Andrew Griffith MP joined a meeting of some of the unpaid carers in West Sussex at an event organised by Carers Support in Pulborough on Friday (6th March).
Andrew was invited by Caroline Pope, CEO of Carers Support West Sussex. Around 25 carers met to share their stories, experiences and advice and to tell their Member of Parliament about some of the issues they have experienced.
Andrew spoke to the group and candidly shared his own family experience, saying that he fully understands the role of carers and their need to advocate to multiple agencies on behalf of the person they are caring for. There are around 120,000 carers in West Sussex alone, and possibly many more who have not registered or let their GP know.
As an MP, more than half of Andrew’s casework is on the subject of care, whether that is someone needing care at home, or children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Describing his constituency of Arundel and South Downs, Andrew Griffith pointed out that it is the third oldest by demographic in the country, and which is why carers and carer support is such an important topic.
Andrew Griffith spent time with each carer, listening to their situations and providing advice and offering to follow up for some of them where it was needed. The Carers Support West Sussex team, Caroline and Anna, also shared their wealth of experience.
Andrew Griffith MP said:
“Carers Support West Sussex is such an important organisation in my constituency, and a vital link between the often-unseen carers and the myriad of services they often need to speak to. I was struck by the fact that this group is not just about older people looking after their spouses, but is also about the parents who are looking after young or adult children with disabilities. These are carers who are doing the job 24/7 with little to no respite.
“I am grateful to Caroline and Anna of Carers Support West Sussex for inviting me, and to everyone who came along and shared their stories. It is so important for carers to be seen and be heard and given the right support where it is needed.”
