The joint carers strategy sets out a shared commitment to family and friend carers. It includes 6 priorities that will guide the development of support for carers up to 2031. It supports the ambitions of the adult social care strategy and the NHS 10 Year Health Plan: Fit for the Future (2025).
Joint carers strategy 2026 to 2031 (PDF, 929KB)The 6 priorities are:
- carers of all ages and from all communities are identified, recognised and treated as partners in care
- technology is used to make carers’ lives easier, with non-digital options available so that no one is excluded
- isolation is reduced and emotional wellbeing is supported by helping carers, including young carers, to have a life outside caring, including education, employment and training
- carers understand out-of-hours support options and have an emergency plan in place
- financial hardship experienced by carers is recognised and reduced where possible
- West Sussex County Council and the NHS lead by example in supporting employees who provide unpaid care
The county's Health and Wellbeing Board endorsed the strategy in July 2026 and will oversee and champion progress on its implementation.