Covid-19 has brought challenges to all of our lives and tested us in ways we may never have imagined. It has been especially hard for Carers. The Carers UK report ‘Caring Behind Closed Doors’, as well as Carers locally, have told Gloucestershire County Council and NHS Clinical Commissioning Group that lockdown has been really hard. A lack of respite, problems with accessing food and medication, and a huge sense of uncertainty, have all led to Carers feeling anxious about the present and the future.

As lockdown eases, many people are able to start going back out into their community. Gloucestershire County Council and NHS Clinical Commissioning Group have heard that some Carers are feeling anxious about this. Some are worried about a lack of social distancing in their local community, or some people’s cared for person has a hidden illness that means they don’t have to wear a mask and some Carers are worried about how people will react to this. However, some Carers may not be anxious at all and are looking forward to returning to the activities they used to enjoy.

Gloucestershire County Council and NHS Clinical Commissioning Group want to hear from Carers across Gloucestershire, to find out what would help them in feeling more confident to engage in activities. What are Carers looking forward to doing again and how together we may be able to support with this.https://www.youtube.com/embed/g-Ygm00Qh_8?wmode=transparent&rel=0&showinfo=0&enablejsapi=1

Please if you can, feedback to Gloucestershire County Council and the NHS Clinical Commissioning Group by completing this survey here. It will just take a few minutes to answer and will help Gloucestershire County Council and NHS Clinical Commissioning Group and as a result Longfield too, to understand Carers needs in their caring role and the support that could help.

Gloucestershire Carers Hub can send you a paper version if you prefer or Carers can complete over the telephone: 0300 111 9000 or email: [email protected]