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Debra Carers Northumberland

Caring for carers: Debra’s story

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Debra Blakey is the Chief Executive Officer of Carers Northumberland and one of our organisational board members. Debra has been on the board for six years, providing invaluable experience and insight. Debra spoke to us about the work of Carers Northumberland and the important relationship with Healthwatch Northumberland.

Debra says “Carers Northumberland is a charity that aims to improve the lives of unpaid carers in the county. We support unpaid carers of all ages, including adult carers of adults, young carers (aged under 18 years) and parent carers (caring for someone who is under 18 years with additional needs). Unpaid carers sometimes don’t see themselves as carers, as they are often a husband, wife, mother, father, brother, sister, neighbour, or friend, but they are providing vital support to someone who would struggle to manage without their help.

We offer advice, information and support to our 7000+ registered carers. We do this in a variety of ways, including via our telephone information line, carer groups, workshops and training, benefits and financial support, grants to enable carers to take a break from caring, support to navigate social care and health provision, plus trips, events, and activities.

I have worked for Carers Northumberland since 2008 (almost as long as it’s been going!) when I joined as an Administration Officer, and I’ve been in the role of Chief Executive Officer since 2018. I have a degree in Criminology and worked in both private organisations and for Northumbria Police before starting in the voluntary sector at Carers Northumberland. I am passionate about making a difference to people’s lives and having worked for a charity for over 15 years I couldn’t see myself working in any other type of organisation now.

I enjoy reading, going out to eat, and love visiting new places. I’m also a keen runner (well I run so that I can enjoy eating cake) and I believe in the benefits of exercise for mental wellbeing. I actually think I enjoy how good I feel about myself after a run more than the actual run itself.

Probably the achievement I am most proud of is securing funding to pilot a Young Carer Support Service to run alongside our existing service for adult carers.  We launched the service in 2020 during a global pandemic, but it has gone from strength to strength, and we are now working very closely with schools in the county to raise awareness of young carers in education to encourage early identification and provide tailored support.

Carers Northumberland has been an organisational board member of Healthwatch Northumberland since its inception, which highlights how valuable our relationship is. Both organisations are striving to improve the health and social care landscape for service users, patients and their families and carers and we have collaborated on several major pieces of work over the past ten years. Being able to feed the views of carers into Healthwatch Northumberland ensures that the carer voice is heard by key decision-makers in the county is invaluable.“

Carers Northumberland supports all carers of all ages and can be contacted by telephone: 01670 320025, email: info@carersnorthumberland.org.uk or visit the website.

Elderly lady in care home

Care homes forum 27 July 2023

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Care homes forum Northumberland

Thursday 27 July, 10am – 11am via Zoom

Please join us for our next online forum for those with family or friends living in care homes in Northumberland.

Are you a relative of someone who lives in a care home, or have you recently helped a loved one access respite within a care home? Would you like support or information from others who have shared similar experiences? Come along to our next care homes forum to share your feedback or simply come along to find out more.

We will also give an update on our ‘look and listen’ visits into care homes.

To register for a space or give feedback outside the forum please email: info@healthwatchnorthumberland.co.uk or call us on 03332 408468.

See what we discussed at previous care home forums

Carers Northumberland logo

Spotlight on… Carers Northumberland

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As part of our information and signposting service, we’re shining a spotlight on organisations offering all kinds of support to people in Northumberland. To mark Carers Week 2022 which runs from 6-12 June, this Spotlight on… is all about Carers Northumberland.

Carers Northumberland supports unpaid carers throughout the county, empowering them to have a voice and to have a life outside of their caring responsibilities. It offers information and advice, support for young carers, carers’ groups, education and employment support, Emergency Care Planning, workshops and training. Small grants are also available to enable carers to take short breaks from their caring responsibilities.

As part of Carers Week 2022 Carers Northumberland has organised some walks for all abilities at popular places such as Bolam Lake, Newbiggin promenade and Craster. See what events and activities are coming up at their website.

To get in touch with Carers Northumberland call: 01670 320025 or email: info@carersnorthumberland.org.uk

Carers Rights Day 2021 Northumberland

Carers Rights Day 2021

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There are thousands of unpaid carers living in Northumberland. Carers UK estimates that carers save the UK economy £132 billion per year – an average of £19,336 per carer – demonstrating the vital role carers play in our community. The care provided by families just over the course of the pandemic was valued at £135 billion, and this amount is still climbing.

Carers Northumberland is passionate about supporting and empowering unpaid carers across Northumberland.

This year’s Carers Rights Day campaign will focus on raising awareness of the rights of unpaid carers. The pandemic has had a massive impact on the lives of carers, affecting access to services, the ability to juggle work and care and much more. That’s why it’s more important than ever that carers are aware of their rights.

In a recent survey of nearly 6,000 carers, Carers UK found that:

  • 4 in 5 unpaid carers are providing more care for relatives
  • 78% reported that the needs of the person they care for have increased during the pandemic
  • Two thirds worried about how they will cope through further lockdowns or local restrictions.

This Carers Rights Day Carers Northumberland wants to:

  • ensure carers are aware of their rights
  • let carers know where to get help and support
  • raise awareness of the needs of carers.

Debra Blakey, CEO for Carers Northumberland says “It’s as important as ever that carers are aware of their rights.  Having a caring responsibility shouldn’t mean that you no longer have choices.  Carers have rights in the workplace, as well as having the right to decide what level of care they are comfortable providing without external support.  Throughout the pandemic carers and the person they care for were often unable to access some of their usual services, and some are still unavailable.  Carers need to be fully supported if they are they are to continue caring effectively.  We want carers to know they are being listened to and that they have rights which are being respected and addressed appropriately. We are always here to champion carers when they need us, but carers need to know what their rights are so they can feel confident in their caring role.”

 

Join Carers Northumberland and a variety of other service providers at a free Carers Rights Day 2021 Information Event at: The Community Hub, Cramlington NE23 6YB (next to Concordia Leisure Centre)

10:30am – 12.00pm: Live Know Your Rights Carers Workshop – booking is essential for this part- call 01670 320025 or visit the website.

1.00pm – 4.00pm: Carers Rights Day Information Fair – this is a drop in event so no booking necessary. Support, advice and live demonstrations from organisations including Healthwatch Northumberland, Alzheimers Society, Northumberland Parent Carer Forum, PALS, Citizens Advice, Northumberland Fire Service, Health Trainers, Northumberland County Blind Association, Escape Family Support, Age UK Northumberland and more.

 

Tell us your experiences of using NHS and social care services as a carer

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New service for young carers

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A new service to support young carers has been commissioned by Northumberland County Council. Carers Northumberland, the local support service for adult carers will be leading on the project.

Anne-Marie Johnstone has been appointed as the Young Carers Support Worker for Northumberland and will be working with other youth and young people’s services across the county to provide individual tailored support for young carers.

The aims of the project are to ensure that children and young people have the support they need to learn, develop, and thrive, to enjoy positive childhoods and to achieve their full potential.

The service uses a whole family approach, which ensures that both children and parents are able to get the support they need, at the right time. By identifying problems early, different services can work more closely together to help prevent a family’s needs escalating and requiring further intervention at a later date.

All young carers will have an assessment of their needs which identifies the level of caring and how this is impacting on their life. A plan will then be developed with the young carer and their family to help support them and enable the young carer to access the same life opportunities as their peers.

Young carers referred to the project will also have access to a Young Carers Active Northumberland card for use in the county’s leisure centres, and a small grants scheme which will offer financial support to young carers to take a break from their caring responsibilities.

Anyone who is working with a family or young person in a caring role who you think could benefit from this project can make a referral here.

If you are a young carer yourself you can find out about the support available here.

Events

Carers Rights Day

Carers Rights Day Information Event

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Did you know as a carer you have rights that are protected by law? We’ll be joining Carers Northumberland and a host of other organisations for a free information event on Thursday 24 November at St James Church Centre, Pottergate, Alnwick, NE66 1JW. Come along and see us from 10.30am – 1pm.

Find out more about your rights as a carer and how to access other services that can support you in your caring role.

To find out more contact Carers Northumberland on 01670 320 025.

Carer Walk – Walltown Country Park

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Join Carers Northumberland for an easy 2-3 mile walk and meet other carers. Cared for, friends and family welcome.

Booking is essential for this event. For further details and booking please call 01670 320 025.

Carer Workshop – Planning Ahead

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Join Carers Northumberland to find out more information about planning for the future. The session will discuss Emergency Care Plans, Lasting Powers of Attorney and more.

Venue: Newcastle Building Society, 1-2 Beaumont St, Hexham, NE46 3LZ

Booking is essential for this event. For further details and booking please call 01670 320 025.

Carers Rights Day

Carers Rights Day 2021 Information Event

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Join Carers Northumberland and a variety of other service providers at a free Carers Rights Day 2021 Information Event at The Community Hub, Cramlington (next to Concordia Leisure Centre)

10:30am – 12.00pm: Live Know Your Rights Carers Workshop – booking is essential for this part – call 01670 320025 or visit the website.

1.00pm – 4.00pm: Carers Rights Day Information Fair – this is a drop in event so no booking necessary. Support, advice and live demonstrations from organisations including Healthwatch Northumberland, Alzheimers Society, Northumberland Parent Carer Forum, PALS, Citizens Advice, Northumberland Fire Service, Health Trainers, Northumberland County Blind Association, Escape Family Support, Age UK Northumberland and more.

 

Tell us your experiences of using NHS and social care services as a carer

Carers Northumberland logo

Carers Week Event

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An event for carers across Northumberland from Carers Northumberland. The day will include:

 

Doing Digital: bring your own device and get support to demystify the basics of technology.

Chair yoga: low impact fitness and wellbeing techniques you can do in your own home.

Balloon modelling: try a fun new skill that will impress the children/grandchildren!

Health and wellbeing advice

Attendance Allowance advice

Relaxation Sessions

Therapies: two therapists will be on hand offering massages

 

Lunch and refreshments are included. Places are limited so please book ahead. Transport may be available from the north and west of the county. Call 01670 320025 for bookings and details.

Carers Over 60s Event: Stocksfield

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If you’re a carer over 60 you’re invited to a free event from Carers Northumberland, to see what support is on offer. The event is a chance to find out about carers’ rights, have a go at some spring crafts and even take part in the Great Carers Bake Off!

To find out more details contact Sarah or Anne-Marie on 01670 320025 or email info@carersnorthumberland.co.uk. Please book ahead by 25 March. The winner of the Bake Off will receive a prize donated by Branch End Spar.

Carers Over 60s Event: Haltwhistle

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If you’re a carer over 60 you’re invited to a free event from Carers Northumberland, to see what support is on offer. The event is a chance to find out about carers’ rights, have a go at some spring crafts and even take part in the Great Carers Bake Off!

To find out more details contact Sarah or Anne-Marie on 01670 320025 or email info@carersnorthumberland.co.uk. Please book ahead by 25 March. The winner of the Bake Off will receive a prize donated by Haltwhistle Coop.

Carers Over 60s Event: Otterburn

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If you’re a carer over 60 you’re invited to a free event from Carers Northumberland, to see what support is on offer. The event is a chance to find out about carers’ rights, have a go at some spring crafts and even take part in the Great Carers Bake Off!

To find out more details contact Sarah or Anne-Marie on 01670 320025 or email info@carersnorthumberland.co.uk. Please book ahead by 25 March. The winner of the Bake Off will receive a prize donated by Otterburn Mill.

Active Young Carers Free Sports Event

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The event is a free and fun afternoon of sports activities for young carers including basketball, dodgeball, cricket and lots more. Family and friends are welcome to come along. Refreshments will be provided.

If you are interested in attending, would like more information or need help with transport, please contact Caroline Friend: carolinef@voicesnorthumberland.org.uk.

 

Carers Rights Day 2018

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Are you a carer? Do you know your rights?

Come along to this Carers Rights Day event which this year has the theme ‘Caring for your Future’.

There will be lots of information and advice on:

Carers Rights, Paying for Care, Welfare Rights, Employment, Local Carer Support and much more.

Stall holders include: Healthwatch Northumberland, Welfare Rights Unit, Adult Services, Age UK, Alzheimer’s Society, Citizens Advice Bureau, Hospice Care North Northumberland, Bridge Project, Northumberland Cancer Awareness, NTW mental Health services, Escape Family Support.

Try a relaxing therapy or a craft and have a cuppa with a Key Worker.