Residents in Peterborough are being urged to take part in a national consultation on the future of adult social care announced last week by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
'The Big Conversation on Care' is part of ongoing work by the Independent Commission on Adult Social Care, also known as the Casey Commission.
This is being led by Baroness Louise Casey, who was asked by the Prime Minister to consider how adult social care should change to meet the needs of current and future generations, and to make recommendations for reform.
Adult social care affects many people in Peterborough, supporting older people, disabled people and people with long-term health conditions with a wide range of everyday tasks, helping them to live independently and safely.
Residents are now being encouraged to have their say as part of the consultation, helping to inform the government about what changes are needed and general improvements they would like to see.
Cllr Shabina Qayyum, Leader of Peterborough City Council, said: "As a GP myself, I am passionate about the future of adult social care and how we can make lasting positive change. Councils have asked successive governments for more support for adult social care, but reform has stalled. We now need to build a public mandate for change and that means talking properly to people from the start and understanding their needs.
"I would encourage everyone to take part in The Big Conversation on Care, whether you draw on care and support, care for someone else, work in adult social care or have never really thought about care before, we want to hear from you. It will only take a few minutes of your time, but your feedback will help inform national decisions on how this vital service is delivered in future, helping many vulnerable people."
Councillor Neil Boyce, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, added: "In recent years demand for adult social care in Peterborough has risen significantly, driven many factors including an ageing population and an increase in younger adults presenting with mental health needs.
"We need to continue to work with partners to commission new approaches that achieve positive outcomes for our residents and meet increasing demand. The Big Conversation will help Whitehall drive positive change for millions of people nationwide and many in Peterborough, so please have your say."
The Big Conversation is being delivered with Ipsos, an independent organisation with expertise in research. Feedback will be collated and considered alongside the other evidence gathered by the Commission. This will help inform the Commission’s recommendations to Government on the future of adult social care.
For more information on the Big Conversation and to take part visit the Casey Commission’s website.