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CARERS have their chance to have their say at an event on Tuesday 20 September 2011.

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The Carers Action Forum’s Planning Group will discuss the most important issues facing carers.

The meeting is also a chance for carers to help shape the agenda and organise future events at Gateshead Carers Association.

Anyone, who cares for a friend or relative and lives or works in Gateshead, is welcome to attend.

The Carers Action Forum meets between 10am and noon at Gateshead Carers Association, 11 Regent Terrace, Gateshead. Tyne & Wear. NE8 1LU.

The recently-published Gateshead Carers Survey revealed:

  • Caring has a major impact on household finances (44 per cent of carers surveyed said they are worse off as a result of caring responsibilities)
  • Caring has a major impact on carers’ health (48 per cent of carers say their caring role has made their health worse in the past year)
  • Caring has a major impact on the quality of the carers’ life (68 per cent of those surveyed said that caring has meant that they have had to give up some aspects of their life such as a social life)

Many carers are not aware of the support services available to them, according to the survey.

There are an estimated 25,000 carers in Gateshead, who provide approximately £1,800-worth of care each per week.

Many carers are “hidden” and do not identify themselves as carers.

A carer is a friend, relative or neighbour, who provides regular, unpaid care and support for some-one suffering illness, disability, frailty, infirmity, alcohol or substance misuse.

NOTES TO EDITORS

For more information, call Judith Dunn, Campaigns and Development Worker, on (0191) 490 0121 or email judith.dunn@gatesheadcarers.com.

Gateshead Carers Association exists to relieve the stresses experienced by carers in Gateshead by providing information, advice and support services to carers, to help them and their dependents.

Established in 1996, Gateshead Carers Association is a registered charity.

Its aim is to support, inform and represent carers. GCA has a particular role in ensuring that the voice of carers is heard and that carers are able to influence the development of policy and services.

GCA’s current activities include running a number of interest groups including art, craft, photography and weight control, providing information and advice services and the Carers Action Forum.