Carers Week 2024

Carers Week (10^th- 16^th June) champions the role of carers and the contributions they make. This year’s theme, ‘Putting carers on the map’, aims to also raise awareness of the challenges they face due to their caring role.

Healthwatch East Sussex would like to hear from carers about their experiences of accessing health and care services, and the impact of caring on their health and wellbeing.

To share your experiences of health or social care with us, or to access support to navigate health and care services, please contact our Information and Signposting service on:

Telephone:  0333 101 4007

Email:  enquiries@healthwatcheastsussex.co.uk

Or leave a review on our Feedback Centre.

Do you care for a friend or relative? Are you getting the help and support available?

Are you a carer? 

It’s estimated that 1 in 5 adults in the UK are carers. However, many people who look after someone do not see themselves as family carers.  

If you provide unpaid care for a friend or family member who, due to illness, disability, or another problem, cannot cope without support, you may be entitled to help. 

What support can you get? 

Caring for a loved one can be very physically and mentally demanding, so finding out from your local council what practical support is available is crucial.

This support could include equipment to make caring easier or information about local support groups that can help.

Below are three key steps to accessing support:

1. Ask for a Carers Assessment

All carers are entitled to a carer's assessment from their local council.  A carer’s assessment will look at: 

• how the care you provide affects your life 
• ways you can access support and what you would like to achieve 
• your strengths and capabilities 
• types of support available to you in the community. 

This could result in the carer, or the person they are caring for, being able to get additional help or support. 

You can prepare for the assessment by thinking about: 

• what aspects of care you are willing and able to provide. It is important to remember there is no legal obligation to be a carer, and you have the right to choose. 
• are your health, wellbeing or relationships affected by caring? 

• are you worried about work, finances, or how other commitments are impacted by your caring role? 
• do you get enough sleep and time to yourself? 

Speak to your local authority’s adult social care department to request a carer’s assessment. For residents of East Sussex this will be East Sussex County Council (ESCC).   

To request an assessment, or complete a self-assessment, please use the contact details below: 

Phone: 0345 60 80 191   

Email: hscc@eastsussex.go.uk  

Website: https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/social-care/carers  

Or complete an online self-assessment on the ESCC website. 

2. Find Local Support

Caring can be very isolating, but you can connect with people in similar situations by finding local support groups to attend in person, or through phone or online support. 

Care for the Carers are an independent charity that provide free practical and emotional advice and support to unpaid carers in East Sussex, including: 

• One-to-one support and advice 
• A range of advice and support groups 
• Counselling 
• Social events and activities 
• Young carers support 

You can also apply for a free East Sussex Carers Card through Care for the Carers, which: 

• Identifies you as a carer, and that someone depends on you in an emergency 
• Gives the option to connect to a back-up respite plan 

• Can be used as a discount card, giving carers savings at businesses across East Sussex, and reduced car park fees at East Sussex hospitals. 

To find out more about local support and advice available, please contact Care for the Carers using the contact details below: 

Phone: 01323 738390 

Text: 07860 077300 

Email: info@cftc.org.uk  

Website: Care for the Carers – Supporting carers in East Sussex (cftc.org.uk)  

There are also at least 3000 young carers in East Sussex. East Sussex Young Carers supports young carers aged 5-18 who care for a family member with long-term illness, disability, mental health or substance misuse issues, to ensure they do not feel alone in their caring role. You can get in touch via: 

Phone: 0300 111 1110 

Email: youngcarers@imago.community  

Website: https://www.imago.community/Children-and-Young-People/East-Sussex-Young-Carers 

Facebook: Imago Young People Support

3. Find out about benefits and working rights

Getting a full benefits check will ensure you receive the financial support you are entitled to.  

The Carer's Allowance is the primary carer's benefit, but other financial support may include tax credits, council tax discounts or help with fuel costs. 

Carers UK provide a personalised benefits check online. It will take about 20 minutes to complete. 

Go to the benefits calculator 

Many carers find themselves juggling work and care. Recent legislation aims to support carers in the workplace. The Carer’s Leave Act 2023 and The Flexible Working Act 2023 both came into effect on 6th April, 2024. These entitle carers to request flexible working arrangements and up to one week’s unpaid leave per year to enable them to provide care. 

More information on a carer’s rights in work are available on the Carers UK website. 

Contact Us

If you would like help to navigate health and care services, or you wish to share your experiences of health or social care with us, you can contact our Information and Signposting service on: 

Telephone: 0333 101 4007 Monday - Friday (10am - 2pm)

Email: enquiries@healthwatcheastsussex.co.uk

Or leave a review on our Feedback Centre.