Reflecting on Day 1 of UK Care Week: Learnings and Connections
As the first day of UK Care Week wraps up, the air buzzes with the energy of inspiration and anticipation for what’s to come. Our team at CCS had the privilege of immersing ourselves in the heart of the care community at the Birmingham NEC, engaging in dialogues and making meaningful connections with industry leaders who are shaping the future of care.
The day was packed with thought-provoking talks that spanned a wide array of topics, each shedding light on different facets of the care sector. Professor Oonagh Smyth from Skills for Care opened our minds to the critical discussions around a Workforce Strategy for Adult Social Care. The importance of empowering both individuals receiving care and their care partners was beautifully articulated by Junjie Huang from the Dementia Services Development Centre, reminding us of the human element that remains at the core of care services.
The revelations about bad agencies in the sector by Dan Blake from Florence served as a stark reminder of the challenges we face, while Hannah Kelly’s insights into Wellbeing and Support for the Domiciliary Care Workforce offered hope and actionable strategies for improvement. The day also teased an exciting announcement from us and The Care Workers’ Charity, adding an element of anticipation to the mix. The panel discussion on the endless potential of careers in care, featuring esteemed speakers like Jane Townson OBE, Prof Martin Green, Aneurin Brown, and Mark Topps, painted an inspiring picture of what the future holds for those dedicated to this noble profession.
In a forward-looking session, Jack White from Health Automated introduced us to the transformative potential of AI in making care delivery safer, a promising development in the ongoing quest for excellence in care. Amrit Dhaliwal from Walfinch closed the series of talks with practical advice on upskilling and enhancing workforce wellbeing, offering tangible solutions to some of the sector’s most pressing issues.
Beyond the enlightening talks, the opportunity to meet with innovative exhibitors who are revolutionizing the care industry was a highlight of the day. Their passion and dedication to improving the lives of those in need were truly infectious, leaving us eager for what Day 2 of UK Care Week had in store.
As we reflect on the day’s events, it’s clear that UK Care Week is more than just a conference; it’s a catalyst for change in the care community. The discussions held, connections made, and lessons learned have not only enriched our understanding but also reinforced our commitment to contributing to a better future for care. The journey continues, and CCS is thrilled to be a part of this transformative movement. Here’s to another day of learning, sharing, and growing together.
