Your Voice Matters
Speak out, we will listen and respond.
Given the chance, unpaid Carers have plenty to say about issues and services that affect them and the person that they care for.
It’s likely that you live and breathe being a Carer and are experts in your own right with meaningful insights into what it’s really like looking after someone who depends on you.
We can imagine what it’s like, but it’s only you who really knows the joys, rewards, frustrations and challenges of this important role. That’s why your voice is so important!
Forward Carers wants to hear what you have to say, what your views and experiences are like so that we can shape and design our services to meet your needs and improve the lives of all Carers.
By joining our Carers Voice programme, you can help to influence our services to Carers, respond to local issues that affect Carers as well as national policies and plans. Your insights can influence decision-makers and drive real change.
Examples of the Difference Your Voice Has Made
• Carers felt that they weren’t recognised so we developed and launched our own Carers Photo ID Card. Carers particularly valued this during the pandemic using their card to be seen as a key worker.
• Carers told us about their struggles with their GP surgery, we used this feedback to create a new job role to focus on health liaison with local GPs surgeries and hospitals to increase Carer awareness and understanding.
• Young Adult Carers said they regularly used TikTok so we launched our own account to reach more young people to encourage them to seek support. They also told us that they get their information from podcasts so we are in the process of developing a podcast for this audience.
How You Can Get Involved
Every voice matters, and your input can make a big difference. There are many ways to participate in the Carers Voice programme. You can choose how much you want to get involved, your voice is still powerful:
Invitation to become a Carer Ambassador – Our Ambassadors are Carers or former Carers chosen by us who are passionate about helping other Carers. They raise awareness and understanding of Carers by giving talks to health and social care settings, community groups or workplaces and sometimes have appeared on TV.
Surveys & Consultations – Give 5 to 15 minutes of your time to provide your feedback
Focus Groups & Workshops – Get more involved with discussions with other Carers (and sometimes with the council or NHS) to explore key issues and develop solutions. These often take place in-person between two and three hours.
Co-Production – Work with us to produce and improve services together instead of us creating something we think you would like.
Share Your Story – Tell people about your caring journey, share your experience to help others (this can be done anonymously)
Join our Carers Voice Programme
Connect with a community that listens, values, and champions Carers. Together, we can make a real difference and create meaningful change to build stronger, more Carer Friendly Communities.
Sign up now and let’s make a difference, together!
Research Requests
We sometimes work with other organisations to assist research. We may be able to support your research as part of our Carers Voice programme but we will need to know more about your proposed research activity. We get lots of requests for Carers to participate in research, we are unfortunately not able to assist with all of these as we are mindful of Carers’ time and availability, so please do complete this form in detail.
