Help us care for carers and take part in our survey!

Unpaid carers across York are invited to make sure that they are getting the support they need.

As partners begin to draw up a new carers’ strategy that will identify what support carers need, we’re asking how to improve or add to existing support, and how it should be delivered in a way that it will have most impact.

Around 5,000 carers are currently registered with York Carers Centre to receive support. Yet we know that about 15,000 residents give unpaid care – that’s around 7% of the city’s population. Of them, over 6,000 give 20 or more hours of unpaid care a week, and nearly 4,000 give 50 or more hours a week.

So, City of York Council, York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and York Carers’ Centre are reaching out to carers and the people they care for, former carers, workers and volunteers who support carers, and employers of carers. People who know carers are being asked to take part and pass on the consultation to get as much feedback as possible to help inform the new strategy.

Cllr Lucy Steels-Walshaw, Executive Member for Adult Social Care at City of York Council, said: “Unpaid carers in York are beyond price to the loved ones they care for, and we must give them the support they need.

“Many people who look after neighbours or family members don’t see themselves as carers, even though they help thousands of residents stay independent at home.

“Your input into this strategy is essential so we can support those who support others. We want to understand what that support should look like, and where and how it needs to be offered. Please take some time to take part.”

Caroline Dunn, Associate Chief Nurse at York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We fully recognise the importance of unpaid carers to support patients when they are unwell and in hospital. We provide support to carers through John’s Campaign and provide guidance through our Carers Leaflet.

“Collaborating with City of York Council and York Carers is an exciting opportunity to learn more about what support carers need and want when supporting someone in hospital, and the feedback we receive will help us develop our plans for providing further support in the months and years ahead.” 

Sharron Smith, Chief Executive Officer at York Carers’ Centre, said: “We encourage carers, and anyone with an interest, to complete this survey to make sure that the priorities are right in the new Carers Strategy for York. 

“There will be an action plan drawn up from the priorities, and anyone interested in getting involved can do so. 

“Hearing from carers in different circumstances will strengthen the strategy and make it more effective so please take this opportunity to have your say. We know times are tough for carers and those they care for, and this is your chance to influence the support that is made available in the future.”

To take part in the consultation, please visit www.york.gov.uk/CarerSurvey. Anyone who wants a paper copy can pick one up from West Offices or from Acomb, Clifton, Tang Hall or York Explore Libraries, or can request one by emailing ASCtransformationteam@york.gov.uk or calling 01904 551550.

The survey ends on 16 March 2025.