Connecting Lonely and Isolated Carers
Many carers have experienced loneliness and a sense of isolation during the Covid-19 pandemic. This can have a huge impact on an individual’s mental health and wellbeing. North Tyneside Carers’ Centre is working with other local organisations including VODA, Age UK North Tyneside and North Tyneside CAB to support local people and address this growing issue.
Our three Carers’ Community Link Workers funded by the National Lottery, are working in locality areas to engage with organisations and groups to build strong partnerships and raise awareness of carers issues. This will increase capacity across North Tyneside to support carers and help create carer friendly communities.
The team will be working with individual carers to address any barriers they face which contribute to their isolation and help them explore their own interests and aspirations. Linking carers in with local groups and making caring an ordinary part of life, helps reduce isolation and increase support networks.
We are recruiting volunteers to help us establish new support groups, facilitate social activities and ensure that carers have access to the advice and information they need to feel supported and confident in their caring role. We are also providing a range of wellbeing sessions based around the five ways to wellbeing to help carers take time out, relax and think about their own needs.
If a carer is feeling isolated or lonely and would like a chat about their situation, our advice line (0191 643 2298) is open Monday to Friday from 10am until 4pm or they can email us: enquiries@ntcarers.co.uk.
Additionally, the Centre’s website has a range of information to help carers consider their wellbeing and professionals are able to can make an online referral for an adult carer.
https://www.northtynesidecarers.org.uk/information-resource-for-carers/health-wellbeing/
https://www.northtynesidecarers.org.uk/professionals/adult-carer-referrals/
There are little things we can all do to help look after our own mental health. Having good mental health helps us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more. The NHS website Every Mind Matters has advice and practical tips to help you look after your mental health and wellbeing.