More than 1,000 people tell us about life as a carer

We have had a fantastic response to our carers’ survey, with more than 1,000 people taking part. 

Our staff are currently evaluating the responses and preparing our report and recommendations.

Carers play a crucial role in North Tyneside. They hold families together, enabling those they care for to get the most out of life. Without them, health and care services simply wouldn’t be able to deliver.

The 2021 Census identified 19,683 carers in North Tyneside, with more than half providing 20 or more hours of unpaid care per week. It is believed there are many more.

The purpose of the research

The Caring in North Tyneside in 2025 survey was open to people who provide unpaid support for a relative, friend or neighbour who could not manage without that support.

It was a great opportunity for adult carers to say what is working well and what could be better.

We wanted to know:

As a carer, do you know how to access information about what support is available and your rights?

Are you able to access respite care?

Do services involve you in decision making?

The views and experiences we have heard from unpaid carers will help improve support services for carers across the borough, as we pass on your feedback to leaders to help them shape future services.

The research by Healthwatch North Tyneside was carried out on behalf of North Tyneside Carers’ Partnership Board – a partnership of NHS, local authority and voluntary sector organisations wanting to improve support for carers. North Tyneside Carers’ Centre, the Parent Carer Forum, PROPS North East and Mobilise all helped us reach as many carers as possible.

The survey was completely confidential and every carer who took part was able to enter a draw to win £100 of high street vouchers. Congratulations to our winner, Gill from Whitley Bay.

This is the third time we have asked carers about their experiences of support in North Tyneside. You can find out more about some of the things that have happened as a result of our surveys in 2021 and 2023 on pages 12 and 13 of our 2023-24 Annual Report here.