It’s no secret that over the coming months and years Reading Council, like local government across the country will face very tough challenges – financial as a result of the chocies we expect the Conservatives in government to date as well as practical issues – yesterday listening to people with learning disabilities I heard some powerful examples, including the impact that the housing crisis is having on them.
We are lucky in Reading to have a voluntary sector that is robust and full of wonderful people. We I believe that we can face those big challenges together. In the area of Adult Social care we are having a grown up conversation about how we can work together to deliver on our priorities.
Adult social care in Reading may have a particular remit for adults with disabilities and older people but it’s goal is one that we can all aspire too: to enable people live fulfilling lives as part of their communities. But the council can’t just unilaterally decide this stuff – it takes cooperation and genuine involvement to get this right.
This isn’t just words, already both service users and the voluntary sector have helped to shape the detailed priorities for adult social care and this went out at the beginning of the week asking for more involvement (I’ve taken off contact details to avoid spamming but if you want to get involved let me know and I’ll pass it on):
Reading Borough Council – Adult Social Care Grants Re-shaping workshop
You are invited to a workshop to understand Reading Borough Council’s proposed approach for Adult Social Care and Public Health grant funding from 2016. This will be an opportunity to share your views on the application process before this is finalised, and to contribute your ideas on how we can work together differently to meet the Council’s priorities in the future.
This workshop will cover the Council’s proposed approach to investing in the following services:
· Help to navigate care and support services
· Self advocacy and peer support
· Supporting carers to take breaks and enjoy a life outside caring
· Reducing the impact of illness
· Connecting people and communities to reduce loneliness
