David with his father, Les

Association of Carers champions unpaid carers

With over 62,000 unpaid carers in East Sussex alone, this group makes up one of the most isolated in the UK – and tend to be our true unsung heroes. With 3 in 5 of us expected to become a carer at some point in our lives, let’s make this week the one that we sit up and applaud these often hidden champions.

Carers’ Week, running this year from 12 to 18 June, is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.

This year, the Association of Carers’ Pledge is this: “We pledge to support unpaid carers throughout East Sussex by providing free volunteer led services that help carers to continue in their caring role. We will also raise the profile of carers in our local community by promoting the needs and challenges of carers throughout the whole of East Sussex. We are committed to being a user-led organisation that provides services that are flexible and adaptable to suit the needs of the individual.”

The Association of Carers supports unpaid carers in East Sussex to continue in their caring role by providing free, high quality, volunteer led services. During Carers Week, not only will they be treating the carers they look after with a free cream tea, but the team will be out and about across the county, where you can talk to them about what they do in more detail. Whether you’re a carer, a cared for person, interested in volunteering, or just want to know more, find the team at:

• Little Gate Open Farm Sunday, Beckley 11 June 11am – 5.30pm
• Conquest Hospital, Hastings 12 June 10am – 2pm
• Lewes Victoria Hospital 13 June 10am – 2pm
• Meridian Hall, Peacehaven, ‘Time for Carers’ 14 June 9am – 2pm
• Sainsbury’s St Leonards 15 June 10am – 3pm
• Community Centre, Crowborough (Stroke Association ‘Health in Mind’)                          15 June 10am – 12pm
• University of Sussex, Falmer, (Caring for Carers Conference)                                                15 June 9am – 3.30pm
• Sainsburys, Newhaven 15 June 10am – 2pm

The Association of Carers are a charity who support unpaid Carers in East Sussex to continue in their caring role by providing free, high quality, volunteer-led services that encourage independence and reduce isolation.

They currently work with over 180 volunteers to provide their services to around 200 carers in East Sussex.

Also in: Campaigns