Support for Unpaid Carers

Does someone else depend on you for care?

Many kinship carers don’t realise they are also unpaid carers.

You are an unpaid carer if you look after:

  • A disabled adult or child.
  • Someone with a long-term or serious illness. 
  • Someone with mental health needs.
  • Someone with an addiction.

And you are not employed to do this care. 

We want all kinship carers to feel supported and valued.  If you are providing unpaid care, you can access extra support from Newcastle Carers.

Newcastle Carers offer free support, including:

  • A carers information line (open 5 days a week).
  • Personal advice and support from trained staff.
  • Details about benefits and grants.
  • Newsletters, activities, and events.
  • Peer support groups.
  • Help to stay in or move into paid work.
  • Specialist counselling services.

For find out more, visit the Newcastle Carers website.

Grandmother pushing grandfather in a wheelchair. Small child sitting on his knee.

Carers Assessment

If you are an unpaid carer for an adult family member, neighbour or friend, you can ask for a Carer’s Assessment.

This looks at how your caring role affects you, including:

  • Your health and wellbeing.
  • Your work or daily routine.
  • Your free time and responsibilities (including kinship care).

After the assessment, you may be offered support, such as:

  • Advice about housing, benefits, or services.
  • Help at home (e.g. carers, cleaning, gardening).
  • A break from caring.
  • Things to support your wellbeing (e.g. gym pass or spa day).

To get an assessment:

  • Speak to your social worker if you have one.
  • Contact them direct:  

 

Universal Support
Information from https://childrenandfamiliesnewcastle.org.uk/
Printed on September 30th 2026
Page last updated
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