Northamptonshire charity calls for new national approach to adult social care
SERVE launches policy discussion paper urging greater focus on prevention, community collaboration and independence.
An award-winning Northamptonshire charity is calling for a new national conversation about the future of adult social care following the Government’s launch of the Casey Commission and the Prime Minister’s commitment to reform one of the country’s most important public services.
SERVE, the Rushden-based charity that has supported local communities for more than 40 years, has published a major policy discussion paper entitled Communities Working Better Together – A Policy Discussion Paper on the Future of Adult Social Care.
The publication has been developed to contribute constructively to the Casey Commission’s national consultation and proposes a series of practical recommendations designed to strengthen adult social care through greater collaboration between the NHS, local authorities, independent providers, voluntary organisations and local communities.
Rather than focusing solely on funding and organisational reform, the paper argues that the future of adult social care should place equal emphasis on prevention, helping people remain independent and recognising the wider contribution made by families, volunteers and community organisations.
One of the paper’s central proposals is what SERVE describes as “The Fourth Question.”
Whilst the Casey Commission is asking what care should provide, who should receive support and how care should be funded, SERVE believes there is an equally important question that deserves national attention:
“How do we help people need less care in the first place?”
The paper argues that investing in prevention, community wellbeing and early intervention can improve quality of life whilst reducing pressure on both health and social care services.
It also introduces the concept of a Community Care Infrastructure, recognising the importance of community transport, befriending, support for unpaid carers, volunteering, day opportunities, home care and community organisations in helping people remain independent.
Tony Gibbs, Chief Executive Officer of SERVE, said: “The Casey Commission presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rethink adult social care. We welcome the Commission and the Government’s commitment to listening to those delivering services and those who rely upon them every day.
“Our paper is not intended to criticise the current review. Instead, it seeks to contribute positively by sharing practical ideas based upon frontline experience.
“Adult social care is about much more than responding when people become dependent. It is about helping people remain independent, connected to their communities and able to live fulfilling lives for as long as possible.
“We believe the future lies in communities working better together.”
The charity is now inviting organisations across Northamptonshire—including NHS partners, local authorities, Members of Parliament, independent care providers, voluntary organisations and community groups—to help shape what it hopes will become a shared Northamptonshire Statement on the Future of Adult Social Care.
SERVE also hopes that Northamptonshire could become a national demonstration area for innovative approaches to prevention, integrated care and community collaboration, with lessons helping to inform future national policy.
The paper has already attracted positive interest from partners within Northamptonshire’s voluntary and community sector, with discussions now planned with a wide range of organisations across the county.
Tony Gibbs added: “This is not about one organisation having all the answers. It is about bringing together the experience, knowledge and commitment that already exists across Northamptonshire.
“If we can demonstrate how organisations work together to improve lives, we have an opportunity not only to strengthen services locally but also to help shape the future of adult social care nationally.”
The full discussion paper, Communities Working Better Together, is now being circulated to key stakeholders across Northamptonshire as part of a programme of engagement supporting the Casey Commission’s national conversation on adult social care and available by emailing [email protected]