Help for Carers > Different caring situations > New carers

New carers

You are not alone:
In West Sussex there are about 74,000 people with caring responsibilities (of which almost 13,000 provide more than 50 hours of unpaid caring each week) and although many people say that it can be very demanding, we are often told being a carer is a very rewarding and loving role.

Many carers have told us that getting information about what to expect and services which could help is invaluable. If you are a new carer then this is here to help you.

Checklist of carers needs should get you to the information you are looking for quickly and easily.

New to Caring - booklet containing advice from experienced carers, which covers all the basics that a new carer needs to know about the financial, practical and emotional aspects of caring, and the range of help available.

Information sessions added 4.2.08
General information sessions in Chichester, Bognor and Petworth for people who are new to caring; the sessions cover benefits (and who to contact), respite care, OT referrals, hospital discharge planning, how social services can help; plus details of carers groups, organisations dealing with specific illnesses, and anything else a new carer might need to know. Look on the Search for Events link on the left of this page (Awareness raising) for dates and venues or phone the Carers Liaison Project – 01243 537011 for more details

You can also get more information from:

The following UK websites will help give you an insight into the caring role, what you can do and where you can get help.

www.carers.org - Princess Royal Trust for Carers provides information, support and advice for carers and young carers, including an interactive website

www.carersuk.org - Carers UK, the voice of carers, campaigning for their rights

www.direct.gov.uk - Information for carers about government services, government policy and other help.

There are people who can help:

West Sussex Carers Support Services (formerly West Sussex Carers Network)

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