Health, Great Britain Department Of

The voluntary and community sector (VCS) has a long tradition of providing services directly to the community and specific client groups. In doing so, the VCS has built up a reputation for diversity and innovation and for meeting the needs of people who often fall outside of the so-called mainstream health and social care system. People’s expectations of public services generally and the NHS in particular are increasing year on year. A one-size fits all approach is no longer acceptable.

In Bath and North East Somerset, Dementia Support Workers help people with dementia and their carers to live well by providing personalised support and advice. The video describes the benefits of what they do and how their work integrates with other local services.

In eight short films people in the Department of Health's personal health budgets pilot programme share their experiences so far. They describe in their own words what the process is like, what they spend their money on and how they decided on this. The stories also include the perspectives of family carers and health care professionals. An introduction by Minister of State for Care Services Paul Burstow is also available.

Consultation document setting out the Government's quality strategy for social services, focusing on what users want and on joint working with health and other services. Section one outlines the modernisation proposals.