Teessiders called upon to show support for unpaid carers

Residents in South Tees are being encouraged to sign the South Tees Carers Pledge as part of the awareness campaign, which takes place from June 8 to 14 and aims to highlight the vital work of unpaid carers and encourage support from individuals, businesses, and organisations.

The campaign is led by We Care You Care and supported by Middlesbrough Council, Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, Carers Together, The Junction Foundation, and Teesside Mind.

Stacey Skilton, head of service at WithYou in Redcar and Cleveland and a workplace carers’ champion (Image: Supplied)

Stacey Skilton, head of service at WithYou in Redcar and Cleveland and a workplace carers’ champion, said: “Recognising and supporting carers is essential for every employer.

“Creating a workplace where carers feel valued strengthens relationships, improves staff retention, and builds a more resilient and compassionate workforce.”

This is the second year of the pledge campaign, which seeks to raise awareness of unpaid carers across South Tees.

An estimated 30,000 people in the area provide unpaid care to family members or friends.

Pat Matten, a carer from Saltburn (Image: Supplied)

Pat Matten, an unpaid carer from Saltburn, said: “Too often, carers are overlooked.

“There have been times when I’ve felt ignored as a carer and excluded from conversations about care, despite being the person providing most of the support at home.”

Unpaid carers support loved ones for reasons including illness, disability, mental health conditions, or substance dependency. Many balance this role alongside work, education, and family life.

Melanie Kendall, project lead for We Care You Care, said: “Many people don’t recognise themselves as carers because they see what they do as simply being a husband, wife, parent, child, or friend.

“But caring is a role that can have a significant impact on a person’s health, wellbeing, and daily life.

“Too often, carers miss out on support because they don’t identify themselves as carers or don’t know where to turn for help.

“This Carers Week, we want every unpaid carer across South Tees to feel seen, valued, and aware of the support available to them.”

Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face, and recognise their contribution to families and communities.

Information stands will be available at Parkway Shopping Centre in Coulby Newham and James Cook Hospital on Monday, June 8, and at Redcar Market on Friday, June 12.