You are Here : Home › Lifestyle and Health Promotion

• Topic Summary
• Data & Trends
• Supporting Documents

1. Deliver the Newcastle Carers Strategy Action Plan September 2008- August 2009 to address key areas for development including carers from BME backgrounds, assessments, training, employment and put in place an emergency card scheme for carers as part of the national New Deal for Carers

In population terms, half of the current adult carers are caring for someone aged over 75 years and may have health problems of their own. An increase in the older population can only increase this number and the level of support needed.

The Newcastle Carers Strategy 2005-2008 is broad and includes a variety of hard to reach groups including young carers, particular attempts to establish links with BME groups and carers for those with drug or alcohol problems.

The level of demand on health and social care services will rise - either in direct care for those with health needs or because carers have themselves become ill or disabled. There are also hidden costs in the impact of emotional and financial strain on the individual, family, community, local business and the state.

Carers from BME backgrounds

There has been a perceived lack of success in engaging with BME community groups and thus reaching carers in the BME communities by organizations providing services for carers.

Young carers

The numbers of young carers in Newcastle upon Tyne is unknown, therefore some young people may not be accessing services

Carers Needs Assessments

1. Ageing population in Newcastle upon Tyne potentially leading to more carers in the city year on year

2. Low uptake of Carers' Needs Assessments across the city

3. Poor emotional and physical health of carers reported in carer surveys

4. Low levels of engagement from carers from BME backgrounds

5. Issues regarding employment for carers due to caring responsibilities

Carers Centre Newcastle has approximately 1,053 current carers on its database and offers:

National policy

The New Deal for Carers (2006) provides a number of opportunities:

1. A national information helpline and website, which will be launched in spring 2009. Through one telephone number carers will access all the information they need directly, or be referred onto more appropriate support;