Member Article

Counselling support launched for Gateshead carers

Three North East women have launched Gateshead’s first counselling service to support the area’s 25,000 carers and have attracted the attention of Minister of Social Care, Ivan Lewis.

Marjorie Hunter, Christine Foster and Carole Tarbet launched North East Counselling Services because they recognised a lack of emotional support for carers in the Gateshead area. By sharing a common interest in counselling, they will provide local carers with vital support by providing a professional and confidential counselling service.

Marjorie said: “Some carers are elderly or disabled themselves, some are children and some have become carers, suddenly with no warning at all. “We offer a confidential and safe environment in which carers from 18 to 80 years old can unburden themselves and share their issues without judgement. Counselling aims to assist carers towards a deeper understanding, acceptance and responsibility in order to facilitate changes for a more fulfilling life.”

After only one month, the Community Interest Company, which passes any profits back to the community and charities, has already recruited the help of 12 volunteers - two fully qualified counsellors and ten trainee volunteer counsellors.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .