Hannah, 21, lives in Durrington, is a blogger, artist, avid cinema goer – and a full-time carer.
When Hannah’s stepdad had an accident at work in 2010, which left him wheelchair bound and unable to return to work, Hannah started helping her mum look after him. But in 2015 Hannah’s mum also became wheelchair dependent from arthritis and related health issues.
“Caring for my mum and stepdad is 24/7 because I live with them”, Hannah said.
When Hannah’s mum went into hospital last year and explained that Hannah is her carer, she was told about a local young adult carers group.
“I was hesitant at first about going along to it because I didn’t know how to feel about sharing my life with total strangers, but I’m so glad I did.
“The main reason I decided to join the group was to give me a sense of purpose as a carer; to get out of the house for something other than doctors’ appointments or hospital visits, and talk to people who knew exactly what I was doing because they did it too.”
There are over 84,000 family and friends carers in West Sussex.
After Hannah contacted Carers Support West Sussex about joining the group, she was introduced to a Carer Wellbeing Support Worker, who is her point of call for help with anything.
“They’re always a phone call or email away to answer any questions we’ve had, give us legal advice or just to have a friendly chat from another perspective.
“There are services out there that can actually help make a difference in your daily life, even if it’s just a small thing like a chat over a coffee or being given the confidence to do something you’ve wanted to do.
“It’s easy for me to say this, I’m quite an outgoing person, but I appreciate for a lot of other people it may not be. If you’re a young adult carer like me, contact Carers Support West Sussex if you feel that you might benefit even a little from their help.”
Peter Catchpole, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, added: “Hannah’s story is truly inspiring and her positive attitude towards the challenges she has faced is admirable. We are urging young adult carers to come forward and see what support they’re entitled to.”
Contact Carers Support West Sussex by calling 0300 028 8888, email shine@carerssupport.org.uk or visit www.carerssupport.org.uk.
