Wolverhampton residents are being invited to take part in a national consultation on the future of adult social care. The Independent Commission on Adult Social Care has launched The Big Conversation on Care, asking people across England to share their views on how a National Care Service could be designed and delivered.
The consultation comes as the Commission considers how adult social care should change to meet the needs of current and future generations. Baroness Casey of Blackstock, who leads the Commission, said the country had been caught in a cycle of "crisis, promises of reform, another review, and then retreat, while the people who need care, and their families, bear the brunt."
What the consultation asks
The Big Conversation on Care poses a fundamental question: when people are older, disabled, or have a serious illness, who should support them and how?
Participants can discuss what support they need, how they would like to receive it, share their own ideas, and vote on suggestions from other respondents.
Why Wolverhampton residents should get involved
Councillor Linda Leach, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said the consultation would help answer crucial questions about who care should be for, how families are supported, and ultimately how care is funded.
"Adult social care affects millions of people across the country, supporting older people, and people with disabilities and long term health conditions with a wide range of everyday tasks, helping them to live independently and safely," Councillor Leach said.
"It's vital residents have their say as part of this consultation, and to use their experiences to shape future services and support for the better."
How to participate
Feedback from the consultation will be considered alongside evidence gathered from people with experience of using and working in social care. The Commission will use this information to make recommendations to Government on the future of adult social care.
To take part, visit The Big Conversation on Care.