Looking after your own health and wellbeing

Caring for someone can take its toll on your own mental and physical health. If possible, try to take time out from caring to do things for yourself.

Perhaps someone else could take over from you regularly or temporarily, a support group of other carers would help or some short-term residential care for the person you look after could give you a break?

You can find what support services are available in your area in the  Getting out and about section.

Help to reduce the strain of coping with your caring role

The Carers Health Team is a team of health professionals whose purpose is to promote the health and wellbeing of carers. They will work directly with you to help reduce any strain in your caring role.

The Sussex Community NHS Trust provide this free service to support carers over the age of 18 registered with a West Sussex GP.

Phone: 01243 623521
Email: SC-TR.carerwellbeing@nhs.net

Short break provision for carers

It is important that carers take time to look after their own health and wellbeing. There are a variety of carer services to support you to have some time to yourself. 

You can find more information from the Carers Support West Sussex  'Relaxation and Respite' webpage.

Fill in a carer's self-assessment

As a carer you are entitled to an assessment of your needs, separate from the person you care for. You do not need to be living with the person you care for to receive this assessment.  You can complete a carers self-assessment form online to help you to think about the things that are working well for you,  and to help you identify areas that can be improved.

If you are thinking of asking for a carer’s assessment, you may find it useful to fill in a carer’s self-assessment first. You don’t have to complete a self-assessment before contacting West Sussex County Council, but it can help you think about your situation.

To find out more about carers’ self-assessments, go to the carers self-assessment page.

Support for voluntary or paid employment

If you are a family or friend carer and would like to explore voluntary or paid employment options that can be flexible around your caring commitments, or need some advice about your current employment, Supported Employment West Sussex (SEWS) are here to help provide impartial advice and support. Even if you just need some one-off advice about your situation, their friendly team of employment specialists are on hand to help. SEWS is a partnership between Aldingbourne Trust WorkAid, and Impact Workability. 

For more information use the points of contact below:

Impact Workability

Phone: 01903 730044

Email: workability@impact-initiatives.org.uk

Website: supportedemploymentwestsussex.org

Support can be provided 1:1, over the phone, online or face-to-face.

COVID-19 and flu vaccinations update Autumn 2023       

COVID-19 remains a serious health risk so stay cautious to help protect yourself and others. Carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person are eligible for flu and COVID-19 vaccines this year.  This is also open to everyone aged 65 years and over. 

To find out more about who can get a vaccine this Autumn, visit the NHS Sussex website.

You can also find advice, support and information on COVID-19 vaccinations in West Sussex  by visiting the West Sussex County Council's Community support webpage.