Empowering communities to care

Together with like-minded organisations, in 'Empowering communities to care' we suggest that unlocking local resources is key to transforming how society cares for an ageing population.

As it stands, the way social care is organised and delivered is costly, with decisions made at a top level far away from the people who are affected. Already, more than 1.4 million vulnerable people are not getting the help they need. With our population ageing rapidly – in 10 years’ time there will be 13 million people in the UK who are aged over 65 – the current approach is already unworkable and the situation for many older people will only get worse.

We believe the solution is to empower communities at the local level so that they can provide relevant and effective support to those people in their midst who so desperately need it.

Like others in our sector, we see the many brilliant ways this is already happening. That’s why in this document, we’ve set out four key ways in which a different approach could make a real impact.

We need to:

• Champion and value the role of volunteers
• Encourage the private and charity sector
  
• Integrate the delivery of social care
• Endow legitimacy to community entrepreneurs
  
  

To discover more, download your copy of 'Empowering communities to care'.

To help us reach key decision-makers, do share with your local MP any friends or contacts you may have in relevant areas.