Essex Carers All-Age Strategy 2022-26 Consultation Report Findings
Consultation report presenting key findings on the Essex Carers All-Age Strategy 2022-26. The report includes responses on proposed commitments aimed at supporting unpaid carers in Essex, highlighting high levels of agreement with various support aims.
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Essex Carers All-Age Strategy 2022-26 Consultation Report Key findings report March 2022 Poppy Reece Research & Citizen Insight Chief Executive s Office
Background Essex County Council recognises the importance of supporting unpaid carers in Essex and our aim is that We will help those carers of all ages whose caring duties are impacting most on their wellbeing by achieving a step change in the advice, guidance and support we provide to support wellbeing and independence, and by targeting it at those who need it most [Everyone s Essex, 2021-25]. To ensure ECC can meet this objective, research and engagement has been carried out with carers in Essex and those who support them, to understand their lived experiences and gather their views. Through the engagement, six commitments to carers have been co-produced. This consultation sought views on these proposed commitments, asking for level of agreement/disagreement with the aims under each commitment, and providing opportunities to share comments or ideas. The consultation ran from 14th February to 13th March 2022, and was promoted via the ECC website, social media, and direct with a number of carers organisations and community groups. A number of events were also held virtually and in-person which provided opportunity to promote the consultation. These commitments, and carer s feedback on them, will be used to inform the final Essex Carers All-Age Strategy 2022-26, due to be launched in April 2022. This report presents detailed responses from the consultation. 27/02/2025 | 2 Produced by Essex County Council Chief Exec s Office
Interpreting the data within the consultation This report contains several tables and charts that present the consultation and survey findings. In some instances, responses may not add up to 100%. This is due to either rounding of percentages, or where the question allowed respondents to give more than one answer. Please note that data labels on some charts have not been added where responses are 1% or below, to make for clearer visibility/interpretation of data. As the questionnaire was completed by respondents themselves (self-completion), not all respondents have answered all the questions. Therefore, the base size (the number of people answering a question) may vary by question. To ensure inclusivity, the questionnaire was open for anyone to take part and was available online and in paper format, including Easy Read. For the analysis of free text comments, all have been read through and a coding frame was developed on a theme by theme basis and quantified thereafter. Please note Easy Read responses (5 received) have been incorporated into the analysis. 27/02/2025 | 3 Produced by Essex County Council Chief Exec s Office
Executive Summary The consultation received a total of 90 responses. This included 2 paper copies and 5 Easy Read responses. Level of agreement with each of the commitments was high: 1) Carers can easily access information and support when they need it and early into their caring role At least 93% agreed or strongly agreed with the aims under this commitment. 2) Develop professional practice and processes to improve identification of and support to carers At least 93% agreed or strongly agreed with the aims under this commitment. 3) Improve transitions for carers as they move through specific phases or events in their caring role At least 91% agreed or strongly agreed with the aims under this commitment. 4) Carers will have increased opportunity to access good quality support, including short breaks At least 89% agreed or strongly agreed with the aims under this commitment. 5) Carers needs and rights will be understood and recognised across Essex communities At least 89% agreed or strongly agreed with the aims under this commitment. 6) Carers will be the experts that influence and be involved in the decisions that are intended to improve support & wellbeing At least 91% agreed or strongly agreed with the aims under this commitment. Free text comments indicate that while there is strong support for the proposed aims, carers would like more detail as to how they will be achieved and would like to see tangible action taken. Many commented that support is difficult to find and access, with some currently experiencing a lack of support, and there appears to be some level of scepticism around how positive changes will be made. 27/02/2025 | 4 Produced by Essex County Council Chief Exec s Office
Consultation respondents Who gave their views?
Consultation respondents The consultation received 90 responses including 2 paper copies and 5 Easy Read responses. Tendring had the highest number of respondents (20%) followed by Chelmsford (14%) and Braintree (11%). This is likely to be due to higher levels of engagement from partners in these areas, particularly in Tendring. 72% of respondents were female and 24% were male. The remainder did not specify. Over 55s accounted for the majority of respondents (58%). 55-64 was the largest age group (33%), followed by 45-54 (24%). Only 2% were under 35, and no responses were received for under 18s. 20% 20% 18% 16% 14% 14% 33% 35% 11% 12% 10% 10% 30% 9% 8% 24% 8% 25% 6% 6% 4% 20% 3% 3% 3% 4% 16% 2% 2% 2% 15% 1% 2% 12% 0% 10% 8% 3% 5% 1% 1% 1% 0% 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75-84 Over 85 Prefer not to say [Responses: 90] [Responses: 90] Produced by Essex County Council Chief Exec s Office 27/02/2025 | 6
Commitment: Carers can easily access the information, advice, guidance and support when they need it and early into their caring role. Respondents were asked to what extent they agree or disagree with each of the aims under this commitment. 95% agreed* with the aims to publicise what is available to carers in clear and accessible language, and work with partners to develop support networks. 94% agreed with ensuring that relevant information/support is available in a timely and accessible way, and 93% agreed with addressing any gaps in the early help offer to carers. Publicise what is available to carers in clear and accessible language 85% 10% 2% Work with our partners, including health, education and voluntary and community sector organisations to build on existing, and develop further support networks for carers in their local communities 80% 15% 3% 2% Ensure that relevant information, advice, guidance and support is available in a timely and accessible way 81% 13% 4% Address any gaps in our early help offer to carers and improve pathways to additional support and assessment so that carers get the benefit of all the support they are entitled to 79% 14% 4% 2% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Strongly agree Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree Strongly disagree [Responses: 88-90] [*Agreement = strongly agree and agree combined] 27/02/2025 | 8 Produced by Essex County Council Chief Exec s Office
Commitment: Carers can easily access the information, advice, guidance and support when they need it and early into their caring role. Respondents were asked if they have any comments related to this commitment. A total of 40 comments were received in response to this question. All comments have been themed and are presented below in order of prevalence. Please note that some comments are coded into multiple themes. Comments by theme No. of comments "A more joined up approach is required. Often carers are left alone to find information out for themselves, and struggle when their lives are challenging enough. It is hard to find/access information and support/navigate the system 10 How will aims be achieved/more detail needed/needs action/resource behind it 9 No help/support/contact currently/feel alone 6 More joined up approach/one stop shop/partnership working needed 6 I agree these should be your commitments but they are not happening. I had to find out information myself and access support via the internet. I have had not direct support from the council. Support/signposting needed automatically on identifying carers (e.g. GP) 5 General supportive comments about aims 4 Holistic/broader support needed (including emotional wellbeing) 4 Support needs to be provided in a timely manner 4 General negative comments about experience of support services 3 I feel very alone in supporting my 99 year old mother. Any help would be greatly appreciated. This all sounds very helpful. 3 Carers don t always identify as a carer/how do you identify carers Support needed in rural areas/all areas of the county 2 Support needed for staff working with carers 1 27/02/2025 | 9 Produced by Essex County Council Chief Exec s Office
Commitment: Develop professional practice and processes to improve identification of and support to carers. Respondents were asked to what extent they agree or disagree with each of the aims under this commitment. 95% agreed with the aims to work with professionals to embed Think Carers / Make Every Contact Count , and work in partnership to identify improvements to professional knowledge, skills and confidence. 93% agreed with the aim to review carers formal assessment and recording processes. Review carers formal assessment and recording processes, ensuring they meet the needs of those in a caring role and capture meaningful information that helps us to support carers 77% 16% 3% 2% Work with those professionals to embed Think Carers and make Every Contact Count , identifying needs and signposting for support and, where appropriate, assessment 80% 15% 4% Work in partnership to identify where we can improve professional knowledge, skills and confidence to enable those working with young people and adults to recognize that they are carrying out a caring role 72% 23% 6% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Strongly agree Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree Strongly disagree [Responses: 85-88] 27/02/2025 | 10 Produced by Essex County Council Chief Exec s Office
Commitment: Develop professional practice and processes to improve identification of and support to carers. Respondents were asked if they have any comments related to this commitment. A total of 31 comments were received in response to this question. All comments have been themed and are presented below in order of prevalence. Please note that some comments are coded into multiple themes. Comments by theme No. of comments I had a carers assessment but no specific advice was offered and when considering my own wellbeing I was just asked what I could do to help myself, no external support was offered. Lack of support currently/no assessment or poor assessment process 11 General negative comments about aims/existing support 7 General supportive comments about aims 5 Never had carers assessment or support so this would be nice. How will aims be achieved/more detail/action needed 5 It is hard to find/access information and support/navigate the system 3 Some carers do not recognise they are carers/identifying is important 3 People who are carers might not realise they are carers in my case I didn't want to be known as a carer so needed some gentle persuasion to what help there might be out there. I felt like a fraud and felt that the processes made it feel like why should you be asking for help. Respite breaks needed/break from caring without means testing 2 More education required for carers in relation to Dementia care 1 Covid restrictions impacted caring role (e.g. attending appointments) 1 Only carers understand the challenges 1 Local support groups have supported me in my caring role and rely on funding to achieve this I am registered as a carer with [GP] but they have not done anything to help me in this role or provided me with sign posting to relevant help. 27/02/2025 | 11 Produced by Essex County Council Chief Exec s Office
Commitment: Improve transitions for carers as they move through specific phases or events in their caring role. Respondents were asked to what extent they agree or disagree with each of the aims under this commitment. 94% agreed with the aim to work with carers to better understand what support is needed through transition and change. 92% agreed with providing meaningful contact and support to those coming to the end of their caring role, and 91% agreed with working with young carers to co-produce appropriate transition resources and tools. Provide meaningful contact and support to those coming to the end of their caring role or who have recently come to the end of caring for someone 70% 22% 5% 2% Work with young carers to co-produce appropriate transition resources and tools to prepare them for life as an adult carer 72% 19% 5% 2% 2% Work with carers to better understand what support is needed through transition and change so that support can be tailored and targeted for them 76% 18% 2% 2% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Strongly agree Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree Strongly disagree [Responses: 90] 27/02/2025 | 12 Produced by Essex County Council Chief Exec s Office
Commitment: Improve transitions for carers as they move through specific phases or events in their caring role. Respondents were asked if they have any comments related to this commitment. A total of 29 comments were received in response to this question. All comments have been themed and are presented below in order of prevalence. Please note that some comments are coded into multiple themes. Comments by theme No. of comments Strong communities pathways including bereavement, friendship groups and holistic support such as managing finances (as an example) are all ways to ensure a carer emerges from caring well. When caring there is a loss of identity which takes some adjustment. Support for end of caring role needed/support with loss of identity and support networks 6 Young people should not have to be carers/they need to be identified and fully supported 5 How will aims be achieved/more detail needed/needs action/resource behind it 5 Help carers who have reached the end of their caring role but are working age return to meaningful work when they are ready with support to get ready for work. Support needed for bereavement/preparing for death of loved one 4 Supported needed to plan for future care needs (e.g. options for care homes), and not to feel guilt/failure when they can no longer provide caring role 3 General supportive comments about aims 2 General negative comments about aims/existing support 2 I would much prefer that young people were NOT encouraged to be carers into adulthood, they have already had a childhood stolen from them. It would be a better society that found other adults to care for their parents." Financial concerns/financial support required 2 Support needed through all stages of the caring journey 2 Query over decommissioning of previous support services 1 27/02/2025 | 13 Produced by Essex County Council Chief Exec s Office
Commitment: Carers will have increased opportunity to access good quality support, including short breaks to maintain their own wellbeing and those they care for. Respondents were asked to what extent they agree or disagree with each of the aims under this commitment. 94% agreed with the aim to work with carers to understand better what a good short breaks offer should be. 91% agreed with working with partners to maximise access to existing clubs/activities, and 89% agreed with working with carers to design good quality support. Work with our partners, including the voluntary and community sector, to maximise access to existing clubs, activities, and groups so that carers know where they are and how to access them either for themselves or the person they care for 73% 18% 6% 2% Work with carers to understand better what a good short breaks offer should be and with them design a menu of opportunity 72% 22% 3% 2% Work with carers to design good quality support, including networks of peer support in and across communities 72% 17% 8% 2% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Strongly agree Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree Strongly disagree [Responses: 90] 27/02/2025 | 14 Produced by Essex County Council Chief Exec s Office
Commitment: Carers will have increased opportunity to access good quality support, including short breaks to maintain their own wellbeing and those they care for. Respondents were asked if they have any comments related to this commitment. A total of 39 comments were received in response to this question. All comments have been themed and are presented below in order of prevalence. Please note that some comments are coded into multiple themes. Comments by theme No. of comments I do find most groups led by volunteers to be very "coffee and cake" kind of place. There needs to be a variety of groups perhaps specifically catering for different age groups and specific needs. Breaks/respite are important/flexible choice of breaks needed 10 7 Can t access breaks without alternative care arranged for cared for/concern about leaving cared for Breaks should include supporting the cared for person adequately in their own home so carers don't feel they have to supplement any support already agreed. More support needed (practical/emotional)/fully resourced support 8 Lack of information about breaks/clearer information needed about breaks offer what s available and how to access 6 General negative comments about aims/existing support 5 Short breaks and activities have a role but the psychological and emotional support which enables and readies a carer to support and continue journey is really essential. No support offered/hard to access support or breaks 4 Groups/facilities need to be accessible for carers with disabilities 2 Would like to see action not just words 2 General supportive comments 1 Often carers would love to attend a forum, a weekly peers meeting or a one off event but do not know what respite they can apply for and how to apply. Lack of childcare for SEND children or adults - barrier to employment 1 Rural areas need to be considered 1 27/02/2025 | 15 Produced by Essex County Council Chief Exec s Office
Commitment: Carers needs and rights will be understood and recognised across Essex communities. Respondents were asked to what extent they agree or disagree with each of the aims under this commitment. 91% agreed with the aim to maintain and develop links with schools, colleges, health, employers and local voluntary organisations. 90% agreed with developing and delivering an awareness training programme, and 89% agreed with designing and promoting support schemes and awards that raise carers awareness and recognition. Design, promote and support schemes and awards that raise carers awareness and recognition for the important role they play in society 65% 24% 7% 3% Develop and deliver an awareness training programme so that the value and needs of carers are recognized and supported with compassion 65% 25% 6% 3% Maintain and continue to develop links with schools, colleges, health, employers, local voluntary organisations and residents to raise carer awareness and support to carers 64% 27% 6% 2% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Strongly agree Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree Strongly disagree [Responses: 90] 27/02/2025 | 16 Produced by Essex County Council Chief Exec s Office
Commitment: Carers needs and rights will be understood and recognised across Essex communities. Respondents were asked if they have any comments related to this commitment. A total of 25 comments were received in response to this question. All comments have been themed and are presented below in order of prevalence. Please note that some comments are coded into multiple themes. Comments by theme No. of comments Employment is key. So many carers struggle to maintain full time (or even part-time) paid work but with flexibility we can continue to contribute professionally and support our loved-ones Losing us from the workplace (perhaps prematurely) is bad for everyone - loss of experience and skills (to employers/society), loss of professional identity (of carer). Massive financial implications for carer and family. Identification/greater support of young carers needed 5 More recognition/support from employers needed 4 Practical support needed/support for whole family 3 3 Awards for carers not helpful/don t like the idea Raising awareness needs to be focused on outcomes/have specific purpose 2 More recognition of caring role needed 2 Young carers needs are often ignored so having added support to help them is a good idea. Travel/transport access needs to be considered 2 Understanding/awareness training needed for those coming into contact with carers 2 I care for my husband because I love him, I don't need a reward, it is enough to be with him. Awards can also make others who are also doing a fantastic 'job' feel they are not doing well enough, or they may wonder why they are not 'recognised'. Please, we don't need platitudes, we need someone to talk to when it is hardest. Partnerships with other organisations/charities needed/appropriate funding for charities 2 General negative comments aims aims/existing support 2 Ensure robust offer throughout carer life-course 1 27/02/2025 | 17 Produced by Essex County Council Chief Exec s Office
Commitment: Carers will be the experts that influence, shape and be involved in the decisions that are intended to improve their support and wellbeing. Respondents were asked to what extent they agree or disagree with each of the aims under this commitment. 94% agreed with the aim to stay connected with carers and continue to build understanding of lived experiences. 93% agreed with supporting carers to be involved in the decisions that will deliver this strategy, and 91% agreed with the aim to work with carers to co-produce the action plans that will deliver this strategy. Support carers to be involved in the decisions that will deliver this strategy 75% 18% 3% 3% Work with carers to co-produce the action plans that will deliver this strategy 73% 18% 4% 3% Stay connected with carers and continue to build our understanding of their lived experiences as we deliver this strategy 74% 20% 4% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Strongly agree Agree Neither agree nor disagree Disagree Strongly disagree [Responses: 90] 27/02/2025 | 18 Produced by Essex County Council Chief Exec s Office
Commitment: Carers will be the experts that influence, shape and be involved in the decisions that are intended to improve their support and wellbeing. Respondents were asked if they have any comments related to this commitment. A total of 24 comments were received in response to this question. All comments have been themed and are presented below in order of prevalence. Please note that some comments are coded into multiple themes. Comments by theme No. of comments Carers are central in the decision making planning as they are having the lived experience day to day, everyday. Carers views/engagement needed/carers are central to decision-making 6 General negative comments about aims/existing support 6 Yes but waiting lists for support and action plans will need to be addressed. Need to use range of engagement approaches/engage diverse groups 5 Scepticism around involvement of carers/truly listening to carers and taking action 4 Carers roles can be busy/unpredictable can be difficult to engage 2 Carers are a massive disparate group with many different experiences. It would need to engage carers in a range of situations and effort would be needed to ensure that less confident people are supported to get involved. General supportive comments about aims 2 Access to funding/free breaks/respite needed 2 Partnership working needed 1 All sounds good but please don t take over, ECC. Coproduction is important as an ideal but this area is complex and there are already lots of agencies and offers. Where ECC has a statutory duty they should lead and be visible, otherwise partnership in a real sense is needed. 27/02/2025 | 19 Produced by Essex County Council Chief Exec s Office
Are there any other commitments you believe should be included for carers in Essex? A total of 31 comments were received in response to this question. All comments have been themed and are presented below in order of prevalence. Please note that some comments are coded into multiple themes. Comments by theme No. of comments More help for parents with disabled children who also have other children. Practical help and support needed for carer/family 4 The aims are great and tick all the necessary boxes, I would like to know how you are going to do it? Unless staff are given the correct support and resources it will be very difficult to fulfil the aims. General negative comments about aims/existing support 4 How will aims be achieved/more detail/action needed 3 Support needed for carers who are older or disabled 3 More financial support for carers needed 3 Make it easier to find information/access support 3 To include older carers that have families of their own, who are looking after, are often the main carers for their elderly parents, when they themselves are having their own health issues. More peer support/groups/breaks needed 3 More identification/support for young carers needed 2 Better partnership working/support for partner agencies 2 Better partnership working with health and other organisations so carers are not exhausted with repeating the same information several times. This could be with linked / co-terminus teams or better sharing of recorded data on IT systems. Targeted resource/appropriate resourcing for services and support 2 2 Improvement to carer s assessment process Need commitment to measure/review/learn 2 Make it easier for people to access support from professionals. Person being cared for should also have a voice 1 27/02/2025 | 20 Produced by Essex County Council Chief Exec s Office
Appendices Previous carers engagement reports [focus groups and survey carried out between Nov-Dec 2021]: https://consultations.essex.gov.uk/commissioning-delivery/carers-survey/ Essex Carers All-Age Strategy 2022-26 Consultation: Copy of consultation questions 27/02/2025 | 21 Produced by Essex County Council Chief Exec s Office
This information is issued by: Essex County Council Research & Citizen Insight Sign up to Keep Me Posted email updates: Essex.gov.uk/keepmeposted Essex_CC Facebook.com/essexcountycouncil Contact us: research@essex.gov.uk The information contained in this document can be translated, and/or made available in alternative formats, on request. County Hall Market Road Chelmsford CM1 1QH Published March 2022.
