Care Confidence in Action
Sorting out social care can be complicated and stressful, especially if you have to pay for your own care. "Care Confidence" is a website designed to guide people through options like home care, special equipment, care homes, and managing costs. However, not everyone finds it easy to use online services on their own. This study, run by the University of York, looks at how councils and local charities can actively support people to use this tool. Researchers are inviting staff, older adults, and family carers in specific areas of Yorkshire to share their thoughts through surveys and interviews. Taking part does not involve any medical treatments. Instead, your feedback will help improve how social care information is delivered across the UK. Participants who complete an interview receive a £20 voucher as a thank-you, and taking part will help make care planning clearer for others in the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
In England, organising social care can feel confusing and stressful. This is particularly true for "self-funders"—people who pay for their own care and support rather than having it paid for by their local council. Finding reliable home care, specialist equipment, or a suitable care home takes a lot of time and research, and managing the costs can be daunting.
To help with this, researchers created "Care Confidence," an online guide offering clear advice on care options, rights, and finances. But having a website is not always enough, as many people lack digital skills, internet access, or the confidence to use online tools alone. The "Care Confidence in Action" project tests how local councils and voluntary groups (such as Dementia Forward) can best introduce and support people to use this website.
By studying how these local support services work in everyday practice, the research team aims to fix problems as they arise. Your experiences will help shape how public services guide older people and their families through vital care decisions, ensuring everyone gets fair, trustworthy information when they need it most.
Key takeaways
- Tests practical ways to help people use an online care planning guide.
- Aimed at self-funders, family carers, and staff working in local social care services.
- Led by the University of York alongside local councils and charities in Yorkshire.
- Involves taking part in an interview or short survey with no medical tests or treatments.
- Interview participants receive a £20 gift voucher as a thank-you.
Who may be eligible?
This study is open to adults aged 18 and older who are linked to participating local services in North Yorkshire, York, and Hull.
You may be eligible if you are an older adult paying for your own care (or an unpaid carer supporting someone who does) and you have been introduced to, signposted to, or have used the Care Confidence service through one of the partner councils or charities.
Staff members and volunteers who help deliver or manage these Care Confidence services are also invited to take part. You cannot join the study if you are under 18, if you are unable to give informed consent, or if you are a staff member not directly involved in the project.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- You are aged 18 or older.
- You pay for your own social care, or you care for someone who does.
- You have been offered or used the Care Confidence service in Hull, York, or North Yorkshire.
- Alternatively, you are a staff member or volunteer helping to deliver or manage the service.
- You are able to give informed consent to take part in an interview or survey.
What does participation involve?
Taking part is straightforward and does not involve any medicines, treatments, or medical appointments.
If you are a member of the public or a carer, you will simply be invited to take part in an interview. You will chat with a researcher about your experiences with the Care Confidence tool and the support you received. Staff members may be asked to complete an online survey, attend a group discussion, or take part in an interview.
The study runs from April 2026 to September 2027, but your individual involvement will be brief—usually just one interview or survey lasting less than an hour.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (4)
- City of York CouncilApproximateYork, England
- Hull City CouncilCity onlyHull, England
- North Yorkshire CouncilApproximateNorthallerton, England
- Dementia Forward (registered charity)City onlyHarrogate, England
Common questions
Do I have to take any medicine or have physical tests?
No. This is a social care research project, not a drug trial. It only involves sharing your views through a conversation or survey.
Will taking part affect my social care support?
Not at all. Your care, council support, and rights remain exactly the same whether you choose to take part or not.
What is a 'self-funder'?
A self-funder is someone who pays for their own social care services (such as help at home or a care home room) using their own savings or income, rather than having it funded by the local council.
How will the interview be carried out?
Interviews are arranged at a time that suits you and can usually take place over the telephone, via an online video call, or in person.
Will my personal details be kept confidential?
Yes. All information you share will be kept strictly private and anonymised in any reports, meaning you cannot be identified.
How to find out more
Sarah Brown
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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