Care for the Carers, a charity that supports unpaid carers across East Sussex is being supported by Heringtons the local solicitors as its Charity of The Year. The Charity and its sponsors are understandably upbeat about their work and commitment, but are aware that their efforts must be considered against the backdrop of a £17million cut to local service funding by East Sussex County Council with some £422,000 from the carers budget.
Richard Fisher, Solicitor and Managing Partner at Heringtons was keen to emphasise Heringtons’ staff support over the year and “to help highlight the wonderful work the charity does in our branch towns.”
Jennifer Twist, the Charity’s Chief Executive was equally enthusiastic regarding Heringtons’ contribution but introduced a cautionary note.“With diminishing public funding for support to carers and the vulnerable people they support, it’s especially important for high-profile, supportive local businesses to recognise unpaid carers in this way.”
There are some 65,000-plus unpaid carers in the county and their welfare and those they care for is the concern of the charitable organisations and their socially responsible supporters. “Carers must not be seen as a solution to the social care funding crisis, or be expected to plug the gap when services no longer exist. This will lead to more carers experiencing ill health, having to leave work to care for a loved one, or simply being unable to cope,” says Jennifer.
Her caution is understandable. ESCC Chief Executive Becky Shaw in a recent report to Cabinet said East Sussex is required to make savings of £17m with a projected deficit of £30m by 2020/21. This was agreed by the Council on February 6, 2018.
Ms Shaw added: “If there are no new resources from government, by 2021-22 the council will be left with a minimum service offer. Central services will be reduced to a democratic core with minimum support for departments and more self-service. We will not be able to fund early intervention or prevention services in adult and children’s social care or support to schools to improve attainment.”
Care for the Carers have been running a series of public consultation meetings about the cuts, at which carers are invited to have their say and speak up about vital services that matter to them. The latest and the closest to Rye and surroundings is in The Council Chambers Bexhill, Town Hall on April 12, 2 pm-4 pm. For those who can’t make the meetings in person, you can complete the online survey about carers services and the potential impact of cuts – it’s so important to have your voice heard before decisions are made after the consultation ends on April 25.
Who are carers? A carer is someone who provides unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who has a disability, illness, mental health problem or who needs extra help as they grow older.
Photo: Heringtons