The young carer’s survival kit: support in North Tyneside

This month we are taking a moment to focus on our young carers, including the positives and some of the challenges they may face.

In North Tyneside we have lots of resources and places where young people with caring roles can get support. This blog is a one stop shop for young carers to show what is available and how to access support.

A young carer is someone aged 5–18 who provides unpaid support to a family member because of illness, disability, mental health needs, or substance misuse.

If you think you fall into this category, the first step is to get a Young Carers Needs Assessment. This will show what support you might need and you can choose who you would like to complete your assessment. It might be a teacher, or a learning support assistant, or a counsellor, or someone from children’s services. 

Some of the help you could receive might include breaks and activities so you have time to yourself, someone to talk to for emotional support, help with school or college and training for life skills.

Support for young carers

At North Tyneside Carers’ Centre our young carers team work with young carers to provide practical and emotional support around their caring role. This includes providing a safe space to be listened to and group activities to help you meet other young people in the same situation.

Young Carers Forum

This is a regular group for young carers (aged 11–18) who meet, share ideas, and have their voices heard. The Forum gives feedback to us and other local decision-makers about what young carers need, what works, and what doesn’t.

These groups matter because they give you time to rest and talk to friends and also, develop your own interests and hobbies.

Our message to young carers is: You’re doing a lot. Being a young carer comes with responsibility but you deserve support, rest, and help too. If you’re in North Tyneside and caring for someone, reach out. You’re not alone and help is available.

If you are a young carer or a family member in need of support, please contact us on 0191 249 6480 or email enquiries@ntcarers.co.uk.