Carers’ Rights

Under the Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000, carers aged 16 or over who provide a regular and substantial amount of care for someone aged 18 or over have the right to an assessment of their needs as a carer.

If you have parental responsibility for a disabled child, your needs as a carer will be assessed as part of a family needs assessment. You have the right to a family needs assessment under The Children Act 1989. You do not need to be the mother or father of the child.

A carers assessment will give you the opportunity to discuss your caring role and look at the impact it has on your health and well being.   Carer Assessment and Support Workers from the Carers’ Centre work in North Tyneside Council’s Community Assessment and Support Teams to undertake carers’ assessments and support carers through the carer assessment process.  These workers will provide you with the support identified in your carers assessment e.g. support to access leisure/social opportunities; support in/or into employment; emotional support.

If you wish to be referred for a carers assessment please contact the Adult Social Care First Call team on 643 2777.  If you already have a named social worker, please contact them direct to request a carers assessment.

For further information or support to access a carers assessment, please contact the centre on 643 2298.