THE vital contribution made by more than 84,000 unpaid carers across West Sussex has been highlighted in a new report.

West Sussex County Council has been scrutinising the support available for carers and its report makes a number of recommendations.

A carer is anyone who cares, unpaid, for a friend or family member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support.

These include the need to raise the profile of carers’ issues and for all organisations across West Sussex to “Think Carer” in the course of their work. The need to identify and support young carers and also for employers to support staff who have caring responsibilities, has also been highlighted.

Peter Catchpole, council cabinet member for adult social care and health, Peter Catchpole, said: “We know that unpaid carers make a vital contribution in West Sussex. Without them many people would find themselves unable to perform basic day-to-day tasks that we all take for granted.

“This report highlights the need to do more to reach carers and help them access the range of support and advice that is available. Organisations such as Carers Support West Sussex are doing fantastic work across the county but we know that there are many more carers out there who are unaware of their existence and may need their help.”

Contact Carers Support West Sussex on 0300 028 8888 or visit carerssupport.org.uk