Stoke-on-Trent City Council is inviting residents, carers, families and community organisations to help shape the future of adult social care through a new engagement programme called the Big City Conversation.
The initiative will inform the council's Adult Social Care Strategy for 2027–2030 and aligns with themes from the national review of adult social care led by Baroness Casey.
What the conversation will cover
The Big City Conversation aims to give people who use care services, unpaid carers, families and residents the chance to share their experiences and ideas about how services should be delivered. The council describes the central aim as helping people to "live a life that matters to you".
The engagement will explore independence, prevention and early support, care quality, support for unpaid carers, community connections, technology and innovation, and how people can have a stronger voice in shaping services.
How to take part
Residents can complete an online questionnaire and attend engagement events and community conversations across the city over the coming months. The council will work with voluntary, community and faith organisations, healthcare partners and community groups to ensure broad participation.
Digital and non-digital ways to participate will be available to ensure the engagement is accessible and inclusive.
What the council wants to hear
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is asking for feedback on what is working well, what could be improved, and what changes would help residents stay healthy, connected and independent for longer. The council recognises that people are experts in their own lives and that future services should be developed alongside those who use them.
Councillor Lynn Watkins, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and All Age Commissioning, said: "Adult social care is about much more than care services. It's about supporting people to maintain their independence, stay connected to their communities and live the lives they choose."
To take part, residents can join the online survey at the Big City Conversation portal. More details on upcoming engagement events will be published on the council's website and social media channels.