In the summer of 2021, Carers Voice started the process of engaging carers in the design of a survey, with a view to informing the development of an All Age Carers Strategy for Norfolk and Waveney. This work was supported by Norfolk County Council, which included co-producing the survey with carers and other key stakeholders. The decision to place co-production at the centre of this work helped to increase the relevance of the survey and enabled carers to directly impact the actions and recommendations.
As part of the first All Age Carers Strategy for Norfolk and Waveney, Carers Voice have co-produced an Engagement Report. Carers Voice used a variety of methodologies to consult with Carers including an engagement survey, focus groups and 1-1 interviews. The survey was completed by 445 Carers in 47 postal areas and 50 participants taking part in focus groups and interviews.
You can view the Engagement Report for the All Age Carers Strategy for Norfolk and Waveney by clicking on the button below
The key themes in the Carers Engagement Report focus on the importance of:
-Accessing the right care for the cared for person.
-Accessing support and knowing what’s available.
-Continuity of support and recognition of the existing fragmentation of services.
-Communication between services and departments.
-Carers groups and other community networks.
-Identification and raising awareness of Carers and capturing their value.
-Involving Carers in long-term care planning.
-Mental health support for Carers and the person cared for (crosscutting theme).
Recommendations:
– To establish a task and finish group to develop an All Age Carers Strategy underpinned by an action plan
– To develop a set of indicators to facilitate join up across services including those that show the additional impact of the rising cost of living and the longer-term impact of the pandemic.
-To identify workstreams for extra research and analysis
– Identifying the support offered by family and community and how this balances with support services
– To embed co-production by supporting Carers to monitor the strategy.