Last week we were delighted to celebrate a proud moment, as our Carers Voices project was recognised at the prestigious Patient Experience Network Awards. Jane Stokes, our Carers Voices Officer, collected the ‘Runners Up’ award in the category of Support for Caregivers, Friends and Family.
This award is a tribute to the work of the Carers Voices team and the commitment to ensuring carers across Essex have their voices heard and their experiences valued. We extend our thanks to everyone who has contributed to this project so far – particularly the carers who have shared their time, stories and insights with us.
Picker Network Experience Awards – Birmingham, 2025. Jane Stokes, Carers Voices Officer collects the award for Healthwatch Essex (left).
Copyright – Richard Southall
Carers Voices is a Healthwatch Essex initiative commissioned by Essex County Council to engage with unpaid carers of all ages. Carers often face unique challenges, and their voices are crucial in shaping better support and services. Our approach focuses on going out to carers, rather than expecting them to come to us. This means visiting places where carers are – from hospitals, GP surgeries and supermarkets to community events and care settings across Essex. We aim to reach as many carers as possible, including those from seldom-heard groups, so their experiences are reflected in how support services are shaped.
Through Carers Voices, we gather feedback from carers, share information, signpost to relevant services, and amplify their voices to decision-makers. We also work with our panel of Carer Experts by Experience, who help guide the project and ensure the work reflects carers’ priorities.
Since the project began, we have engaged with over 3,400 carers across Essex, capturing their insights and feeding them into service improvements. The feedback we gather has been shared widely, including with decision-makers at county level and in Parliament, to help shape better care for carers and those they support.
Carers have told us how important it is to feel listened to, supported and informed. For many, our team’s support has been a vital part of their caring journey:
“Sometimes the carer requires more support than the cared for person. Thank you for asking how I am.”
“Thanks to the Carers Voices team for making a difference in my life. It’s so hard to navigate the services out there, but Healthwatch Essex were there to help.”
The PEN Awards celebrate outstanding work in health, social care and the voluntary sector. Being recognised is a validation of the Carers Voices approach; going to where carers are, listening deeply to their experiences, and ensuring their voices influence change.
This award reflects the dedication of the Carers Voices team and the carers themselves, who have helped shape this work. Jane was proud to receive the award on behalf of the team, and we are committed to continuing this work so carers in Essex continue to be heard and supported.
Find out more about Carers Voices and how you can get involved.