Carers Week 2026
Who is a carer?
A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who has a disability, illness, mental health condition, addiction, or who needs extra help as they grow older. It isn’t someone who volunteers or is employed to provide support.
Building Carer Friendly Communities
The UK’s 5.8 million unpaid carers are the backbone of our communities. Every day, they provide support to friends, family members, and loved ones. But are often overlooked, undervalued, and unsupported.
They can face challenges in every part of their lives – affecting their health and wellbeing, education, careers and livelihoods, relationships, daily life, hopes and aspirations.
Getting more support
You can find out about local support groups and services by contacting Healthwatch West Sussex on 0300 012 0122, helpdesk@healthwatchwestsussex.co.uk or fill in our form.
Carers Support West Sussex
Are dedicated to offering unpaid Carers information, guidance, and emotional support. Their aim is to deliver a well networked and supportive approach for each carer in the city/town or village in which they live. It is about having a richer and deeper presence within each district of West Sussex, providing local solutions to family and friend carers.
Website: www.carerssupport.org.uk
Helpline: 0300 028 8888
Email: info@carerssupport.org.uk
Carers UK
Carers UK is here to listen, to give tailored information and advice, campaign for lasting change, and f ind new ways to support carers with their caring role.
Website: carersuk.org
Helpline: 0808 808 7777 (Mon–Fri 9am–6pm)
Email: advice@carersuk.org
Looking after yourself
If you are in a caring role, it is vital you participate in looking after yourself – as no one can pour from an empty cup! These acts can be divided into three main pillars: prepare, stay connected and self-care.
Sussex poll feedback from carers about their own healthcare.
Healthwatch in Sussex wanted to better understand the challenges carers face when accessing health and wellbeing services for their own health.
179 people from across Sussex shared their views with us.
We heard:
- 20.1% (35) responders had delayed, cancelled or missed a healthcare appointment because of their caring responsibilities.
- 31.6% (55) responders have access to support (formal or informal) to help manage their own health and wellbeing.
- 40.2% (70) responders found it somewhat difficult to coordinate multiple healthcare appointments that happen on different days or in different locations.
