VICTORIA Medical Centre in Eastbourne has been officially recognised for its dedication to supporting unpaid carers, after receiving the prestigious Carer Friendly award from local charity Care for the Carers.
The award celebrates organisations that go above and beyond to recognise, value and support people who care for others without pay. The presentation was attended by Eastbourne MP Josh Babarinde, Dr Neil Churchill, Chair of Care for the Carers, CEO Jennifer Twist, and staff from the medical centre.
With nearly 28,000 registered patients, Victoria Medical Centre has made carers a key priority. The practice appointed Carer Lead Lisa Pannett, who introduced “Think Carer” training for staff, set up an information board for carers, and encouraged participation in national awareness campaigns. As a result, more carers are being identified, supported, and referred to Care for the Carers for specialist help.
The centre has also taken steps to support its own staff who balance caring responsibilities with work, updating internal policies to ensure they receive the flexibility and understanding they need.
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.
Care for the Carers, an independent charity founded in 1989, supports unpaid carers across East Sussex and campaigns to ensure that no one is left to care alone.
