Care Minister Stephen Kinnock MP Visits Wokingham Borough: Highlighting the Vital Role of Social Care and Support Services

We were delighted to welcome Care Minister, Stephen Kinnock MP, to the Wokingham borough. On his visit, the Minister took time to meet with people who draw on care and support and their families to hear first-hand about their experiences. He spoke to people about what matters to them and how good support enables them to lead the lives they want to live.

The visit was organised by the National Care Forum (NCF) and started at Ross’ home. Ross talked about how important his family is to him and their involvement in his care and support. His support worker Diane Clementson, who has worked for Dimensions for more than 20 years, shared her love for her job. Diane went on to talk about the cost-of-living challenges faced by many of her colleagues; most of whom cannot afford to live in the area. Ross and Diane also highlighted how essential it is to provide the right level of support, in the right place, to ensure people get the best outcomes.

Next, the Minister travelled on to Loddon Court, a short breaks service run by Optalis. During a tour, he was joined by people who access Loddon Court and their family members, to find out what the service offers. Families talked about how short breaks provide an important lifeline, which supports the well-being of the whole family unit and enables them to continue in their caring role.  

The Minister then met with representatives from the NCF, Wokingham Borough Council Adult Services, Optalis and Dimensions, to gain a further insight into the social care landscape. The discussion centred on the strategic and economic value of social care, and its role within communities. The Minister acknowledged how important the social care workforce is and encouraged involvement in the development of the Fair Pay Agreement.  There was also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of social care in healthy communities and how vital it was to hear from those receiving care and support, their families and the care workforce in the formulation of future government priorities around health and care.  

Family Carer, Nicola, commented: 

“It was important that the Minister had the opportunity to meet with people with lived experience. I feel as though I was able to get my points and my passion across. I want Carers to be valued for the part they play.”

Vic Rayner, National Care Forum CEO, said: 

“The Minister showed a strong interest in the work of NCF members Dimensions and Optalis. It was clear he was impressed by the dedication and commitment of staff he talked with. I was particularly pleased he was invited by Ross into his home, where he could properly understand the difference that person centred support made to his life each and every day. In addition, to spend time at Loddon Court where he could immediately understand the vital role that respite plays in the lives of unpaid carers and people drawing on care and support”.

Matt Pope, Executive Director for Children, Adults and Health at Wokingham Borough Council and Director of Optalis, said: 

“Wokingham and Optalis were delighted to be part of this visit by the care minister and to have the opportunity to talk to him about the issues that Adult Social Care is facing. As the body responsible for commissioning services that the minister visited today we would like to thank all of the people with lived experience, their families and the staff for making this such a successful and useful visit.”

After his visit, Stephen Kinnock, Minister of State for Care, said:

“It was a privilege to see first-hand the services offered by Optalis and Dimensions.”

“I know what an important role social care plays in communities across the country, and this visit was a fantastic demonstration of the difference that care and respite makes to people’s lives.”

“There is much work to be done. We are committed to tackling the challenges facing social care, and we will work closely with the sector and across government and cross-party on our plans for effective reform.”