Residents are being encouraged to have their say on how health and social care should be provided in Denbigh in future to support us as we age.

Denbighshire County Council and Betsi Caldwaladr University Health Board will be drawing up options for investing in the future of health, social care, housing and community services in Denbigh and the surrounding area in the coming months.

First, they want to know how citizens experience current provision, and understand what their future preferences or needs might be.

This includes the whole range of support, for example, from community based support, sheltered and extra care housing, voluntary transport, group activities, GP services, through to full time care and support.

How has the pandemic changed the way we view and access these services, how has this affected people’s wellbeing, and what can learn from this moving forward?

Cllr Bobby Feeley, Denbighshire County Council’s lead member for well-being and independence, said: “There may be opportunities in Denbigh to invest in buildings, to bring additional services into the locality, to re-organise the way we deliver services in the community, and to make effective use of technology. But we need to build this vision out of a clear understanding of what the people of Denbigh and the surrounding areas want and need.

“I would encourage as many people as possible to take part in this consultation so the council and Betsi Caldwaladr University Health Board can get residents’ views.”

How can you join the conversation?

The council and health board have asked Practice Solutions – an independent community engagement specialist – to gather people’s views on these topics during February and March.

Given social distancing, they will be doing this through several different methods.

• An online survey, which you can access at https://countyconversation.denbighshire.gov.uk/

• Talking to individuals on the phone

• Joining groups that meet online, and might be interested in talking about this together.

Practice Solutions has made contact with a range of professionals, elected members, representatives of community and faith groups in the local area, many of whom have agreed to put them in touch with citizens.

If you would like to be involved, or could help them reach others, please contact Rhian (in English or Welsh) at rhian@practicesolutions-ltd.co.uk or on 07468 484003.