North Tyneside Carers’ Centre's plan for the next five years is a heartfelt commitment to supporting local carers right here in North Tyneside. 

As health and social care systems face increasing pressure, the strategy is focused on ensuring that local carers are not only recognised but fully supported. 

With valuable input from carers, staff, and partners, the strategy builds on past successes and sets bold goals for the next five years. There’s a clear action plan in place, and we are confident that with collective effort, North Tyneside can become a place where carers thrive. We invite you to get involved—whether through donations, volunteering, as members, or becoming a trustee. 

You can read the full Corporate Strategy on our website or contact us on 0191 2496480 for a copy. 

We understand the challenges of juggling caregiving with financial worries. That's why we're excited to announce a new service to support unpaid carers. North Tyneside Carers' Centre now has a dedicated Benefits and Financial Wellbeing Advisor, Bernadette, who's ready to help you navigate your finances and reduce your bills.

Here's how Bernadette can assist you:

Come say hi to our wonderful Information, Advice and Guidance Team! They were out and about at the International Day for Older People event, connecting with the community and sharing their expertise.

In this pic, we have Joanne (left) who's just starting her journey with us - welcome to the team, Joanne!  In the middle is Alison, a familiar face to many, who's been supporting carers for over two years. And on the right is our fantastic new team leader, Vicky, who's already making a real difference in her role.

This amazing team provides support to carers in all sorts of ways - over the phone, in person, and through our amazing carer groups. They're really looking forward to meeting more of you at the Carers Rights Day event on Thursday 21st November in North Shields, so pop by and say hello!

All Carers Group

All carers are warmly invited to the support group that brings carers together to learn useful things and meet people in similar situations.

If you have not attended the group before call 0191 2496480 or email enquiries@ntcarers.co.uk and Alison will welcome you.

If you care for someone who has a mental health condition, you have an opportunity to enjoy a great walk and share the company of fellow mental health carers. This month’s walk starts outside the Gibraltar Rock pub, Tynemouth and takes in some of the local beaches.

To attend this group you must be registered with North Tyneside Carers’ Centre as a carer. This activity is only for carers of someone with a mental health condition. 

2.00 pm to 4.00 pm, 

Thursday 24th October.

Meet outside the Gibraltar Rock pub,

Tynemouth, NE30 4EB. 

Places are limited and you need to book by calling:0191 2496480 or email enquiries@ntcarers.co.uk.

A new report from Carers UK reveals the financial hardship faced by unpaid carers in the UK. 1.2 million carers are living in poverty, with 400,000 in deep poverty. This is a 50% higher poverty rate than non-carers. 

Long hours dedicated to caregiving and limited opportunities for paid work are key factors contributing to this disparity. Younger carers (aged 25-44) experience the highest poverty rates. 

The report recommends increasing Universal Credit and Carer's Allowance, and a full review of Carer's Allowance is needed to ensure adequate support.

Read the full report here

The Cinema Exhibition Association (CEA) Card enables carers to visit the cinema for free when they accompany the person they care for. 

Just buy 1 full-price ticket, present the CEA Card and the carer sees the film without having to pay.

The card belongs to the person  who has with a disability. They have to be  over 5 years old and receive benefits like Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Attendance Allowance or be registered as Severely Sight Impaired.

The card costs just £6 and is valid for a year. Major chains like Odeon, Vue, Cineworld, and Empire accept the CEA Card. 

 Apply online or by post at CEA Card’s website. 

Are you a carer who dreams of a new career but struggles to afford the training? City & Guilds could help. They're offering bursaries of up to £6,000 to cover the cost of training courses. This bursary program nearly doubles the employment rates of those who receive funding.

Who is eligible?

If you're facing financial barriers and are interested in courses that address skill shortages, you could be eligible. 

Don't miss out!

The next bursary round is open now, but you need to act fast! The deadline to apply is Friday, October 11th.

The next round of funding is available in February.

Visit the City & Guilds Foundation website to apply online: 

Our Working for Carers service helps carers find training and jobs and complete those difficult application forms. Have a look at what they could do to help you.