Do you look after someone?
Easy read summary
2024-2025
This leaflet will tell you about getting support if you are a carer.
This leaflet will tell you about getting support if you are a carer.
If you need support to understand this leaflet, you could ask
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someone in your family or a friend
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a support worker
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a carer
or
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Health and Social Care Connect
0345 60 80 191
If you need support to understand this leaflet, you could ask
-
someone in your family or a friend
-
a support worker
-
a carer
or
-
Health and Social Care Connect
0345 60 80 191
Who is a carer?
If you look after, help or support someone who would not be able to manage everyday life without your help, you are a carer.
If you look after, help or support someone who would not be able to manage everyday life without your help, you are a carer.
You might be caring for
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a partner
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a family member
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a friend or neighbour.
You might be caring for
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a partner
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a family member
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a friend or neighbour.
You might be a young carer looking after an adult family member.
You might be a young carer looking after an adult family member.
You do not have to live with the person to be their carer.
You do not have to live with the person to be their carer.
The person you look after, help or support may:
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be an older person
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have a physical disability
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have a learning disability or autism
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have a mental health condition
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have a long-term health condition.
The person you look after, help or support may:
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be an older person
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have a physical disability
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have a learning disability or autism
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have a mental health condition
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have a long-term health condition.
If you do this and are not paid for it, then this leaflet is for you.
If you do this and are not paid for it, then this leaflet is for you.
Caring for a child or young person with a disability or special educational needs
Parents and carers of disabled children can apply for an assessment that looks at
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how caring affects your life
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how caring affects your health and well-being
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any difficulties you are having
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the things you would like to change about your role as a carer.
Parents and carers of disabled children can apply for an assessment that looks at
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how caring affects your life
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how caring affects your health and well-being
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any difficulties you are having
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the things you would like to change about your role as a carer.
After the assessment, we will give you information about other services and things that can support you in your role as a carer.
After the assessment, we will give you information about other services and things that can support you in your role as a carer.
To find out more about a parent carer’s assessment, contact the Customer Relations Team in Children’s Services:
Phone 0345 60 80 192
To find out more about a parent carer’s assessment, contact the Customer Relations Team in Children’s Services:
Phone 0345 60 80 192
For free advice, you can also speak to Amaze Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service East Sussex are a local charity.
Website amazesussex.org.uk
Email sendiass@amazesussex.org.uk
Phone 01273 772 289
For free advice, you can also speak to Amaze Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Information Advice and Support Service East Sussex are a local charity.
Website amazesussex.org.uk
Email sendiass@amazesussex.org.uk
Phone 01273 772 289
Care for the Carers
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run social and well-being activities for carers
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help you to access support
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connect you with other carers.
Website cftc.org.uk
Email info@cftc.org.uk
Phone 01232 738 390
Text 07860 077 300
Facebook and Instagram careforthecarers
X (Twitter) @Care4theCarers
Care for the Carers
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run social and well-being activities for carers
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help you to access support
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connect you with other carers.
Website cftc.org.uk
Email info@cftc.org.uk
Phone 01232 738 390
Text 07860 077 300
Facebook and Instagram careforthecarers
X (Twitter) @Care4theCarers
Young carers
If you are under 18 and look after a family member then you are a young carer.
If you are under 18 and look after a family member then you are a young carer.
The family member you look after might have a physical or mental health condition.
The family member you look after might have a physical or mental health condition.
Young carers often do extra jobs at home, like
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cooking
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cleaning
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helping someone get washed and dressed.
Young carers often do extra jobs at home, like
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cooking
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cleaning
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helping someone get washed and dressed.
This can sometimes get in the way of
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school work
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spending time with friends.
This can sometimes get in the way of
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school work
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spending time with friends.
East Sussex Young Carers support carers aged 5 to 17.
East Sussex Young Carers support carers aged 5 to 17.
East Sussex Young Carers can
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give information and advice
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arrange for young carers to meet each other, chat and have fun!
East Sussex Young Carers can
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give information and advice
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arrange for young carers to meet each other, chat and have fun!
Contact East Sussex Young Carers
Website imago.community/children-and-young-people/east-sussex-young-carers
Email youngcarers@imago.community
Phone 0300 111 1110
Contact East Sussex Young Carers
Website imago.community/children-and-young-people/east-sussex-young-carers
Email youngcarers@imago.community
Phone 0300 111 1110
Care for the Carers also runs activities and groups for young carers.
Website cftc.org.uk
Email info@cftc.org.uk
Phone 01232 738 390
Text 07860 077 300
Facebook and Instagram careforthecarers
X (Twitter) @Care4theCarers
Care for the Carers also runs activities and groups for young carers.
Website cftc.org.uk
Email info@cftc.org.uk
Phone 01232 738 390
Text 07860 077 300
Facebook and Instagram careforthecarers
X (Twitter) @Care4theCarers
Assessing your support needs
If you are a carer, or are going to be a carer, you can have an assessment to see what your needs are.
This will let us know the ways that we might be able to help you.
If you are a carer, or are going to be a carer, you can have an assessment to see what your needs are.
This will let us know the ways that we might be able to help you.
Your carer’s assessment will look at
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your needs
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the things you are good at
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who you have to support you
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any difficulties you have
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your community.
Your carer’s assessment will look at
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your needs
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the things you are good at
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who you have to support you
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any difficulties you have
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your community.
You can complete a carer’s assessment online
You can complete a carer’s assessment online
or by contacting Health and Social Care Connect (HSCC)
Email HSCC@eastsussex.gov.uk
Phone 0345 60 80 191
Typetalk 18001 0345 60 80 191
Text 07797 878 111
or by contacting Health and Social Care Connect (HSCC)
Email HSCC@eastsussex.gov.uk
Phone 0345 60 80 191
Typetalk 18001 0345 60 80 191
Text 07797 878 111
If you need help completing your carers assessment, Care for the Carers can help you
Website cftc.org.uk
Email info@cftc.org.uk
Phone 01232 738 390
Text 07860 077 300
If you need help completing your carers assessment, Care for the Carers can help you
Website cftc.org.uk
Email info@cftc.org.uk
Phone 01232 738 390
Text 07860 077 300
You do not need to have an assessment to get carer support.
You do not need to have an assessment to get carer support.
There are lots of different organisations that support carers.
For more information, contact Care for the Carers.
There are lots of different organisations that support carers.
For more information, contact Care for the Carers.
Supporting you to care
This is a list of things that may be able to
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support you to care
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help you as a carer.
This is a list of things that may be able to
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support you to care
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help you as a carer.
Respite care
Time off from caring.
This could be during the day or overnight.
It can be for a short time or a long time.
Health and Social Care Connect (HSCC)
Email HSCC@eastsussex.gov.uk
Phone 0345 60 80 191
Typetalk 18001 0345 60 80 191
Text 07797 878 111
Respite care
Time off from caring.
This could be during the day or overnight.
It can be for a short time or a long time.
Health and Social Care Connect (HSCC)
Email HSCC@eastsussex.gov.uk
Phone 0345 60 80 191
Typetalk 18001 0345 60 80 191
Text 07797 878 111
Technology Enabled Care
Sometimes known as Telecare, community alarm or Lifeline.
For example, emergency buzzers.
Email HSCC@eastsussex.gov.uk
Phone 0345 60 80 191
Typetalk 18001 0345 60 80 191
Text 07797 878 111
Technology Enabled Care
Sometimes known as Telecare, community alarm or Lifeline.
For example, emergency buzzers.
Email HSCC@eastsussex.gov.uk
Phone 0345 60 80 191
Typetalk 18001 0345 60 80 191
Text 07797 878 111
TeleCheck
A phone service that supports adults to live safely in their own community.
Offers phone calls at set times.
The phone calls can be
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reminders to eat, drink, take medication
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just a chat to check how things are.
TeleCheck
A phone service that supports adults to live safely in their own community.
Offers phone calls at set times.
The phone calls can be
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reminders to eat, drink, take medication
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just a chat to check how things are.
Back care
Advice and information about how to look after your back.
Email HSCC@eastsussex.gov.uk
Phone 0345 60 80 191
Typetalk 18001 0345 60 80 191
Text 07797 878 111
Back care
Advice and information about how to look after your back.
Email HSCC@eastsussex.gov.uk
Phone 0345 60 80 191
Typetalk 18001 0345 60 80 191
Text 07797 878 111
East Sussex Carer’s Card
Cheaper entry to leisure activities and savings in shops.
Details of someone to contact if something happens to you.
Website cftc.org.uk
Email info@cftc.org.uk
Phone 01232 738 390
Text 07860 077 300
East Sussex Carer’s Card
Cheaper entry to leisure activities and savings in shops.
Details of someone to contact if something happens to you.
Website cftc.org.uk
Email info@cftc.org.uk
Phone 01232 738 390
Text 07860 077 300
Keeping people safe
Safeguarding is how people who are
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experiencing harm or neglect
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at risk of experiencing harm or neglect
can get help to live safely.
Safeguarding is how people who are
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experiencing harm or neglect
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at risk of experiencing harm or neglect
can get help to live safely.
Sometimes the person who is being cared for can harm their carer.
Sometimes the carer can harm or neglect the person they are caring for.
This might not be on purpose.
Safeguarding can help.
Sometimes the person who is being cared for can harm their carer.
Sometimes the carer can harm or neglect the person they are caring for.
This might not be on purpose.
Safeguarding can help.
If you are being harmed or worry that you might be, contact Health and Social Care Connect (HSCC).
If you are being harmed or worry that you might be, contact Health and Social Care Connect (HSCC).
You can also contact HSCC if you are worried about someone else.
This might be someone that you are a carer for.
You can also contact HSCC if you are worried about someone else.
This might be someone that you are a carer for.
You do not have to give your name or your details when you contact HSCC.
You do not have to give your name or your details when you contact HSCC.
If it is an emergency, call 999.
If it is an emergency, call 999.
What can I do for myself?
This is a list of things that could help you in your role as a carer.
The list includes tips from other carers of things that have helped them.
This is a list of things that could help you in your role as a carer.
The list includes tips from other carers of things that have helped them.
Look after yourself
Being a carer can be very tiring.
It is important to take time for yourself.
Look after yourself
Being a carer can be very tiring.
It is important to take time for yourself.
Get online
The internet is full of information, support and places for carers to talk to each other.
Care for the Carers has more information about online support.
Get online
The internet is full of information, support and places for carers to talk to each other.
Care for the Carers has more information about online support.
Tell your GP
Tell your GP that you are a carer.
They can help you with things like health checks and if you are feeling worried or stressed.
Tell your GP
Tell your GP that you are a carer.
They can help you with things like health checks and if you are feeling worried or stressed.
Register for online services with your GP
so you can
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book and cancel appointments
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order medicines
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look at your medical notes.
Register for online services with your GP
so you can
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book and cancel appointments
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order medicines
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look at your medical notes.
Include your family and friends
Coping alone can make things more difficult for you.
Many carers get support from their family and friends.
Include your family and friends
Coping alone can make things more difficult for you.
Many carers get support from their family and friends.
If you have a job
If you have worked somewhere for more than 26 weeks, you can ask for flexible working.
This is when your work hours or work place changes to help you.
For more information go to carersuk.org
If you have a job
If you have worked somewhere for more than 26 weeks, you can ask for flexible working.
This is when your work hours or work place changes to help you.
For more information go to carersuk.org
Make sure you and the person you care for are getting the right benefits
If you are finding it difficult to pay bills or need help with benefits, you can get free support and advice.
Contact the Hastings Advice and Representation Centre (HARC)
Phone 0333 344 0681
Open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday
Make sure you and the person you care for are getting the right benefits
If you are finding it difficult to pay bills or need help with benefits, you can get free support and advice.
Contact the Hastings Advice and Representation Centre (HARC)
Phone 0333 344 0681
Open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday
Connect with the East Sussex Carers Centre
Care for the Carers support unpaid carers.
You can get information and advice, counselling and friendship.
Website cftc.org.uk
Email info@cftc.org.uk
Phone 01232 738 390
Text 07860 077 300
Facebook and Instagram careforthecarers
X (Twitter) @Care4theCarers
Connect with the East Sussex Carers Centre
Care for the Carers support unpaid carers.
You can get information and advice, counselling and friendship.
Website cftc.org.uk
Email info@cftc.org.uk
Phone 01232 738 390
Text 07860 077 300
Facebook and Instagram careforthecarers
X (Twitter) @Care4theCarers
Other support available
East Sussex Carers’ Directory
The Council and NHS Sussex fund different organisations that can support your health and wellbeing.
Website eastsussex.gov.uk/carers
East Sussex Carers’ Directory
The Council and NHS Sussex fund different organisations that can support your health and wellbeing.
Website eastsussex.gov.uk/carers
East Sussex 1Space
Information about care and support services in your area
Website 1space.eastsussex.gov.uk
East Sussex 1Space
Information about care and support services in your area
Website 1space.eastsussex.gov.uk
Library services
Help to use library services if you are not able to leave the person that you care for alone.
Phone 0345 60 80 196
Website eastsussex.gov.uk/libraries
Library services
Help to use library services if you are not able to leave the person that you care for alone.
Phone 0345 60 80 196
Website eastsussex.gov.uk/libraries
Care choices
Information about care homes in East Sussex and help to choose one.
Website carechoices.co.uk
Phone 0800 389 2077
Care choices
Information about care homes in East Sussex and help to choose one.
Website carechoices.co.uk
Phone 0800 389 2077
Care Quality Commission
Making sure services are good quality and safe.
They can give you information about services.
Phone 03000 61 61 61
Website cqc.org.uk
Care Quality Commission
Making sure services are good quality and safe.
They can give you information about services.
Phone 03000 61 61 61
Website cqc.org.uk
East Sussex Community Information Service (ESCIS)
Information and advice about community groups and activities
Website escis.org.uk
Email escis@eastsussex.gov.uk
Phone 01273 481 754
East Sussex Community Information Service (ESCIS)
Information and advice about community groups and activities
Website escis.org.uk
Email escis@eastsussex.gov.uk
Phone 01273 481 754
National helplines
Carers UK
Carers UK is a national charity providing information and advice to carers.
Website carersuk.org
Email adviceline@carersuk.org
Phone 0808 808 7777
Open 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday
Carers UK
Carers UK is a national charity providing information and advice to carers.
Website carersuk.org
Email adviceline@carersuk.org
Phone 0808 808 7777
Open 10am to 4pm Monday to Friday
Carers Trust
Carers Trust is a national charity providing help and advice to carers.
Website carers.org
Email info@carers.org
Phone 0300 772 9600
Carers Trust
Carers Trust is a national charity providing help and advice to carers.
Website carers.org
Email info@carers.org
Phone 0300 772 9600
Macmillan Cancer Support
Support for people who have cancer or know someone who has cancer.
Website macmillan.org.uk
Phone 0808 808 00 00
Open 8am to 8pm every day.
Macmillan Cancer Support
Support for people who have cancer or know someone who has cancer.
Website macmillan.org.uk
Phone 0808 808 00 00
Open 8am to 8pm every day.
Getting involved
For more easy read information about getting involved in making services better, visit
eastsussex.gov.uk/social-care/disability/easy-read/getting-involved
For more easy read information about getting involved in making services better, visit
eastsussex.gov.uk/social-care/disability/easy-read/getting-involved
Give feedback on social care
We want to provide the best possible support and services in Adult Social Care and Health.
We want to provide the best possible support and services in Adult Social Care and Health.
Sharing feedback with us is when you tell us about your experiences of Adult Social Care and Health.
Sharing feedback with us is when you tell us about your experiences of Adult Social Care and Health.
We want to know
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Have we done something well?
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What could we do better?
We want to know
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Have we done something well?
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What could we do better?
A good place to start is to contact the person or team who has been involved with you.
This is because things can often be put right quickly.
A good place to start is to contact the person or team who has been involved with you.
This is because things can often be put right quickly.
If you have already done this or you would prefer to speak with someone else, you can contact the Complaints and Feedback Team.
If you have already done this or you would prefer to speak with someone else, you can contact the Complaints and Feedback Team.
You can write to us
East Sussex County Council
County Hall
St Anne’s Crescent
Lewes
BN7 1UE
You can write to us
East Sussex County Council
County Hall
St Anne’s Crescent
Lewes
BN7 1UE
You can phone us
01273 481 242
You can phone us
01273 481 242
You can email us asccomplaintsfeedback@eastsussex.gov.uk
You can email us asccomplaintsfeedback@eastsussex.gov.uk
Send us a message on our website
Send us a message on our website
For more information about making comments or complaints, please read our leaflet ‘Your feedback matters’.
For more information about making comments or complaints, please read our leaflet ‘Your feedback matters’.
If you do not want to talk to us, you can ask someone you know to speak to us.
This could be an advocate.
And advocate is someone who supports you to have your say.
You can find out more about how an advocate can support you here: Advocacy | East Sussex County Council
If you do not want to talk to us, you can ask someone you know to speak to us.
This could be an advocate.
And advocate is someone who supports you to have your say.
You can find out more about how an advocate can support you here: Advocacy | East Sussex County Council