West Sussex County Council, the NHS and Carers Support West Sussex are supporting Carers Week, which runs from 6th to 12th of June, to help make caring visible, valued and supported.
The aim is to highlight the help available to people who may not identify themselves as a carer, despite taking on caring responsibilities for their relatives and friends who live with disabilities, become ill, or older, and needed their support.
Amanda Jupp, Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services, said: “We want the public and professionals to recognise the caring role. This could be a young carer or an adult who is looking after someone else.
“The difference and impact that being a family and friend carer has on the person they are looking after is huge, but it can also have an impact on carers themselves.
“That is why we want people to find out more about the services that are available to support carers in their own right, not just the person that they are looking after.”
Sonia Mangan, Chief Executive of Carers Support West Sussex, said: “We want carers, and the work they do, to be recognised, valued and supported. And we want people who don't think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.
“We have more than 30,000 carers registered with us; but we also know there are more than 90,000 carers across this glorious county who aren’t registered. So, if you’re one of the 90,000, and you think we might be able to help you, or someone you care for, get in touch.”
One of those who has benefited from registering with Carers Support West Sussex is 87-year-old David, who cares for his wife Jennie, who now has several health conditions, some of which restrict her movement, balance, mobility and speech.
David provides round-the-clock care for Jennie, but says they are closer now than they have ever been. Jennie is a former ballet dancer but can no longer walk unaided. David now helps her by walking backwards whilst taking her forwards, like dancing partners.
Carers Support West Sussex helped David successfully apply for a Carers Health & Wellbeing Fund, which helps him and his wife enjoy their regular visits to their local yacht club, which is a safe and familiar place for them both.
David said this was something he would not have considered before Carers Support West Sussex’s help, but he is extremely appreciative of the help as it means he and Jennie can continue to enjoy their coffee dates at the yacht club.
As well as feeling supported and valued, David said the help from Carers Support West Sussex has also made him feel less isolated himself and improved his own wellbeing.
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