Have your say to shape the future of adult social care

Richmond residents, care providers, carers and organisations are being asked to take part in the Big Conversation on Care and help shape the future of adult social care in England.

By sharing their views, residents can play a meaningful role in influencing decisions that will affect local communities and what a National Care Service in England could look like for future generations.

Councillor Piers Allen, Chair of the Adult Social Services, Health and Housing Services Committee and Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board, said: “Our residents can play a direct role in helping shape the future of care in this country.

“Whether you draw on care and support, care for a loved one, work in the sector, or simply have views about the kind of care you would want for yourself or your family, your voice is at the heart of making things better.

“Adult social care touches all our lives. Most of us will need care or support at some point in our lives because of ageing, disability or a serious illness. So, it is crucial that meaningful reform is built on the experiences, hopes and concerns of the people it is there to support.”

Led by Baroness Louise Casey and the Independent Commission on Adult Social Care, the consultation asks questions about services that support people across the borough at some point in their lives, including who care should be for, how families and carers should be supported, and how care should be paid for in the future.

There are different stages to the consultation. Residents can find out more and vote on proposals from this phase of the Big Conversation on Care until 23 September on the Big Conversation website. There will also be more opportunities to get involved in the Big Conversation locally.

The consultation comes at a time when the council is working with NHS partners, GP practices, community and mental health providers, the voluntary and community sector, and Healthy Dialogues to make health and care more joined up for residents, with a focus on prevention and supporting more care closer to home.

Cllr Allen added: “Richmond is currently carrying out significant work to improve social care services for the benefit of our residents.

"The Big Conversation on Care is both timely and crucial. It will help make sure the voices of people who use, deliver and support care are heard as part of the national debate.”

The engagement programme will conclude in April 2027.