North Tyneside Carers’ Centre, is celebrating after being awarded almost £200,000 in National Lottery funding. These funds will enable us to continue supporting unpaid carers across North Tyneside, as well as developing our presence in local communities, in line with our strategy.

The funding will allow us to continue bringing carers together within their local communities and widen their support networks and reduce isolation.

We will deliver a range of interventions to carers in their local community at the earliest possible stage including:

• Information sessions and training which will help carers understand their rights, the condition of the person they care for and be more confident in their caring role.
• Advice surgeries and one to one sessions so carers can understand the impact of caring on their wellbeing and access individually tailored support to meet the outcomes they want to achieve.
• Peer support groups and social activities so carers can meet and share experiences with others in similar situations.
• Health and wellbeing sessions to help carers develop coping strategies and improve their resilience.
• Facilitating carers links with other organisations to access local community services.
• Developing additional opportunities to support carers who can’t get out easily e.g. webinars and Skype sessions
• Developing volunteering opportunities for carers/former carers.

We will also work with local community groups, professionals and organisations to ensure that carers are recognised at an early stage. One of our key targets moving forward is to further raise awareness of the impact caring has on an individuals daily life and provide them with access to support at the earliest stage possible. This will help to connect carers to people in similar situations as themselves, as well as organisations within their local community, which will help reduce the impact and risk to their own health and wellbeing.

The National Lottery Community Fund – which distributes money raised by National Lottery players for good causes – is the largest community funder in the UK and their support will allow us to raise awareness of the issues faced by carers and improve identification and support.

Claire Easton, Chief Executive at the Centre, said:

“The National Lottery have consistently supported us over the years and thanks to National Lottery players we will be able to continue providing support to carers who need it. Caring responsibilities can significantly impact on a carers physical and mental health, their education and employment status and personal relationships. It is therefore essential that carers are identified at an early stage and can access support to maintain their wellbeing and have a life outside of caring.”