Prue, now in her seventies, has always been the dependable one—strong and selfless. But her role caring for her husband Pete began to take a toll on her wellbeing. She started to feel deeply low, cut off from the outside world, and overwhelmed by isolation. “I felt that my life had shrunk down to just my caring role—staying at home with no one to talk to,” she shared.
Everything began to change after Prue connected with one of our wellbeing workers. By opening up and receiving support, she’s experienced a remarkable shift. “I’m coping much better now and finding more balance between caring for Pete and looking after myself. I’m so grateful for the support,” Prue said.
Reaching out for support
Prue was encouraged to contact Carers Support West Sussex (CSWS) after a referral from her GP, who recognised how emotionally overwhelmed she had become in her caring role. Her husband Pete has faced a long and complex health journey—over the past 13 years, he has battled multiple cancers, and decades earlier, he lost a leg in a car accident. Most recently, Pete experienced several critical episodes that led to intensive care admissions, during which doctors feared the worst on three separate occasions. Since then, his physical and emotional health has declined significantly; he has lost two stone and struggles with low mood and bursts of anger.
Prue felt an immense pressure to manage everything, including trying to lift Pete’s spirits, all while navigating her own growing sense of isolation. Her own health challenges—including an eye condition that now prevents her from driving—have made things even harder, as she now relies on Pete for transport. With no children and or family nearby, the couple have become increasingly cut off. Although Prue has good neighbours and friends, she hesitated to reach out, not wanting to feel like a burden or the one who always brought the mood down. All of this left her feeling that her world had shrunk to the walls of her home.
The role of a wellbeing worker
When a carer makes contact for support, one of our wellbeing workers gets in touch to offer a safe and supportive time to talk. These one-to-one conversations give carers the chance to explore what they’re going through, identify the challenges they’re facing, and begin to think about what kind of help might make a difference.
Each call is shaped by the carer’s individual situation—no two are the same. Some conversations focus on emotional support, while others are more practical, such as navigating funding options or accessing services. Whatever the focus, the wellbeing worker listens without judgement and offers tailored guidance and support.
A key part of the role is empowering the carer to make their own choices. Rather than being told what to do, carers are offered options and encouraged to decide what feels most helpful for them. It’s a gentle but powerful approach that recognises the carer as the expert in their own life.
One of our wellbeing workers, explained: “I can often sense the carer relaxing and slowing down during our talk. I try to create an unhurried, calm space where the focus is entirely on them—what they’re going through, what matters to them. In today’s fast-paced world, where it can feel like nobody has time for anyone, this kind of presence is a gift as well as a service. I’m proud to be part of it.”
Prue’s conversation with a wellbeing worker
During her conversation with the wellbeing worker, Prue explored a range of options aimed at helping her feel less isolated and more supported. Together, they discussed services such as visits from the Carers Health Team, the Carers Support Check-in and Chat service, Age UK’s befriending scheme, and local support groups run by CSWS.
Determined to make positive changes, Prue embraced the suggestions wholeheartedly. She received two visits from the Carers Health Team, which provided much-needed reassurance and emotional support. She also took part in the Check-in and Chat service, where regular calls from CSWS volunteers became a source of comfort and connection. These friendly conversations reignited her interest in sharing her thoughts and passions, most notably, her love of photography.
The calls not only gave Prue something to look forward to, but they also helped rebuild her confidence in speaking with others. Over time, she began reaching out to friends and reconnecting with neighbours, slowly expanding her world once again.
Positive changes in Prue’s life
Reaching out to CSWS marked a turning point for Prue. It was the first step toward a renewed sense of purpose and connection. Since then, her life has seen many positive changes, and her growing confidence radiates in everything she does.
Prue now volunteers a few hours each week at a local charity shop, a role that’s brought her a fresh sense of joy and independence. Through volunteering, she’s made new friends, found a regular social outlet, and enjoys time away from the demands of her caring role. She’s also rekindled her passion for photography, taking several inspiring trips to Brighton and feeling proud of her creative achievements.
In addition, Prue has reconnected with old friends and spent time over the holidays visiting neighbours, something she hadn’t felt able to do before. Reflecting on her journey, Prue shared: “I am much happier and feel stronger and more confident. The support from CSWS gave me the motivation I needed to find a voluntary job and reconnect with the things and people I care about. I’m truly grateful for everything they’ve done for me.”
