Care Support Independence

Stakeholders from the South East of England gathered over two days in Reading and Tonbridge for the first regional Big Care Debate Stakeholder Events.

The three events brought together a wide range of carers, service users and providers from across the public, private and third sectors to discuss the issues raised in the Green Paper Shaping the Future of Care Together.

“The Government’s vision of a new National Care Service is achievable – but only if we are prepared to rise to the challenge of radical reform,” said Denise Porter, deputy regional director of social care and partnerships in the West Midlands, in opening the event.

”As a country we need a new system that is fairer, more affordable and simpler for everyone. We want your views on this paper, there are some really big and important decisions to be made.”

The event began with a screening of the Big Care Debate launch video and a presentation by the head of the Green Paper team Alexandra Norrish, highlighting the key issues in Shaping the Future of Care Together.

The first set of table discussions revolved around the Government’s six-point vision for a National Care Service . Delegates chose which of the six they most wanted to discuss and sat at tables dedicated to each.

Between sessions delegates were given time to look at notes made by other discussion groups and to add their own written comments. The second set of discussions, titled From Vision to Reality, moved on to the elements named in the Green Paper as key in delivering the National Care Service – joined-up working, a wider range of care and support services and better quality innovation.

There followed a presentation on funding – outlining the three options from the Green Paper. Delegates then discussed the options before moving on to the question of whether funding should be determined at national or local level , or by a part national, part local system.

Discussing the importance of the stakeholder events, Alexandra Norrish pointed out that the Green Paper is a consultation document, and that responses to the Big Care Debate will play a key part in future policy decisions.

“This is not a white paper,” she said. “This is not the definitive explanation of what we are going to do. This is why we need the help of people like you.”

Regional stakeholder events will continue around England into the autumn, for details go here.

A formal report on the discussions will appear on this site soon.