By Karen Loftus, CAN Chief Executive
What BCP Council’s Adult Social Care Prevention Strategy Means for Our Sector
BCP Council has published its Adult Social Care Prevention Strategy 2025–2030, setting a bold direction for how the area will support people to live healthier, happier, more independent lives. Prevention—helping people earlier, strengthening wellbeing, and reducing crises—is at the heart of the approach
For local charities, community groups, and volunteers, this strategy presents a significant opportunity. The Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) is recognised not just as a delivery partner, but as essential to achieving meaningful prevention. As the local VCS infrastructure organisation, Community Action Network (CAN) is uniquely placed to support alignment, collaboration, and system-wide impact.
A Strategy Built on Early Help, Wellbeing, and Stronger Communities
BCP Council’s vision is clear: prevention must become the foundation of adult social care. Why prevention matters:
- Demand for adult social care is rising rapidly, including a 28% increase in requests from adults aged 18–64 and a 7% increase for residents 65+ in just one year.
- By 2028, almost one in four residents will be aged 65+, many living with long-term conditions.
- Prevention delivers both social and economic value—every £1 invested can generate around £14 in social value.
The strategy focuses on five priorities
- Information, Advice & Early Help – Making support easier to find so people can stay independent for longer.
- Supporting Wellbeing & Healthy Lifestyles – Promoting physical activity, nutrition, mental health, and resilience.
- Strengthening Communities & Social Connections – Tackling loneliness and building neighbourhood-level support networks.
- Targeted Support for People at Risk – Early intervention for those more likely to experience declining health.
- Integrated, Collaborative Systems – Seamless working between the Council, NHS, VCS, carers, and local communities.
These priorities have been shaped through working with residents, carers, and VCS organisations, and this collaborative approach will continue through delivery. The strategy repeatedly highlights the vital contribution of local charities. Here are the key areas where VCS groups can support delivery.
- Information, Advice & Navigation
Opportunities for VCS groups:
- Community-based advice hubs, drop-ins, and outreach.
- Specialist or culturally appropriate advice (dementia, disability, carers, LGBTQ+, etc.).
- Signposting to local activities, wellbeing support, financial help, and digital skills.
Why it matters: Charities are trusted, local, and often the first place people turn for non-judgmental, accessible support.
- Building Community Capacity & Social Connection
Opportunities:
- Social groups, peer support, befriending, walking groups, men’s sheds, community cafés.
- Intergenerational activities and initiatives tackling loneliness.
- Community transport, accessible leisure, and volunteering programmes.
Why it matters: Low-cost, high-impact community activities can dramatically reduce the need for future social care.
- Early Intervention & Targeted Support
Opportunities:
- Support for people with early frailty, long-term conditions, or post hospital needs.
- Specialist early help (e.g., stroke support, Parkinson’s groups, LD advocacy).
- Culturally sensitive support for minority communities.
Why it matters: Many VCS organisations have deep expertise and flexibility to act early—before problems escalate.
- Supporting Unpaid Carers
Opportunities:
- Carers’ respite, support groups, cafés, and peer networks.
- Emotional wellbeing support and practical training.
- Awareness campaigns designed and delivered with carers.
Why it matters: Carers are essential—and at risk of burnout. VCS groups help sustain them and prevent crises.
- Working as Part of Integrated Local Systems
Opportunities:
- Contributing to integrated neighbourhood teams.
- Hosting multidisciplinary community hubs.
- Co delivering initiatives like social prescribing, prevention programmes, or home from hospital services.
Why it matters: A joined-up system only works when community organisations are fully embedded as equal partners.
- Bringing Community Insight & Co-Production
Opportunities:
- Involving lived experience in designing and evaluating services.
- Sharing real-time insight on emerging needs.
- Taking part in ongoing co-production and feedback loops.
Why it matters: Local charities understand people’s day-to-day realities—and help create services that reflect them.
- Mobilising Volunteers
Opportunities:
- Recruiting and managing volunteers for key prevention activities—befriending, walking groups, digital help, outreach.
- Growing neighbourhood-level resilience.
Why it matters: Volunteering is a cornerstone of prevention, unlocking support that simply cannot be delivered through statutory services alone.
What This Means for VCS Leaders
The Prevention Strategy positions the VCS as central to shaping the future of social care and not as an optional extra. Local charities can play leading roles in:
- Building social connection and community wellbeing
- Delivering early intervention programmes
- Supporting carers
- Running community hubs
- Providing advice and navigation
- Gathering insight and co-producing services
CAN will continue to work with BCP Council, the NHS, and local VCS organisations to ensure the sector is fully supported, connected, and equipped to deliver prevention at scale.
If you’re a local charity or community group and want to explore how you can get involved or strengthen your role in prevention, we’re here to help Contact hello@can100.org
