Coventry City Council is supporting a major national pilot survey to gather the experiences of unpaid carers.
If you look after a family member, friend or neighbour who, without your support, would not be able to manage, then you are a carer – and we would love to hear from you.
There are an estimated 27,000 unpaid carers in Coventry.
Cllr Linda Bigham, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: “The Survey of Carers is commissioned by the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
“It’s a pilot survey focussing on the West Midlands and South Yorkshire so it will offer an important insight into the lives of unpaid carers.
“You may be looking after someone who has a physical or learning disability, dementia, mental health problems, may misuse drugs or alcohol or may be ill or frail. The person may live with you or elsewhere.
“The data available about the scale and extent of unpaid care is still limited, and we want to reach out to carers – especially those who are unknown to our services.”
Unpaid carers provide most of the long-term support in England, yet the data available to policymakers and influencers regarding their daily lives remains significantly limited. This survey aims to bridge that gap by gathering the comprehensive data needed to paint a more complete and inclusive picture of unpaid carers across the country.
The Survey of Carers is co-designed with unpaid carers, local authorities, government bodies, and charities, the survey ensures the questions reflect real-life experiences. It will collect vital information on carers’ circumstances, health and wellbeing, work and finances, and protected characteristics.
All responses are strictly anonymous, and no identifiable information will be published in any reports or findings.
How to Take Part
If you’re helping with things like this, even if it is just an hour a week, the Survey of Carers needs your voice. Without enough reliable information on unpaid carers, it’s harder for policymakers and local councils to provide the right support, and unpaid carers suffer as a result.
This is your chance to change that.
By completing the Survey of Carers, you can tell your council and the Government what would make the biggest difference to your life. This means you’ll help inform decisions made by policymakers, including your local council, about the support unpaid carers like you need. All responses are 100% anonymous. That is a Survey of Carers guarantee.
The Survey of Carers closes on 14 December 2026. So, there is plenty of time to take part.
To complete the survey, please visit: http://surveyofcarers.com/takepart