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The February Catch-Up

for People who Care in North Tyneside

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Welcome

Need a Night Out?

Worried about Power Cuts?

A Break from the Cold

What is a Keyworker?

Hello to Emma

The Missing Carers

Online Group for Carers from Inclusion North

Carer Groups this Month

Information Sessions this Month

February News

If you stand on your tiptoes you can almost see spring and that might be a wonderful thought but it also means winter energy bills appearing in our inboxes. To help us get a grip on our bills there will be a talk on February 13 by the energy advice charity NEA on saving money at home, dealing with energy suppliers and arrears, and a quiz with prizes!

For this month only, the All Carers Group is shifting from meeting on the first Tuesday to temporarily meeting on the 13th of February. It is an opportunity to meet all different types of carers and have a small break from your caring role.

Please feel free to reach out to us at 0191 249 6480 or email us at enquiries@ntcarers.co.uk

The Last Quiz Night on Earth

We have free tickets available for you and a guest to attend an acclaimed comedy-drama bursting with laughs, heartbreak, and a real quiz that requires you to participate in!

So, if you are registered with us and would like to bag a free ticket or two at the People’s Theatre on Wednesday the 14th of February at 7:30 pm, give us a call at 0191 249 6480 or email enquiries@ntcarers.co.uk

What better way to spend Valentine’s Day..!

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Get your Home on the Priority Services Register

The seemingly endless storms we have experienced have left many of us concerned how we, or the person we care for would cope, if gas, electricity or water supplies were suddenly cut off.

There is a special service run by Northern Powergrid that enables you or the person you care for, to identify that a household has a vulnerable person or has medical equipment that requires electricity.

Signing up lets electricity, gas and water companies know you may need extra free support in an emergency. It also gives you a direct-dial number (0800 169 2996) to speak with the Priority Services team and inform them about your individual needs, such as the ‘knock and wait’ service if you need more time to get to the door.

Members may also be able to access additional benefits in an emergency, such as regular updates; a home visit from the British Red Cross to provide one-to-one support and assistance, hot meals and drinks, phone charging facilities and alternative accommodation.

To sign up ring 0800 169 2996 or fill in their online form.

There are more than 40 warm spaces open to everyone in North Tyneside to take a break from the cold and winter weather. Many include access to free hot drinks, wifi, computers, libraries, activities like bingo, crafts, cookery lessons and toddler groups.

Some are offering everything from soup and low-cost meals through to social activities like board games, group walks and film showings.

To see the whole list of places click here. If you would like a full printed list posted to you please ring us on 0191 249 680

What is a Keyworker?

A Keyworker supports children and young people up to the age of 25 who have a learning disability or autism diagnosis and are experiencing a mental health crisis. Here is a short video which explains

'What is a Keyworker?'

In North Tyneside the service is provided by Skills for People on behalf of the NHS. Check out their website here:

You can also access the service by self-referring to the Dynamic Service Register at

nhc-tr.camhs@nhs.net

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Hi from Emma

Hi, I’m Emma and I joined North Tyneside Carers’ Centre on 2 January 2024 as Operations Manager.

I have previously worked in the NHS and my last role was as Practice Manager for a GP surgery in South Tyneside.

As Operations Manager I will be responsible for leading the day to day front line operations of the organisation. My aim is to ensure the Centre is delivering services that meet the needs of carers of all ages in line with contract and funding requirements.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time exploring the North East coast with family and Gertie the cockapoo.

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Reaching out to Families

You might be interested in a monthly online group for carers of someone with a learning disability or who is neurodivergent.

The group is hosted by the charity Inclusion North. The next meeting is at 10.30 am, Friday 2nd February.

If you would like to join or find out more, please ring 07483 413197 or email:

Kimberly.Bellhouse@inclusionnorth.org

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The Missing Carers

The Health Foundation has discovered only a small percentage of carers are recognised by their GPs or local councils as having a caring role.

In their recent report the Foundation compared the number of carers on GP or council systems compared to the 2021 census where carers were asked to record their carer status.

In the four areas of the country the Foundation examined, they found only 1% to 11.5% of carers were on GP and Council databases. This is concerning because it means many carers will not be receiving the information or support that could prevent future problems. It’s a powerful reminder to all carers to register their status with their GP.

Read the full report Can you tell we Care

Groups in February

Here are some local groups where you can meet people facing similar caring situations as yourself, learn new information, and take a little bit of time away from caring. If it is your first time attending a group ring: 0191 2496480 for more details.

All Carers Peer Support Group:

2:30 pm - 4:00 pm. Tuesday 13th February

Illustrious Room (1st floor, at the back of the main library room), Wallsend Customer First Centre, The Forum, NE28 8JR

Dementia Carers Peer Support Group:

10:30 am to 12:00 pm. Tuesday 13th February

White Swan Centre, Killingworth, NE12 6SS

Autism Carers Peer Support Group:

6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Thursday 15th February

The Allen, Life Vineyard Church, The Green, Wallsend, NE28 7NP

Mental Health Carers Peer Support Group:

6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Thursday 22nd February

Oxford Centre West Farm Avenue, Longbenton, NE12 8LT

Bereaved Carers Peer Support Group:

12:30 pm to 1:30 pm. Thursday 29th February

Whitley Bay Comrades Club, The Links NE26 1PS

Information Sessions in February

To book a free place please email training@ntcarers.co.uk or ring 0191 249 6480

Basic Energy Awareness with National Energy Action

Tuesday 13th February 2024, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm

Meadow Well Connected, Waterville Road, North Shields, NE29 6BA

Join us for a talk by the national energy advice charity NEA to find out more about saving energy at home, dealing with energy suppliers and arrears, as well as the local and national support available to you. You can take part in a fun pub quiz and win great prizes courtesy of NEA!

Understanding Adult Autism

Wednesday 14th February 2024, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Online Event (Get in touch for a link to Teams)

Do you care for an autistic adult? Join us to learn more about signs and symptoms, diagnosis, and causes. We will also look at how gender affects the signs of autism and common health difficulties.

Late-Stage Dementia

Thursday 15th February 2024, 10:30 am to 12:30 pm

The White Swan Centre, Citadel East, Killingworth, NE12 6SS

This session will give you an opportunity to consider the challenges you are facing with other carers. You will learn positive and practical approaches to care, that can be used to support your loved-one at this stage in their dementia diagnosis.

Menopause Online

Tuesday 20th February 2024, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Online Event (Get in touch for an event link)

The menopause can make caring an even greater challenge. Join us for an exclusive menopause mentor workshop with Suzanne Barbour Coaching. Learn more about what is happening to bodies and minds during perimenopause to post-menopause, how to manage symptoms, and learn lots of tips to help put you back in control.

Adult Autism: How We Care

Wednesday 21st February 2024, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Online Event (Get in touch for a link to Teams)

We will look at the challenges faced by many autism carers and explore practical strategies to help improve communication, relationships, and the way we provide support.

The Decider Mental Health Skills: Distress Tolerance

Thursday 22nd February 2024, 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm

Whitley Bay Big Local, 158 Whitley Road, Whitley Bay, NE26 2LY

Positive, fun, easy to learn and winning strategies to improve your mental health using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) skills. This session is about survival strategies for emotional emergencies.

Practical Steps Following a Bereavement

Tuesday 27th February 2024, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Whitley Bay Big Local, 158 Whitley Road, Whitley Bay, NE26 2LY

When thinking about the loss of a loved one, the practical responsibilities that follow a bereavement can feel stressful and overwhelming. Join us to learn more about the practical steps you can take to give you organisation, structure, and help you cope from day one.

Adult Autism: Carers Rights and Finding Support

Wednesday 28th February 2024, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Online Event (Get in touch for a link to Teams)

We will focus on your rights as a carer and the support available to the person you care for in health, social care, and employment.

Adult Autism: Keeping Well as a Carer.

Wednesday 6th March 2024, 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Online Event (Get in touch for a link to Teams)

We will focus on your health and wellbeing as a carer and the support available to you in health, social care and employment.