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North East Pledges Better Support for Unpaid Carers
11 Jun
Summary
- Over 100 organizations signed a pledge for improved carer support.
- An estimated 286,000 individuals provide unpaid care in the region.
- Government consultation aims to help carers return to the workforce.

Over 100 organizations across the North East have committed to improving support for unpaid carers by signing a pledge. This initiative acknowledges the substantial number of individuals providing care, estimated at 286,000 people throughout the region. A conference held recently in Durham for Carers Week served as a platform to discuss turning shared understanding into coordinated action.
Personal testimonies from carers underscore the immense dedication and challenges involved. Carers shared experiences of navigating complex healthcare systems and advocating for their loved ones, often taking on nursing roles without formal training. The pledge aims to provide these individuals with the recognition and attention they deserve.
In parallel, the government has initiated a consultation to assist carers in returning to the workforce. This effort is part of a broader commitment to building a care system that properly values and supports unpaid carers, including recent increases to financial allowance earnings limits.