Residents urged to help shape the future of social care

The Big Conversation on Care, launched by the Independent Commission on Adult Social Care, is inviting people from all walks of life to share their views on how care and support should work in the future. The conversation will help inform recommendations to government on the future of adult social care in England, including some of the biggest questions around how care is funded and delivered.

Gloucestershire County Council is backing the initiative and encouraging residents, people with care and support needs, unpaid carers, families, care staff, care providers and community organisations to take part and make their voices heard.

Cllr Dr Kate Usmar, Cabinet Member for Adults' Support and Independence at Gloucestershire County Council, said: "Social care matters to all of us. Whether it's support for an older relative, a disabled family member, or care we may need ourselves one day, it touches communities across Gloucestershire.

"The Big Conversation on Care is an opportunity for local people to help shape the future of care and support, including how it is funded and sustained for future generations.

"We want people who rely on social care services, unpaid carers, families and residents from across Gloucestershire to take part. We'll be working with local groups and communities to encourage as many voices as possible to be heard and to ensure Gloucestershire's experience as a large rural county is reflected in the national conversation. I'd encourage everyone to get involved and share their views."

In the coming months, the council will work with health partners, community organisations, care providers and representative groups across Gloucestershire to actively promote the Big Conversation on Care and encourage people to take part.

Alongside this engagement, the council will submit an official response to Baroness Casey's Commission, helping to ensure Gloucestershire's voice is heard and that the experiences, priorities and challenges of communities across the county are reflected in the national conversation on the future of adult social care.

Residents can find out more and take part by visiting The Big Conversation on Care.