Dudley among first areas to pilot national survey giving unpaid carers a stronger voice

The survey has been commissioned by the Department of Health and Social Care and is conducted by researchers at the University of Birmingham as part of the Centre for Care. It aims to give a more accurate picture of unpaid carers in England, including those not currently known to local services. Dudley is taking part alongside Birmingham, Coventry, Sandwell, Solihull and Shropshire, as well as Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield in South Yorkshire.

Councillor Andrea Goddard, cabinet member for adult social care and public health, said:

“Unpaid carers make a huge contribution to the lives of some of our most vulnerable residents, often balancing caring responsibilities alongside work, family life and other commitments.

“It is imperative that Dudley Council plays a key role in this important national pilot, helping to ensure the experiences of carers in our borough help shape the future of adult social care support. We would encourage anyone in Dudley who provides unpaid care to take part in the survey and share their experiences. Every response will help build a clearer picture of carers’ needs and how services can better support them.’

Professor Matt Bennett, Centre for Care, University of Birmingham, said:

“The launch of the Survey of Carers is an important opportunity for unpaid carers to have their voices heard. Unpaid carers make an enormous contribution to families, communities and society as a whole, but there are still significant gaps in our understanding of their experiences, needs and priorities.

“We know that too many carers are missing from the information currently used to make decisions about care and support. We want to change that. We have worked closely with unpaid carers, charities and councils to develop a survey that reflects what matters to carers and reaches people with a wide range of caring experiences. By taking part and sharing their experiences, unpaid carers can help us build the evidence needed to inform future decisions about care and support, both locally and nationally.”

Unpaid carers provide vital support to family members, friends, neighbours and others because of long-term illness, disability, physical or mental health conditions, substance misuse, or the effects of older age. Yet, despite their contribution, there is limited national data on who they are and the support they receive. The survey was co-designed with carers, local authorities, government bodies and charities, and includes new questions and improved ways of reaching carers who may otherwise be overlooked.

All responses are anonymous and no identifiable information will be published. To take part, visit Survey of Carers.