2023 was another busy year meeting with and listening to carers across the county, with lots of opportunities for carers to have their say on the big issues affecting them.

We met with carers at Carers Voices focus groups in our local carers centres and online, allowing us to hear from more carers in different caring roles. As a result, we can present a comprehensive picture of what is important to carers in East Sussex. The ‘For Caring Out Loud: Carers Voices report 2023’ is based on what Care for the Carers and other local charities heard from carers about their experiences, needs and aspirations. It presents a consistent picture of carers lives in 2023, as we continue to deal with extreme challenges in health and social care whilst grappling with the most challenging cost of living crisis for generations.

We will be speaking to partners and decision makers about the findings in the report and next steps we can undertake collectively in the coming weeks and months.

With the sheer scale and complexity of caring today, we need to continue to work together to respond to the significant challenges that so many carers are managing day in day out. In East Sussex there is a strong commitment to supporting carers from partners across the voluntary sector, health, social care and in our communities. But, as carers have told us, there is considerably more to do.

We are working to ensure no one is left to care alone, and we could not do that without carers making their voices heard. So our heartfelt thanks go to all the carers who gave their time to share their views and experiences, and to speak openly and candidly about their lives.

If you would like to have your voice heard, please join our Carers Voices Network by emailing info@cftc.org.uk or calling 01323 738390.

You can also find out about Carers Voices opportunities by signing up to our monthly e-newsletter. Sign up to our e-newsletter here