During the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic there have been many changes to health, care and support services, which will have affected those who provide informal (unpaid) care to family and friends. Healthwatch North and West Northamptonshire, Carers’ Voice Northamptonshire and Northamptonshire Carers would like to know about your experiences.
When Healthwatch Northamptonshire asked people to tell them about their experiences of health and care services during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic earlier in 2020, they became aware of some of the extra difficulties and challenges faced by those who provide unpaid or informal care for their loved ones.
Together with Northamptonshire Carers and Carers’ Voice Northamptonshire, Healthwatch North and West Northamptonshire would like to find out more about the experiences of those who have been providing unpaid care since March 2020.
There are two surveys, one for those age 18 and over (anyone younger than 18 can answer this longer survey if they wish) and one for young people age 11 to 17.
The findings of these surveys will be shared with the service providers and planners to inform their work and help them to continue to deliver good quality care and support carers at this time.
These surveys are intended for unpaid carers (sometimes referred to as ‘informal’ or ‘family’ carers). This means someone who provides unpaid care or support for a relative, friend or neighbour. This person can be an adult or child and the care is as a result of additional needs due to a disability, mental illness or a long term health condition. This excludes people providing care as part of paid work – for example working in a care home, hospital or care agency but does include people providing care for a loved one who is in receipt of Carers Allowance or a Direct Payment.
If you need help completing the survey, would like to complete it over the phone, have any questions or would like to tell Healthwatch North and West Northamptonshire about anything not covered by this survey, please contact them here.
They will also be holding focus groups or are happy to phone you to discuss your experiences. If this is something you are interested in, please sign up here.
Please do share this survey with any unpaid carers or groups you know and if a group you work with would like to share more feedback, do get in touch.
This survey will close on 31 January 2021.
- If you need more support as a carer, please contact Northamptonshire Carers on 01933 677907 or email carers@northamptonshire-carers.org
- If you would like to regularly give your views and get involved in shaping carers service, find out more about Carers’ Voice Northamptonshire by emailing carersvoice@connectedtogether.co.uk or calling 07856 875132