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What people thought about care

45% of carers were extremely or very satisfied with either their own care and support services, or those provided to the person they care for. 32% were quite satisfied. The majority of people who had had discussions about services they or the person they care for received said that they were always or usually involved in these discussions.

The quality of information and advice

The majority of carers who had tried to find information said that it was easy to find, and nearly all said that it was quite helpful. However, we are aware that some people found getting hold of information difficult, and we will look at possible ways to make this easier.

Carers’ quality of life

We found that most carers had few or no worries about their personal safety or ability to take care of themselves. The issues that many carers said were important to them were being able to spend their time the way they wanted, having enough control over their daily lives, and having enough social contact with others.

Changes since 2012 and 2014

This survey first ran four years ago, in October 2012, and again in October 2014. There have been relatively few changes in people’s responses since then. Changes which have occurred are:

· There has been a decrease in carers replying that they are very or extremely satisfied overall with care and support services since 2012, from 53% to 45% in 2014 and 2016.

· Fewer carers say that they can spend their time as they want, doing things they value or enjoy, or that they do not have enough social contact with others.

· In 2012, 70% of carers in the survey had not heard of a Carers Emergency card. In 2016, this percentage was 76%.

Next Steps

The main issues that emerged from the survey related to whether carers felt they had enough control over their lives, and enough social contact with other people. We also found that many people had not heard of the Carers Emergency Card.

Newcastle City Library is delighted to announce that due to popular demand they have scheduled even more courses to help Newcastle residents to get online, dates have now been released for courses running up to December 2017.

 Please see below a brief description of the courses and instructions as to how residents can book a place.

 Booking instructions for all courses (except Get Online Champions training)

For more information and/or to book a place on any of these courses go to the Newcastle City Libraries Eventbrite page or call 0191 277 4100. Bookings require an email address, if the customer doesn’t have one just advise them to use Getonline@newcastle.gov.uk and their E-ticket will be posted to them.

Learn My Way, Basic Computer Training

This is a brilliant course supporting people to develop basic computer skills which will help them to understand how to access and use the internet. Learners will develop their confidence in using a computer, learn how to send an email, search the internet for information and attach their CV to emails. we can also accommodate learners who have some knowledge and want to upskill themselves.

All of these courses are free and run at the City Library, over 2 sessions (two and a half hour per session, always on a Thursday morning 10.30 – 1.00pm) expenses of £4.00 will be paid on production of a valid day travel ticket.

One to one support is given to each attendee this extra service has proven invaluable to customers who are nervous or have a barrier to learning.
Time, 10.30 – 1.00pm – Venue Newcastle City Library

Techy Tea Party

These informal sessions are for customers who have a tablet, iPad or smartphone that they want to get more out of. Or for those who are interested in getting one but would like to have a practice first. Topics covered include basic settings, how to secure their device, general navigation and downloading apps. The sessions take place on the second and last Thursday of every month at the City Library, 2.00 – 3.30pm. Customers can book themselves a place on a date and time that suits them. [Please note: If your customers have an iPad they will need to bring their  Apple ID; if they have a tablet they will need their email address and password].

Basic Computing and Money Online (starting 27/09/17)

This is a new course aimed at those who want to gain basic computer skills as wells as learn about online tools and services that could help them save money. Email addresses will be set up for those who don’t have one. Participants will also be shown how to set their rent account up online (YHN tenants only) and also their NCC My Account (all), which will give them access to their online Council Tax and Housing Benefit Accounts. The course will run as a single session on a Wednesday each week, participants need only attend once for two and a half hours, places must be booked. On receipt of a valid day travel ticket £4.00 expenses will be paid. One to one support is given to each attendee this extra service has proven invaluable to customers who are nervous or have a barrier to learning.

08/17