Frequently Asked Questions

We will continue to run groups both on-line and in-person.

We do regularly review our groups to ensure they are meeting the needs of carers and not duplicating other services and ensure that carers are consulted about any changes and they are communicated with group members.

To find out about upcoming groups you can visit our events calendar and also opt into our monthly events newsletter.

There are some changes to the new contract which means changes for our teams and it is possible that the person you spoke to previously, or who ran the group will not be available.

Yes, our Helpline will continue to be available Monday-Friday 9am-4pm and on Wednesday evenings until 7pm and Saturday mornings 

10am – 12 noon.

Carers Support West Sussex continues to be a trusted provider and the Carers Health and Wellbeing Grant will be available to eligible carers through a conversation with our assessment team. From time to time, we may also receive additional funding to support carers in Hardship, which will be identified as appropriate during our conversations with you as a carer.

From the 1st April we begin a new contract with the Local Authority which requires us, through an assessment, to demonstrate a carer’s needs in relation to any funded support. This includes Direct Payments which may be available as a result of a Statutory Carer Assessment, and a Carer Health and Wellbeing Grant and equipment funding which may be available now as a result of a Preventative Assessment.

As part of both assessments, we are required to consider a carer’s own resources and community support that could meet their needs, before considering if funded support is necessary. This ensures publicly funded monies are allocated to those most in need.

From time-to-time, carers find themselves at a loss as to what would help them in their caring situation, and for some, small items of equipment can make a significant difference. On our website you will find a brochure of equipment that may provide a solution for your caring role.

Most items are low cost, and you can easily find them by looking at the websites provided where you will be able to purchase them directly. If, as part of our conversations with you, we identify that along with other identified needs, a piece of equipment would support you, we will seek to support you through referral to our Carer Assessment Team for a more in-depth conversation

If you wish to speak with someone, our Helpline is available on Wednesday evenings until 7pm and Saturday mornings 10am – 12 noon.

We also run several groups outside normal working hours.  To find out about upcoming groups you can visit our events calendar and also opt into our monthly events newsletter.

We are continually developing our online resources for carers who are unable or who do not wish to talk to a member of the team. Our Carers Smart Search is a good place to start.

As part of the changes required by the new contract, Carers Support will no longer be providing counselling.

Some carers may be able to obtain some financial support to access counselling if that is identified as a service which will support a carer with their caring role and where cost is a barrier. This would be accessed through a Carers Assessment or Preventative Assessment.

We will continue to signpost or refer into local counselling services and will offer carers emotional support through our other services.

We will continue to work in the community and are working closely with partner organisations to, in due course, establish more local carer “hubs” where you will be able to drop in and talk to us in person or make an appointment at a suitable time.

Our Wellbeing Workers will continue to be present at hospitals across the County supporting carers where they or the person they care for has been admitted.

If you are a carer who is supporting another adult then you can access a Carers Assessment through Carers Support. Find out more.

You can keep up to date with the latest news in our carers newsletters.