Connected Caring has won a three-year contract to support an estimated 16,000 carers in South Tyneside.

The partnership between Age Concern Tyneside South (ACTS), Vision & Hearing Support, and Your Voice Counts will provide holistic assistance to unpaid adult carers under a contract with South Tyneside Council.

Grahame Cassidy, chief officer at Age Concern Tyneside South, and lead at Connected Caring, explained: “We have a responsibility to ensure all unpaid adult carers in our area receive the support that they need. We want to reach as many people as we can with our service, including those who might not necessarily see themselves as a carer, but who are very much fulfilling a caring role.”

The service will offer a wide range of support mechanisms tailored to the individual needs of carers, including access to information, advice and practical assistance, as well as emotional support through one-on-one sessions, group activities, community support groups, counselling and carer respite breaks.

Sarah French, chief executive of Vision & Hearing Support, added: “We’re delighted to be involved in delivering the adult carer support service, Connected Caring. We believe the partnership has the skills, experience and strategic direction to ensure that every resident of South Tyneside receives the support they need to lead fulfilling lives. Carers play a vital role in our communities and it’s essential that we provide them with the assistance and recognition they deserve.”