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Supporting Carers in Steyning

by Matthew Anderson - your local carer wellbeing and support worker, Carers Support West Sussex

Do you support someone who couldn’t manage without your help? If so, you are among 6.5 million unpaid carers in the UK today (almost 100,000 in West Sussex alone) - 1 in 8 adults. It’s estimated to save the public purse ££119 billion a year - about ££13.6 million per hour! Many people don’t recognise themselves as a carer and, even if they do, they may be reluctant to seek support or not know that it is available.


Carers Support West Sussex is there for anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction, cannot cope without their support. Our focus is on improving the health and wellbeing of carers, who are often under enormous pressure and have little time or space to themselves.


We offer:
• One to one support by telephone or in person.
• A wide range of information.
• Emotional support and counselling.   
• A range of equipment to support the carer’s role.
• Referrals to other appropriate services.   
• Carers groups, events, workshops and activities across the county.
• Access to a carer wellbeing fund.

We provide specialised support for parent carers, those caring for people with dementia, learning difficulties, mental health issues, autism, and substance misuse issues.


We also have workers based in the county’s four acute hospitals and a new team funded by Macmillan Cancer Support, for those caring for someone living with cancer.


Young adult carers can be hidden and hard to reach. Our ‘Shine’ service supports carers aged 18 - 25 and our ‘My Future’ group meets monthly in Worthing to provide these younger carers with a chance to have some fun away from their caring roles. West Sussex County Council offers support carers who are under 18.


Since April 2015 carers have been entitled to a carer assessment where their needs are assessed equally with the needs of the person being cared for. An assessment establishes whether a carer is eligible for further support from the local authority. It is important that carers’ needs are met before they become acute or reach crisis point. We work very closely with the NHS and have a strong partnership with the Steyning Health Centre.


GPs and practice staff are keen to identify and support any patient who is also a carer. With your consent the surgery can refer you to Carers Support or you can just give us a call or send email.


You will also find our Purple Reply Leaflets at the Health Centre. Many people just call us for a chat to share how they are feeling and this can often help to relieve immediate pressure.

Call: 0300 028 8888 or email: info@carerssupport.org.uk - Visit our website: www.carerssupport.org.uk
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