What does this service provide?

Who we are 

We are a team of health professionals who provide a free service to support the health and wellbeing of unpaid carers over the age of 18, who are registered with a West Sussex GP. 

What we do 

The carers health team provides health checks and support to informal carers across West Sussex.  There are many informal carers, with their own unmet health needs, who do not access any support services due to the nature of their caring role. The carers health team will carry out an extensive health assessment of the carer and will refer on to other health services when appropriate.  

We work directly with carers to help them develop individual strategies to reduce the strain of coping with their caring role. If necessary, we may also look at the health needs of the person who is being cared for.  

We provide information and advice to help you in your caring role and to lead a healthier lifestyle, as well as practical advice such as safe moving and handling and managing medication. We work closely with other NHS specialist services; social and caring, and voluntary and community services and we link carers with these services, including referrals for NHS health checks and screenings, when appropriate. 


Showing carers we care about them

Find out more about how we support the health and wellbeing of unpaid carers. 

Video transcript

Do you know a carer in West Sussex?

Do you know if they're doing ok? Caring can be hard, lonely and tiring. We're the carers health team - a free NHS service.

We support the health and wellbeing of carers in West Sussex, but more than half don't know we exist. We need everyone's help with this. If you know a carer please make sure they know about us. So we can meet with them, see how they're doing, and help them to live fully and healthily, to have fun and reduce some of their stress.

We're trained clinicians who work with adult carers giving them useful advice and supports with their caring role, something they may not have prepared for in any way.

We signpost them to a range of free local services and opportunities to help keep them active, creative and social. And deal with the complex health and social care systems and challenges of caring for friends, family and other vulnerable people. It's time to show carers that we care about them.

Appointment information

Who you'll see at your appointment 

Carers are seen by a multi-disciplinary clinical team, including trained nurses, occupational therapists, and physiotherapists. 

Appointment types 

We visit carers in their own home at a time to suit their needs.  

What happens after my treatment plan ends? 

Our service tends to be short-term, but we can provide follow up visits and calls if you need us. You can refer yourself back into the service if you require further support or if your needs change. 

Testimonials

Melony was so knowledgeable about my mother's condition, it was the first time I haven't had to spend ages trying to explain to someone about this rare neurological condition. Melony taught us so much about it and now I have more understanding about my mother's behavioural changes and how to manage them. Melony was kind and compassionate and extremely professional. She listened so well and completely understood my worries and concerns. I'm grateful to have met her and feel I can cope better with caring for my mum now. Eternally grateful!! Thanks Melony!

I found the whole experience really good. I was under so much stress at the time and also feeling very ill and also really useless, but I was reassured and really listened to, which helped me no end to allay my anxiety. Thank you for such excellent and professional care.

Bernie visited my parents and was very kind and caring. Has helped my dad at a difficult time with my mum who has dementia.

The visit from Mark yesterday was both professional and approachable. He has given me hope that I can get a life outside of my home.

Throughout my time as a full-time carer for my mum over the past three years, I have been very grateful Touran for her home visits and phone calls. Sadly, mum has recently passed away, but both mum and I found it a pleasure to meet Touran, who is an extremely kind, caring, compassionate and respectful lady and a joy to know.

Liz from the health team was wonderful, kind, patient and clearly very experienced. An excellent listener, and full of good advice. So nice to just be able to talk. I never realised the service existed. Thank you.


How can I access this service?

To access our services, you can be referred by a health and social care professional or you can refer yourself by phone or email via the contact details below.  


Where can I access this service?

Contact details

All referrals need to be made via phone or email.

Telephone: 01243 623 521
Opening hours

Our usual office hours are Monday to Friday, from 9:00am to 5:00pm. 

However, we are a flexible service. If it is more convenient for you, appointments with our team members can be arranged outside of the normal Monday to Friday9:00am to 5:00pm hours. This can only be arranged after initial contact has been made following a referral.  

Waiting times
 

We aim to contact you within two weeks of your referral to book an appointment with you.


Where can I find resources for this service?

Carers Support West Sussex - website for Carers Support West Sussex which offers unpaid carers information, guidance, and emotional support

West Sussex Carers - website for carers in West Sussex which aims to help put carers in touch with local support and services 

West Sussex County Council - website which includes information about getting support or a break from caring

Carers UK - website for Carers UK  the leading national charity for unpaid carers

Carers Trust - website for UK charity Carers Trust which works to transform the lives of unpaid carers. It partners with its network of local carer organisations to provide funding and support, deliver innovative and evidence-based programmes and raise awareness and influence policy.​ 


Let's get social

You can also get involved by engaging with our service's social media accounts by helping with the latest fundraisers and events.


Get the best from your NHS

If you need advice about our services, facilities or staff, or would like to make a comment, please contact Patient Advice and Liaison Services (PALS).

Contact details

You can contact PALS by the following:

Telephone: 01273 242 292

Give feedback

Tell us what you think about our services, what we are good at, where we can improve, and what matters to you? All feedback will be shared anonymously wherever possible, but if you have any questions about this, please ask.