National Carers Week returned again this year from 9th – 15th June and with it we celebrated, recognised and highlighted the vital work caregivers do across the country. The theme for Carers Week 2025 was “Caring About Equality” which brings emphasis to the inequalities caregivers face daily, including being at greater risk of poor mental, physical and financial health.
Throughout Carers Week we had lots going on across Gateshead for caregivers and their family to get involved in.
Monday 9th – Connecting Coffee Morning
We kicked off national Carers Week in Gateshead with our “Connecting Coffee Morning” at St Joseph’s Gateshead. The event brought together lots of local organisations to create a hub of information and advice for caregivers and gave them a chance to connect with what support is available on their doorstep.
A huge thank you to the following organisations for joining us and making vital connections with caregivers; Age UK Gateshead, Alzheimer’s Society, Healthworks Newcastle, NHS Social Prescribing Teams, local dementia groups and the Gateshead Parent Carer Forum!
Monday 9th & Friday 13th – Benefits Advice Drop-In Session
Our team were also out at the Felling Family Hub and Blaydon Family Hub holding our caregiver benefits advice drop-in sessions. Each week our caregiver benefits worker travels across to different family hubs in Gateshead to meet and talk all things benefits related with local caregivers.
In our benefits advice drop-in sessions we can advise caregivers on a range of state benefit including;
- Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Attendance Allowance
- Carer’s Allowance
Be sure to check our groups and activities calendar to see when and where our next benefits advice sessions will be.
Tuesday 10th – Caregivers Advice and Information Stand
On the second day of national Carers Week, we visited Gateshead Civic Centre to hold a caregivers advice and information stand. This gave us the chance to connect with professionals within Gateshead Council and the general public to answer your questions, raise awareness of caregivers and the challenges they face, and share advice on caregivers, including what to do if you think someone you know is a caregiver.
Wednesday 11th – Caregivers Coffee Morning
As we approached the middle of national Carers Week we celebrated with local caregivers from across the borough at a fantastic Caregivers Coffee Morning at Age UK Gateshead in the town centre. We had a lovely time connecting with caregivers, enjoying some homemade baked treats and of course, plenty of hot drinks and good company!
We host our Caregivers Coffee Mornings every month at Age UK Gateshead. To find our next session, take a look at our online groups and activities calendar.
Wednesday 11th – Picnic in the Park
Our main celebrations of nation Carers Week took place on Wednesday evening at Saltwell Park! Caregivers of all ages and their families were invited to join us for a big picnic in the park. We brought lots of games and plenty of picnic blankets! Lots of families joined us and connected as we enjoyed the gorgeous weather and good times.
A special thank you to Tesco Trinity Square Gateshead for the generous donation of some outdoor toys and games – we had loads of fun!
Wednesday 11th & Friday 13th – Caregiver Training and Awareness Session
We partnered with Society Matters to offer caregivers a special training and awareness session around the challenges caregivers are facing and what can be done to manage these issues.
Thursday 12th – Young Adult Carers Drama Session
On Thursday evening, we brought young adult carers together at the Metrocentre Community Hub for a special drama session! The group had a fantastic time catching up and getting involved in a range of drama activities and games.
A huge thank you to the caregivers, organisations, volunteers and members of the public who helped us make national Carers Week into such a fantastic week for connecting with caregivers and raising awareness of their vital contributions to our society.
To learn more about national Carers Week, please visit the official website: www.carersweek.org