Care for the Carers is an independent charity and the Carers Centre for East Sussex. We have been supporting and representing unpaid carers in East Sussex since 1989.
Who is a carer?
An unpaid carer is someone who looks after a friend, family member or neighbour who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction could not cope without their support.
Anyone can be an unpaid carer and caring can take a large number of forms. Caring is undertaken by individuals from all walks of life, for example, a carer could be a 16-year-old girl helping her parents look after her disabled brother, a 80-year-old man caring for his wife who has Alzheimer's, or a 50-year-old woman in full-time employment who provides regular support to an elderly relative.
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Services Offered
Our team of staff and volunteers can provide free practical and emotional advice - face to face, by telephone, or online. We can put you in touch with other carers, and help you navigate the range of services available locally. We also run support groups, training and events across the county - whether you are interested in speaking up on important issues, or having some time out to relax or meet new people.
Fees and Payment
This is a registered charity
Payment to services and other benefits are funded by grants to eligible members.
Services Offered To: Adults Teens
Payment: Sliding Scale Pro-bono
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Were You Able to Make an Appointment?
One quick last question. Who was seeking counseling today?
Do you know the reason they are not accepting clients?
A community counseling agency is a group therapy practice that offers affordable mental health services. Most are independent non-profit agencies, state agencies, or publicly-funded agencies. A few may restrict who is eligible for services, so it is a good idea to check when you call.
Community counseling agencies are generally more affordable than other therapy providers, but how much more affordable they are will depend on whether you qualify for a discount or sliding scale fee (or if they accept your insurance). Many, but not all, have a policy that they won't turn away anyone due to inability to pay. You should ask about their fees when you first call.
Expect to talk to kind people who want to help you find the care you need. Most community agencies strive to connect you with a live person within 24 hours, if not immediately. If you're asked to hold or leave a message, don't give up; just leave a message and wait. You should hear back pretty quickly.
Most agencies try to set up an initial assessment appointment within a week (some do within 24 hours), though the waitlist to start therapy is usually longer—about a few weeks on average. If you're not eligible or if the agency is not right for you, it's usually still worth it to call or drop in, because staff are knowledgeable about local options and can often refer you to one.