Carers' Rights in the Spotlight

An event is being held later this week to help people who look after someone in South Tyneside because of an illness, disability, mental ill health or an addiction access the information, advice and support available to them.

As part of Carers' Rights Day this Thursday (24 November), South Tyneside Adult Carers' Service will hold an information event at their base in Wawn Street, South Shields, between 10am and 2pm. Social care advisers, Welfare Support, Bliss=Ability,  Alzheimer's Society, social workers, Admiral Nurse and the Substance Misuse Support Service will be at the event to offer advice.

The focus of this year's Carers' Rights Day is the cost of caring on unpaid carers, whether that be a cost to their wellbeing, their ability to access health services, the impact on their finances and employment options as well as the current cost of living crisis.

Councillor Anne Hetherington, Lead Member for Adults, Health and Independence, said: "Carers are our unsung heroes who do a fantastic job looking after a friend, relative or neighbour who couldn't manage on their own. But their caring responsibilities can put additional strain on them. For example, they may find it difficult to juggle their time to fit in all their other responsibilities, like working or spending time with their own family, or they don't go out socialising and have stopped doing things they may have done before. This can lead to carers feeling lonely and isolated and they could suffer physical or mental health problems as a result of their caring role. It is therefore essential that they know where to go to for support and reassurance when they need it."

To find out more about the event visit https://www.southtyneside.gov.uk/article/15576/Carers-Rights-Day-Information-Session. Anyone wanting to know more about support for carers can contact South Tyneside Adult Carers Service (STACS) on 0191 4061531 or email STACS@cgl.org.uk.

The Council has become a member of Carers UK Digital Resources for Carers which gives all residents in South Tyneside FREE access to online resources providing information and support on how people can look after themselves, information on benefits and other financial support, as well as information on equipment and technology and support for working carers. To find out more, visit  www.carersdigital.org, create an account and use membership code  DGTL1952 to access the resources anytime.