Stories After The Storms: flooding survey now open

Stories After The Storms is a new research project that aims to ensure people affected by flooding in the future receive the best possible support.

The study has been designed by Lancaster University and UK disaster response charity, the National Emergencies Trust, which raises funds for those affected by UK emergencies.

People whose lives have been affected by flooding in the UK are being invited to take part in an online survey about the support they have received since, and how helpful they have found this.

The Stories After the Storms survey is open to anyone aged 18 and over, whose life has been affected by flooding in the UK. The Trust is also inviting those with experience of flooding to take part in one-to-one interviews or focus group conversation as part of the study.

The Government’s national assessment of UK flood risk estimates that around 5.2 million properties in England, or one in six properties, are at risk of flooding. More than 5 million people live and work in 2.4 million properties that are at risk of flooding from rivers or the sea, one million of which are also at risk of surface water flooding. Annual flood damage costs are in the region of £1.1 billion across England.

Stories After The Storms is supported by the National Flood Forum and Scottish Flood Forum and aims to identify what support and services are most beneficial to those affected by flooding - both in the immediate and longer-term - so that people affected by flooding in the future receive the best possible care.

National Emergencies Trust works tirelessly with survivors of UK disasters to create positive change and better outcomes in the aftermath of an emergency. In 2021, the Trust worked with the Department of Work and Pensions and the Ministry of Justice to change legislation ensuring that survivors do not forfeit state benefits when applying for appeal funds. Stories After The Storms also follows Bee The Difference in 2023, a research project by and for young Manchester Arena attack survivors, conducted by the Trust and Lancaster University, which shared learnings on the avenues of support following the attack.

Stories After The Storms is open to anyone aged 18+ whose life has been affected by flooding in the UK. They can participate in an anonymised online questionnaire, available on our Stories After The Storms page.

Anonymised findings will be shared with organisations who can help to make a difference to those affected by flooding in the UK - from government, to healthcare providers, to other civic and charitable bodies.

Our Stories After The Storms page has more detail, including FAQs.