Charity wants the hidden army of carers to look into getting support
Chances are you know a carer, or maybe you are one yourself. It can feel lonely but you are not on your own
Carers Support West Sussex estimates that three out of five adults will become unpaid friend and family carers at some point in their lives.
The charity currently has 31,000 registered members, however there are 91,000 carers in West Sussex who do not currently access the services the charity has on offer.
Sonia Mangan, chief executive of Carers Support West Sussex, said: “It is about finding that hidden army of carers and letting them know we are here to support them.
“When people are carers they tend to think they are the only one going through it, but then they come to us and there is this sense of relaxation as they meet people who understand and are going through the same thing.”
Carers Support West Sussex offers physical and emotional support and help with finances.
But one issue the charity faces is those that do not yet identify themselves as a carer.
Sonia said: “We find that many, and these are mainly women, don’t identify sa carers they just see it something they are meant to do.
“If it is your partner, husband, wife, parent you think this is what I’ve signed up for, this is what I’m meant to do but we are here for you.”
Because of this it can take carers years to realise they need support.
Sonia said: “Parents with a child with a learning disability will take a number of years to realise they may need support.
“If your brother, sister, mother, father has an addiction it takes three years to recognise you are a carer.
“Many carers are looking after those aged over 65 with frailty, dementia or
Parkinsons, these people usually need support quicker and it is usually traumatic and can reach a breaking point.
“Our ethos is seen, heard and included.”
On April 29 the charity is hoping to attract new carers and current registered members to its free One Big Day event at Fontwell Park.
Organised by the charity with the family and friend carer teams at West Sussex County Council there is lots on offer from activity sessions such as art classes and yoga, discussion groups, wellbeing advice and much more.
One of the guest speakers on the day will be author Kate Mosse.
Sonia said: “I’m looking forward to One Big Day and talking to Kate, who has been a carer for three adults, she will be talking about her experience and her book An Extra Pair of Hands about her personal story.
“Kate sees it as a women’s issue, and you find women in their 50s are more likely to be carers, and the eldest daughter is the one who will make the decisions.
You are important and there are people going through what you are.
SONIA MANGAN CEO, Carers Support West Sussex