Carers (health and wellbeing needs in South Tyneside)
Unmet needs
- Recent research from the Health Foundation shows the spending gap between England and other nations widening with public spending on care for older and disabled people being much higher in Scotland and Wales than in England. In particular, the two-year delay in publishing the Green Paper on Social Care in England is of deep concern. The results of the 2019 'State of Caring' survey show clearly why system-wide reform is needed to ensure carers are properly supported and able to have a good quality of life alongside their caring responsibilities.
- The unmet needs of Carers within South Tyneside have been collated through various sources including;
- The Carers Strategy Group (which is a group of applicable partners within South Tyneside including the Local Authority, NHS, Third Sector and Carer representation);
- The National Carers Action Plan analysis (which is a regional piece of work conducted in-line with the Government's call for action on carers);
- National guidance;
- Focus Groups;
- Surveys;
- Local data.
- The following statements express the unmet needs of Carers within South Tyneside;
- Carers have identified the need for more respite services to enable breaks from caring.
- Carers would like access to a befriending service that can meet demand.
- Carers have identified the need for more group support services in accessible locations.
- Carers have identified the need for more peer support services.
- Carers have identified the need for training on the use of assistive technology.
- Carers have identified the need for more flexible options for employment.
- Young Carers have identified the need for help with education opportunities.
- Young Carers have identified the need for better links to Mental Health services.
- Professionals have identified the need for greater links to the private sector.
- Professionals have identified the need for greater use of technology.
- It is clear from the evidence provided that carers from minority ethnic backgrounds are not well represented within South Tyneside. Due to the lack of information about carers from this background, it is unclear the demand for this type of service which highlights a need for future exploration.
