Coventry City Council has revealed an ambitious new five-year plan for Adult Social Care that will guide the transformation and improvement of essential support services.
The comprehensive strategy comes as Adult Social Care continues to be a significant pillar of the city's economy, with an annual investment of approximately £115 million and supporting employment for around 9,500 people across the sector in Coventry.
The Council currently provides vital support to around 4,000 adults per week with a range of care and support needs, including physical disabilities, learning disabilities/autism, sensory impairments and mental health conditions.
Additionally, the service supports around 2,000 unpaid carers annually, helping them continue their crucial caring roles while maintaining their own wellbeing.
Councillor Linda Bigham, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: “Adult Social Care is facing significant changes, including potential national reforms and local challenges from increasing demand.
“This Five-Year Plan ensures we're prepared to enhance our support for Coventry residents to meet these challenges head-on.
“Our aim is to improve services that help people achieve maximum independence, while ensuring support for specific groups such as unpaid carers and neurodivergent individuals.
“This plan reflects the priorities of everyone we work with - those we support, their families, their carers, our dedicated staff, NHS colleagues, and voluntary sector partners.
"Coventry's Adult Social Care service is built around helping people maintain their independence through our skilled Social Work and Occupational Therapy teams, our Provider Services, and strong partnerships with independent care providers.
“This plan will be regularly reviewed so that we continue adapting to the evolving needs of our community.”
The five-year plan focuses on six key priority areas:
- Personalising the experience of care and support - Working with providers to offer more individualised, strength-based approaches
- Always improving - Ensuring consistent application of policies and best practices across all services
- New models of support - Developing innovative care services beyond traditional delivery methods
- Prevention - Expanding successful initiatives like the Improving Lives programme with UHCW hospital
- Use of technology - Maximising opportunities from AI and digital solutions to enhance care delivery
- Integrated care with health partners - Strengthening collaboration with NHS services for seamless support
The plan builds on existing successes, including pioneering initiatives such as the Coventry Dementia Partnership Hub and the POD mental health recovery and inclusion service, which serve as models of innovation in care provision.
The service currently handles over 10,000 requests for support annually and manages over 6,000 safeguarding concerns each year, while supporting 4,000 adults with care needs weekly and assisting 2,000 unpaid carers per year.
The plan emphasises the Council's commitment to promoting independence and enabling people to live meaningful lives within their communities, while adapting to evolving challenges and opportunities in the care sector.
The Adult Social Care five-year plan will be considered by Cabinet on 10 June 2025 and Full Council on 24 June 2025.