Carer Emergency Contact Card (CECC)
Support in West Sussex for Carers
Adult carers who look after another adult in West Sussex are entitled to an assessment of their needs by West Sussex County Council.
The assessment looks at your caring role and the impact that being a carer has on your life and wellbeing. The assessment will tell you whether you can receive funded support from the county council and give you details of carers groups, benefits information and other services to support you.
There are free support services for all carers in West Sussex provided by the Council’s Trusted Assessor Carers Support West Sussex.
Young carers who are under 18 are supported by a specialist team in West Sussex County Council’s Children’s Services. For more information, go to the Young Carers section of the West Sussex County Council website.
Carer Emergency Contact Card (CECC)
Previously known as the Carer Emergency Alert Card, the Carer Emergency Contact Card (CECC) offers peace of mind to family and friend carers and supports them to develop a carer contingency plan, in advance, in case of an accident or an emergency. The CECC provides the following benefits:
- Carers have access to 24-hour telephone response service
- Opportunity for stronger contingency planning in case of emergency
- Identifies you as a carer
- Offers peace of mind as a carer
- Discounts and special offers across West Sussex.
How to apply for a card
Anyone who looks after a family member, friend, or neighbour in West Sussex can apply for a card by registering with Carers Support West Sussex. Once registered, you can request the CECC referral form which asks you for relevant information helpful in the event of an emergency, such as details about yourself, the person you care for, their medical needs and any emergency contingency plan that may already be in place.
Once your referral is complete, Carers Support West Sussex will issue your personal CECC card with details about the service in the post.
Please visit Carers Support West Sussex website for more details. Alternatively, phone 0300 028 8888.
Carer Emergency Respite Service
Many carers worry about what would happen to the person they care for in an emergency. For instance, the carer might be taken ill suddenly, or be called away for work or other urgent family issues. TuVida can provide free emergency respite care for a temporary period of time. Provision is by highly trained staff for up to 48 hrs or for 72 hrs over a weekend or bank holiday.
Support at home after hospital
This service is available for older people and carers who may need additional help after leaving hospital. Find out more in the section Going in and coming out of hospital or go to Age UK West Sussex, Brighton and Hove website.
There is no charge for this service as it is supported by West Sussex County Council.
Consider technology enabled care
Technology Enabled Care allows you to call for help in the event of an emergency, if you’re not feeling well or if you’re anxious about a situation, such as an unknown caller to your home.
There are various different alarms, sensors and equipment which can suit a variety of needs and offer reassurance to you and your family and friends carers.
To find out more, go to the Equipment page.
