One more week to have your say in the first phase of the Big Conversation on Care

The Big Conversation on Care, launched by the Independent Commission on Adult Social Care, has already received more than 6,000 contributions from people across the country in response to the phase one question:

When we are old or disabled, or have a serious illness, who should support us and how?

The Commission is now encouraging people to vote on the ideas that have been submitted by the public before the first phase of engagement comes to an end. So far, more than 350,000 votes have been cast.

The national conversation will run until April 2027 and is exploring some of the biggest questions facing adult social care, including how care and support should be funded, delivered and sustained in the future. Feedback gathered will help inform recommendations to government on the future of adult social care in England.

Gloucestershire County Council is supporting the initiative and encouraging residents, people with care and support needs, unpaid carers, families, care professionals, providers and community organisations to take part.

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. This is a chance to help influence the future of adult social care nationally, and I would encourage everyone to take a few minutes to vote on the proposals before the phase one deadline on 23 September."

Alongside promoting the conversation locally, Gloucestershire County Council will submit an official response to Baroness Casey's Commission, helping to ensure the experiences, priorities and challenges facing communities across the county are reflected in the national discussion about the future of adult social care.

Residents can find out more and take part in the first phase of the conversation by visiting the Big Conversation on Care website.