Last Updated: July 15, 2025
Thousands of unpaid carers across the North East of England have received support over the last year through landmark tech-powered initiative. The initiative was first launched in June 2024 and has provided support to 95,000 unpaid carers so far.
The initiative is being delivered through a collaboration between 13 local authorities across the North East in partnership with Mobilise, a carer-led online community. The initiative provides carers with access to on-demand support, an online community forum and tools to help claim financial support. The aim was to build upon support already available from local carers organisations.
According to the 2021 census, the North East has the largest proportion of unpaid carers in the UK. According to the census data, one in ten people living in the region are known to be providing care for someone – although the figure could be higher with many not recognising themselves as a carer for a loved one or friend.
Digital services boost support for ‘hidden carers’
Research has suggested that over a third of people looking after someone take over three years to recognise themselves as a carer. This means that many people in a caring role may also not realise they are entitled to support. These individuals are known as ‘hidden carers’.
The North East initiative has helped to unlock support at a quicker rate for these ‘hidden carers’. 81% of people accessing the online services had not previously engaged with other forms of carer support.
The online service can be accessed remotely 24/7, allowing carers to access ‘out of hours’ support. 58% of those accessing support through the initiative are doing so outside of normal working hours.
The impact of the initiative
The initiative has highlighted the need for increased awareness of the variety of caring roles and the importance of 24/7 support to the lives of carers and those they care for.
A carer from Redcar and Cleveland, said, ‘I’ve been married to my wife for 42 years, and care for her for the past 11 years. I’ve juggled my caring role with full-time work for the majority of this time. […] Being a carer isn’t easy, and it can be during these quieter moments that I’ve found myself struggling in the past and looking for support. This is when having a support network available 24/7 can make all the difference.’
Steph Downey, Strategic Director for Integrated Adults and Social Care Services (DASS) at Gateshead Council, said, ‘We are so proud of the impact this initiative is having for unpaid carers within our community. Reaching and supporting those with caring responsibilities is a vital priority – and we’re especially keen to reach more ‘hidden carers’ who may not have accessed support before.’
Suzanne Bourne, Head of Carer Support at Mobilise, said, ‘Not everyone identifies as a carer. But everyone who looks after someone should be aware of their entitlement to support and be able to access services that fit around their schedules and needs.’
The digital services initiative is available across the following North East regions: South Tyneside, Northumberland, County Durham, Cumberland, Stockton-on-Tees, Redcar and Cleveland, Middlesbrough, Sunderland, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, Hartlepool, North Tyneside, Gateshead, and Darlington. To access support, click here.
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