Why is there a consultation about Day Services?

    • We want to make sure there are different day opportunities and services available for people who are eligible for social care support
    • This will mean people will have more choice of activities and when they want to use them
    • Some people may like or need their day opportunity or service to be in a specialist building
    • Others may like to have their day opportunities or services in the local community.  This means starting and ending the day at a community building and accessing activities in the community throughout the day
    • To know what people want, we need to ask them, and this is why we are having a consultation

    When will the consultation happen?

    The consultation will start on 16th February 2026 and end on 11th May 2026, lasting for 12 weeks.


    How can people share their ideas?

    • Only answers provided in the questionnaire will be analysed and put in the report to the Council.  The questionnaire can be completed online or as a paper questionnaire, which can be provided in easy read or standard format
    • You can fill in the questionnaire online here
    • Questionnaires can be sent out by email and post which includes a freepost envelope.  All those directly affected by the proposals will receive a copy of the questionnaire by post.  For others, please call our helpline 01516664220 or email us at ASCconsultation@wirral.gov.uk to request a paper questionnaire.
    • People can fill in the questionnaires themselves or may have independent support to fill them in


    What if I use the services and need support to help me fill in the questionnaire?

    We want to hear your voice. -  It is important that you can say what you want and how you feel.

    The law says this too.  The Mental Capacity Act says we must take “all practicable steps” to help you make your own choices.  This means we must do everything we can to help you understand, communicate and decide. The legislation can be found here.


    What this means for you

    • We will talk directly with you
    • We will use ways of communicating which work best for you (pictures, objects, simple words, signs, or support from someone who knows you well)
    • We will make sure you are in a place where you feel comfortable and safe
    • We can bring independent organisations in such as Health Watch and Wirral Mencap to help you understand and fill in the questionnaire at your day service. Your key worker can be there also


    ❤️ You are in control

    • You have the right to make your own choices
    • It is okay if your choice is different from what other people want
    • We will listen carefully to your wishes

     

    🤝 We will work together

    • We will also talk with the people who support you, but your voice comes first
    • We want to help you live your life your way

    What if I don't have capacity to understand and complete the questionnaire with independent support due to my level of needs?

    We will undertake a best interest assessment to ensure any decisions made on behalf of a person who lacks capacity are safe, proportionate, person-centred and rights-based.  As part of the assessment, we will actively consult with the people who know the individual well.


    Who else is being asked to complete the questionnaire?

    All people and organisations who have an interest in Day Services will be encouraged to complete the questionnaire to give their views and feedback.  Parent Carers will be sent a paper copy of the questionnaire with a prepaid envelope to complete and return.


    What is a community hub?

    Community hubs will be in key neighbourhoods and will provide services for the whole community. They will provide a base for the people in our care, enabling personal support, learning of life skills and participation in social activities, while ensuring that people feel part of a safe and inclusive community.


    I like my Day Centre, why are things changing?

    We have been asking people what they want from Day Services. The vision for the service is to:

    • Improve health and well-being
    • Enable people to live enriched lives
    • Enable people to have independent lives
    • Gain meaningful employment and volunteering opportunities
    • Have a place and presence in their own communities
    • To make sure the service is the best it can be


    I like the support I get from my Day Centre – will this change?

    Any changes put in place would not mean you will lose your support.  It might mean support is provided from a different place in Wirral.   We will work with everyone to make sure any changes will be planned well and everyone will receive a good transition.


    If the service changes, will I still be able to see my friends?

    We will do everything we can to support you to move with a friend if that is your choice, but this may not be possible in every case.


    What happens after the consultation ends?

    • We will gather everyone’s views and write a report, and this will help Wirral Council to plan services for the future
    • The report will tell you how many people answered questions
    • Comments in the report will be grouped into themes
    • We will look at all the suggestions and ideas. We will include some of the comments and suggestions in the report and we will make recommendations
    • Councillors will read the report and recommendations at their meeting in July 2026
    • We will support you to understand any changes that may be made and we will work closely with you and your family/carers


    What if I have other suggestions or concerns?

    Please write your suggestions or concerns on the last question in the survey.