Record on adult social care in Greenwich impressing peer group assessors

Findings from the body representing the nation’s local authorities have hailed significant strengths and achievements of adult social care in Greenwich.

Adult social care covers a wide range of initiatives that help people who are older or living with disability or physical or mental illness to live independently and stay well and safe. Local authorities are responsible for assessing people’s needs and, if individuals are eligible, funding their care.

The peer review by the Local Government Association, published at last week’s cabinet meeting, found high standards of practice and consistent achievement of positive outcomes for residents in the borough.

It also found that the council places resident’s voices at the centre of their own care and wellbeing, with many examples of good engagement, consultation, and co-production.

Feedback from residents with lived experience and carers in the borough reflected a positive experience overall, and the council was commended for innovative schemes such as the prison care model and services like Live Well Greenwich, which help promote independence.

LGA report said: “Your staff are your greatest asset – passionate, engaged and proactive. They are benefiting from
supportive, empowering and well-respected leadership at all levels.

“You have strong partnership and integrated working arrangements – which are a great basis for continuing to deliver improved outcomes for people.

“There are many examples of good engagement, consultation and co-production with people. You need to systematically capture and celebrate these.”

Millie, who has a learning disability and bipolar disorder, said: “I am supported by my care staff who work alongside me to ensure I maintain a happy and fulfilled life.”

“Staff ensure my safety when making arrangements to meet my friends in the local community and at day opportunities. Staff support me by ensuring that I am wearing appropriate clothing for the occasion and the weather. I have support to ensure that I can meet my financial commitments, my money is kept safe, and I have access to funds when required.”

Councillor Mariam Lolavar, cabinet member for health and adult social care said: “Our primary objective is to support people’s health and wellbeing so they can live their best lives. I am very pleased with the outcome of the LGA Peer Review as we have worked hard to continuously improve services and meet the rising demand for social care, with the increased cost of delivering services and smaller budgets.”

Alongside the overall positive outcome, the review has also identified areas for improvement, such as the need to improve records for the upcoming Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessment expected later this year.

Councillor Anthony Okereke, leader of Greenwich council, said: “We are committed to supporting residents by focusing on their strengths.”

“This positive result is thanks to our dedicated staff and is a culmination of years of hard work and transformation at the council.”

Pictured top: Greenwich residents celebrating Learning Disability Week at Woolwich Works (Picture: Greenwich council)