A groundbreaking pilot survey aimed at understanding the experiences of unpaid carers has been launched. Warwickshire County Council is encouraging all local unpaid carers to take part in this initiative, which seeks to shape future care and support policies.
The survey defines a carer as anyone who looks after a family member, friend, or neighbour who cannot manage without their support due to physical or learning disabilities, dementia, mental health problems, substance misuse, or illness and frailty. The person being cared for may live with the carer or elsewhere.
Commissioned by the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), the Survey of Carers is being conducted by Matthew Bennett and researchers at the University of Birmingham. The pilot aims to test the design and delivery of a nationally representative survey of unpaid carers in England.
Unpaid carers provide the majority of long-term support in England, yet data on their daily lives for policymakers is limited. This survey intends to gather comprehensive data to create a more complete picture of unpaid carers nationwide. The pilot is being conducted across the West Midlands and South Yorkshire, using improved sampling methods to reach carers not currently known to local services.
Cllr Anne-Marie Sonko, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Social Care and Health, stated, “Unpaid carers are the absolute backbone of our social care system, dedicating their time and energy to supporting loved ones. However, their own needs, challenges, and contributions often go unseen. This pilot survey is a critical step in ensuring that the voices of carers in Warwickshire and beyond are heard loud and clear. By taking just a few minutes to share your experiences, you are providing the essential evidence needed to improve support, shape future policy, and ensure that unpaid carers are fairly represented. I strongly urge anyone who provides unpaid care to participate.”
Co-designed with unpaid carers, local authorities, government bodies, and charities, the survey's questions reflect real-life experiences. It will gather vital information on carers’ circumstances, health and wellbeing, work and finances, and protected characteristics. All responses are strictly anonymous, with no identifiable information to be published.
The Survey of Carers officially opened at 9:00 am on Wednesday, 14 October 2026. Carers have until 14 December 2026 to submit their responses. To participate, please visit: http://surveyofcarers.com/takepart.
Localised findings from the pilot are expected to be published on the Survey of Carers website in June 2027. For further information on carer support in Warwickshire, visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/carers.
