Connecting unpaid carers in more ways than one

Local charity, Carers Support West Sussex (CSWS) recently secured some funding, which will help combat two issues facing a lot of family and friend carers in West Sussex: isolation and digital exclusion.

The recently launched Check in & Chat initiative is a telephone befrienders service offered exclusively to carers who are in need of a chat, as sometimes, hearing a friendly voice can do wonders for the spirit and as the 90s BT advert used to say “It’s good to talk”. Each carer will be matched to a CSWS volunteer to encourage more of a bond and offer continuity.

The Check in & Chat will also help identify any carers who feel digitally excluded and will be referred to one of the CSWS Digital Champion team who will in turn offer training and support. The digital support service is open to all carers, accessible by contacting the Response Line on 0300 028 8888 and asking to be referred to the Connecting Carers project. These two new services will enable carers to feel better connected.

Chief Executive, Sonia Mangan adds, “We want to make sure our local carers are receiving all the support they need to cope in their caring role. We totally get that caring can be wonderful and tough, whether you have recently become a carer or been taking care of someone for years. We will provide you with relevant information and guidance along with practical and emotional support. Always at the right time and in the right manner. We are with you no matter what.”

CSWS offer a free service supporting unpaid carers. During the restrictions placed by Covid-19, the organisation has confirmed that it is still taking referrals using a combination of phone and online methods. Carers Support West Sussex offers:

- Emotional support via the response line 0300 028 8888

- Carer Contingency Planning

- Carer Assessments

- Carer Wellbeing fund

- Practical guidance (including free equipment and grants)

- Information provision relevant to your caring situation

- Online support groups

No matter what your caring role…we are with you. Carers who have not yet registered with Carers Support West Sussex are invited to register themselves to enable access to the carer network. Those already registered are welcomed for continued support in their caring role.

For more information please contact 0300 028 8888, email info@carerssupport.org.uk or visit www.carerssupport.org.uk