1. A membership network promoting co-operative models of social care and well-being

2. Issues we face
Social support demands are increasing – but resources are finite.
The citizen experience of social support is often disempowering and isolating.
Social support work is often low status and under-valued.
The solution is not more money, or bureaucracy, or competition.
The pressures, and the need for innovation, is not going away.
What is needed are service models based on citizen “capital” and citizen “voice and control”.

3. A basis for hope
Co-operative models of citizen self-help and community-building hold out real hope for transformative, creative, sustainable development
Multi-stakeholder co-operative models are particularly suited for the “co-production” of services
The rights and responsibilities of service users, workers and the local community are recognised within their governance arrangements.

4. The challenge
There are long-term obstacles to be overcome to encourage co-operative development to flourish, not least in addressing the culture gap between co-operative and individualistic societal values.
There is a need for long-term strategic leadership that will address issues ranging from practical service development to the shaping of public policy

5. The Forum’s Purpose
To promote Social Care and support innovation in Wales based on co-operative values and methods of working, with particular but not exclusive emphasis on user-controlled delivery models.  
Co-production – not top-down professional control
Economic democracy – for users and workers
Community development – assets and added value
Collaboration – not competition (where possible)

6. Our stakeholders
Citizens - particularly those receiving social support and their family carers
The co-operative movement
The voluntary and community sector
The social care and support profession
Local government, Welsh Government and related agencies
The Cross-Party Co-operatives & Mutuals Group

7. The Forum’s Aims Promote co-operation in policy and practice
Co-ordinate and synergise related activities
Promote cross-fertilisation of learning
Across Wales and beyond Wales
Support and champion innovators
New start-ups
Organisations transforming themselves
Promote access to expertise and support

8. Partners with Care to Co-operate
CtC provides the Forum’s admin support and contributes to its leadership
The Forum contributes to CtC’s governance and enables CtC to access voluntary support and expertise from members
The success of the Forum will be best measured by the success of CtC – putting social co-operation into practice

9. Join the Forum Come to Forum meetings and events
Three meetings a year
Rotating north/south and east/west
No membership fee (at present)
Receive updates and papers
Get involved as much as you want
Share what you are doing
Let others share with you
Help Care to Co-operate succeed!

10. For more information about the Forum Or to sign up as a member
contact:
Gemma Murphy
Care To Co-operate/Social Co-operation Forum