If you Would Like To Refer Yourself Or Someone You Know For Our Services, Please Fill In the Referral Form below:

DOWNLOAD REFERRAL FORM       MS Word Logo click to download form

Support for Carers

We support unpaid Carers in East Sussex by providing free, high quality, volunteer-led services that encourage independence and reduce isolation.

We currently work with nearly 200 volunteers to provide a range of services to around 400 Carers in East Sussex. The Carers we support come from a range of backgrounds, looking after people with a range of conditions/disabilities.

Befriending with Respite

The Association of Carers free Befriending & Respite service gives unpaid carers the opportunity to take a weekly three hour break from their caring role, while a carefully selected and thoroughly vetted volunteer spends time with the person they look after.

Barbara has been caring for her husband Cliff since he had a stroke 28 years ago. Sadly the stroke left Cliff unable to speak but he is able to walk with the aid of a stick, and he still has a great sense of humour.

Volunteer Paul visits the couple each week and goes out with Cliff while Barbara has some time to herself.

Paul said:

“I love my role a befriending with respite volunteer. I feel rewarded by seeing how much Barbara appreciates her break and Cliff and I have a great time together. We go to the garden centre for a browse and enjoy a cup of tea”

Barbara said:

“I am so thankful for what Paul does. It makes such a difference to our lives. Cliff always looks forward to the visits and I can relax knowing Cliff is in good hands whilst I have a short break”

Computer Help at Home
The Association of Carers free Computer Help at Home service gives carers six 1-1 sessions where a trained and fully vetted volunteer teaches them how to use their own computer or tablet in their own home.

Jennie is a carer who received the service so she could learn how to write letters, send emails and Skype her loved ones. She had James to support her.

James said:

“I really enjoyed my volunteering to help Jennie, she is a lovely lady. It was a pleasure to help”

Jennie said:

“James was marvellous and he was so patient. I learnt so much more from him. I never thought I’d be able to do the things I have learnt at aged 87”

Carers Wellbeing
The Association of Carers free wellbeing services include Talk & Support a service where a fully vetted and trained volunteer calls a carer they are matched with once a week, reducing down to once a month over 6 months. This gives opportunity for the carer to speak in a confidential and non-judgemental environment to help reduce isolation.

Jackie cares for her mother who she is unable to leave at all. Jackie receives our Talk & Support service and finds this service to valuable in helping to reduce her isolation.

Jackie said:

“To be able to speak and have meaningful conversation helps to keep me going. My volunteer is so understanding, having that empathetic ear means so much especially as I do not have much contact with anyone else socially”

Carers Lunch Club

These regular meet-ups give Carers a chance to to get out and meet other Carers, share experiences and increase their support network

We run a monthly Lunch Club at the Bo-Peep Pub, St Leonards on Sea, TN38 0AA. These take place on the second Monday of every month, from 12.30pm onwards.

We also host an ad-hoc lunch club at various other locations in East Sussex. Locations are decided in agreement with those attending.

For more details about either please give us a call on 01424 722309.

Telephone Counselling Service

Our telephone counselling service  is for anyone who might benefit from a more structured conversation than our Carers Wellbeing Talk & Support service. The counsellors are volunteers who are trained to at least level a level 2 standard and who are undergoing further training, they are DBS checked, insured and receive regular clinical supervision. These counsellors are able to help with a number of issues including bereavement, depression and anxiety.  In these challenging times it’s important to reach out and not bottle up your anxieties and feelings of isolation – talking to a professional can provide you with understanding and coping strategies.  Please get in touch if you think this would be of help and we can set you up with a 6 week (free) course.

For more details please give us a call on 01424 722309 or email [email protected].

Virtual Events

During the COVID-19 outbreak normal face-to-face respite and computer help services were temporarily put on hold.  The charity had to look at fun and interesting ways to interact with and support carer’s in the new ‘virtual’ world.  Following the successful introduction of regular bingo afternoons, quiz sessions, and online coffee mornings, we will now be running these activities on an ongoing basis, as we recognise that some carers struggle to get to in-person events on account of their caring responsibilities.

Carers cafes

There are now two cafes running every 4 weeks, one in Peacehaven and another in Bexhill.  Cafes are facilitated by a dedicated staff member and volunteers.

The cafes are for Carers and the people they care for to attend.  Attendees partake in various activities including arts and crafts, board games and can benefit from  wellbeing activities, such as hand massage, Yoga, talks and training, cream tea events and a special Christmas event.  Volunteers are on hand to offer Carers and the people they care for support.

The Peacehaven cafe runs every 1st Tuesday of the month 11am-1pm @ The Meridian centre, Meridian Way, BN10 8BB

The NEW Bexhill cafe runs every 2nd Monday of the month 1pm-3pm @ The Pelham, Holliers Hill, Bexhill TN40 2DD

If you would like to attend please contact [email protected] or call 01424 722309