Many people do not see themselves as family carers. Statistically, it takes two years for people to recognise themselves in this role. By this point, the carer is likely feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, lost, financially insecure and taking on a full time job.

Our message is clear: a carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a family member or friend who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction, cannot cope without their support. If any of this sounds familiar, you are a carer and you deserve to seek free help and support.

Carer Checklist: 

A carer is someone who regularly helps a family member, child, friend or neighbour that:

• is frail
• has a disability or special needs
• has a chronic illness and/or
• has a mental illness
• has dementia/Alzheimer’s
• has a substance misuse problem with drugs or alcohol

Now ask yourself, 

• Is this help regular and ongoing?
• Does this help involve showering, going to the toilet, dressing or other personal care?
• Does this help involve cleaning, cooking, shopping, transport and/or assistance with bills or other paperwork?
• Does this help involve medication or other health care?
• Would this person have difficulty managing on their own if you could not provide regular and ongoing support?
• Do you receive Carers Allowance or no payment at all?

Even if just one, or two of the above bulletpoints resonate with you, you’re performing a caring role. You don’t need to tick every bullet point off the list.

Now what?
In our 25 years’ of experience, many carers feel guilty about asking for or wanting help – please don’t – we are here to help you.

North Tyneside Carers’ Centre supports young carers age 5+ and adult carers with one to one support, counselling, advice, advocacy and learning sessions to help you better manage your own mental and physical health and get all available help towards financial costs.

Call us, email or start a chat with one of our team via Live Chat today.