Dudley Council is one of six West Midlands local authorities piloting a new national Survey of Carers. The survey opens on 14 October and closes on 14 December. Unpaid carers in the borough are being encouraged to take part and help shape future care and support services.
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.
Why the survey matters
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. Despite their contribution, there is limited national data on who they are and the support they receive.
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."
Professor Matt Bennett from the Centre for Care at the University of Birmingham added: "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. 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."
How to take part
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.
Unpaid carers in Dudley can take part by visiting the Survey of Carers website. The survey runs until 14 December.