An innovative strategy, shaped and co-produced by residents on what improvements they would like to see in adult social care, is set to go before St Helens Borough Council’s cabinet next week.

 There are currently 38,500 older adults in St Helens Borough who are supported by the local authority –  whether it’s to live independently, or with dementia and long-term needs care – with the vast majority of the council’s overall budget spent on social care every year.

 With input from more than 300 people across the borough, including service users, carers, staff and general members of the public, Enabling People to Live Healthier, Happier Lives (Adult Social Care Strategy 2024 – 2027) outlines big and ambitious key pledges proposed by the council to take the highly in demand service forward, as well as the new practice models to form a strength-based approach.

Councillor Andy Bowden, Cabinet member for Integrated Health & Social Care who will be bringing this item to cabinet said “This strategy yet again shows our commitment as a Labour council to work with our residents. Savage cuts from the Tory and Tory/Lib Dem coalition over the last 14 years has meant we, like our communities, face many challenges – some of  which are outlined in the strategy such as increases in demand for care and support. However, this strategy sets out how we will intend to respond to those challenges. Implementing a new social care model puts an emphasis on individuals, their life experiences and what they feel would enable them to live a happy and fulfilled life. We are setting out how we want to take adult social care forward and I am confident that this combined with the anticipated election of a Labour government committed to improving health and social care will see real change in people’s experience of the service. ”

Priorities developed for St Helens Borough Council to build an outstanding adult social care offer include:

 Continuing to build relationships between adult social care and individuals so they feel supported

• Working together to empower individuals to make their own decisions about care and support 
• Co-produce assessments and care plans so individuals are in control of decisions made around care and support 
• Ensuring information is easier to access and understand working with communities on how materials can be further revised 
• Continuing to be creative and ambitious for the future involving people using services, carers and residents 
• Ensuring staff are well informed and there is consistency of practice through the new practice model 
• Everyday experiences feel fair and right
   

 The strategy also compliments the council’s vision for the whole of the borough through the wider St Helens Borough Strategy 2021-2030, in which ‘promoting good health, independence and care across communities’ is among the key priorities.

 Jamailia Hussain, St Helens Borough Council’s Director of Adult Social Care, said:

 “This strategy is a key document that will enable the public and staff to understand adult social care services, and what the strategic direction is for the next three years.

 “Throughout the strategy we have made clear our approach of enabling people and carers and supporting them with the right tools to remain as healthy and independent lives as possible.”

 Enabling People to Live Healthier, Happier Lives (Adult Social Care Strategy 2024 – 2027) will be presented to cabinet at its next meeting in St Helens Town Hall on Wednesday 19 June.