A helping hand for Hartlepool's carers to get around town: Find out how you can benefit

A caring group has come up with a way for Hartlepool people to get around town while they look after their loved ones.
Pictured launching the new scheme are Christine Fewster, left, Roxanne Boagey and Sarah Rowntree, right.Pictured launching the new scheme are Christine Fewster, left, Roxanne Boagey and Sarah Rowntree, right.
Pictured launching the new scheme are Christine Fewster, left, Roxanne Boagey and Sarah Rowntree, right.

A free scheme where people can loan bikes has been unveiled in the town. It is called the ‘Carers Cycle and Connect’ scheme and has been launched by the Hartlepool Carers group.

The group’s chief executive Christine Fewster called it ‘an opportunity for carers to loan technology and cycle equipment to get around town to help them in their caring role’.

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Christine explained: “We have a number of cycles with safety equipment for carers to loan. Throughout lockdown, carers have shared with us the difficulty in getting across town to continue to support loved ones and felt this would be great to develop.

“Not only will it help carers in their role but it will increase carers physical and mental well being.

“We are also conscious that many carers have anxiety about using public transport. This will help eliminate their fears as well as being good for our environment.

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“We will also be offering cycle training in partnership with Hartlepool Borough Council.

“Alongside this we will have additional laptops and tablets to support carers to maintain contact with loved ones.”

And it is not the only support from the group to people during the lockdown.

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It has also sent out packs to young carers, filled with items such as outside games, art and crafts, health and wellbeing resources and ‘plant your own sunflower’.

Then came the packs for adult carers which includes art materials, dominoes, draughts and cards.

Its ‘Care for a Cuppa’ scheme is virtual weekly get-together every Wednesday at 10am, available by visiting the Hartlepool Carers Facebook page.

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

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To find out more about any of the schemes, contact (01429) 283095.

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