Moray Adult Unpaid Carer Survey 2026 - What We Heard
Consultation has concluded
Between 29 January and 2 March 2026, Health & Social Care Moray invited adult unpaid carers and professionals across Moray to share their experiences of carer support services and help shape future improvements.
We would like to thank everyone who took the time to complete the survey and share their experiences. In total, we received 182 responses from unpaid carers, alongside additional feedback from professionals who support carers across Moray.
The feedback has provided valuable insight into what is working well, where challenges exist, and what matters most to carers and families.
What carers and professionals told us
The surveys highlighted that while support services for unpaid carers in Moray are valued, there are important opportunities to improve communication, consistency, responsiveness and understanding of available support.
Many carers described staff within the Quarriers Carer Support Service as:
“kind”, “life saving” and “my safety net”.
Professionals also spoke positively about working relationships with the service, particularly where communication and follow-up work well.
At the same time, both carers and professionals identified common frustrations around:
- understanding what support is available
- how to access support
- what happens after a referral or assessment
- communication and follow-up
Key themes from the survey
Recognition of carers
Many unpaid carers said they still do not always feel recognised or included in decisions about the person they support.
Professionals acknowledged that many carers do not identify themselves as carers and that more awareness and understanding is needed across services and communities.
Communication and follow-up
Communication was the strongest shared theme across both surveys.
Carers and professionals reported:
- delays or lack of follow-up after referrals or assessments
- difficulty getting updates or responses
- uncertainty around who to contact
- confusion about what support the service can provide
Adult Carer Support Plans (ACSPs)
Many carers said they were unclear about:
- what an Adult Carer Support Plan is
- how it should help
- what happens after a plan is completed
Professionals also highlighted that pathways and processes can be unclear and inconsistent.
Short breaks and practical support
Carers spoke about exhaustion and the need for:
- more short breaks and respite opportunities
- emotional wellbeing support
- practical help
- local peer support
Professionals also recognised growing demand and limited capacity in some areas.
What is working well
The surveys also highlighted many positives.
Carers told us that when support is available, it can make a significant difference in reducing isolation and helping them continue in their caring role.
Positive feedback included:
- compassionate and person-centred support from staff
- valued information and signposting
- peer support opportunities
- support that carers described as “life changing”
What happens next
The findings are already helping shape ongoing improvement work across Moray and directly support the priorities within the Moray Unpaid Carers Strategy 2023–2028 which is a live document.
Areas being taken forward include:
- clearer referral and support pathways
- improving communication and follow-up standards
- raising awareness and recognition of unpaid carers
- strengthening support for carers’ mental wellbeing
- improving access to local and rural support
- developing more peer support opportunities
- reviewing and improving short breaks provision
- ensuring carers continue to have a strong voice in shaping services
The feedback is also helping inform the updated Unpaid Carer Service contract specification, including stronger expectations around:
- proactive contact and early support
- clearer communication
- flexibility for working and rural carers
- support for carers of people with complex needs
- improved consistency across services
Thank you
We're grateful to every unpaid carer and professional who shared their experiences and ideas.
Your feedback is helping shape future support for unpaid carers in Moray and will continue to inform improvement work across health, social care and partner organisations.
