Caring in 2025 – preparing for the year ahead
As we move into 2025, this is the time for reflecting on the past year and thinking about goals for the year ahead.
There is no doubt that the challenges unpaid carers face are not going away. However, there have been positive signs of change this year. For example, the government has agreed to increase the earnings limit for the Carers’ Allowance which means people can earn more money from work and still claim. Also, the Carers’ Allowance has increased by 6.7%.
But there is still more that needs to change.
At North Tyneside Carers’ Centre, we are committed to protecting the rights of carers and do whatever we can to make things a little bit easier.
We held a successful event for Carers’ Rights Day in November, involving lots of local organisations with the aim to raise awareness of the support available but also the rights and responsibilities carers have.
Our Adult Carers Team Lead Caroline also joined some of our carers in Westminster to tell MPs about the financial struggles many are facing.
In 2025 we will work towards our priorities, as set out in our corporate strategy, which are:
- Maintaining and growing a strong and sustainable organisation – We will be led by the needs of carers and secure funding and resources to support the sustainability of the organisation and invest in our staff team to deliver high quality services.
- Increasing carer involvement – We will work with partners to ensure carers voices are heard and improve the recognition of carers so they feel valued.
- Working effectively with partners to improve identification and support for carers – We will work in collaboration with other organisations to ensure that those with caring responsibilities are recognised and supported in a timely manner.
- Providing accessible and reliable services – We will provide timely, accessible support to carers, deliver targeted support for minoritised groups of carers and ensure we complete the actions we agreed to undertake with individual carers.
- Developing opportunities for carers of all ages to thrive and have a life outside of caring – We will empower and support carers to pursue their individual aspirations, maintain their wellbeing and have a life outside of caring.
This leads on to some of the things carers can prepare and think about as we head into the New Year.
Self care
One recommendation would be to set a wellbeing goal. You could look for small, manageable ways to take breaks, or even connect with one of our peer support groups, such as our new Dementia Carers Group. Finding time for yourself, however hard that can be sometimes, will make a big difference. If you would like to know more about the groups and activities we regularly run – get in touch.
Knowledge
Our training sessions help carers better understand their loved one’s condition, making caregiving less stressful and more effective. These sessions also teach mental health strategies that build resilience and improve well-being. Discover our 2025 carer training programme for more details. We also help carers with financial planning and energy advice – which is something to think about now we are in the colder months.
We regularly speak to local organisations to make them more aware of how to support the carers they work alongside. Please get in touch if you would like to find out more.
Happy New Year to all our carers, staff, volunteers and those working with carers in public and voluntary organisations.
