provide care for a parent, sibling or family member on a regular basis. This could be as a result of illness, disability, mental health condition or misuse of drugs or alcohol. There are many ways in which young carers are affected by their caring role and why they need support. Many young carers experience barriers to education, isolation, reduced life chances and poor health. This is why it is so important that they get the support that they need.
For more information and useful organisations for Young Carers go to our Young Carers Section.
