Registration open for care summit that will share real experiences to better lives

Roger Gough, KCC Leader, at lectern on stage with the words 'Kent Care Summit - shaping a better future together'  on a screen behind him.

With demand for tickets expected to be high, anyone wanting to attend the second annual Kent Care Summit should register their interest to attend the free event as soon as possible.

Use this online form on Eventbrite

Taking place at the Hall By The Sea, Margate, on Wednesday 21st June, 10.15am-4pm, the summit is an exciting in-person event for anyone involved in adult social care.

If you have any difficulties completing the form, please contact makingadifference@kent.gov.uk for assistance.

Bookings are also now open for organisations wanted to exhibit in the event’s marketplace. To reserve a stand, please email makingadifference@kent.gov.uk

Building on 2022’s successful initial adult social care event, 2023’s summit will enable delegates to explore how innovative social care, co-production and people being at the centre of decision-making about their own support, can improve lives.

A wide range of contributors will share what is important to people with lived experience of adult social care and unpaid carers including:

  • Clenton Farquharson MBE – Commissioner, Chair of Think Local Act Personal, Disability Campaigner and Advisor to UK Government on Social Care Reform
  • Isaac Samuels – National Co-production Advisory Group, and
  • Cat Duncan-Rees – of Curators of Change

Residents not able to attend can also get involved by submitting questions via Let’s Talk Kent here for this panel of experts to answer on the day.

Along with the marketplace, that will have useful information and resources, interactive workshop sessions will aim to improve community connections and collaboration.

Kent County Council member Clair Bell

In Kent I know we have collective strength in our working relationships and our shared ambition to keep working to make a difference every day

Clair Bell Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health

Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, Clair Bell, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic, an ageing population and challenges with recruiting and retaining staff, have had huge impacts on the adult social care sector.

“But in Kent I know we have collective strength in our working relationships and our shared ambition to keep working to make a difference every day.

“This summit is a chance for us to come to come together again, in person, and review the progress we have made since last year’s event – in particular, to assess what more we need to do to enable people to lead fulfilling, independent lives in their own home.”

As well as hearing about KCC’s vision for adult social care, and revisiting the Kent Commissioning Intentions that were developed in partnership with delegates in attendance at the 2022 summit, this year’s event will focus on how people’s lived experiences can create change in the care sector.

Doors open from 9.30am for a 10.15am start.

Free parking is provided and lunch and refreshments will be available for delegates.

British Sign Language Interpreters will also be available on-site while travel options can be found on the venue’s website