Having someone listening to me made all the difference
Not all carers call themselves carers and as such, not all carers get the help and support they might need.
That’s why we shine a light on what we offer as much as we can. At North Tyneside Carers’ Centre, we want every carer to know they are supported and help is out there for them.
One of our carers, Vanessa, initially got in touch with us because she was struggling with her work being inflexible while she juggled her role with caring for her mother-in-law.
Eventually it took its toll and made her ill. However, she reached out to us and spoke to one of our advisors who reassured her that she didn’t need to feel alone.
“I just needed somebody outside of work who would say to me: this isn’t right. After years of hard work, I couldn’t get anyone to listen to what I was saying. I wasn’t asking for much, just a bit of flexibility,” she said.
When she spoke to Aaron at North Tyneside Carers’ Centre, he gave her advice and support and explained that someone could join her in the meetings with work.
She said: “He was the first person to listen to me, which helped me because you start to think it’s you being difficult. I was in such a mental state by then which is not me, I’m a strong person, but it really did get to me.”
In the end, Vanessa left work to be a full-time carer and has since had advice on how to get help financially from the Carers’ Centre.
She said: “The thing is you don’t see yourself as a carer. I’ve never seen myself as a carer – I’m a daughter-in-law.”
Having been a carer for 11 years, Vanessa knows she may need more support in future as her mother-in-law’s dementia worsens but she also knows the help is there.
She said: “That’s the good thing about the carers’ centre. It’s there for as much as you need and you can dip in and out. I know I can speak to Aaron again if things get difficult and I know there are other people there who can support me, it’s brilliant.”
Her message to other carers is simple. Reach out and get help.
She said: “There is no judgement, they are there for you. They will listen to you and will help you get the right support.
“It was a difficult process to open up but I’ve always been supported. There are no downsides and I would encourage people wholeheartedly to go to them and ask for help.”
If you have caring responsibilities and are finding life difficult, we have a team who can help. Contact us using the details below. Also, have a look at all the training sessions we offer carers by visiting our website.
0191 2496480