Two roadshow events will be held in Gateshead with support, advice and training available for unpaid carers during Carers Week (6 – 12 June).

In Gateshead, it is estimated that over 20,000 people care for a family member or friend who is ill, frail, disabled or vulnerable. Carers play a vital role in our communities by supporting their loved ones, friends, and neighbors every day and often consider themselves as just being a wife, a husband, a parent, a child or just a good friend.

This Carers Week, the Adult’s Social Care service at Gateshead Council and voluntary organizations have teamed together to provide carers with two support, advice, and training events so that they and the people they care for can live thriving lives.

Both events will be supported by the NHS Melissa bus, which is utilized across the region for training and pop-up events and have Carers Assessments available for anyone who would like to complete one.

Councilor Michael McNestry, cabinet member for Adult Social Care at Gateshead Council, said: “The past two years have been especially challenging for our amazing carers in Gateshead.

“We are grateful for every carer in Gateshead, even the ones who would never define themselves as a carer. That’s why, this Carers Week, we have teamed together with local voluntary organizations to bring support, advice and training on caring to the general public .

“By holding the roadshow events, we can raise awareness of unpaid carers and the support they can access, including assistive technology which will enable them and the people they care for to live as independently as possible.”

Stephen Cooper, MELISSA Team Manager at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said: “”The NHS MELISSA bus was commissioned by Health Education England North East & North Cumbria to provide an equitable and mobile resource across the region, promoting training, careers and engaging in Activities that improve patient safety.

“It is a pleasure to support Gateshead Council with their Carers Week roadshow as they look to reach out and provide support to the unsung heroes that are our unpaid/non-professional carers.”

Voluntary organizations attending the roadshow events include Age UK Gateshead, the Alzheimer’s Society and Carers Trust.

The first event will be held on Monday 6 June at Morrisons Car Park, Blaydon NE21 5QE between 9am-4.30pm.

The second event will be held on Friday 10 June at Trinity Square, outside Tesco Extra, between 9am-5pm.

For more information on the support available to carers, including how to submit a Carers Assessment, visit our Carers information page.