More unpaid carers across Surrey and Sussex registering with their GP for support.
This Carers Week (8-14 June 2026), NHS Surrey and Sussex is recognising the vital contribution unpaid carers make every day to their families, friends and communities.
Across Surrey and Sussex, more than 235,000 people are unpaid carers - providing essential support to loved ones who may be older, living with disability, illness, frailty, mental health conditions or addiction.
The NHS greatly appreciates the support from each and every one, and is committed to ensuring that support is available for them.
New data shows encouraging progress, with the number of people registered with their GP practice as a carer across Surrey and Sussex increasing by an average of 12.8% between April 2025 and March 2026.
By being registered as a carer, the NHS and partners are able to provide additional support to help them in their caring role.
While this is positive news, many unpaid carers are still missing out on support because they have not identified themselves as a carer to their GP practice - and this week as part of Carers Week we are calling for more to take this important step.
Caring for carers
Caring can be rewarding, but it can also affect a person’s physical health, emotional wellbeing, finances and ability to take time for themselves.
The NHS is encouraging anyone who provides regular unpaid care to tell their GP practice about their caring role, so they can access the support available to them.
Registering as a carer is a simple step that can help GP practices better understand your needs and connect you with the right support at the right time.
Why registering as a carer matters
Many people do not see themselves as carers. They may think they are simply helping a partner, parent, child, neighbour or friend. But if you regularly provide unpaid support to someone who could not manage without your help, you are likely to be a carer.
Registering as a carer with your GP practice helps healthcare professionals understand your responsibilities and the impact caring may have on your own health and wellbeing.
It also means GP practices can offer additional support to help you continue in your caring role.
What support is available can vary between GP practices, but can include:
- free annual health checks
- annual flu vaccinations and Covid-19 boosters, where advised
- access to a Carer’s Champion within the practice
- support with your physical and mental wellbeing
- information and advice about caring
- signposting to local support groups, respite services and community organisations
- greater flexibility when booking appointments
- help with prescriptions, including home delivery services
- referrals for support such as carers’ break payments
- support with accessing assessments and benefits, including Carer’s Allowance and Blue Badge applications
Local support for unpaid carers
There are a range of organisations across Surrey and Sussex offering information, advice and support for unpaid carers.
In Surrey, support is available through Action For Carers, which provides advice, wellbeing support, carers hubs, training and services for adult carers, young carers and young adult carers across the county.
Across Sussex, carers can access support through:
These organisations can help with emotional support, benefits advice, respite opportunities, training and connecting carers with others in similar situations.
Find out more
If you are an unpaid carer, or know someone who is, contact your GP practice to ask about registering as a carer and what support is available locally.