Help is on hand for carers in Sunderland and South Tyneside

Carers Week, which runs until Sunday, is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities.

This year the focus is on building carer friendly communities.

These are communities which support carers to look after their family or friends well, while recognising that they are individuals with needs of their own.

Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust (NTW), the North East’s mental health and disabilities care provider, is supporting carers in a number of ways, including through a specially designed series of carer resources.

NTW chief executive John Lawlor said: “Every day we work with and alongside carers; we value each and every one of them.

“Carers Week gives us another opportunity to say a big thank you for all they do.

“Being a carer, especially for the first time, can be difficult.

“Carers are often unsure where they can turn for support.

“To help we have produced a series of carer resources, designed with the help of carers with the aim of getting them get the information they need.”

The resources include a checklist for carers, information about the Carers’ Charter, advice on confidentiality, useful contact information and support booklets.

Emily Holzhausen, who leads the Carers Week partnership, said: “Carers Week is a fantastic way to celebrate the vital contribution carers make to our families, communities and wider society.

“We know that caring for a loved one can be a rewarding experience, but without the right support at the right time, caring can also take a serious toll on a carer’s health, relationships and finances.

“By shedding light on what it means to be a carer, we hope that everyone will be inspired to do what they can to make life that little bit easier for carers.

“Whoever you are, whatever you do, you can make a difference. Building Carer Friendly Communities won’t happen overnight, but we can make them a reality – one brick at a time.”

For more information on the NTW carer resources contact the Patient Information Centre on 223 2545 or email [email protected].