Local GP championing carers recognised at Windsor Castle reception
A North Tyneside GP who has been working with the North Tyneside Carers’ centre, the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board and the Carers’ Partnership Board to improve recognition and support for unpaid carers has been honoured with an invitation to a prestigious reception at Windsor Castle, hosted by the King and Queen.
Dr Sue Clasper, a salaried GP at Hadrian Health Centre in Wallsend and frailty lead for the Wallsend Primary Care Network and Ageing Well Team, has worked closely with North Tyneside Carers Centre and NHS partners as a carers champion. Her focus has been on helping GP practices better identify carers, understand their needs and connect them with vital support.
Dr Clasper was nominated by colleagues at NHS England in recognition of this work.
“It was a complete surprise and such an honour,” said Dr Clasper. “It really felt like recognition for the amazing work being done locally to support carers.”
Unpaid carers are people who support a loved one who would not manage without their help. Many do not see themselves as carers and simply view it as part of family life. It can take around two years for someone to realise they have moved into an unpaid caring role.
Caring can place a significant strain on mental and physical health, particularly for older people and young carers. Young carers may struggle at school, experience bullying and face higher risks of poor mental health and reduced educational attainment.
Based on research by Centre for Care, unpaid carers are estimated to save the country around £184 billion every year, a contribution similar to the annual cost of running the NHS. Around one in five people will become an unpaid carer at some point in their lives. Health outcomes for unpaid carers are also known to be worse than for those without caring responsibilities.
“Carers are absolutely vital to society,” said Dr Clasper. “If we notice them, support them and connect them with help early, they are more able to stay well and continue caring.”
Through local partnerships, GP practices in North Tyneside are being encouraged to appoint carers champions, routinely ask patients about caring responsibilities and offer flexible appointments. Practices also signpost carers to North Tyneside Carers Centre for emotional support, practical advice and benefits guidance.
“Carers are patients too, but they are often invisible,” Dr Clasper added. “We need to make sure we look after them as well as the people they care for.”
Dr Hilary Lloyd, chief nurse and AHP officer for the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board states, 'carers play a huge role across our region, we know the importance of their contributions and their value to the NHS.'
The Windsor Castle reception brought together more than 150 guests from NHS organisations, voluntary sector groups, and caring communities, including many young carers.
Dr Clasper described the day as “surreal, very special and a huge privilege.”
Guests were welcomed through the castle’s historic gates, before gathering in the State Banqueting Hall – a venue that has hosted world leaders and major state occasions. Although there was no formal banquet, attendees enjoyed refreshments while sharing stories and experiences.
Dr Clasper spoke with young carers who are now using their lived experience to raise awareness in schools and create resources to help teachers better understand the pressures young carers face.
She also had the opportunity to briefly see the King, and to speak with a range of high-profile attendees including the Prime Minister and Coleen Rooney, and fellow professionals, all united by a shared commitment to caring.
“What really stood out was hearing young carers’ stories and seeing them being recognised. It felt like a genuine celebration of people who give so much, often without any recognition at all.”
A key theme from the day was that caring, whether paid or unpaid, is an expression of compassion and love – and that people receiving care should never feel like a burden.
“One part of the King's written message to those at the reception that really stayed with me was that nobody is a burden,” said Dr Clasper. “Caring is about love without expecting anything back. If we can all do more of that as communities, as the NHS, as families, life would be better for everyone, especially the most vulnerable.”
Carers in North Tyneside can contact North Tyneside Carers Centre for free, confidential support, including emotional support, practical advice, benefits guidance and carers’ assessments. Local GP practices are also encouraged to discuss caring roles and help connect people with services.
“If you’re a carer and starting to feel overwhelmed, reach out early,” said Dr Clasper. “You deserve support too.”