'Struggling' - South Tyneside warning on unpaid carers help amid rising demand and pressures

A South Tyneside service helping unpaid carers has warned of the growing pressures they face amid increasing demand for health and social care support.

Connected Caring says it has seen a “significant” rise in the number of people seeking advice, guidance and practical support while caring for loved ones.

Across the borough, an estimated 14,882 adults are providing unpaid care – around one in 10 of the population – while there are also believed to be around 1,500 young carers.

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Among adults, approximately 8,563 give 20 or more hours of care each week, with more than 5,000 providing over 50 hours, according to 2021 census figures.

Connected Caring supports unpaid carers aged 18, and says many of those seeking help are retirees left looking after elderly relatives.

‘Really high demand’

Monica Scott, team leader, said: “There is a really high demand for care services generally and capacity is struggling to meet people’s needs.

“Social care services are under increasing pressure, and with an ageing population and more complex care needs, it is becoming more challenging to ensure people receive the support they need.

“We have seen a significant increase in the number of people we are supporting. Carers need more respite care and opportunities to take breaks.

“As well as those who receive Carers Allowance, there are many ‘hidden carers’ who do not seek help and may not even recognise themselves as carers.

“For many, it’s not just about receiving a payment, but getting the practical and emotional support they need. Carers Allowance is often not a sustainable income on its own, leaving many carers struggling financially.

‘Wider financial pressures’

“There are also wider financial pressures. People cannot always sustain employment while caring for someone, and once carers receive their state pension they are no longer eligible for Carers Allowance, despite often continuing to provide a high level of care.”

Connected Caring is a partnership between Age Concern South Tyneside, Sense Ability Matters and Your Voice Counts, with financial backing from South Tyneside Council.

The service delivers personalised support aimed at empowering carers, promoting choice and improving quality of life.

It works alongside health and social care services, voluntary sector organisations and community groups to help carers access comprehensive support and vital resources.

The organisation says carers commonly face a combination of financial, emotional, physical and practical pressures.

Many carers reduce their working hours or leave employment entirely, often leading to financial hardship and reduced pension contributions.

Carers can also experience stress, anxiety, depression, isolation and emotional exhaustion, while the physical demands of caring – including lifting and mobility support – can affect their own health and wellbeing. Sleep disruption and neglecting their own medical needs are also common issues.

Connected Caring shared its concerns ahead of national Carers Week, which celebrates unpaid carers and raises awareness of the challenges they face.

It is a key partner in several events taking place between Monday, June 8 and Sunday, June 14, including a walk of support in central Jarrow.

More information about Connected Caring is available at www.connectedcaring.org.uk or via Facebook.