People with a disability, their families and carers are invited to find out how the new Care Act affects them at a free event later this month. The Clued Up? information workshop, which is also open to health and social care professionals, will outline what the Care Act means for disabled people, and also how they and their carers can go about accessing and using a personal budget.
There will also be a number of workshops where people can find out more about support plans and Wolverhampton Information Network, the new website at www.wolvesnet.info which showcases health and social care support available locally, and entertainment including performances by a choir and drama group.
Visitors will also get the chance to speak to representatives from local providers including Wolverhampton City Council, Headway Black Country, the Beacon Centre for the Blind, PSS Shared Lives, Heantun Skills for Life, Eden Support Ltd, Midland Heart, Cranmer Day Services and Wolverhampton Clinical Commissioning Group.
The Care Act, which came into force on 1 April, 2015, marks the biggest reform of adult social care in the UK for over 60 years.
Designed to make social care and support services more consistent across the country, it sets out new rights for people needing care and support and their carers, and makes it clear what kind of help they can expect to receive.
In particular, it seeks to promote people’s wellbeing by encouraging the use of preventative services and providing information and advice about support in the community which can help them live independently for longer.
Councillor Elias Mattu, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Adults, said: "The changes introduced through the Care Act are designed to help people plan for the future, giving them more control over the help they receive and also limit the amount they have to pay towards their care costs.
"It's really important that people understand how it affects them – whether they are service users, family members or carers or health and social care professionals, and this Clued Up? event will give local residents the chance to find out more, speak to the experts and meet care providers."
Clued Up? takes place at Action 4 Independence, Albert Road, Wolverhampton, on Monday 20 July, 2015, from 10am-2pm. Places are free but must be reserved no later than Wednesday 15 July, by calling 01902 551040.
