Carer Voice Co-production Groups: Kent County Council want to hear your views!

Have you ever looked after an adult family member or friend? Are you interested in helping to shape local care and support for carers in Kent now and in the future? If so, we want to hear from you!

Why are we setting up these co-production groups?
There are many different types of carer, from all walks of life, ages, ethnicities and backgrounds – anyone can find themselves in a caring role at some point on their lives.

To support our co-production approach and as part of the delivery of the Kent Adult Carers’ Strategy which was published in 2022, we are setting up Carer Voice Co-production groups in Kent. This is to continue the conversation locally, hear your experiences and views at an early stage of developing any plans, services, campaigns and ideas that may be of interest to carers. The aim is to build a more joined-up approach, keep you as a carer, at the heart of what we do and explore new ideas together.

Who is this for?
The Carer Voice co-production groups are for you if you have experience as an unpaid carer in Kent.

How often and where will the co-production groups meet?
We plan to have four Carer Voice co-production groups each year. These can be set up as a mix of virtual meetings on Zoom and in-person meetings in at different locations in communities depending on what is convenient for you as carers.

How this links to the Kent Adult Carers’ Strategy 2022-2027?
Our ‘Kent Adult Carers’ Strategy 2022 to 2027’ sets out our aims for working with all our partners, making welcomed changes towards improving the experiences of unpaid adult carers in Kent.

The plan was developed in partnership with carers, people that draw on support, carer organisations, staff, and county councillors. Carers highlighted what is important to them through three core principles: Supporting you to be you, Providing the best support possible and Positive outcomes. They also summarised the seven key moments when carers are likely to need additional support.

Please note that this is an ongoing informal engagement and co-production opportunity. Please contact makingadifference@kent.gov.uk for more information.