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Carers Rights Day matters because being a carer often feels like you are not in the driving seat. We hope to see you on Thursday 21st November and share the positive news about the options we do have. We have news on some new groups and some great changes for carers in the budget. | |
Join us for Carers Rights Day 2024 an unrivalled opportunity to easily find out the legal rights and support available to you as a carer. Whether you’re new to caring or have been caring for years, this day is for you. 🗓️ Date: 10.00 am, Thursday 21 November 📍 Location: Tynemouth Scouts, 31-35 Norfolk Street, North Shields, NE301NQ Lunch and refreshments provided. * Includes a special evening Carers Rights at Work | | | |
Upcoming Information Sessions | |
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Enjoy some early Christmas wreath making with all materials supplied at the Tuesday 12 November group for all family and friend carers. Connect with other carers in a supportive setting. Starts 2.30 pm to 4.00 pm in Wallsend library. Lots of transport options with buses on Wallsend High Street and Wallsend Metro 3 minutes walk. Parking available in the Forum Shopping Centre car park. Book here to confirm your place or call 0191 2496480 for more details.
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Mental Health Carers Walk and Talk Group
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As long as the weather stays nice, the Mental Health Carers group is still walking!. This supportive and healthy group is for carers registered with the Centre who support someone with a serious mental health condition. The next group is 2.00 pm on Thursday 28 November. If you would like to attend please contact enquiries@ntcarers.co.uk or call 01912496480
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Free CV writing workshops The Working for Carers project is offering a FREE face to face CV workshop from 10.00 am to 12.00 pm on Monday 18 November at the Working Well Hub in North Shields. Learn how to write and tailor your CV, and get support with your employment journey. Contact North Tyneside Carers' Centre to book.
Online CV workshop for carers on 1.00 pm to 2.30 pm, Monday 25 November. Learn top tips from specialist Employment Advisor, Stirling. Book here. or call 0191 249 6480 or email enquires@ntcarers.co.uk
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Helix Arts for Winter Creativity Join the Helix Arts Better Connect sessions as they meet over the winter for all kinds of creative activities.
Led by professional artists and designed to improve health and wellbeing. No experience is necessary and the sessions are free. Sessions are at Helix Arts, 54A Saville Street, North Shields.
Spaces are limited so please register for a place - email info@helixarts.com or call 0191 2414931. | | | |
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Bereavement Support from the Grief Circle | |
The North Tyneside Grief Circle offers support for those coping with bereavement. They meet as a group for 8 weeks facilitated by two trained counsellors.The 90 minute sessions help individuals process grief in a supportive setting.
When a carer experiences loss a member of the Carers' Centre will discuss The Grief Circle with them and allow time to consider whether it’s right for them. If they choose to proceed, a member of the team will refer to the Grief Circle who will contact the carer directly to discuss the next steps and arrange attending one of the groups. | | | |
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North Tyneside Council is developing plans for how it helps unpaid carers and your input is vital. The council wants to hear about your experiences as a carer and ensure new services provide the right kind of support. The survey takes 5 minutes and you could help shape the future services that carers will use. | |
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Good news on Carers Allowance in Budget Finances leading carers to become isolated and anxious The financial difficulties facing carers are getting more serious but hope arrives with a review of Carer Allowance and some welcome news in the budget.
A recent survey by Carers UK found 1.2 million unpaid carers are living in poverty. The survey highlighted the difficult choices many carers are facing as they cut back on social connections and activities. A worrying 68% of carers reported reducing spending on hobbies and leisure to afford basic essentials. Over half of the respondents said their financial situation is impacting their mental health.
Independent Review into Carer Allowance Scandal The Carers UK survey also found that the earnings limit for Carer’s Allowance is preventing many carers from improving their financial situation. The Government has announced this month that they are setting upl an independent review of Carer’s Allowance overpayments and the scandal of thousands facing debt as a result.
Carer Allowance earnings limit finally goes up
There was more good news on Carer Allowance in the Budget. The Carer Allowance earnings limit will increase, allowing carers to earn up to £196 per week from a job. This change allows carers to work 16 hours on the new living wage (£12.22 from April 2025) and still receive Carer Allowance. The Household Support Fund that Councils distribute to people in dire need is being extended and will help many carers.
However, the budget also raises concerns. Benefits like Carer Allowance and PIP are only going up 1.7% and charities face new bills for paying higher National Insurance Contributions and the National Living Wage. This could also result in more expensive services for people who pay towards their care. The Carers Trust have said while there is additional funding for social care, it's arguably not enough to meet the long-standing challenges in the sector. | |
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Over a million people in the UK receiving benefits are missing out on £3 billion due to unreported changes in their circumstances, according to the Department for Work and Pensions.
This issue affects individuals who are already receiving benefits but whose needs have increased, The largest areas of unfulfilled benefits include: (PIP): Disability Living Allowance: people. Universal Credit:
Common cases include individuals whose health has worsened, those facing higher rent costs, and people whose savings have decreased. To report a worsening situation that could increase your benefits speak to the DWP department for your particular benefit or the Council for Housing benefit. | | | |
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