More time to shape adult social care in West Northamptonshire
10 August 2026
People who draw on adult social care and support services, unpaid carers, family members, parents, and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) who may be preparing to move into adult services, are being encouraged to help shape the future of services in West Northamptonshire by taking part in the Council's Big Conversation.
West Northamptonshire Council is developing a new Adult Social Care Strategy and wants to hear directly from people with lived experience of adult social care, including people who use services, unpaid carers, families, and young people with SEND who may need adult support in the future. Feedback gathered through the Big Conversation will help shape how services are designed, delivered and improved in the years ahead.
The survey has been extended until 25 August 2026, giving more people with lived experience of adult social care and those preparing for adulthood the opportunity to share their views. A series of Big Conversation events will also take place across West Northamptonshire in September, providing an informal opportunity for people to discuss their experiences and priorities for the future.
Cllr Laura Couse, Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Public Health at West Northamptonshire Council, said: "The people who use our services, along with their families and carers, are best placed to tell us what makes a real difference in their lives. We also want to hear from young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families as they prepare for adulthood and, for some, the move into adult services.
"We want to hear about the support that is working well, where there are challenges and what people would like to see in the future. The conversations we're having now will help shape our new Adult Social Care Strategy and ensure that people's experiences remain at the heart of our decision-making.
"Whether you currently use adult social care services, care for someone who does, or have experience of preparing for the transition into adult services, I would encourage you to complete the survey or come along to one of our events and share your views."
The events are specifically for people with lived experience of adult social care, including those who currently use services, support someone who does, or are preparing for the transition into adult services. People are invited to attend one of the following Big Conversation events:
- Brackley Library, 21 Manor Road, Brackley, NN13 6AJ
Wednesday 2 September, 10am to 12pm - Daventry Leisure Centre, NN11 4FP
Wednesday 2 September, 2pm to 4pm - Duston Community Centre, NN5 6DT
Thursday 3 September, 10am to 12pm
You can book one of the events by visiting this link.
If you are planning to attend an event, please book in advance to help us plan refreshments, support and staffing. However, attendees do not need to stay for the full session. The events are designed to be flexible and welcoming, allowing people to attend and contribute in a way that suits them.
You can also take part by completing the Adult Social Care survey, which remains open until 25 August 2026. For support with completing this, please visit your local library or customer service one stop shop. An Easy Read version of the survey is available on for anyone who may find this more accessible, and support can be provided for those who need help taking part. For a copy please contact [email protected].
Some people may already be involved in separate consultations relating to specific adult social care services. These consultations remain important, but people are still encouraged to take part in the wider Big Conversation as well, helping to build a fuller picture of experiences across adult social care in West Northamptonshire.
Support is available for anyone who may need assistance to attend an event or complete the survey, including accessible information and help to participate. Anyone requiring support or more information can contact [email protected].
Following the engagement period, all feedback will be brought together into a report that will help inform the new Adult Social Care Strategy for West Northamptonshire and shape future improvements to services.