Dame Caroline Dinenage MP Visits Fareham Service

Dame Caroline Dinenage MP visited a social care service in Fareham on 3rd July to meet people we support, and discuss the future of adult social care.

During the visit to the care home on Newgate Lane, Dame Caroline met with people supported by our charity, spoke with our support workers and colleagues, and toured the service to see first-hand how personalised support helps people with learning disabilities and autistic people lead independent and fulfilling lives.

Discussing Adult Social Care Challenges

The visit also provided an opportunity to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing the adult social care sector. Dame Caroline met with Caroline Robins, Head of Operations, and Ben Lehan-Powick, Head of Influencing, Policy and Public Affairs, to explore challenges around workforce sustainability, social care funding and the need for commissioning rates to accurately reflect the true cost of delivering high-quality care and support.

Discussions included the importance of future Fair Pay Agreement funding, to help the sector attract, develop and retain a skilled social care workforce.

The meeting highlighted the critical role that social care plays in supporting people to live independently, achieve their goals and remain connected to their local communities.

Caroline Robins, Head of Operations, said: “It was a pleasure to host Dame Caroline and share the experiences of the people we support and the colleagues who work alongside them every day. It was particularly interesting to hear about her work in promoting the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training across social care and her involvement with the LeDeR programme.

It was clear to see her genuine commitment to improving lives and making a positive difference for people with learning disabilities and autistic people.”

The visit forms part of ongoing engagement with parliamentarians and decision-makers to champion the needs of people with learning disabilities, autistic people and the social care workforce. By bringing together policymakers, colleagues and people with lived experience, our charity continues to advocate for fair funding, workforce investment and a stronger future for adult social care.