People across Cambridgeshire are being encouraged to have their say on the future of adult social care as part of a national public engagement programme launched by Baroness Louise Casey.
The Big Conversation on Care, which launched on 29 July, is the largest public conversation about adult social care in a generation. It aims to give people across England a direct opportunity to influence the future development of a National Care Service and help shape how care and support will be provided for years to come.
The commission is seeking views from the public on a range of important issues, including who should be eligible for support, what role families should play in caring for loved ones, and how care should be funded in a fair and sustainable way.
The engagement will run until April 2027 and will take place in two phases. The first phase, running from July to November, focuses on the values and principles people expect from the care system and who should receive support. The second phase will look at funding, delivery and long-term reform of adult social care.
Baroness Casey has previously said that attempts to reform adult social care have often failed because fundamental questions were addressed without first securing public understanding and support. The Big Conversation aims to change that by putting the public at the heart of discussions about the future of care.
Councillor Graeme Wilson, Chair of the Adults and Health Committee at Cambridgeshire County Council, said:
"Adult social care plays a vital role in helping people live independently, maintain their wellbeing and stay connected to their communities. The Big Conversation on Care is an important opportunity for residents across Cambridgeshire to share their experiences and help shape what adult social care should look like in the future.
"Whether you currently receive support, care for a family member, work in the sector, or simply have views about the kind of care system we need, I would encourage you to take part. By contributing to this national conversation, local people can help ensure that future services reflect the needs and expectations of those who rely on them."
Take part and find out more: www.caseycommission.co.uk/bigconversation
