Reading Comes Together to Tackle Social Care Challenges

Reading Comes Together to Tackle Social Care Challenges

02/09/2014
Reading Borough Council Press Release

READING Borough Council, service providers, voluntary sector partners and service users will be coming together for a Care and Support Conference, taking place at the Town Hall on Monday 8th September, 9.00 – 4.30pm.

The conference will discuss the Care Act and what changes in the national care system will mean for Reading residents and those who support them.

The Conference will be used to highlight some of the Council’s plans for better integration between health and social care services, and how it wants to work with all partners to deliver this. This includes the implementation of the UNISON ethical care charter launched earlier this year. It will also cover the plans for the ‘Better Care Fund’ national programme to bring the NHS and social care closer together with Reading as one of the first areas taking this forward.

The Care and Support Conference will also discuss and identify priorities for future care and support services, and how agencies can work together to support Reading people to thrive whatever they need, including reducing use of residential care and supporting more people to live well at home.

Break-out sessions will address all aspects of care and support, including residential and nursing, supported living, domiciliary and wider community-based and preventative services. Council officers will provide information on the move to focus on outcomes for residents, and share best practice.

Lead Member for Adult Social Care, Cllr Rachel Eden said:

“The need for care and support affects everyone in Reading, whether our neighbours, family members or we need support ourselves.

“There are huge challenges that, like the rest of the country, Reading faces to ensure that we can live fulfilling lives regardless of our needs. Only by ensuring that the council, the NHS, voluntary organisations and private providers all work together with residents will we meet that challenge.

“This Conference is an important step in developing our Reading-wide strategy for adult social care, and I would urge anyone with an interest to attend.”

For more information and to register for your free place at the conference, please contact Contracts.Team@reading.gov.uk, 0118 937 2833.

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

You are invited to send a photographer to the Care and Support Conference at 4pm on 8th September at Reading Town Hall.

Media Contact: Anna Fowler
Tel: 0118 937 3957