Bracknell

Older residents can now tell Bracknell Forest Borough Council what care and support services they'd like to see provided to make their lives better.

The views of older Bracknell residents and people nearing retirement age will be a crucial part of how the Council develops and modernises care services and support over the next five years.

To find out what people want to see provided Bracknell Council has started a borough wide consultation called Growing Older, Making Choices, asking for ideas about what residents would like to see changed, improved or kept the same.

The consultation is part of the Social Services and Housing department's Commissioning Strategy for Older People - which aims to get people from all over the borough as well as health, voluntary, community care and senior citizens groups involved in shaping care and support services.

It also will aim to reach residents of a black or ethnic minority background - to see what their aspirations are.

Some residents have already been asked for their input via a survey while others were asked at the Voice of Experience Conference in November. But there is still the opportunity for people to tell the Council directly what they'd like to see changed or improved when the wider consultation starts in January.

Daphne Obang, Director of Bracknell Social Services and Housing, said: "Getting the views of residents who use or may use our services in the future is extremely important in shaping and developing what care and support is on offer.

"We want to make sure that we are providing services not only that people need but actually want and this is a crucial part of that process."

Cllr Dale Birch, Executive Member for Adult Services, Health Commissioning and Housing, added: "As people grow older it is more likely they may need to use some of the services the Council provides. We need to make sure that what we are providing is what older people really want and is not being provided just to meet some distant dictat.

"The views of older residents will be extremely important in helping us develop our health and care services in the future and I urge anyone who hasn't put their ideas forward to have their say when the consultation starts in January.

"We are committed to providing a modern care and support service for all our residents and this consultation will greatly assist us in fully understanding the needs of our community."

Residents can request telephone or home interviews from Bracknell council officers to put their views across by calling (01344) 352000.

A Growing Older, Making Choices feedback form is also available to fill in online at www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/growingolder

Bracknell Forest Borough Council