What we’re looking forward to this year and our message to carers
As this month comes to an end, we wanted to do something a little different.
Instead of talking about carers, we asked the people who work alongside you every day a simple question:
What are you looking forward to this year and what message would you like to share with carers.
The answers were thoughtful, hopeful and full of care and show exactly why our team does what it does.
Looking ahead: what our team is excited about
Across the team, people talked about looking forward to growing connections.
Anne Longstaff, Adult Carers Wellbeing Worker said “I’m looking forward to exploring more local museums with the All Carers Group and meeting and supporting new carers to make positive changes in their lives.”
Mental Health Carers’ Wellbeing Worker Gurpreet Kaur Chohan is excited to see the Mental Health Peer Support Group continue to grow in 2026, particularly “creating more opportunities to try new ideas, build confidence, and share meaningful experiences together”.
Carers Information and Advice Worker, Alison De Vall-McMurray said: “I am really looking forward to meeting everyone at The All Carers Group each month in 2026, and spending quality time with them all.”
Others spoke about standing up for carers and empowering them to know their rights.
Aaron Raper-Smith, Benefits & Legal Advisor, said: “I’m looking forward to seeing more carers stand tall in their caring role and watching more carers gain the confidence to advocate for themselves and their loved one through the support provided by North Tyneside Carers’ Centre.”
Bernadette Noone, Benefits and Financial Wellbeing Advisor, also said 2026 would see her continue to raise awareness of carers rights and entitlements.
Others spoke about the year ahead as a chance to build on what works, strengthening partnerships, reaching more carers who might not yet know help is available, and continuing to make support easier to access.
Operations Manager Emma Trimnell said: “I’m looking forward to driving forward improvements that make our support for carers more accessible, more responsive, and more meaningful.”
Working for Carers project coordinator Ian Catterall said: “I am really looking forward to engaging with more employability provider partners in North Tyneside, Newcastle and Northumberland to increase the support on offer to all carers receiving support from the Working for Carers project.”
Caroline Hamilton, Adult Team Lead, said she was looking forward to the new Carers Talking Therapies Wellbeing course, which starts in February, and the upcoming volunteer drive. She said: “I look forward to popping into various carer peer support groups to chat with carers, gather any feedback they might have about our service, and see if anyone would like to volunteer for us in the future. It can be an odd hour per month, a day a week or anything in between.”
Kiersten Browne, Family Support Worker, said: “I am most looking forward to building relationships with other professionals in education to ensure that young carers get the support they need.”
Young Carers Practitioner Helen Chandler said: “This year I am looking forward to advocating for and supporting more families and young carers. Encouraging them to have a voice and feel valued.”
There was also excitement about new activities and trips and finding fresh ways for carers and young carers to express themselves, relax and have fun.
Kate Rispin, Young Carers Lead, said there was so much to look forward to this year especially “the activities, events, and support we provide for young people. I’m especially excited about connecting with more professionals and schools to ensure staff feel supported and trained, young carers get the help they need, and awareness of young carers across North Tyneside continues to grow”.
Breaks and Activities Co-ordinator Claire Sampson said she is looking forward to involving more young carers in the breaks and activities service.
Angela Dodd, Young Adult Carers Worker, said: “I am most looking forward to continuing to run the young adult carers group this year, and offering young adult carers the chance to access peer support.”
Messages from our team to carers
Alongside what they’re looking forward to, we asked staff to share one message they’d like carers to hear as the year begins.
A common theme came through clearly: you are doing more than you realise.
Aaron said: “Every day I have the honour of seeing the incredible strength of you, unpaid carers. Your compassion makes a real difference, even when it feels unseen or underappreciated. Please remember that what you do matters, and so do you; your care and commitment are truly valued.”
Kate said: “We are proud to support you. You are the reason we work hard and keep going. You can always reach out to us.”
Gurpreet said: “Your dedication, strength, and compassion as carers does not go unnoticed. We value everything you do and celebrate the vital role you play every day. We are committed to supporting you in ways that work for you and help you thrive in your caring roles.”
There was also some great advice.
Bernadette said: “one day at a time.” While Kiersten’s advice was: Remember to look after yourself, looking after yourself makes everything else easier.
Angela’s message is: you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Ian said: “Don’t feel alone or isolated in 2026 – North Tyneside Carers’ Centre will stand right by your side during your caring journey to offer you support, guidance, patience, understanding and a friendly, caring voice whenever you need it. We’re here for you!”
Helen said: “What you do every day shows incredible strength and kindness. It’s ok to feel tired and overwhelmed sometimes. You deserve support, understanding and time to yourself. You are see, you matter and you are not alone.”
Why this matters to us
The messages our team shared aren’t just words. They remind us that our role isn’t to fix everything, but to walk alongside carers, help lighten the load where we can, and create spaces where carers feel seen and valued.
As the year unfolds, we’ll keep listening, learning and adapting, guided by what carers tell us they need most.
If you’d like to get involved, access support, or simply find out what’s happening over the coming months, we’d love to hear from you.
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