From 8th to 14th June, the UK celebrated National Carers Week and here at Caregivers Connected Gateshead we got out into your communities to provide a whole host of groups, activities and information sessions for caregivers and the community.
Caring for a family member or friend who cannot cope without you is a huge life-changing commitment. Too often caregivers must put their own physical, mental and financial wellbeing on the back burner in toder to look after someone else. That’s why this year’s theme: ‘Building Carer Friendly Communities‘ gave us the perfect opportunity to help bring people together, break down the isolation that so often accompanies caring and ensure Gateshead is a place where caregivers feel seen, valued and supported.
Here is a look back at how we celebrated and connected with the caring community and provided some well-earned short breaks across the borough.
Monday 8th 🌻
We started our Carers Week celebrations by taking a quiet moment to breathe and take in the fabulous scenery at Saltwell Park at a Mindfulness Session. We were joined by our friends at The Little Company of Calm who took caregivers on a tranquil journey around the park as we learned a variety of mindfulness technique and enjoyed the lovely summer weather! From this session caregivers were able to destress, enjoy getting outdoors and are now equipped with new ways to look after minds – especially when facing the stresses of caring.
Our team were also out and about in Gateshead Civic Centre talking with members of the public and Gateshead Council staff about what caregiver support is available across the borough.
Tuesday 9th ⚽
Following from a fantastic day out, we met in Dunston for a very special Sporting Memories activity session with adult caregivers and the people they care for. The group meet to reminisce, replay and reconnect over legendary moments throughout sporting history. We were joined by the fantastic folks at Pathways to Blossom to do a “Love to Move” activity which had us all bringing out our best seated dance moves while we took part in this fun, music-based session. These sessions have were a great chance for caregivers to connect with others and bond with the people they care for, all whilst having fun and moving around.
Meanwhile, our young carers team were busy visiting Cardinal Hume School, helping us to build carer friendly communities through raising awareness of caring and the support available to them with pupils and teachers.
Wednesday 10th ☕
Our celebrations continued at Age UK on Gateshead High Street at our Carers Coffee Morning. It was a lovely morning filled with tea, conversation and caregivers – of course there were also some well-earned sweet treats on offer. The session gave caregivers the a chance to sit down and swap stories with other caregivers and our staff in a relaxed environment.
In the evening we welcomed young carers to join us at the Metrocentre Community Hub for an extra special young carers party. We were joined by lots of young carers to take a break from their caring role and enjoy some games and unlimited pizza.
Thursday 11th 🎨
We headed over to The Kiln Studios in Low Fell for some music-needed creative relaxation. Unpaid caregivers rarely get the time to focus entirely on themselves, so this hands-on pottery painting class was a fabulous escape. Everyone had time to unwind, chat and create beautiful pieces of ceramic art to take home.
Saturday 13th 👋
We wrapped up the week at the iconic Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in their front room. This drop-in event focused on our core mission: making sure no one has to navigate their caring journey alone. We welcomed caregivers, their families and the public to join us in learning about what support is available across the borough and what we can all do to build more carer friendly communities.
Why We Celebrate Carers Week
Unpaid caring is much more than a personal commitment; it is the vital lifeline holding our health and social care systems together. In fact, there are roughly 5.8 million unpaid caregivers across the UK, saving our economy an estimated £184 billion every year – this is effectively equal to an entire second NHS budget. Although we save this much money, it comes at a cost of our own wellbeing. Reports show that more than half (57%) of unpaid caregivers across the country feel overwhelmed often or always.
That is why building a carer-friendly community is a necessity! Whether it’s a local workplace offering flexible hours, a GP practice actively checking un on a caregiver’s mental health or a neighbour understanding why you might be running a bit late, every single bit of awareness helps to lighten the load.
Caring is more than one week long
If you couldn’t make it to our Carers Week events, don’t worry, as long as people continue to care for their loved ones, our dedicated team will be here to support them.
Whether you need a friendly ear or to connect with advice and other caregivers – you are always welcome to contact us.
Email: info@caregiversconnectedgateshead.co.uk
Free Phone: 0808 8010350
WhatsApp or Text: 0774 041 0314