Together with residents and partners, we are developing a long-term plan, an adult social care strategy for East Sussex.

The strategy will be specific to the county, providing a person-centred framework which gives direction for services and staff. It will mean people will know what to expect from adult social care services and support.

Local residents, those who need care and support, their unpaid carers and families have been sharing their opinions with the adult social care strategy project team.

Our Citizens Panel, a group of local residents, has also been involved throughout the process, regularly scrutinising and supporting the development of the strategy.

Through surveys, focus groups, one-to-one or small group interviews, and other research evidence, people gave their thoughts on what’s important to live a good life, what works well, and things they might want to change or improve.

The findings showed that the most important priorities for people were:

1. Having the right support in the right place at the right time
2. Information and communication about care and support
3. Cost of living and cost of care, now and in the future
4. A suitable home
5. Personal connections with others
6. Group activities, hobbies and volunteering

We surveyed health, care and support staff to get their views, then held workshops for decision-makers and other key staff. The workshops discussed the findings and considered the service response.

Next, a long-term plan will be developed that has people and their needs at its heart and is specific to East Sussex. It will reflect what people have told us is important and provide a clear direction for staff and services.

Publication of the plan is expected in the summer of 2023.

For more information about the strategy, including further detail on the six priorities of local people, check out our webpage: Adult Social Care strategy for East Sussex or email the project team on ASCPersonalisation@eastsussex.gov.uk