Friday 02 March 2012
The Health, Wellbeing and Social Inclusion Survey has been sent out to one in four households in Guernsey and Alderney this week.
The survey has a focus on long-term health conditions and impairments. However, people who are in good health and who feel they can take part fully in island life are also being encouraged to reply.
One hundred questionnaires were sent out as a pilot run in early February. Almost half have now been returned - covering a total of 93 people, adults and children, in 48 households. So far:
· About one in every five people reports a long-term health condition or impairment. These include mental ill health, learning difficulties and disabilities, chronic fatigue, Parkinson's, tinnitus, arthritis and osteoporosis.
· Around half of these people report receiving help from health or social care, and almost all of them have a medical diagnosis.
· 14% of households include a person who gives informal or unpaid care to a family member, relative or friend. All but one of these people live in the same house as the person they care for.
The second stage of the survey will involve face to face interviews with disabled people and carers, who will be asked about their experiences in more detail.
"The interviews will be about half an hour long," explains Emilie Yerby, the Disability and Equalities Officer. "They will be carried out by experienced researchers, who will work with you to make sure the interview style meets your access requirements. They will offer to do the interview wherever you are most comfortable - either in your own home, or in a quiet space somewhere else."
Anyone who thinks they might be interested in doing an interview is asked to leave their contact details to find out more. All responses will be kept completely confidential.
The survey is being run by BMG Research, an independent company, on behalf of the States. The data collected by this two-stage survey will be the first comprehensive picture of the needs of disabled people and carers in the islands, and the social barriers they face. It will inform the Disability and Inclusion Strategy, as well as other social policy and service developments.
Anyone who receives a survey and has any questions about it is invited to contact Emilie Yerby, Disability and Equalities Officer, on 725 241 (ext 4157) or email eyerby@hssd.gov.gg.
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Contact information:
Emilie Yerby, Disability and Equalities Officer, on 725 241 (ext 4157) or email eyerby@hssd.gov.gg
