A conference was held at the Score Centre, Leyton, on Friday 18 May 2007, to explore the future of residential care in the Borough of Waltham Forest. The stated objectives of the day were:

  • Taking (and being seen to take) user and stakeholder views into account in the future provision of residential care services
  • Giving users and stakeholders a clearer understanding of what LBWF is seeking to achieve, and the timescales for implementation
  • Giving people an understanding that the conference is the initiation of a continuing process of consultation and not a one–off event
  • Widening contact beyond the present circle, developing a sense of ownership of the future of the program and offering the opportunity to become part of a reference group

Specific questions that might be addressed were identified:

  • What are the perceived strengths and weaknesses of current provision and how should these influence future provision?
  • What is the desired balance of future provision?
  • What are the priorities for change and what expectations attach to these in terms of timetable, cost and other factors?
  • Explore the drivers of change and the most effective ways to respond to these.
  • What should be the characteristics of the preferred partner supplying future residential care?
  • What is the desired level of engagement in procurement, implementation, and ongoing monitoring of the service?

A total of 55 delegates attended the event, although not all stayed for the whole day (in fact the evaluation indicates that the length of the day was over-ambitious for some who attended). These were a good mix of service users, provider agencies and their staff, and carers, and the day took place in a constructive and positive atmosphere.

The programme included a mix of group discussion and plenary sessions, and also included a presentation from Cllr Phillips (portfolio holder for this area) and Sandra Howard (Head of Adult Services). The day was led by Phil Back, an independent adviser brought in for this purpose, who facilitated the plenary discussions and also developed the group work materials, and supported by a team of local facilitators who assisted with small group discussions.

The day was also supported by an exhibition, showing some photos of existing care homes and sheltered housing, and contrasting these with examples of care from elsewhere in Europe. In addition information was provided for people to take away about the future care model, about telecare, and about other relevant issues (including copies of the presentation).

Please click here to download a report following the programme through the day (PDF document, 112Kb).