Who Cares? Amplifying the voices of paid carers in Wakefield District

Our new report, Who Cares? Amplifying the voices of paid carers in Wakefield District, shares the experiences of professional care workers working in home care, residential care, nursing homes, supported living, and as personal assistants.

We heard from 71 professional care workers through a survey and spoke in depth with care workers, managers, and providers to better understand what it's really like to work in adult social care.

The report paints a picture of a workforce that is proud, experienced, and deeply committed to providing high-quality care. Many people told us that caring is far more than a job. They spoke about the relationships they build; the difference they make to people's lives and the pride they feel in helping people live with dignity and independence.

At the same time, professional care workers shared the pressures they face every day, including staffing shortages, time pressures, travel between visits, emotional demands, and communication challenges between health and social care services. Despite these challenges, the overwhelming message was clear – professional care workers want the time, support and recognition they need to provide the best possible care.

One paid carer told us:

"We really love our job, but it is really hard sometimes. We're not 'just' carers, we are a genuine support system to a lot of people who otherwise wouldn't have anything."

Another said:

"Overall, I feel proud to be part of a profession that genuinely matters and has such a big impact on people's quality of life."

Our findings also challenge some common assumptions about the care workforce. Many of the people who took part had spent years working in care, building valuable skills and trusted relationships with the people they support. Their insight provides an important opportunity to improve how health and social care services work together.

The report makes eight recommendations, including involving professional care workers in designing and improving services, strengthening communication across health and social care, recognising care as a skilled profession, supporting workforce wellbeing and creating more opportunities for integrated working.

As health and care services continue to evolve, we believe the voices of professional care workers must be part of the conversation.

By listening to the people who deliver care every day, we can help shape services that work better for staff, providers and, most importantly, the people who rely on care and support.

Thank you to everyone who took part. Your voices make a difference.