Victoria Medical Centre receives recognition for being carer friendly

An award has been presented to Victoria Medical Centre by Care for the Carers for its commitment to supporting unpaid carers. The ‘Carer Friendly’ award highlights the centre’s strong commitment to ensuring carers are recognised and supported.

The occasion was attended by Josh Babarinde, MP for Eastbourne,  Dr Neil Churchill, Chair of Care for the Carers, Jennifer Twist, CEO at Care for the Carers and staff from the centre.

Victoria Medical Centre delivers general medical services to a patient population of nearly 28,000 patients, and it has put carers high on their agenda. They now have a Carer Lead, Lisa Pannett, who arranged for staff to receive Think Carer training. Lisa has improved awareness with a carers notice board and has encouraged the team to get involved and support national carer campaigns. More conversations are now happening, and carers are being signposted or referred to Care for the Carers to access support. Staff who work at the centre and are themselves juggling work with caring responsibilities are also supported through their revised workplace policies.

Care for the Carers is an independent charity that has supported unpaid carers across East Sussex since 1989. As well as supporting carers, they work to raise awareness with the aim that no carer is left to care alone.

Jennifer Twist, Care for the Carers Chief Executive said, “The Carer Friendly scheme recognises places where carers feel supported to look after their family or friends, and are recognised as individuals with needs of their own.  We want to ensure that no one is left to care alone, we can only achieve this by working with other organisations, communities, services and businesses. Victoria Medical Centre have been working really proactively with Care for the Carers, training their staff to "Think Carer", identifying carers and helping them find out how to get support.  We are delighted to welcome them into the Carer Friendly Scheme.”

Josh Barbarinde MP said, “I’m delighted to have been invited to be part of this event, celebrating the efforts of the Victoria Medical Centre in becoming carer-friendly. It is so important that our public services can recognise and support carers. Change doesn’t just happen overnight - it takes teamwork, commitment and determination. I hope that other practices in Eastbourne and across the country will follow the example of Victoria Medical Centre, the Ian Gow Centre and Seaside Medical Centre in becoming carer-friendly.”

If you are supporting someone who couldn’t manage without your help, let your GP know and ask about support available to you. Alternatively, you can contact Care for the Carers on 01323 738390.