April Newsletter

Spring Into Support this April 🌼

We know that being asked to take part in surveys can sometimes feel like you’re saying the same thing repeatedly and you don’t see the impact. Sadly, some changes take a long time.  As Carers, your time is precious and often stretched between work, caring responsibilities, and everyday life. That’s why we want to be clear that we feel these two surveys are important – they are about you, your experiences, and how to improve support and research for Carers in the future.  

Take a moment to have your say—and don’t forget to check out our updated Carer discounts in Dorset!

HELP SHAPE FUTURE CARER RESEARCH – SHARE YOUR VIEWS

The research team at Bournemouth University is inviting Carers in the Wessex region (Dorset & Wiltshire) to take part in two important surveys. Your insights will help shape future Carer-focused research and better support systems for those balancing work and caring roles. 

1. Working Carers In Wessex Survey 

Many working Carers juggle employment with caring responsibilities – a tough balancing act that can affect wellbeing, relationships, and job stability. This survey seeks to better understand these challenges and gather your views on what research is most needed. 

✅ Who can take part? 
Unpaid Carers aged 18+ who are currently employed and live in Wessex (Dorset/Wiltshire). 

📋 What will you be asked? 
You’ll be asked about the support you receive at work, areas you think need more research, and basic personal information to help with analysis. 

2. Unpaid Carers In Wessex Survey

This second survey focuses on unpaid Carers more broadly. Whether or not you’re in paid employment, the aim is to learn about your experiences with research and hear your ideas for how Carers can be more involved in shaping future projects. 

✅ Who can take part? 
Any unpaid Carer aged 18+ living in the Wessex region (Dorset/Wiltshire). 

📋 What will you be asked? 
You’ll be invited to share any previous research involvement, what topics matter most to you, and how we can make research more accessible for Carers. 

Why Your Voice Matters 

Both surveys are part of the Building Carer Research Capacity project, which aims to ensure that future research is shaped by Carers’ real-life experiences and priorities. Your feedback could help influence better policy, support services, and understanding of what it really means to be a unpaid Carer.  

If you have any questions or would like to learn more, you can contact: 

Dr Andy Pulman 
Post Doctoral Researcher in Social Care 
📧 Email: apulman@bournemouth.ac.uk 

Healthwatch Survey

Healthwatch exists to be the voice of the patient. Listening to the views and experiences of people using health and social care services in order to help improve them.  

This survey is looking at the experiences of unpaid Carers, looking after people over the age of 18. They want to know what happens when someone rejects being given care and the impact that this has on their Carer.   

They are also interested in what it is like to access care on behalf of someone else and the barriers that carers face.   

Thank you for considering taking part – your voice can make a real difference.