Thousands of people caring for their loved ones in Hartlepool are being told: 'You are not alone under lockdown'

And Hartlepool Carers have added: “We are here for you. You are not alone.”

The group thinks at least 10,000 adults and 2,000 children – as young as five – in the town could be caring for relatives while they remain indoors under Government restrictions. Officials think the figures could be much higher.

But help is at hand thanks to the group which has launched initiatives to support people.

Chief executive Christine Fewster said: “We want people to know they are not alone. We are here for anyone who is providing unpaid care for loved ones.”

It has launched its ‘Care for a Cuppa’ session which is a virtual weekly get together every Wednesday at 10am, available by visiting the Hartlepool Carers Facebook page or clicking here.

There is also a service offering advice over the phone and the Carers has a buddy system.

Christine said: “We hope this gives carers and families the opportunity to remain connected in the community and share ideas to help families through this difficult time.”

Care for a Cuppa ‘will be hosted by our dedicated team who will be on hand to provide support’, said Christine.

The latest news on the Coronavirus – and the number of cases in the region – can be found here.

But Hartlepool Carers is doing all it can to help. Group membership has rocketed from 800 in 2018 to around 2,000 now.

She added: “Figures suggest there are more than 10,000 adult carers and 2,000 young carers in Hartlepool but there may be more.

“We are in the early days of Covid-19 and my gut feeling is there is going to be an increase in the group’s numbers. I am worried about the young carers who would usually have a support network around them at school but that is not there at the moment, and they could have moved into a full-time carer role at home.”

The group is also linking with clinical commissioning groups and local authorities to help anyone leaving hospital and who needs care at home.

Christine, who was Carer of the Year at the 2019 Best of Hartlepool Awards after dedicating her whole life to care, said: “We can provide advice on the telephone. We have a buddy system and we have Care for a Cuppa.”

People can also access the group on (01429) 283095.

The Hartlepool Carers Facebook page covers topics from advice surrounding dental issues to a TikTok challenge for youngsters.

There are posts for children about art, vital phone numbers for those needing to access health services, and activities such as ‘exercise time’, ‘family quiz’ and a study hub for the younger generation.

The Facebook page is also setting ideas for younger members such as a ‘keepy up toilet roll challenge’, a scavenger hunt, and decorating an egg.

It comes as the Mail is running its #actsofkindness campaign to highlight amazing things people are doing to help others in their community.

If you or someone you know has done something amazing to help, get in touch on Facebook or email: [email protected]

We’d love to share the #actsofkindness to help spread some positivity at this difficult time.

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