Adult Social Care is ‘Making a Difference' in East Sussex

Ever wondered what exactly it is that Adult Social Care does, how many people we support or the kind of services we offer?

Published this week you can find out what Adult Social Care has been working on since April 2011 in our report and video called: ‘Making a Difference – the local account'.

Using real people's stories and video-clips of work across the county, ‘Making a Difference' shows what we have done in the past and what we will do in the future to make adult social care even better. It also covers some of the difficult things we have to face, such as a growing elderly population and financial pressures. The Report and video can be found at:

http://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/socialcare/aboutus/keydocuments/localaccount/default.htm

The video shows how people benefit from our different services and the range of things which are provided. So did you know that in 2011/12, there were 18,200 people in East Sussex who received an adult social care service, compared to 17,700 or so in 2010/2011?

There was also a 20% increase in the number of carers who got a service last year (2011/12) at more than 4,000, compared to the previous year.

‘Making a difference – the local account' is packed with information and we have worked closely with the Local Involvement Network (LINk), to produce it. This Network represents individuals and community groups who work together to improve health and social care services in East Sussex.

Cllr Bill Bentley, the East Sussex County Council Lead Member for Adult Social Care, said:

“I hope people have a look at the video on our website. It is an honest portrayal of our work from people who actually receive our services. I would also like to thank everyone who took part and who gave their time to be in it.

” It shows that our services are working well, but we are always looking for ways to get better at supporting local people. In particular, supporting carers and acknowledging the difficult and invaluable work they do and improving what we can offer people who pay for their own care and support”.

Alan Keys, East Sussex LINk Chairman, added:

“Demand on services increase each year, especially with our ageing population. The role of the Local Involvement Network (LINk) is to represent the patient, carer and public interest. We are working closely with Adult Social Care and the NHS to modernise and improve the quality of care and life of people being cared for. We welcome this opportunity to be involved in the making of ‘Making a Difference'”.

We are presenting our local account to various forum and representative groups throughout East Sussex and will have a stands open from 10am to 1pm, at Eastbourne District General Hospital on 11 October and the Conquest Hospital on 12 October.