| |
| |
| |
| |
Support, updates and opportunities for unpaid carers in North Tyneside.
| |
| |
| |
Whatβs New Some of our carer support groups are now combining social outings and shared meals. If youβve been curious about joining a group, this is a great time to give it a try. In August the Evening Group for Carers β Tuesday 5 August is going out for fish and chips in Whitley Bay, with food costs covered. The All Carers Group - Tuesday 12 August is visiting the Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle. We'd love to see you there! | |
| |
Mental Health Carers Enjoy Inspiring Visit to the Laing Art Gallery | |
In June, members of our Mental Health Carer Walk and Talk Group enjoyed a special visit to the Laing Art Gallery in Newcastle. The group received a warm welcome and a guided tour from art historian Sophie Mitchell, who shared fascinating insights into the galleryβs most celebrated works.
Afterwards, carers were invited into a private room to view a curated selection of local treasures, creating a memorable and reflective experience. There was great feedback from the people who took part: βSuch a nice change to not do practical things and indulge in something that feels like a luxury.β
βI enjoyed it β Sophie Mitchell was very informative, approachable, and enthusiastic.β π The groupβs next outing will be a scenic trip to South Shields via the ferry in August. | | | |
| |
New Bite-Size Video Series for Carers
| |
Weβre excited to announce a brand-new series of short, bite-sized training and information videos for carers - created in direct response to what you told us matters most.
In the last month, nearly 200 carers took part in our Carers Training Survey. One of the top requests? Short, accessible videos you can watch in your own time, covering the issues that affect you most.
Thanks to the support of Sage Foundation, weβre making that happen. Sage has been a tireless supporter of North Tyneside Carersβ Centre, generously donating the expertise of their staff and the use of their state-of-the-art recording studio.
Steve Casburn, our Training and Development Coordinator, is heading to Sageβs studio to film the first series of 1 to 2-minute videos. These will be available on our website, YouTube, and social media β making it easier than ever to access support when you need it.
Watch this space to catch the first videos as soon as theyβre released. | | | |
| |
Carer Groups and EventsWe understand it can be difficult for carers to walk through the door and access a group or social activity for the first time. If you would like to speak to a worker ahead of the group and arrange to meet you there, please don't hesitate to get in touch. Click on the titles below to book or find out more information.
π
Tuesday 5 August | π 5.30 pm to 7.00 pm
π Meet at the Whitley Bay Big Local, 158 Whitley Rd, Whitley Bay, NE26 2LY
Join other carers for a relaxed evening and fish and chips! The group for carers who find it hard to make daytime events, will meet at the Whitley Bay Big Local at 5.30 pm and then walk down to the Fisherman's Bay to eat some of the coast's finest fish and chips. The cost will be covered by the Centre but places are limited.
π
Tuesday 12 August | π 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm
π Laing Art Gallery ο»Ώ6 Higham Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE1 8AG
A friendly, welcoming group for any unpaid carer. This month we are visiting the Laing ο»ΏArt Gallery in central Newcastle with a tour of the artwork and building and then refreshments in the lovely gallery cafe. Meet in the Gift Shop (main entrance) just 5 minutes from Monument Metro. Parking available at the nearby Northumbria University.
π
Tuesday 19 August | π 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm
π Shiremoor Family Hub (next to Metro)
Caring as a young adult can be isolating β this group offers peer support and connects carers with other young people in similar situations.
π
Thursday 28 August | π 1.15 pm to 4.00 pm
π Meet at North Shields Metro and stroll to the ferry landing
Join us for a friendly afternoon with other mental health carers and take the ferry across the Tyne and walk to the South Shields Museum & Art Gallery.
Led by resident historian Sophie, weβll explore fascinating displays of local history, including paintings and artefacts such as the shipβs bell from HMS Kelly and the Art of Conservation exhibition.The gallery will treat us to a free cream tea in The Victorian Pantry cafΓ©.
π Prefer to book by phone? Call 0191 249 6480 | |
| |
Training and Information Sessions Join our face to face and online information sessions designed specifically for carers. Click on the titles to book or find out more.
π
Monday 4 August | π 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm
π Lower Bensham Room, John Willie Sams Centre, Dudley, NE23 7HS
Learn practical strategies to protect your well-being and connect with others in similar situations.
π
Wednesday 13 August | π 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm
π Room 1, The Oxford Centre, Longbenton, NE12 8LT
Expert guidance and peer support for those caring for someone with advanced dementia.
π
Thursday 21 August | π‘ 6.30 pm to 7.15 pm
π Online via Microsoft Teams
A quick and informative session to explain what Carers Assessments are, and how they can help you access an assessmnent and receive supprt.
π
Wednesday 27 August | π₯ 10.30 am to 12.30 pm
π The Wren Room, Riverside Family Hub, Minton Lane, NE29 6DQ
Understand how to spot signs of abuse and neglect, protect others, and respond to concerns.
See the whole programme, including sessions in September here:
π View and book all sessions π Prefer to book by phone? Call 0191 249 6480 | |
| |
| |
PIP Plans Watered Down β Whatβs Really Changing? Recent government announcements about changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit (UC) have caused confusion and concern for many carers. | |
Hereβs the key message: No changes are happening immediately, and some of the most controversial proposals have now been significantly scaled back or delayed. | | |
ποΈ April 2026 β Universal Credit Health ElementFrom April 2026, new claimants entitled to the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity element of Universal Credit (also called the βhealth elementβ) will see their award reduced and frozen. β
Important: Existing claimants already receiving this element will be protected and wonβt see their award reduced.
ποΈ Autumn 2026 β PIP Assessment ReviewEarlier this year, the government proposed big changes to how PIP is assessed - including the β4-point ruleβ that could have resulted in nearly a million disabled people losing their award. This plan has now been scrapped. Instead, a review of the PIP assessment process will be led by Stephen Timms MP, with findings expected in Autumn 2026. No changes to PIP will happen before then. π For up-to-date details and expert commentary, visit:
π Benefits and Work β Whatβs Changing and When | |
| |
In Our Community
New Mental Health Safe Haven in Wallsend The Anchorage has opened on Wallsend High Street, offering emotional and practical support for people experiencing a mental health crisis or distress. It is open every day of the year from 2.00 pm to 10.00 pm and there is no need to book an appointment, you can just drop-in.
Run by Everyturn Mental Health and funded by the NHS and North Tyneside Council.
π everyturn.org/safe-haven
π 0191 217 3203
Have Your Say β Big Community Conversation North Tyneside Council is inviting residents to shape local services by completing the 2025 Big Community Conversation survey.
ποΈ Closes: 4 August
π Take the survey
Safe and Healthy Homes Service Free help for homeowners and private renters in poor or unsafe housing by North Tyneside Council. Covers heating, damp, repairs, and safety. π 0191 643 7585
π§ healthyhomes@northtyneside.gov.uk
π More information
Riverside Pantry β Affordable Food in North Shields Β£10 food bundles available every Thursday from 11.00 am to 2.00 pm. Includes tasters and recipe cards. π Minton Lane, North Shields, NE29 6DQ
π 0191 643 8899
π More information
| |
| |
Technology Making Carersβ Lives Easier Throughout July, we explored how technology can support carers, from voice-activated lights to fall alarms and medication reminders. Assistive tech can help the person you care for stay safe and independent, and reduce your stress and worry as a carer. Discover more π Smart Tech & Handy Apps β Carers UK | |
| |
National Carer News
Ministers Urged to Reform Carerβs Allowance
The Resolution Foundation recommends raising weekly Carerβs Allowance to Jobseekerβs level and removing the Β£196 earnings cap.
Carers Retire with Β£6,750 Private Pension on Average
Low earnings and missed enrolment leave carers with significantly lower pensions. Campaigns call for carer pension top-ups. | |
Carers Call for Respite in First-of-its-Kind Protest | |
On 22 July, as MPs began their summer recess, unpaid carers across the UK staged a powerful remote protest demanding better access to respite care.
With 44% of unpaid carers currently receiving no government support for breaks, hundreds took part in a first-of-its-kind demonstration from their own homes.
Unable to leave the people they care for, carers held placards in kitchens and living rooms, sharing what a break would mean to them. Their messages were livestreamed on large LED screens outside Parliament β making their voices visible, even when they couldnβt be there in person.
The Carers Trust who organised the protest have asked people to sign their petition calling for new rights to respite, | | | |
| |
