Welcome to the website for carers in West Sussex

This site is for carers in West Sussex and aims to help put carers in touch with local support and services and to give support to carers in every way it can.

Many people who look after ill, disabled or frail family or friends do not think of themselves as carers and are unaware of the support available to them. Find out exactly what we mean by the word Carer.

Website Survey
Tell us what you think of this website – complete our online survey at www.surveymonkey.com. We value all comments and suggestions to help us ensure the site is useful and informative for carers in West Sussex.

MAY

1st-31st: Hughes Syndrome Awareness Month www.national-awareness-days.com
1st-31st: Save A Baby Month - www.fsid.org.uk
14th-18th: Cancer Prevention Week - www.national-awareness-days.com
14th-20th: Action For Brain Injury Week - www.headway.org.uk
14th-20th: Arthritis Care Awareness Week - www.national-awareness-days.com
20th-26th: Dementia Awareness Week - www.alzheimers.org.uk
20th-26th: National Epilepsy Week - www.epilepsy.org.uk
21st-27th: Heart Rhythm Week - www.aaaw.org.uk

HOTSPOT - New items added:

New research finds unpaid carers struggle without support - go to the National News page (17/5)

Full state pension for stay-at-home mothers and personal carers - go to the National News page (14.5)

Bereavement Care Awareness Course, Horsham starting September - go to the Training to help you provide care page (14/5)

National Accessible Toilet scheme threat of closure - go to the Noticeboard page (11/5)

Simpson's actor Harry Shearer reveals how he copes with his wife's severe depression - go to the Noticeboard page (30/4)

Carers UK looks to new technology to improve care services - go to the National News page (24/4)

Schizophrenia Commission - views wanted - go to the Mental Health page (23/4)

Template letter for parents who have been refused an assessment - go to the Parent Carer page (10/4)

Disability grants available - go to the Grants and funding page (10/4)

Young Carers Festival 2012

This festival for young carers will be held at Fairthorne Manor in Southampton from 29th June - 1st July. It is an opportunity for young carers to forget their responsibilities and have fun. Entry is by referral only. Read more on the Young Carers Festival 2012 page

Carers Week 2012 - theme is 'In sickness and in health'

As part of Carers UK's early planning ideas for Carers Week 2012 (18th-24th June) they are researching all things Olympics. Carers UK are keen to find out about carers and/or their families in the UK who have had or have an Olympic link of any kind. Were you an Olympic contender? Did you travel with the GB team? Did you see Olga Korbut close up? Does the Olympics mean something special for you as a carer? Whatever your role or link Carers UK would be really keen to hear from you. Please send your details to Rebecca Couper, the new Carers Week Media Officer, at Rebecca.Couper@carersuk.org. This information is for research purposes for the present time.

Lynda Bellingham backs Carers Week 2012
Every year Carers Week attracts celebrity supporters. This year Lynda Bellingham has been interviewed to highlight how vital support is for anyone caring for a friend, family member or partner. Watch the short film at: www.youtube.com

Carers Week 2012 Survey

Skills for Care are continuing to support Carers Week by asking unpaid carers for their experiences and opinions to help shape the work of Carers Week 2012. This survey is open to every carer in the UK. Complete the survey at: www.surveymonkey.com

Being a Carer

Not usually your chosen job.
You do it in response to love, loyalty, duty or circumstance.
You look after or provide health, safety and comfort
You worry
You are afraid to be ill
You feel isolated and lonely
Are under huge amounts of stress
You have to be reliable and very adaptable
There are no easy quick-fix solutions
But … a half-smile, a wink, a nod of the head
Can melt your heart
With memories of what was before
And caring becomes a pleasure
And not simply…..a chore!
(Anon)

"A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles" - Christopher Reeve

West Sussex Carers Support Services
The West Sussex Carers Support Services can talk to you about your situation and advise you about what support is available. The link above will take you to a page with details of your local carers support service and how to contact them.

Carer workers jobs in West Sussex

If and when both salaried and voluntary vacancies become available in the West Sussex area, we shall post them on this website. Vacancies can also be submitted here. The link above will take you to the Jobs section.

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