From Malvern to London: Why Care Voices Need to Be Heard
Last week, I left the calm and beauty of Malvern behind and stepped into the busy heart of London. The reason? To attend a special event as part of Care Home Open Week, where leaders from across the care sector gathered — including MP Josh Fenton-Glynn, who has an impressive background in care and serves on the parliamentary Health and Social Care Committee.
For many, Care Home Open Week is about inviting communities into care homes to see the warmth, commitment, and quality of life within. But for those of us in home care, it’s also a chance to engage in a bigger conversation — one that spans not just settings, but sectors, services, and systems.
Why Was It Important to Attend?
As the founder of Severn Vale Home Care, I’m passionate about ensuring that home care is part of the broader conversation about adult social care. Care doesn’t happen in silos and events like this help us connect the dots between home care providers, residential care homes, local authorities, and policy-makers.
Attending the event allowed me to:
- Represent the home care perspective in a space often dominated by residential voices.
- Engage with leaders and changemakers, including Josh Fenton-Glynn, on what meaningful change in care can and should look like.
- Advocate for greater integration, collaboration and mutual respect between care sectors, with a shared goal of improving outcomes for the people we serve.
A Sector That Needs Collaboration, Not Competition
Too often, different arms of the care sector are treated as separate or even competitive. But the reality is, we need each other. Strong residential care homes, effective home care agencies, and well-funded community services all play crucial roles in the wellbeing of our aging population.
This week’s event reminded me just how much potential there is when we come together — not just to share experiences, but to influence policy, build alliances, and elevate standards across the board.
Bringing It All Back to Malvern
Now, back in the green hills of Malvern, I feel inspired and energised. The hustle and bustle of London was worth it — because these conversations matter. And because every voice in care counts.
At Severn Vale Home Care, we’ll continue to speak up, show up, and stand up for compassionate, person-centred care — in homes, in care homes, and in the halls of Westminster.
Stuart Callister is Founder of Severn Vale Home Care and contributes to positive change in the landscape of social care through finding creative solutions and working collaboratively
