Live life: your way – help shape the future of adult social care in Shropshire

People using adult social care services, family carers and organisations involved in supporting vulnerable people are invited to the latest in a series of consultation events to have their say on the future of adult social care. 

Hosted by Shropshire Council, the event will be held at The Marches School in Oswestry on Thursday 4 August 2011, from 1.30pm to 4pm, as part of ‘Live life: your way’ – the biggest and most comprehensive consultation the council has ever carried out on adult social care in the county. 

Adult social care services have changed very little during the past 30 years, but the people we serve and the county we live in has changed greatly.  To be able to deliver the best care possible, it is no longer desirable to have a service where one size fits all, but a variety of tailored services, developed by the people who use them, their carers, supporters, families and friends. 

Thursday’s event will be the second of five ‘Live life: your way’ public events across the county giving residents the opportunity to get involved throughout the summer.  The meetings include a presentation about why we are doing this, and interactive workshops which draw on the expertise and knowledge of the adult social care community, voluntary and community sector and residents. 

Further public consultation events will take place at: 

• Bridgnorth Leisure Centre – 18 August – 1.30pm to 4pm
• Whitchurch Leisure Centre – 22 August – 1.30pm to 4pm
• Ludlow Food Centre – 24 August – 1.30pm to 4pm

Councillor Ann Hartley, Cabinet member with responsibility for adult social care, said:

“’Live life: your way’ is Shropshire’s biggest consultation on adult social care and we really need everyone to get involved to make this work.  Whether you or a loved one use adult social care services, or if you are a community or voluntary organisation supporting vulnerable people, we need you to come along to one of our public events to help shape the future of adult social care in Shropshire.  This is your chance to get involved to help create a new shared vision that fits the needs of Shropshire’s residents.” 

Councillor Steve Charmley, Cabinet member for disabilities, added:

“We are changing the way adult social care services are developed and delivered and we need your help.  Every family depends on social services at some point in their lives.  This is why your views will be instrumental in the way adult social care will be delivered in the future.  This is your opportunity to share your views and experiences and to help us develop the best range of services for the people of our county.”

In addition to the public events, the council is talking to a variety of people from advocacy groups to partners, such as the NHS and those who access services on a day-to-day basis. This included more than 40 representatives from adult social care and health organisations across Shropshire taking part in a consultation event on Friday 22 July. 

The partnership event organised by Shropshire Council was held at The Lantern in Shrewsbury and formed part of the Partnership Board meeting where organisations representing Shropshire’s adult social care and health communities come together to share information, influence decision making and share good practice.  Organisations included: Shropshire County Primary Care Trust; Mencap; Mental Health Partnership Board; Disability Partnership Board; Learning Disability Partnership Board; Bromford Support; Bethagy; Enable; Prospects; Community Council of Shropshire; Taking Part; family carers and advocacy groups; Shropshire and South Staffordshire Foundation Trust; Oswestry and Shropshire Citizens Advocacy and MIND. 

The format was similar to the other events being held, with participants sharing their views, opinions and ideas about adult social care now and how they see it in the future. Councillors Hartley and Charmley attended the event and thanked all those who took part. 

Participants were also asked how they thought the consultation event went.  Many people said there was a good mix of professionals, carers and service users and that they felt able to take part and have their say. 

Feedback from all the events will be presented at the final ‘Live life: your way’ feedback event on 23 September 2011, at the Council Chamber, Shirehall, Shrewsbury, from 9.30am to 12 noon. 

Anyone who is unable to make the public events but would still like to contribute has between now and 30 September to express their views.  To get in touch, you can call 0345 678 9005, email: livelifeyourway@shropshire.gov.uk, log on to our website at shropshire.gov.uk/livelifeyourway.nsf , go to the Facebook page , or follow us on twitter here.      

The first public consultation event was held at Shrewsbury Town Football Club on 29 July 2011.