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News and tips for people who care in North Tyneside | |
Welcome to our April newsletter-full of updates, events, and opportunities just for you. Whether you’re looking for support, information, or a moment of connection, there’s something here for every carer. | |
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Wellbeing and Resilience Tuesday 15 April West Moor Community Centre | | Navigating Benefits Online Session Thursday 17 April Online | | | |
Dementia Carers Support Group Friday 2 May White Swan Centre | | New Evening Carer Group Tuesday 6 May Whitley Bay Big Local | | | |
Carer Support Groups Mental Health Carers Walk & Talk Group Meets Thursday, 24 April, 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm outside the Gibraltar Rock pub on Tynemouth seafront. A gentle walk and a good chat-ideal for carers supporting someone with mental health needs.
Dementia Carers Support Group
Meets Friday, 2 May, 10.00 am to 12.00 pm at the White Swan Centre in Killingworth. Learn tips, share challenges, and connect with others caring for someone with dementia.
New Evening Carer Group We are pleased to launch a new evening support group for all carers This is a great opprtunity for carers who can't attend groups during the day because of their job or caring responsibilities. Meets Tuesday 6 May, 5.30 pm to 7.00 pm,at Whitley Bay Big Local, 158 Whitley Road, Whitley Bay NE26 2LY | |
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We’re thrilled to offer a free counselling service specifically designed for unpaid carers. Our student counsellors can provide a safe and welcoming space for you to share and explore your feelings. You can access up to eight 50-minute face-to-face sessions at a variety of locations across North Tyneside. To be eligible, you simply need to be an unpaid carer and not currently receiving psychological therapy from another provider. To book a session or learn more, please contact us at 0191 2496480 or email enquiries@ntcarers.co.uk. We look forward to supporting you! | |
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Coming up - drop-in sessions to ask any questions you may have about benefits, energy advice, energy bill support, and managing your finances. A dedicated worker will listen, provide information, and help you feel confident about your financial wellbeing. No booking required – just pop in! | |
 Thursday, 24 April
 10.00 am to 2.00 pm
 John Willie Sams Centre,
Dudley, NE23 7HS | | | Tuesday, 29 April 9.00 am to 12.00 pm North Shields Library, NE30 71NQ | | | | |
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Navigating benefits: Convenient online session | |
Put aside 1 hour next week and you might discover something that changes your household's finances. Join our workers Bernadette and Aaron for a convenient online session to find out more about the support your family are entitled to. Book your place and we will send you the Teams link to join in. Teams,Thursday 17 April, 2.00 pm to 3.00 pm | |
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Share about life as a carer in 2025 | |
Healthwatch North Tyneside wants to hear from unpaid carers about what life is really like in 2025 - what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change. Your views will help shape future support across North Tyneside, and every carer who takes part can enter a £100 high street voucher draw. Take the survey Prefer a paper copy? Call 0191 263 5321. | | | |
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Finding Wellbeing in Nature | |
Looking for a relaxing activity for the person you care for — or for yourself? Tyneside Mind has launched a free “Wellbeing in Nature” group designed to boost mental health through gentle gardening, fresh air, and friendly conversation.
The group meets every Thursday at The Meadows Community Centre, offering a welcoming space to reduce stress, meet others, and enjoy the calming benefits of nature. No experience needed. Find out more and sign up | |
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Motor Neurone Disease Support Group | |
Caring for someone with MND? The Tyne and Wear MND Support Group meets monthly for friendly conversation, peer support, and shared experiences. When: Second Tuesday of each month, 12–2 PM
Where: Newcastle Falcons RFC, Kingston Park Stadium, NE13 8AF
To join or learn more, contact Linda on 07779 100 851 or visit their website. | |
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Fire Safety Warning: Emollient Products
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Emollient creams, used to treat skin conditions, can soak into clothing and bedding - posing a serious fire risk. Older adults, smokers and people with limited mobility are most at risk. The advice from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service is - Don’t smoke or cook in contaminated clothing
- Keep away from open fires or heaters
- Washing doesn’t always remove the risk
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Free Workshops for Parents – Understanding Behaviour
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If you’re a parent or carer of a child under 18 who is autistic, has a learning disability, or is waiting for a diagnosis, you may be interested in a free three-day Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) workshop taking place in Shiremoor. Dates: Tuesdays – 24 June, 1 & 8 July. Time: 10.00 am to 2.00 pm. Location: Shiremoor Family Hub, NE27 0TA. Booking is essential and you must attend all three sessions. To book, contact Skills for People at 0191 281 8737 or information@skillsforpeople.org.uk | |
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Proposed Welfare Reforms: What Carers Need to Know
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The Government’s Green Paper and Spring Statement in March set out proposed changes to disability and health benefits — changes that could significantly affect unpaid carers and those they support. Key proposals include: - Tighter eligibility for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), meaning fewer people will qualify when reapplying
- Cuts to the Universal Credit (UC) health element for new claimants — reduced from £97 to £50 per week
- Scrapping the Work Capability Assessment and replacing it with a new single health assessment linked to PIP
- A minimum age of 22 proposed for access to UC health top-ups
These changes could result in 150,000 carers losing access to Carer’s Allowance and 370,000 disabled people losing PIP. Read Carers UK’s full response and a good summary in Community Carer magazine. | |
Worried about money? Our Benefits and Financial Wellbeing drop-ins this month could be your opportunity to access benefits or reduce your energy bills. Benefits Advice drop-ins | | |
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The amount of money you can earn from a part-time job while also claiming Carer’s Allowance is rising to £196 per week from April 7.