Unpaid carers across Dudley are being invited to share their experiences through a new national survey aimed at improving care and support services. The Survey of Carers, commissioned by the Department of Health and Social Care and conducted by researchers at the University of Birmingham, opened on October 14 and runs until December 14.
Dudley Council is among six West Midlands local authorities piloting the survey, alongside Sandwell, Birmingham, Coventry, Solihull and Shropshire. Four South Yorkshire authorities are also involved. The initiative seeks to build a clearer picture of unpaid carers across England, including those who are not currently known to local services.
Council highlights carers' contribution
Councillor Andrea Goddard, Dudley Council's 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."
She added: "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."
Survey aims to fill gaps in understanding
The survey is open to people who provide unpaid support to relatives, friends or neighbours affected by illness, disability, mental health conditions, substance misuse or older age. Professor Matt Bennett, from the University of Birmingham's Centre for Care, said there were significant gaps in understanding carers' experiences and needs.
He said: "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."
Anonymous participation and next steps
The survey was developed with input from carers, charities, councils and Government organisations. All responses are anonymous, with no identifiable information published. Unpaid carers can take part online at surveyofcarers.com/takepart. The results will inform future adult social care support decisions nationally.
