Enzo, from Peterborough, is a long serving member of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Learning Disability Partnership Board.
And after getting a new laptop through local charity Enabling Independence, he’s got more flexibility to have his say and get involved in improving local services.
The Partnership Board he sits on gives autistic people and people with learning disabilities a say on adult social care services provided by Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council.
Independent Members, like Enzo, use their experience to help improve services now and in the future.
He also brings other people’s experiences to the Partnership Board from Peterborough’s Network Team which supports adults with autism and learning disabilities.
“I’ve been involved for a long, long time now. Things have really improved a lot - but they can still get better!”
“I like being part of the Learning Disability Partnership Board. We get good support, and we can see what we do has an impact.
Enzo, Independent Member
Enzo loves the new laptop as it means he can join Zoom and Teams meetings online and is not tied to being at home.
“It’s terrific. I can take it with me when I go out and I’m pretty confident using it now. Although I still need a bit of help sometimes, like knowing when it’s my turn to speak and how to mute and unmute the microphone,” he said.
Talk co-production with us at our conference
Co-production is involving local people in the services they use. And it’s one of the big topics we’re discussing at our Healthwatch Conference and AGM on Wed 21 July.
Like to join our online workshop on co-production? Do share your thoughts about how we can involve more people – like Enzo or perhaps you – in shaping local services in our area and improving health and care for everyone.
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.
Many people looking after family members or friends are reaching breaking point due to not getting the support or recognition they need. This article signposts you to local and national support to help you in your caring role.
If you're looking for something relaxing, creative, or just a bit different to do, we recommend checking out Arthur’s Shed – a hidden gem of free wellbeing workshops in Cambridge.
