Carers take the lead in new Forum

A SPECIAL event takes place in Gateshead to give carers information and advice on a wide range of subjects.

The Carers Action Forum (CAF) will also give carers the chance to decide on the most important issue facing them in their everyday lives.

Responses from the poll will form the basis for future campaigns organised by Gateshead Carers Association.

The Forum takes place at Trinity Centre, on Monday 16 May between 10am and 2pm.

Organised by and for carers, the event is the first of its kind.

Carers will be able to get advice on a wide range of topics from benefits to healthcare, money and debt advice and specialist services for carers.

A recent survey, carried out by the Care and Support Alliance, shows that nearly one in four disabled and older people and their families have already had services cut.

This is before many councils implement deep cuts due to budget restrictions, which come into effect from April 2011.

Changes to benefits including the introduction of Universal Credit and replacement of Disability Living Allowance with Personal Independence Payment (PIP) also mean many carers are facing an uncertain future.

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.

It is estimated that one in eight people in Britain are carers. That means up to 24,000 people in Gateshead could be carers.

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

Representatives of the media are welcome to attend the event between 10am and 12pm on Monday 16 May 2011.

The Carers Action Forum is a Gateshead Carers Association project.

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.