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A report based on the Gateshead Adult Carers Survey 2020
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"I’m going to use my Carer Wellbeing Grant to buy a laptop so I can do better research (Family Tree Group) and this is for me as you said I was allowed to think about myself for a little time each day."
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Hello,
This time last year none of us could have predicted what was in store. It has been a year the like of which no one has ever experienced before. Sadly, some of us have lost family members and friends. We have all had to deal with lockdowns, restrictions and the disruption to our lives which these have brought.
At Gateshead Carers we have seen the added pressures people with an unpaid caring role have faced. We have also witnessed, on a daily basis, the qualities unpaid carers have including amazing resilience, strength, selflessness, determination, kindness, dependability and your unswerving commitment to those you care for. We know how difficult providing unpaid care can be and how it impacts on every part of your life. What you may not know is that each and everyone one of you inspires myself, my colleagues, our volunteers and our board of trustees to work harder and better everyday for, with and alongside you. There is ordinary and there is extraordinary. In your busy days I hope you give yourself a little time to remember that you are extraordinary.
As we approach the New Year we are all full of hope that 2021 will see our lives return to where they were before the pandemic. I can’t help thinking what that will look like for the 21000 people in Gateshead who are providing unpaid care to a loved one. We have just published our 2020 report on our survey of adult unpaid carers in Gateshead called 'Everybody's Business'. Read more....
In the report I ask a simple question of those reading it: Is this a life I want for myself, for my partner, for my children, for my grandchildren, for my friends?
I’m pretty sure that the overwhelming response will be ‘No, it’s not the life I want or the life I want for my family and friends’. I have called the report ‘Everybody’s Business’ for the simple reason unpaid caring is everybody’s business’. At some point in their lives 60% of the population of Gateshead will provide unpaid care to a family member or friend. The average 18 year old today will spend 12 years of the rest of their life providing unpaid care.
This report is really much more than ‘a stark reminder’. It is a call for action. Together we have a powerful voice and together we can make change happen.
I hope you enjoy this eNewsletter.
With best wishes for Christmas and the New Year,
Steve Cowen
CEO, Gateshead Carers
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Nearly 400 tune in for our first Live-stream AGM!
Carers Rights Day 2020 (26th November) was successfully celebrated with our first Live-stream AGM via Facebook and our website, reaching out to carer members, supporters, staff and trustees from the comfort of their own homes! Presented by our Chair of Trustees, David Clelland, our CEO, Steve Cowen and Rob McCready from McCready Page Accountants. The event focused on our impact over the past year (despite the difficulties faced by the global pandemic), our sound financial position, the findings from our Carer Survey 2020 and our plans going forward. Even after the live event, carers and supporters who couldn’t be with us on the actual day, watched the event link: 276 via the website and 226 via Facebook, a total of 502 total views!
Click here to view our report entitled ' Everybody's Business' which examines the findings of our Carer Survey 2020. You can also view our Annual Report for 2019/2020.
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‘Our Unpaid Carers do an Amazing Job... ' Liz Twist MP for Blaydon
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Thank you to Liz Twist MP for speaking up in Parliament, highlighting Carers Rights Day and the important work of unpaid carers and for raising awareness of the work of Gateshead Carers. Liz also requested a debate about carer's rights and for an increase in Carer's Allowance.
As today is #CarersRightsDay, I took the opportunity in the Chamber to raise the important work of unpaid carers, thanking them for all that they do across our constituency. I also spoke of my gratitude for @GatesheadCarers and @CarersTrustTW1. You can view the full speech made here with subtitles, along with congratulations to Gateshead Carers from the Rt Hon Jacob Rees-Mogg MP, Leader of the House of Commons.
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QE Gateshead pledge support as Carer Friendly Employer
We are delighted to announce that on Carers’ Rights Day 2020, 26 th November, Yvonne Ormston, Chief Executive of QE Gateshead, signed our Carer Friendly Employer pledge. It continues to be a pleasure to work with all the team at QE and we look forward to developing this further with them into 2021.
Today on #CarersRightsDay2020 Chief Exec @YvonneOrmston has signed the Working Carers pledge, demonstrating our commitment to supporting staff who are working carers. New guidance and a Carer Passport is now available. Go to HWB intranet pages to find out more @QEGateshead
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CALM Wellbeing for Carers
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Click here to read our latest Wellbeing Blog
Reflections on how best we could prepare ourselves emotionally and psychologically during these extraordinary and challenging of times.
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Winter Wellbeing Calendar
Each day up until the 25th December we have a special message to share with our followers on our social media channels. Recorded by members of our team including staff and volunteers.
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Your wellbeing is at the heart of the sessions we run for carers. We aim firstly to encourage you to think about your own health and secondly, to enable you to build up resilience, so that you can carry on in your caring role with greater confidence if you wish to do so. Come and take part in our weekly CALM Wellbeing programme of free online sessions. It is there to support everyone's wellbeing.
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Signal 'Lifemapping' with Carers
Recently we partnered up with Signal, alongside six other Gateshead based organisations. Signal aims to; eliminate poverty within households in the UK, work with business partners who share similar values and to enable households to influence policy and co-design local services. In order to do this Signal has created a questionnaire to enable households to assess where they need most support. We've now used this questionnaire with 27 different carer households. Over the coming weeks all Carer Wellbeing Facilitators are going to be trained in how to use it so we can offer it to carers in addition to the support we already give. If you'd like to know more about Signal visit: https://clearsignal.org/
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FORTHCOMING EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
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Volunteers Christmas Party
Tuesday 15th December 1-3pm via zoom.
Join us for some fun and laughs. There will be a quiz, a chance to chat and catch up with everyone and for anyone that likes to dress up don't forget your festive outfits! Contact Claire Parker claire.parker@gatesheadcarers.com |
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JOIN US FOR OUR Christmas Crafternoon on Zoom!
Thursday 17th December 12 noon -3 pm via Zoom
We'd love to see you there for some of it, all of it or part of it!
Session 1: 12 -1 pm Bottle painting with Carol Redpath and Origami Snowflake making with Artist Shiori Naruse.
Session 2: 1 - 1.45 pm Christmas quiz with Paul! Join us for a fun filled quiz, there will be prizes (sent to you in the post!)
1.45 pm-2 pm: Time for a tea, chat and a mince pie with us and other carers.
Session 3: 2 - 3 pm More Christmas crafts, Carole will be showing people how to make their very own 'movie boxes' and more Origami Snowflake making with Artist Shiori Naruse.
Book your place
To find out more about this event please contact Emma Cockburn emma.cockburn@gatesheadcarers.com
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Throughout January and February 2021, carers across the north east will be taking part in a new creative project called Our Story. The project led by theatre-maker, facilitator, and carer Liv Hunt, will include a series of online creative sessions over 8 weeks for carers to come along to and take part in. In this session, we will be running you through what the project is about in a taster session to see if you'd like to give it a go!
Carers will have the chance to tell their stories of what caring for someone has been like especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Together we will be creating short stories and ultimately to share the story of what caring is like.
Book your Taster sessions on our website now!
Find out more from Liv by clicking on her photo.
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Would you like to find out about your past ancestors?
Finding a new hobby that gives you satisfaction and teaches you new skills can be very rewarding. Carers who research their family trees are also realising they are allowed to have a little bit of time for themselves. It has helped them through the lock downs by giving them something exciting to do and by joining our Family Tree Group it has helped with feeling less isolated as we chat about our research, how we are managing and what we are going to look into next.
New members are always welcome and it doesn’t matter if you are just starting or have been researching for years. There is always something new to learn and experience to pass on to others to help them on their journey into the past. Check out Carol's videos below:
Grow your family tree Useful Resources Getting through barriers
To find out more please contact Carol Redpath on 0191 4900121 or credpath.gca@gmail.com
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"I never thought my ancestors would be from somewhere else.
My Granda said we all came from here. It’s really strange to think we moved up the country.
I’m still a Geordie, but only now with a bit of a twist."
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Creative Minds with Hands
Every Tuesday morning carers meet online to join our creative group called Creative Minds and let their imaginations go wild! Carers who join the group get sent a creative 'pack' beforehand which is full of paper, pens and an activity booklet. We have one rule only; you can only say positive things about your own work. It works a treat! We normally all arrive with mugs full of tea...read more. For further information please contact Emma at emma.cockburn@gatesheadcarers.com or call 07546 304759.
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Belonging
By Teresa Boden - November 2020
I now belong to a group of people that care to care. With great reluctance I now accept support openly and willingly. Having a lived experience of mental health means I am able to challenge my own demons, to chase them from my mind.......
I acknowledge they exist if I allow them in. I am not afraid, I open my front door and say “you are welcome to pass through” then I open the back door and command with confidence that they now must leave... I say “you are no longer a welcomed quest”. I show them the back door, they never resist or hesitate, they fear me and leave, without questioning me without challenging me - they have lost their power and they know it.
I realise my own mental health is a delicate thing, its forever there, like a monkey on your back, although the metaphor is a crazy one for me as I love and admire monkeys, gorillas to be precise, they are my favourite animal. I suppose challenging my mental health is simpler to how I would communicate with a monkey. Monkeys re-act to actions - get the action wrong, they bite. I don't feel I have not had too many bites lately, so feel my mental health for now is ok.
I welcome Christmas this year with a warm heart of expectations of happier times to come. I look forward to grandchildren, to hugs and also to be able to wish all those carers I know and all those carers I will never know a very Merry Christmas!
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“Helping out has definitely helped me feel useful once again and has given me something to do. It has also given me the chance to give something back to the Charity as way of a thank you for all of the help and support they have given me in my caring role” Susan
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We always appreciate it when carers offer to help us out when they can. How Susan helps:
- Susan is a carer and helps us on reception a couple of afternoons a week
- Susan helps by answering the phone and welcoming visitors
- Susan helps us at a time that best fits in with her caring role and other commitments
- Susan enjoys helping and being part of a relaxed and friendly team.
Could you help like Susan? Your help can help us reach more carers needing our help and support. To find out  more about how you can help like Susan give us a call.
Listen to Susan's recent interview on BBC Radio Newcastle, talking about being a carer and volunteering with us.
“Helping others is the way we help ourselves,” Oprah Winfrey.
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Volunteer Telephone Befrienders for Carers
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Find out more about our Volunteer Befriending programme, which can offer telephone befriending for the carer or their cared for, as well as information on becoming a volunteer yourself, by contacting Claire Parker, Volunteer Coordinator claire.parker@gatesheadcarers.com or sign up via our website.
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STOCKING FILLER ALERT!!!!!
2021 Carers Wall Calendar
Only £6.98 each + P&P £1.40
A special calendar full of wonderful photos and memories from our virtual Carers Week 2020 Party in the Park celebration! Bring a smile to your friends and family this Christmas with this lovely gift! Why not treat yourself at the same time and bag a copy to brighten up your kitchen wall! Read more.
First come first served basis so when they are gone...they are gone!
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Check out our blog with shared healthy and sometimes naughty recipes! Why not get in touch with us to share yours! This month we are sharing some delicious recipes from the Hairy Bikers Home for Christmas perfect for vegetarians and of course all food lovers!
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Christmas Nut Roast and Mushroom Gravy
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Cinnamon, banana and blueberry muffins
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TOP TIPS FOR MANAGING WELL THIS WINTER
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Save money by checking your automatic renewals for payments
Don't let any yearly renewals roll over with gas, electric or insurances. There are always big savings to be made by renewing with another company or even by ringing up the company you are currently with and asking for a cheaper price.You can save hundreds of pounds doing this. Automatic renewal is always expensive for you.
Check, Switch and Save: The Big Energy Saving Winter campaign
 Did you know that 27% of people in the UK have never switched energy provider? Don't put it off—switch energy supplier or tariff and you could save hundreds of pounds bit.ly/citizensadvicecompareenergy There are a number of information events taking place on Zoom organised by 2 Way Tenancy Solutions and partners. Why not pop along to one of their Check, Switch and Save events to find out more. How to use the price comparison tool event is on Friday 18th December 1 - 3 pm. For more information and dates of other events please contact advice@2waytenancy.co.uk or call 07557514078
Seek advice about debt
It can be a time of increased demand on personal finances- if you are worried about managing bills and paying for everything it is always worth considering asking for professional confidential advice. Debt advice services are offered by a range of charities and other organisations and there is a lot of information available online. With all online searches it is best to be cautious and we would recommend speaking to a well known service such as Citizens Advice or other reputable free service. Below we have provided links to further information. If you do have worries or stress about managing please don't put off getting advice and don't feel embarrassed or ashamed as the sooner you can address the problems the sooner you will feel in control once more.
https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/tools/debt-advice-locator
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/debt-and-money/help-with-debt/
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NEWS FROM OTHER ORGANISATIONS
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#DoYourBit - Get the flu vaccination
People in the North East and Cumbria are known for looking out for one another and pulling together through difficult times. With winter around the corner the months ahead could be tough if there is a second wave of COVID-19, so it is more important than ever that you #DoYourBit to protect yourself, your NHS and your community.
North East and North Cumbria ICS is encouraging everyone to do their bit to protect yourself, your loved ones and the community by having the flu vaccination this winter.
Carers are entitled to a FREE flu vaccination if:
• you receive Carers Allowance
• you are the main carer for someone who may be at risk if you get sick
• you live with someone on the NHS Shielding list
For more information
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Help us see what’s going on!
Since March 2020 Healthwatch Newcastle and Healthwatch Gateshead have been working hard to gather people’s experiences of local health and social care services. Right now, we especially want to hear from people who have contacted an optician in the past few months. Have you or someone you know used an optician’s service in Newcastle or Gateshead? Please tell us about your experiences of other NHS or social care services too. Take the ‘Because we all care’ survey at https://tinyurl.com/because2020
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The Family Holiday Association
Check our their festive activities for you and your family and friends to take part in – whether it’s at home with your household, in a video call, or outside in the fresh air. They also have a festive competition that you can enter to win a copy of Higgidy: The Veggie Cookbook!
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Latest health advice & information on service disruptions from Gateshead Council here
Guidance and advice for carers regarding Coronovirus from Carers Trust
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Telephone Support & online Live Chat
is open Monday to Friday
The best times to call us are
between 10 am - 12 noon and 1 - 3 pm
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Do you know someone who is a carer?
Please can you help us get the word out to reach more 'hidden' carers by forwarding this newsletter to everyone on your contacts list. Many people do not seeing themselves as having a caring role, or having legal rights or knowing organisations like us exist. Thank you for sharing!
A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support.
Help us to spread the word!
0191 4900 121
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Gateshead Carers Association, John Haswell House, 8-9 Gladstone Terrace, Gateshead, NE8 4DY
Tel: 0191 4900 121 www.gatesheadcarers.com Gateshead Carers Association is a Charitable Company limited by guarantee. Charity registration number 1118942 Company registration number 6133161
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