Support for Carers
South Tyneside believes that carers should be supported in their caring role. Carers have the right to ask Social Care and Health to assist them in their caring role and find out what support can be provided. This is done by a carer’s assessment.
Carers supporting family members or friends may be entitled to support in their caring role. The information below shows the type of help available to carers in South Tyneside. This list is not exhaustive and you should discuss your support needs with your Care Manager/Care Co-ordinator when you request an assessment.
To fin out how we may be able to help you we need to know what your caring role involves and where you feel you need support. This is known as a carer’s assessment.
What Type of Support is There For Me?
There are a number of ways we can support you as a carer. Below is a list of some of the types of support that may be available.
Taking A Break
It is important that you find time to yourself. We know that this can prove difficult. More on Taking a Break.
Direct Payments
If you, or the person you care for, are receiving services from the council you could receive direct payments to purchase your own services instead. More on Direct Payments.
Counselling
When you are caring for someone it can sometimes be difficult to fully take care of your own needs. The Carers Counselling Service provides an opportunity to explore your feelings and thoughts. More on Counselling.
Training For Carers
Training for carers over a number of subjects is available. This includes:
- To help your caring role, e.g. first aid, manual handling etc
- Taking up a new hobby or learning a new skill
- To enable carers to take a more active role in representing carers at meetings.
- To return to employment
More on Training For Carers