Carers’ support boosted by new contract

New services for unpaid carers across East Sussex

Carers across East Sussex can find all the support, advice and information they need in one place thanks to a new agreement.

Care for the Carers has been chosen to continue providing a Carers Centre after East Sussex County Council and the NHS recommissioned services.

The charity will develop a new single access point for people looking after a relative, friend or neighbour who couldn’t manage without their support. The Carers Centre offers advice and referrals to other local services, as well as working to reach carers at an early stage in their caring role, and creating carer friendly communities and peer support opportunities.

As well as providing comprehensive support, Care for the Carers will work with the county council and Eastbourne, Hailsham and Seaford, Hastings and Rother, and High Weald, Lewes Havens Clinical Commissioning Groups to improve outcomes and services for carers.

To complement the work of Care for the Carers, the council and CCGs have also made grants available to a range of services which support carers.

Cllr Carl Maynard, the county council’s lead member for adult social care and health, said: “We are delighted to be able to continue to work with Care for the Carers and further develop the good work they have done to help carers across East Sussex.

“Life as a carer can be extremely challenging, particularly if the right level support is not in place. Services commissioned by the council and CCGs will make sure that those people looking after family and friends have access to all the help available.

“As well as providing vital support, Care for the Carers are committed to working towards developing outcomes and services to achieve long-term benefits and innovation for carers.”

Jennifer Twist, Care for the Carers’ Chief Executive, said “This new contract is great news, as it enables us to continue working with carers, the county council, NHS and other local charities to make life better for the 67,500 carers in East Sussex.

“Caring can be isolating, exhausting, and incredibly stressful. It can be hard to get the information you need, and to manage the emotional impact of caring.

This funding will enable us to develop more accessible and joined up support, and to reach out to more carers so that no one is left to care alone.”

Small grants will support new and existing services to which Care for the Carers can refer people. Among services benefitting from the grants are;

• Specialist dementia training for carers
• Support for carers to go online and access support
• Short term intervention to manage the health and wellbeing of carers
• Activities encouraging social inclusion and developing peer support
• Support for carers caring for someone living with Motor Neurone Disease

The new contract with Care for the Carers began on 1 October 2019. More information about the support offered can be found here on our website or by calling 01323 738390.

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