In Bournemouth for the Liberal Democrat Conference, we hosted a roundtable on the Casey Commission.
We bought together social care experts, national and local government representatives and people with lived experience to explore shared asks of the Independent Commission on Adult Social Care. A number of considerations were discussed including the breadth of the challenge facing social care provision; the cultural shift needed to ensure disabled people of a working age are consistently part of the government's thinking and decision making on care and support; and the connections between social care, employment support, health, education, housing and social security.
In regards to asks, some of the key take aways were the need to deal with inconsitencies in commissioning and best practice delivery, the importance of taking a rights-based approach to reform and the value the sector brings to people's lives, communities and the wider economy.
There is huge potential in the conversation on care and support started by Baroness Casey and her team, but we are not short of reviews and evidence about the state of the sector. What we need is a conversation that leads to societal shift in the way the country prepares for, funds and delivers care and support for all who require it.
In Liverpool for Labour Party Conference, VODG members came together with politicians, VCSE organisations, commissioners and other stakeholders to champion innovation and inclusion.
Alongside meetings with the Disability Minister and supportive MPs, attending sessions with the Social Care Minister, Health Secretary and Treasury representatives and meeting with members and colleagues across the social care sector, VODG, Well Placed and Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services (LCVS) joined forces with leading VCSE organisations to host an inspiring evening celebrating the impact of social care across Liverpool.
“From Past to Progress: How Liverpool’s VCSE Sector is Shaping the Future of Adult Social Care” was a special event co-hosted with Alternative Future Group, Community Integrated Care, Making Space, Natural Breaks, Nugent, Options, PSS and YMCA Together, alongside people with lived experience, carers, families and community leaders.
Through stories of care and support, attendees discussed how Liverpool’s VCSE sector is driving change, offering innovative solutions and contributing to the health, wellbeing and economic vitality of the city region. We heard powerful local stories from Chris and Viv, learned how the VCSE sector is helping to realise the Government’s ambitions for integrated health and social care and connected with local and national leaders, advocates and changemakers across the sector.
“Liverpool has a proud history of compassion and community spirit, this event was about recognising the progress we’ve made in social care, learning from lived experience, and looking forward to a future where inclusion and innovation go hand in hand.”