Did you know that since lockdown began we have had 75 new young carers register with us? That’s 75 young carers who are on this journey and haven’t yet been able to meet the staff in person or have the peer support of our other wonderful young carers. We are trying our best with phone calls and Zoom, but as we all know it’s just not the same! With this in mind, we are looking to start a new branch of our Care for a Call Ambassadors specifically for young carers. We are looking to our experienced young carers of all ages to become penpalRead More →

Having consulted with our friends at Hartlepool Deaf Centre, we are delighted to launch a new ‘text’ service which will enable the Deaf, deaf and hard of hearing to communicate more easily with our team of Information, Advice and Guidance workers to get the support they need. To contact the team via text, the number is: 07415 459534. Standard network rates apply. The  ‘text’ service will be manned during office hours. Hartlepool Deaf Centre promotes the welfare of Deaf, Deafened, and Hearing Impaired people in Hartlepool by providing support, information, advice, advocacy and signposting, as well as social and recreational activities. They are based atRead More →

We are delighted to welcome Tracie Bestford to the team, who has joined us as our Parent Carer Link Worker. In the role of  Parent Carer Link Worker, Tracie will be working with parent carers to ensure they are aware of local services and support available as well as co-ordinating focus groups and activities to engage with families. She will work within the community, engaging with key partners to identify parent carers at the earliest opportunity and work with schools, GPs, employers, and the wider community to raise awareness of families of children with additional needs and/or disabilities. Additionally, Tracie will lead on carer focusRead More →

Following the sad passing of Ruby Marshall MBE earlier this year the Board needed to have a reshuffle. This has now been finalised, below is a list of all Board Members and positions. Due to the recent reshuffle we have two voluntary positions on the Board, job specs will be placed in the coming week.   Chairman – Simon Piercy   Vice Chairman – Leon Francis   Secretary –   Treasurer –   Trustees Bev Hart, Martin Brown, Jacqui Gettings, Lynne Allison, Pauline Kewley, Bethany Harrison and Sharna Kelly.   We will all endeavour to continue the work set out by Ruby Marshall, and weRead More →

October is both Cancer and Down Syndrome Awareness month. Both are causes close to our heart, and so to help highlight the causes we have recorded two “Talking Tuesdays”.  The first is with Leanne, a mother of a gorgeous little boy with Down Syndrome and Trustee of Down’s Syndrome North East, talking about the support available for families. We have also spoken with Dr Yuki Smith about cancer awareness, signs and symptoms, support available and the importance of screening.Read More →

The Government have issued guidance and information for people under the age of 25 who are providing care for someone during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. This guidance is for anyone under 25 who cares for a family member who cannot cope without their support. This may be because they have a lifelong condition, illness, disability, serious injury, a mental health condition or an addiction. This can be viewed in ‘easy read’ format here:Read More →

We are delighted to inform carers that we are now able to accept new orders for our Carer Access Card. To request your card please email Susan.harrison@hartlepoolcarers.org.uk and attach a passport style photograph. Payment of £2 should be made via bank transfer in advance or in cash on collection (no change will be given so please bring exact payment). Cards remain free for U18s. For those carers who ordered their cards prior to lockdown we will be contacting you once your card is ready to collect. We estimate this will be within 2 weeks time but this is dependent on the printers. A full listRead More →

Our new project, ‘Talking Tuesday’, sees us take the opportunity to find out more about local service providers within the town and how they can support our community. Each week we will be talking to a different group around areas such as recreation and sport, health and wellbeing, financial advice and other subjects that are vital to carers and the community as a whole. If you have a question for one of our upcoming speakers please get in touch and we will make sure it’s asked for you. Or would you like to feature in one of our upcoming slots? Email sarah.rowntree@hartlepoolcarers.org.ukRead More →

Have you ever dreamt of being a published author or poet? Now’s your chance! Last week, speaking with our awesome young carers, they mentioned that they would like to do a creative writing project. We straight away got in contact with one of our carers, Janet, who came up with a brilliant suggestion – why not write a book?! So, what we are asking for is carers of any age to submit a poem, or short story (fact or fiction) about what it’s like to be a carer, putting your own unique spin on it. These will all be edited and put together in an anthology whichRead More →

Hartlepool Parent Led Forum are working with key partners across the town to understand the needs of families in relation to ‘Home Schooling’ We understand the past few month have been challenging and it is important to share your views if you are considering home-schooling or already home schooling. We want to encourage families to get involved to ensure positive changes can be made to support you and your child at the earliest opportunity. If you are considering home schooling or already are, please complete the following surveyhttps://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ITforHomeschooling Or join us on Friday 25th September, Place in the Park Garden Room, Ward Jackson Park, 12-1pmRead More →