The Hidden Struggle Of 286,000 Unpaid Carers In The North East

More than 100 organisations across the North East have joined forces to support unpaid carers by signing a new regional pledge aimed at improving recognition, services and opportunities for those who provide care to family members and loved ones.

The commitment was announced during a Carers Week event held in Durham and has already attracted backing from local authorities, healthcare organisations, political leaders and community groups. The initiative is designed to strengthen support networks for the hundreds of thousands of people who dedicate their time to caring for others without financial reward.

For many families in Newcastle and across the wider North East, the announcement represents a significant step towards acknowledging the vital role unpaid carers play in society.

Newcastle Families Highlight Reality Of Unpaid Care.

Among those sharing their experiences was Newcastle mother Kirsty Haynes, who cares for her young son Marco. Marco has Down's Syndrome and is deaf, requiring extensive support and frequent medical care.

Haynes explained that the responsibilities placed upon her have gone far beyond what many parents expect. Over recent years, repeated hospital visits and complex medical needs meant she found herself taking on responsibilities similar to those of a healthcare professional.

While she described her son as a source of immense happiness and pride, she also spoke candidly about the challenges families face when trying to access support, services and specialist care.

Her story reflects the experiences of many Newcastle parents who often find themselves navigating complicated systems while balancing the demands of everyday life and long-term caregiving responsibilities.

More Than A Quarter Of A Million Carers Across The Region.

According to Newcastle Carers, an estimated 286,000 people provide unpaid care across the North East. These individuals support relatives, partners, friends and neighbours living with disabilities, long-term illnesses, mental health conditions or age-related needs.

The scale of unpaid caregiving is substantial. Nationally, Census data from the Office for National Statistics found that around 5 million people in England and Wales provide unpaid care, highlighting how crucial carers are to communities and public services.

Research from Carers UK has also estimated that unpaid carers contribute support valued at more than £160 billion annually across the UK. This figure exceeds the annual NHS budget and demonstrates the enormous economic contribution made by carers every year.

For Newcastle and surrounding areas, these figures underline the importance of ensuring carers receive the practical help, financial assistance and emotional support they need.

Young Carers Face Unique Challenges.

Another voice at the event was Naz Brightly, who helps care for her mother, who lives with severe arthritis, and her younger brother Sammy, who is autistic.

Brightly spoke about the pressures unpaid carers face and the importance of better coordination between services across the region.

She explained that carers often spend considerable time searching for information, navigating support systems and accessing appropriate services. Improved communication and collaboration between organisations could significantly reduce those burdens.

Her experience highlights the challenges faced by many young carers in Newcastle and the North East. While they provide essential support at home, they often juggle education, employment and personal commitments alongside their caregiving responsibilities.

Despite the difficulties, Brightly described the resilience many carers develop, saying perseverance is often necessary when support is difficult to access.

Regional Leaders Back New Commitment.

The pledge has received support from several influential organisations and political figures throughout the North East.

Early signatories include North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, North Northumberland MP David Smith and Blyth and Ashington MP Ian Lavery.

The organisations involved have committed to improving awareness of carers' needs and identifying practical ways to strengthen support systems across local communities.

Charity leaders involved in the project say the pledge is intended to move beyond discussion and create meaningful action that improves everyday life for carers and their families.

The initiative also seeks to encourage organisations to share best practice, work collaboratively and develop services that better reflect the realities faced by unpaid carers.

Newcastle Carers Calls For Greater Recognition.

Luke Bramhall, Chief Executive of Newcastle Carers, described unpaid carers as a vital part of society and stressed the need for greater recognition.

He said carers frequently go unnoticed despite the significant role they play in supporting vulnerable people and reducing pressure on health and social care services.

Advocates argue that many carers sacrifice career opportunities, personal time and financial security in order to provide care. Greater visibility and stronger support networks could help ensure they receive the recognition they deserve.

For Newcastle residents providing care to loved ones, campaigners hope the pledge will encourage lasting improvements rather than short-term promises.

Government Consultation Focuses On Employment Support.

The announcement comes as the UK Government launches a consultation aimed at helping more unpaid carers remain in work or return to employment.

Officials say the consultation forms part of broader plans to improve support for carers and contribute to the development of a future national care service.

The Department of Health and Social Care has highlighted recent changes to financial support, including increases to the Carer's Allowance earnings threshold. The adjustment means carers can earn more while continuing to qualify for support.

Campaigners have welcomed the move but continue to call for further reforms that address financial pressures, access to respite care and workplace flexibility.

A Crucial Moment For Carers Across Newcastle And The North East.

The growing support behind the regional pledge signals a recognition that unpaid carers are essential to the wellbeing of communities throughout Newcastle and the wider North East.

While challenges remain, the commitment from more than 100 organisations suggests momentum is building for meaningful change. For families like those of Kirsty Haynes and Naz Brightly, greater awareness and practical support could make a significant difference in the years ahead.

As conversations around health, social care and community support continue, unpaid carers are increasingly being recognised not only as caregivers, but as a cornerstone of society itself.

Join the conversation below.

Do you think enough is being done for carers across Newcastle?