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Writer's pictureHealthwatch Somerset
Oct 72 min read

Do you look after a family member or friend who couldn’t manage without your support?

Updated: Oct 14

Investigating available information for unpaid carers in Somerset.

Young man with Down's Syndrome smiling widely, he is facing an older man who is also smiling. The older man has his hands on the shoulders of the young man and their faces are very close to each other.

Over 49,000 unpaid carers in Somerset help take care of a family member or friend who needs their support. Some of these caregivers don’t get any financial help and still balance their caring duties with their jobs and other responsibilities.


Our new project will focus on information available from health and care services that is designed to support and assist carers as they look after their loved ones. We want to know what caregivers think about the information they have received or discovered and if it is helpful for them.


Unpaid carers was the most voted for project in our ‘People’s Choice’ vote, and we frequently talk to carers during our engagement work.


In March 2024 Somerset Council published the renewed Commitment to Carers Statement alongside a co-produced report which informed the refreshed commitment:


“The Commitment aims to enhance the quality of life for carers and those they care for, by improving their experience of health and social care, and supporting them to access information and opportunities to keep healthy and live well while they carry out their vital caring roles. It reflects priorities identified through consultation and co-production with carers and those who work with and support carers.”

Our work aims to collect stories from all types of unpaid carers including:

  • Carers of someone with mental health conditions

  • Parent carers of adults and children

  • Veteran/Ex service carers and family members who are carers

  • Young Carers


Image of poster that says "Do you look after a family member or friend who couldn’t manage without your support? We want to hear your stories about the information and support available to you in Somerset. Your stories will help us influence health and social care providers to ensure your needs are understood. Call free: 0800 999 1286. Email: info@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk'. At the bottom of the poster is an image of an adult man and woman either side of a young man with Down's Syndrome. They are all smiling.

Gillian Keniston-Goble, Healthwatch Somerset Manager said:

“As Healthwatch we know that there is a lot of information and support available to unpaid carers in our local communities, however we also hear feedback from carers who have not known where and how to access that information.
This project will begin to address that gap.”

We want to hear your story or visit your carers/community group and listen to your feedback.

If you are 18 years or older you can take part by completing our form over the phone, online, or by post:

Freephone: 0800 999 1286

Download the adults form for print


If you would like to know more, get involved, or tell us about your experiences of accessing information for carers, please get in touch:

Freephone: 0800 999 1286

 

If you would like us to come and talk to your community group, or would like to display one of our posters, please email Tanya Camberwell - Engagement Officer: tanya.camberwell@healthwatchsomerset.co.uk
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