Have Your Say on Adult Social Care

Residents of South Tyneside are encouraged to have their say on a draft five year strategy for adult social care.

With a focus on people, place and partnerships, the Living Better Lives Strategy (2022-2026) aims to build upon the social movement seen at the very start of the pandemic by expanding links with the community, voluntary and faith sectors as well as the housing, education and business sectors.

The key aims of the strategy include supporting people to stay fit and well and connected to their communities, promoting early help and delaying and reducing need and ensuring there is a skilled and sustainable workforce.

Councillor Anne Hetherington, Lead Member for Independence and Wellbeing, said: "People should be given the best opportunity possible to lead healthy and independent lives, but we will only achieve this by changing the way we work, focusing on outcomes; what people want to achieve, how they want to live and working with our neighbourhoods and communities differently.

"We want to bring together a diverse range of social enterprises and community groups, to help us tackle health and wellbeing issues via place-based partnership working; and see improved engagement, ensuring everyone's voice is heard, whilst co-producing and co-delivering services.

"With people, families and communities very much at the heart of what we do, we are committed to supporting our residents with the right level of support when they need it. As part of our approach to prevent, reduce and delay, we want to build upon people's strengths and assets; to support their independence and enable them to live a better life; in the neighbourhoods and communities they call home."

People are encouraged to give their views on the strategy, with consultation running until 29 October. The survey is available at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/haveyoursay and livingbetterlives@southtyneside.gov.uk

Paper copies are also available on request by calling (0191) 424 6000 although people are encouraged to submit their views online if possible.