If adult social care is to win lasting public and political support, providers must move beyond marketing moments and show communities what care makes possible, writes Nathan Hollow.
When Andy Burnham launched the latest phase of Labour's plan for a National Care Service, flanked by the key players tasked with making it happen, he spoke for 45 minutes without notes. By doing so, he connected with the audience and showed real emotion and passion for the subject. It was a masterclass in political communication and something we've arguably missed from politicians over recent years.
Don't worry, this is not another gushing article about the optimism Burnham's prioritisation of social care has engendered. In fact, it wasn't what Burnham said that earned him an acknowledgement — it was where he said it.
The venue, a Jewish Care home in north London, was selected because of something that had stuck with Burnham since his first visit there thirteen years earlier. As he explained, "staff, volunteers, carers and even families were working together. I left thinking: this is what good social care looks like."
Log in or register FREE to read the rest
This story is Premium Content and is only available to registered users. Please log in at the top of the page to view the full text.
If you don't already have an account, please register with us completely free of charge.
