Last year we held our first Big Gathering, bringing together individuals and organisations with lived experience of adult social care from across the borough. We talked about what Social Care Future means for people and how we could work together to change adult social care across Wokingham Borough.  

Since then we’ve seen some real successes including:  

• Establishing a Social Care Future Working group  

• Creating and adopting our Social Care Future Charter  

• Run a series of co-production workshops and events looking at a range of topics. These have included how people find support, understanding direct payments, and what support unpaid carers need

• Started to roll out a series of new services and real changes based on the things you have shared  

We will be giving you and update on these at our second Social Care Future Big Gathering next Thursday (3 October) at the Oakwood Centre, Woodley, 10am to 4pm.  

There’s only a few places left so, if you’d like to join us on the day make sure to call us on 0118 977 8600, or email us at getinvolved@wokingham.gov.uk to book your place.

You can read more about some of the great sessions and activities on offer below.    

There will be a choice of talks, and you can decide which ones you want to listen to.  The talks are all on topics you have told us you want help with.   

In the morning 

• Staying safe online - We will hear about what you can do to avoid being a victim of online crime

• Using the NHS app - Discover the things the app can help you with from an expert, including how you can access your GP quicker

 In the afternoon 

• The housing process made simple - We will learn what you need to do to apply for housing, the different kinds of homes available, and how homes are allocated

• Creative ways to find great PA’s - Our lived experts will share their advice and tips. This will include things to consider when you are writing adverts and where to look for supporters

• Energy saving advice - The CAB will be sharing their advice on how you can save money on your energy bills. There will be smart tips for everyone 

• Navigating local support - We will learn what support is available in our borough and how you can get help 

Each talk will last between 30 and 45 minutes, and the speakers will be able to signpost you to other places to find more information or support. 

We have three different activities you can try on the day that are all good for your mental wellbeing.  All of the activities have been chosen because the local people or groups that provide them share our Social Care Future vision and want to make their activities inclusive and welcoming to all.   

There will be boxercise, drumming and dramatherapy running in the theatre space.   

• Boxercise is a fun stress-buster. It’s based on movements used in boxing and is suitable for all fitness levels. You won’t be hitting somebody else – you will be hitting pads instead! It helps to build fitness, hand-eye coordination and balance too

• Dramatherapy helps people to explore their feelings and thoughts in creative ways through movement and storytelling. Our expert drama therapist will be taking you through this session

• Drumming as part of a drum circle is a great way to release stress and develop creativity. You will be given a hand drum and play as part of a group. You don’t need to be musical, just interested in having a go! 

The Resident Reception is a new drop-in for people to get help and information directly on a range of subjects, such as health and wellbeing, financial matters and housing. It will be a regular pop-up in community spaces across the borough. It is provided by the council and charity partners, working together. 

We will be having a Resident Reception at the Big Gathering, so you can ask for 1:1 advice for yourself, or somebody else you care about. You can also learn where the Resident Reception will be running near you. 

Whoever said there was no such thing as a free lunch hasn’t come to one of our Big Gatherings! Our Optalis friends at Ability Catering will be serving up sandwiches and sweet treats, along with tea and coffee during breaks.  

And, if you are worried about coming on your own, we will also be joined by The Link Visiting Scheme, who will be running a friendship table where you can meet new people, have a chat and find out more about some of the work they do.