Local people are being invited to help shape the future of adult social care in Stoke-on-Trent by joining the 'Big City Conversation'.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has launched the Big City Conversation programme as part of work to develop its Adult Social Care Strategy for 2027-2030.

People who access care and support services, unpaid carers, families and residents can share their experiences and ideas about how services should be delivered in the future.

An online questionnaire will be available for residents to complete, while a series of engagement events and community conversations will also take place across the city over the coming months.

The city council says it will work with voluntary, community and faith organisations, healthcare partners and community groups.

Councillor Lynn Watkins, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and All Age Commissioning at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "Adult social care is about much more than care services.

"It's about supporting people to maintain their independence, stay connected to their communities and live the lives they choose.

"We want to hear directly from people who use services, as well as carers and families about what works well, what needs to change and what support will make the greatest difference in the future.

"The Big City Conversation is an opportunity for residents to help design services with us, not for us. Whether you receive support yourself, care for someone else, work in the sector or simply have ideas about how we can help people live independently for longer, we want to hear from you.

"Together, we can help shape an adult social care system that enables more people to live a life that matters to them."

Stoke-on-Trent City Council said that the programme links into the themes emerging from the national review of adult social care being led by Baroness Casey.

A range of topics will be explored including independence, prevention and early support, care quality, support for unpaid carers, community connections, technology and innovation, and how people can have a stronger voice in shaping services.

The feedback gathered will help shape future priorities and services, the city council has said.

A spokesperson for Stoke-on-Trent City Council added: "The Big City Conversation recognises that people are experts in their own lives and that future services should be developed alongside those who use them.

"The council is committed to ensuring the engagement is accessible and inclusive, with both digital and non-digital ways for people to take part."

To complete the online survey, visit the website here.

More details on the upcoming programme of engagement events will be published on the council's website and social media channels.