Cambridgeshire health and care forums are moving online so that people can continue to have their say on local services.
The three public forums – which run in Huntingdon, Fenland and Greater Cambridge – listen to what the public has to say about services across our area.
They give people a chance to air their views on anything related to local health or care such as doctors, hospitals, chemists and care organisations and care homes.
In March, the forums had to be postponed because of the coronavirus lockdown. But now they are back, online – and everyone is invited to join in.
They are run through Healthwatch Cambridgeshire , the independent champion for people who use health and social care services.
“There have been lots of changes to local services since the outbreak began and some health screening services have temporarily stopped,” explained Caroline Tyrrell-Jones Communities Programme Manager at Healthwatch.
“Fewer people are using A & E at local hospitals and there are also concerns about the impact of the virus and lockdown on people’s mental health.
“So the forums give everyone an opportunity to discuss what’s been happening and tell us what’s working well or needs improving.”
Do you or a loved one need help with everyday tasks, support at home, or care after illness or injury? Adult social care may be able to help.
Social care is different from the treatment you receive from the NHS. While it can include some medical support, social care focuses on practical help so people can live as independently as possible. This care is usually delivered at home, in a care home, or in the community rather than at a GP practice or hospital.
Understanding what support is available – and how to pay for it – can feel overwhelming. Here are the key things you need to know.
✅ How do I get help through adult social care?
The first step is to contact your local council’s adult social care team and request an assessment.
Depending on your situation, you may receive:
A Care/Needs Assessment – if you need support yourself
A Carers Assessment – if you provide unpaid care for someone else
Discharge to Assess / Home First – if you have just left hospital and need support at home
NHS Continuing Healthcare (NHS CHC) – for people with very complex medical needs and ongoing care requirements (this involves a separate assessment)
Assessments are free, and all adults aged 18 or over are entitled to one.
✅ Who can access adult social care?
You may be able to receive support if you are:
An older person
Living with a disability or long-term condition
Recovering from illness, surgery or hospital treatment
Struggling with daily activities at home
If you have family or friends helping with your care, you may not need to pay for all services. Unpaid carers can also receive support with training, wellbeing and respite breaks.
If you qualify, your council will work with you to create a personalised care plan tailored to your needs.
✅ How do I pay for social care?
The council will carry out a financial assessment (often called a “means test”) to decide whether:
Your care will be free
You will contribute towards the cost
You will pay the full cost
This assessment looks at your income, savings, property and other financial assets.
If you qualify for financial support, your council will give you a personal budget that can be used to pay for local services.
Some people with very complex health needs may receive free NHS Continuing Healthcare. If not eligible, you may still qualify for NHS-funded nursing care, where the NHS pays for nursing support in a care home.
✅ What support can social care provide?
Local authorities are responsible for arranging care services. These may be delivered directly by the council, or by local care providers.
Support can include:
home care - personal care including task such as washing, dressing, personal hygiene and food preparation
residential/nursing care
supported accommodation/extra care housing
day services - social activities, meals, health support, meeting others
equipment/adaptations - to support independent living
information and advice
respite care - short-term care so unpaid carers can take time off
reablement - short-term support to help people regain skills after illness or injury
✅ Where can I get more information?
All local authorities have an information and advice service to help you understand:
Care assessments
Eligibility and financial support
Choosing care providers
Personal budgets
Advocacy
Safeguarding concern
If you or a loved one are struggling to get the social care you need, we want to hear from you. Your experiences help us challenge local services and improve support for everyone.
📞 Contact Healthwatch Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
📧 information service@healthwatchcambspboro.co.uk
✅ What’s your experience?
Is getting the support you need too complicated?
Have you been refused care or struggled after hospital discharge?
Click on the link below, to access more Healthwatch England information, to contact Cambridgeshire County Council or to tell us your story.
Your feedback helps services improve.
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