In brief
The Prime Minister has committed to investing in a social care system that works. We think this can only be achieved with a system which prioritises relationships and strong relational practice. Here, David Robinson invites you to share your stories and help us explore the role of strong community relationships in providing early and often hidden care.
When politicians talk about social care they invariably begin by saying, “this is personal to me because…” Then they talk about their own family or friends. I am not criticising. Their stories are heartfelt and authentic, but they are not exceptional. Almost all of us will need care or to be a carer, probably both, at some point in our lives. It is personal for everyone.
This is why the Casey review into the future of social care is so important, and also so challenging: In the last 27 years there have been two government commissions, one shorter government-commissioned review, three independent commissions, five white papers and 14 parliamentary committee inquiries on social care reform.
It matters to us all that Baroness Casey gets it right this time, or more realistically sets the country firmly on a path towards that destination – a place where social care is of a good quality, compassionate and efficient, as well as available and affordable for everyone.
Putting relationships first
We think this will only be achieved with a system which prioritises strong relational practice, and within a society that puts relationships first.
Much of the national debate so far has focused on the mechanics, the funding and the structures. Of course, this is all hugely important but it’s not enough. Social care is about happy, safe, fulfilling lives for everyone, from start to finish. Relational infrastructure – the everyday relationships between us and the approaches that enable those relationships to thrive – is at least as important, if not more vital, than systems and services and institutions.
Some communities do this thoughtfully and well. Some not at all. What’s your story? What can we learn from what works, from the work of your organisation or from your personal experience? What might help to do it more and what gets in the way?
What do we know?
Working with partners, the Relationships Project is asking these questions now and will be sharing the answers, and the implications of the answers, with Baroness Casey and her team.
If you are involved with a project or live in a community that has lessons to share, please join us and bring your part of the jigsaw. There are two ways to get involved:
Join us on Zoom
We will be discussing all this in open Zoom calls at 11:00 (GMT) on 12th November and at 11:00 (GMT) on 2nd December. Everybody is welcome.
Share your story
Alternatively, you might prefer to share something in writing. Please do so via the link below.
We will collate, tease out the lessons and the insights and share with Baroness Casey and her team, as well as with the wider world.
Please do contribute in any way you can. We don’t know what will result from this endeavour but we do know that it will only be worthwhile if it is the work of many hands.
Please tell us your story.
Thank you for thinking about it.
David and the Relationships Project team
