A guide for carers

Carer's charter

This charter is a set of principles agreed by carers in North Tyneside to promote better recognition and support for them.

Recognising Carers

  • Recognise the contribution I make to society
  • Recognise the impact of caring on me
  • Recognise my expertise
  • Take my needs into consideration
  • Recognise that I have a life of my own outside of caring and may have other commitments

Valuing Carers

  • Listen to what I have to say
  • Respect my views
  • Show me you care about me and my needs, as well as the person I care for
  • Ensure equality of access to all services

Information and Advice

  • Give me information in a timely manner
  • Check that I have fully understood and been able to take on board what you have told me
  • Make me aware of my rights and what I am entitled to
  • Advise me how to access support and services

Involving Carers

  • Involve me in assessments, care planning and reviews
  • Offer me meaningful and timely involvement
  • Involve me in decisions about the person I care for
  • Be flexible and offer meetings at times which meet my needs
  • Feedback to me so I know the outcome of my involvement
  • Involve me when you make changes and/or develop new services
  • Respect confidentiality but don’t use it as a barrier to involving me

This work was supported by the Carers’ Voluntary Sector Forum.

For more information contact North Tyneside Carers’ Centre: Telephone: 0191 643 2298 Email: enquiries@ntcarers.co.uk