Rachel Ayling, Independent Consultant showcased TLAP support materials for local authorities to meet new information and advice duties of the Care Act - Shaping the future, Gearing up for change and Seeing the benefits.

1. As there is so much information and
advice available about social care...
…WHY DO PEOPLE FIND IT SO
DIFFICULT TO ACCESS THIS?

2. • Many potential customers are in a crisis.
• People have different attitudes to asking for help – especially from the welfare
state. (NB The word “care” can be offputting).
• Many need help with multiple issues (and may find this overwhelming).
• Our system is bureaucratic and rule-bound.
• Many potential customers are socially isolated, lack informal networks, and do
not know that help is available.
• Many potential customers:
- have mobility problems
- have lost their motivation
- do not use the internet
- have a physical or intellectual impairment
- have mental health issues
- have specific cultural needs
- have complex family dynamics
- lack capacity to do their own research, or to act on the information they
receive.

4. EXAMPLES OF HOW COUNCILS ARE IMPROVING ACCESS
TO INFORMATION AND ADVICE
1. Developing web-based access to information, advice and
support
2. Reviewing the role of councils’ contact centres
3. Reviewing the availability of independent financial advice for
self-funders
4. Ensuring information and advice are locally available, for the
people who most need it
5. Working in partnership with GP practices
6. Brokering access to local sources of support
7. Asset-based approaches

5. PURPOSE OF THIS SESSION:
1. To illustrate the content of the TLAP toolkit
2. To reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of your current “system”
3. To share learning and exchange good practice examples.
“WHERE ARE WE NOW?”
What are you doing well, what are your development priorities,
and what can you learn from
(a) the TLAP toolkit and (b) peer councils?

6. “WHERE ARE WE NOW?”
GROUP TASK:
1. Consider the toolkit “questions to consider” in these three areas:
• The council’s current provision (and other statutory provision)
• Specialist local resources
• Other community assets
2. Record your “strengths” and “weaknesses” on the flipcharts – and highlight the
three most important of each.
2. (Make sure you capture any good practice examples).
3. Appoint someone to feed back.