Carers Week: Celebrating the People Who Care for Others

This Carers Week, Age UK North Tyneside is celebrating the incredible people who support loved ones every single day, often without ever calling themselves carers.

Caring can look very different from one person to the next.

It might be helping a partner remember appointments, popping round to check on a neighbour, supporting a parent with shopping, or simply being there to offer reassurance and company.

For many people, it’s just part of everyday life. But these small acts of kindness, patience and support make a huge difference to the individuals and their lives, and these carers deserve to be recognised.

What Is Carers Week?

Carers Week is a national campaign dedicated to recognising unpaid carers, raising awareness of caring roles, and helping people access support.

It’s also an opportunity to remind carers that they matter too.

Many carers spend so much time focusing on someone else’s wellbeing that their own needs can end up at the bottom of the list. Carers Week encourages people to pause, feel recognised, and know that support and connection are available.

Not Everyone Identifies as a Carer

One of the biggest challenges for many people is recognising that they are carers in the first place.

People often describe themselves as:

• “Just helping my husband”
• “Looking after my mam”
• “Checking in on a friend”
• “Helping out where I can”

But if someone relies on you for support, guidance or reassurance, you are a carer, and your role matters, as does your health and wellbeing.

This is especially true for people supporting someone living with dementia, including those who may still be waiting for a diagnosis or beginning the assessment process. This is a point where we often see carers step up, and also neglect their own needs.

Caring Can Be Meaningful, But Support Is Available 

Many carers talk about the rewarding moments that come with supporting someone they love. Caring can strengthen relationships, create meaningful routines, and provide comfort and reassurance for families.

At the same time, it’s important that carers have spaces where they can talk openly, connect with others and feel supported themselves.

Sometimes, simply meeting people who understand can make all the difference.

Introducing Carer Connection

As part of Carers Week, Age UK North Tyneside’s Dementia Connections Service is pleased to launch Carer Connection: A new monthly support group for anyone in Newcastle caring for a family member or friend affected by dementia.

The group is open to:

• People supporting someone with diagnosed dementia
• Those awaiting diagnosis
• Anyone supporting a loved one through memory concerns or assessment
• Carers whose loved one lives at home or in residential care
• People looking for support, advice or connection.

Carer Connection will offer a welcoming and relaxed environment where carers can:

• Meet others with shared experiences
• Access information and guidance
• Take part in wellbeing activities
• Build supportive friendships
• Learn more about available services and support

The groups are supported by the Dementia Connections team, with Admiral Nurses in attendance at every session. The group will encourage peer support and conversation, because carers often understand each other in ways nobody else can.

Join Us for the Launch Event

We’re kicking things off with a special launch event during Carers Week.

Carer Connection Launch Event

Thursday 18th June
12 midday – 3pm

📍

 Innovation Hub (Ground Floor)
1 Strawberry Lane
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE1 4BX

The afternoon will include:

• Light refreshments
• Information and advice
• Mindfulness activities
• Breath work
• Opportunities to meet others and chat in a relaxed setting

Monthly sessions will then take place on the first Thursday of every month from 1pm–3pm, starting Thursday, 2nd July.

Let’s Make Carers Visible

This Carers Week, we’re encouraging everyone, whether it’s families, friends, neighbours and professionals, to recognise and celebrate carers in all forms.

Carers are everywhere in our communities, quietly helping loved ones age well, stay connected and feel supported.

A simple conversation, a thank you, or helping someone access support can make a real difference.

Support in North Tyneside

While this Carers group is for Newcastle-based Carers, Age UK North Tyneside also has Carer Support in North Tyneside. Admiral Nurses are available to provide emotional and practical support for carers and people living in Dementia across North Tyneside and Newcastle. Our Information & Advice team provides support for any questions related to care and the opportunities available for Carers and their loved one in the North Tyneside region as well.. 

Find Out More

If you’d like to attend Carer Connection or register your interest, we’d love to hear from you.

0191 406 6674
DCSNewcastle@ageuknorthtyneside.org.uk

This Carers Week, let’s celebrate carers, support carers, and remind people they do not have to do it alone.