The future of adult social care is firmly in the national spotlight following the launch of the Big Conversation on Care, which is giving people across England a say on how care and support should work in the future.
Against this backdrop, Westmorland and Furness Council's Cabinet has today (Tuesday 13 October) approved an Adult Social Care Strategy for 2026-2030, setting out the direction for care and support across the area over the next four years.
The strategy sets out a clear vision: "People living in a place they call home, with the people and things that they love, in communities where they look out for one another, doing the things that matter to them."
It places a greater focus on prevention and early help, supporting people to retain or regain their independence and enabling more people to live well at home and within their communities.
Shaped by engagement with people with lived experience of care and support across Westmorland and Furness, the strategy has five priorities:
- Prevention and early help
- Independence, recovery and Home First
- Housing, community and local support
- Safe, high-quality care and safeguarding
- Commissioning and a sustainable market
Cath Whalley, Strategic Director for Adult Social Care at Westmorland and Furness Council, said: "Adult social care is something that can touch all of our lives, whether we need support ourselves, care for someone we love or work in the sector.
"Our strategy sets out how we will support people across Westmorland and Furness to live well and independently, while making sure high-quality care is there when it is needed.
"Demand for adult social care continues to grow, and this strategy provides a clear direction for how we will work with residents, communities and partners to meet those challenges and support people to live the lives they choose.
"Alongside our work across Westmorland and Furness, there is an opportunity for people to help shape the future of adult social care nationally. I would encourage people to take part in the Big Conversation on Care and help ensure the voices and experiences of our communities are heard."
The Big Conversation on Care is part of the work of the Independent Commission on Adult Social Care, chaired by Baroness Louise Casey. It is giving people across England the opportunity to help shape the future of adult social care, including questions about who care should support, the role of families and how care should be funded. An online phase will launch in the new year. Find out more and get involved at: The Big Conversation on Care | The Casey Commission