Clinical nurse specialists at East Surrey Hospital are working with charities from across Surrey and Sussex to help local carers by bringing together support and advice at a carers’ event taking place on 9 June.
Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, which runs the hospital in Redhill, invites carers’ to come along to the event which is being held in the Postgraduate Centre at East Surrey Hospital between 10.30am to 2.30pm.
Liz Darragh, clinical nurse specialist, said: “Many carers feel that they are simply doing their duty in looking after a good friend or relative who needs their help and support, however, caring for someone is a responsibility which can be demanding.
“When someone has a long-term illness or condition and needs to be cared for it can take its toll on the whole family. People do not always realise that there is support available from organisations that are there to help. This may be emotional support or more practical support, for example, arranging for someone to do your shopping, help source financial aid or provide respite care.”
At the event a number of local charities and organisations will be on hand to offer advice and support to carers including: Age UK; The Olive Tree; Macmillan; Crossroad Care; East Surrey Carers; Carers Support; Virgin Care; The Brigitte Trust; Cancervive and Stepping Stones.
Carers may be family, friends, parents or partners caring for someone with an illness, frailty, disability, mental health or drug or alcohol problems.
Liz concluded: “The majority of carers are unpaid and play an extremely important role in managing someone’s care. They generally have very little time to consider their own needs but it is important that they also take care of themselves. We recognise this and want to support them as we understand they too have needs too.”
“We encourage anyone who is a carer to come along. This is a great opportunity to find out more and meet the organisations who can provide help and support.”
