Westmorland and Furness Council would like to work alongside people who access Adult Social Care and involve them in shaping care and support services for individuals, families and communities.

Co-production describes a way for people who use services, decision makers, family carers and service providers to work together to deliver services. It’s built on the principle that those who use a service are best placed to help design it.

To start the conversation, the council is hosting a series of events in October, for people who use care and support services, their families, and their carers.

The events will be held at the following times and locations, with refreshments provided:

• Kendal Rugby Club (Kremer Room), Shap Road, Kendal, LA9 6NY – Monday 16 October, 2-4pm
• Roundthorn Country Hotel, Penrith, CA11 8SJ – Tuesday 17 October, 2-4pm
• Meeting room at the Holiday Inn, Market Street, Barrow, LA14 2LR – Wednesday 18 October, 2-4pm

If you’d like to attend an event, get involved in helping to shape Adult Social Care Services in Westmorland and Furness, or would just like to find out more, please email ASCpartnership@cumbria.gov.uk or call Colette Rankin on 07825 364 323.

If you’d like to attend and require extra support to help you access the events, please let the council know when you make a booking.

Cllr Patricia Bell, Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Care at Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “We want to make sure that people who use our care and support services are at the very centre of every decision we make to improve Adult Social Care in Westmorland and Furness.

“Co-production isn’t just about sending a survey to people who access services and listening to their feedback. This is about them having a seat at the table, feeling like they can make a real contribution and challenging us to do better.

“It’s also critical that a diverse range of voices are heard so that decisions we make reflect the people we serve and that all voices are considered.

“This is a major change to the way we plan to deliver Adult Social Care services in our area moving forward and I urge as many of the people we support to come along or get involved in a way that works for you.”