West Sussex County Council in partnership with NHS Surrey and Sussex has launched a new strategy for supporting unpaid carers in the county over the next five years.
The strategy, which sets out the main priorities for health and social care to best support carers, follows a detailed review, with input from carers of all ages.
It sets out six priorities to support carers up to 2031 and aims to ensure:
Carers of all ages and from all communities are identified, recognised, and seen as important partners in care
Technology is used to make the lives of carers easier. Non-digital alternatives will be available to ensure no one is excluded
Isolation is limited and emotional wellbeing supported by encouraging and enabling carers, and young carers, to have an active life outside their caring role; including fulfilling their education, employment, and training potential
More carers understand the out-of-hours options available and have an emergency plan in place for when they need it
The financial hardship of carers is recognised and limited where possible
Those working in social care within WSCC and the NHS will lead by example in supporting their own workforce who provide unpaid care outside of work.
The new strategy, The West Sussex Joint Commitment to Family and Friend Carers has been endorsed by the West Sussex Health & Wellbeing Board and forms part of the new Adult Social Care Strategy which was published earlier this year.
The county council and the Integrated Care Board (ICB) jointly commission Carers Support West Sussex to provide information, advice, guidance and support to unpaid carers across the county. This includes a dedicated helpline, conducting statutory carer's assessments, hospital and community-based advisory hubs, and emergency planning services. A range of other commissioned and non-commissioned organisations also provide valuable support to unpaid carers in West Sussex.
Cllr Richard Bates, Cabinet Member for Adults Services said: βWe greatly value carers for the work they do, which supports the care system and helps us manage increasing need and increasing complexity of need. Β
βThis strategy is for everyone, because care touches all of our lives. As someone who has been a carer, I know first-hand both the rewards and the challenges that come with supporting a loved one. At some point in our lives, many of us will become carers, if we are not already, or we will rely on the care of family and friends to help us through difficult times.
βThe voices of carers and young carers are at the heart of this strategy. I am sincerely grateful to everyone who has shared their experiences so openly β helping us understand what makes a difference, what enables them to continue in their role, and what can make caring more difficult or stressful.β
Allison Cannon, Chief Nursing Officer at NHS Surrey and Sussex said:
βThis strategy sets out the evidence of what carers need and the steps we will take to better identify, involve and support them β not only in their caring role, but in protecting and promoting their own health, wellbeing and future opportunities. Because their efforts help family members or friends remain independent for longer and prevent escalation of health and care needs.β
Read the strategy on the county councilβs website. Joint carer strategy - West Sussex County Council
If you are a carer and would like to access support or are interested in getting involved to support local improvements, find out more at Carers Support West Sussex email info@carerssupport.org.uk or call 0300 028 8888.
