Coventry’s key service strengths and opportunities for further development
Digital Inclusion and Technology: There is increasing potential for digital technologies to enhance the delivery of social care services, improve access, and empower individuals to manage their own care. We want to see increased and more innovative use of care technology and equipment to keep people well and independent at home for longer so that they thrive in the community, and we achieve better value for money.
Support for Unpaid Carers: This is a key area of strength upon which we intend to build. Coventry is committed to supporting unpaid family carers by offering a wide range of resources designed to meet their needs. Our Digital Platform is instrumental in reaching all unpaid carers, including those who may not be known to Adult Social Care, providing essential support. Collaborating with key charity partners like The Carers Trust, we deliver immediate assistance to unpaid carers within their communities. Our diverse support services feature an optimal array of short break options, ensuring that residential respite is available while prioritising the least restrictive environments. These services are designed to offer meaningful, person-centred activities and breaks that benefit both caregivers and those they care for. Our comprehensive Carers Action Plan includes improvements to access to training, advice, and emotional support, ensuring that carers receive the recognition and support they deserve. Our carers support service is currently in the process of being commissioned with new contractual arrangements planned to be in place for October 2025.
Support for Individuals with Complex Needs and behaviours that challenge: Recognising the growing prevalence of individuals with complex needs and behaviours that challenge in our community, spanning both younger and older adults and various client groups, Coventry is committed to addressing this critical service requirement. This entails equipping staff with specialised training and expertise to effectively support these individuals across all forms of provision, including floating support services. We are keen to discuss further possibilities to meet these needs with Registered providers or supported living providers who have strong links to landlords or their own housing stock who can support the Council in sourcing affordable accommodation for individuals without delay and will be holding regular session with stakeholder to stimulate improved availability of good quality in city provision.
The Council seeks Supported Living services tailored to meet these increasingly higher levels of needs effectively. Another key is the development and integration of Positive Behavioural Support (PBS) and trauma-informed practices throughout the provider market, aligning with our dedication to a strengths-based approach.
More care and support ‘in crisis’ provision: Coventry recognises the need for more services for those at risk of crises, encompassing short-term accommodation-based options and short-term 24-hour 'live-in' support services. These services must be able to accommodate individuals with complex needs and behaviours that challenge; equipped with trained staff who are confident to accept and safely support emergency placements in a short turnaround time.
Dementia-friendly services: Given the increasing prevalence of dementia within our community, Coventry recognises the need for the development of dementia-friendly services that can effectively accommodate residents with dementia across residential, nursing, and care at home settings. This is in addition to dementia specific services that we will continue to support including care home provision, our award-winning Dementia Hub and the specialist housing with care provision at Arden Grove.
More Move-On Accommodation for Individuals with Mental Health Issues: Individuals with mental health issues often face challenges transitioning from hospital or supported living environments to independent community-based accommodation. We are committed to commissioning and providing high- quality move-on accommodation tailored to the specific needs of individuals with mental health issues, facilitating their transition from institutional settings to community-based living while promoting independence, recovery, and well- being.
Strengthening Transition Services for Young Adults: As young people transition into adulthood they encounter pivotal milestones on their journey towards independence. It is crucial to anticipate and address these transitions effectively. Our focus is on developing robust transition services that cater to the diverse needs of young individuals, preparing them for educational pursuits and entry into the workforce. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that empowers young adults with the essential skills, knowledge, and resources they need to thrive and achieve their full potential as they navigate this critical phase of life. Supply of suitable housing stock is of critical importance, for example single storey accessible buildings for young adults with complex needs and our Market Development planning reflects this.