Jun 16

Have Your Say: Help Improve Support for Carers

If you support someone living with a severe mental illness, your experience really matters—and you now have a chance to help shape future support.

Researchers at the University of Oxford are carrying out an important study to better understand the wellbeing of people who care for someone with a severe mental illness. At the moment, there’s very little research in this area, and your voice could help make a real difference.

What is the study about?

The research looks at whether taking part in social groups—such as support groups, community activities, or clubs—has an impact on carers’ wellbeing.
Whether you regularly attend groups, used to attend, or have never been involved in any, the researchers are keen to hear from you.

Who can take part?

You can join the study if you:

  • Are aged 18 or over
  • Live in the UK
  • Provide unpaid emotional or practical support to someone aged 16+ who couldn’t manage without your help due to severe mental illness

You don’t need to call yourself a “carer”—if you support someone close to you, that’s enough.

The study focuses on people supporting someone living with conditions such as:

  • Psychosis
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Eating disorders
  • Personality disorders or complex emotional needs

What’s involved?

An anonymous online survey
Takes around 40 minutes to complete
You can take breaks and come back to it later

You can access the survey and find out more here https://tinyurl.com/CaregiverSMIWellbeingOrgs

If you’d like more information, you can contact the research team directly:

Dr Eiluned Pearce – [email protected]
Dr Lorna Hogg – [email protected]
Dr Shama El-Salahi – [email protected]