Standing Strong for Carers Amid Systemic Change
At this time of significant transformation within local government and the NHS, it is more important than ever to reflect on the role of organisations like Carers Support West Sussex (CSWS) in anchoring the wellbeing of unpaid carers across our county.
Change is not new to us. Over the years, we’ve adapted to shifting policies, funding landscapes, and service demands. But what remains constant is our commitment to the carers we serve—individuals who give so much of themselves to support loved ones, often at great personal cost.
In this moment of transition, I am proud to say that CSWS continues to deliver services of exceptional quality. Our most recent Net Promoter Score—a widely recognised measure of customer satisfaction—shows that 93% of carers would recommend our services to others. This reflects trust, reliability, and the meaningful impact we have on people’s lives.
Behind that figure are thousands of stories of people facing some of the most challenging experiences of their lives. One carer shared:
“I felt heard for the first time in years. The support worker didn’t just listen—she understood. That made all the difference.”
Another wrote:
“The advice I received helped me navigate a very difficult time with my mum’s dementia. I don’t know how I would have coped without it.”
These voices remind us that while systems may shift, carers fundamentally need empathy, clarity and a positive way forward.
We know that the upcoming changes in local government and the NHS will bring both challenges and opportunities. Integration of services, budget reallocations, and new commissioning models are all on the horizon. For carers, this can mean uncertainty—about who to turn to, what support will be available, and how to access it.
That’s why CSWS is doubling down on our mission. We are working closely with partners across health and social care to ensure that carers remain visible and valued. We are advocating for carers’ needs to be embedded in new service frameworks, and we are investing in our own capacity to respond flexibly and effectively.
Our team—staff and volunteers alike—are core to this vision. Their dedication is evident in every phone call answered, every support plan written, and every moment spent supporting a carer. It is their work that earns us the trust of our community and the respect of our partners.
Carers need to be at the forefront of planning for health and social care and not an afterthought. As the landscape evolves, we call on local leaders, commissioners, and policymakers to keep carers at the centre of their decisions. Recognise the value of preventative support. Fund services that work. And most importantly, listen to the people who live the reality of caring every day.
At CSWS, we remain ready to adapt, ready to collaborate, and ready to continue delivering the high-quality support that carers deserve. The road ahead may be uncertain, but we remain clear and committed to supporting carers today and always.
By Caroline Pope, CEO, Carers Support West Sussex
