New survey aims to highlight unpaid carers' experiences

Charity Shared Care Scotland has launched a new survey for unpaid carers, aiming to gather experiences of accessing and using short breaks and respite services in Scotland.

Available now until July 31 2024, the online survey is open to all unpaid carers in Scotland, and the organisation would like to hear from carers of all ages, including those who provide support to a partner, child, relative, friend or neighbour.

With new “right to a break” legislation in development, Shared Care Scotland (click here for more) say it has never been more important to put carers voices at the heart of decision making, and responses from the survey will help to better influence the development of national and local policies and practice, while improving carers’ access to meaningful breaks.

“At Shared Care Scotland all of our work is informed by the voices of carers and those involved in developing and delivering meaningful short breaks,” explained Chief Executive Don Williamson. “The development of the Right to a Break from caring is a critically important step forward for unpaid carers. It has the chance to fundamentally change carers experiences for the better, but this right will only be met if there is short breaks and respite infrastructure in place to deliver it.

“Understanding the needs and the experiences of carers is an essential part of this process and we would encourage as many carers as possible to take part in our survey.”

Data from the survey will be analysed by the Shared Care Scotland team, who will later conduct a number of focus groups to discuss the issues in more detail. The survey consists mainly of multiple-choice questions, and should take no longer than 25 minutes to complete.

For more information and to access the survey, visit sharedcarescotland.org.uk/policy-practice-development/2024-carers-survey