East Sussex County Council’s Chairman experiences the impact of Carer's O'Clock

In October, we welcomed Cllr Roy Galley, chairman of East Sussex County Council to our Eastbourne Carers O’Clock session to meet and talk to our amazing carers who take part.

The monthly sessions, held in Eastbourne and Uckfield, provide unpaid carers an opportunity to be looked after by a dedicated team with all refreshments and a freshly prepared hot lunch provided by our resident chef.  Led by an expert artist, carers can immerse themselves in engaging and uplifting creative activities, whilst connecting with others who fully understand the demands of caring and supporting each other through conversation and practical advice.

Commissioned through the East Sussex County Council Carers’ Hub, Carers O’Clock tackles the loneliness that many carers experience and allows them to relax and express themselves creatively in the company of others who ‘get it’.

“My visit to Culture Shift in Eastbourne was amazing. So many of those present had really challenging situations to face, such as caring for two teenagers or young adult children with severe Autism and ADHD which meant very little respite for the carer. Others had been caring for a family member for over 25 years and, in some cases, several family members over a long period of time. Others were kinship carers who may be looking after grandchildren because the parents are incapable of doing so. These carers receive less support than other carers and foster parents.

“What was astonishing was firstly they often get very little respite. It really can be 24/7 except for their monthly visits to Culture Shift. Secondly, they are so resilient. Some felt quite low, but meeting others bolstered their confidence, and they were able to laugh and smile." Cllr Roy Galley

“We were very pleased to welcome Cllr Roy Galley to our Carers O’Clock session in Eastbourne and immensely grateful for the respect and support he has shown to the army of unpaid carers who live in East Sussex.

“This project has been running since 2020 and we have monthly sessions in both Eastbourne and Uckfield, led by a brilliant creative team, providing respite and support for carers who tell us the sessions are a lifeline for them. Culture Shift is just one of the many small charities in East Sussex supporting the health and wellbeing of people facing huge challenges every day.” Julia Roberts, CEO of Culture Shift.

This post has been adapted from East Sussex County Council. You can read the full press release here: https://news.eastsussex.gov.uk/2025/10/28/chairman-sees-impact-of-creative-session-for-carers/