Your guide to support in North Tyneside this Christmas
Christmas is a time for celebration and rest. But if you’re caring for someone, this time of year can feel very different. Routines change, services close or reduce hours, and the emotional weight of caring can feel even heavier.
At North Tyneside Carers’ Centre, we know this time of year can be challenging. That’s why we’ve put together a simple guide to the support available locally over Christmas so you know exactly where to turn if you need help, advice, or someone to talk to.
Below is a list of helpful contacts, but we have also pulled together a Christmas Support Guide for carers with some useful information. Find it here.
Urgent care and out-of-hours support
If you need urgent support you can contact North Tyneside Council on 0191 6432777 (option 2) and the Out of Hours Team on 03303337475.
NHS 111 – For non-emergency medical advice.
GP Out-of-Hours Services – Your GP surgery’s voicemail or website will tell you which service to contact.
Christmas can be emotionally draining, especially when you’re trying to hold everything together for someone else.
These services offer free, confidential support:
Text SHOUT to 85258 for immediate support.
Samaritans – 116 123 Available 24/7, including Christmas Day.
Support for Young Carers
Christmas can be especially challenging for young carers, who often take on extra responsibilities during school holidays. These services can help:
Childline – 0800 1111, A safe space for children to talk about anything on their mind.
Kooth – Free online counselling and mental wellbeing support for young people.
Support from North Tyneside Carers’ Centre
Although the Centre will have reduced hours over the holiday period, our website is always available with information, guidance and resources to help you manage your caring role.
You can access online information about benefits and financial support, guidance on your rights as a carer and ways to get in touch when we reopen. If you leave us a message, we’ll get back to you as soon as we can after the break.
We know caring doesn’t pause for Christmas. We know you may feel tired, overwhelmed, or stretched thin. We know you often put yourself last.
So here is your reminder:
- You deserve support too.
- You deserve rest, kindness, and connection.
- You are doing an incredible job — even when it doesn’t feel like it.
North Tyneside Carers’ Centre will close at 5pm on 23 December and be back open on Friday 2 January.
If you need support in the meantime, contact us on the details below
0191 2496480