Informing and improving policy and practice for carers through research and evaluation

Carers Week took place last week to raise awareness and improve the lives of carers and the people they care for. Much has been said about the need for a robust evidence base to support this aim. Last year a seminar series funded by the Economic and Social Care Research Council explored some of the evidence and next steps; and there is a growing body of studies exploring different aspects of carers’ lives. Here PSSRU at LSE colleagues Valentina Zigante, Nicola Brimblecombe, and Derek King reflect on a joint workshop by the Social Services Research Group and the NIHR School for Social Care Research on how research and evaluation could inform and improve policy and practice in relation to informal carers.