YourVoice@Healthwatch October 2025
We were proud to kick things off with the launch of our carers report, What’s It Like Being a Carer in Lincolnshire?
Based on survey results from 153 carers, the report shows the challenges they face and what needs to be improved, as well as what works well and innovations making things better.
Watch an overview of the report here:
The report overview was followed by a presentation from Lisa Loy from Lincolnshire Carers Service and Sheena Goodey from Carers First.
Their talk gave a great overview of support that is available to carers, as well as stark facts and figures about the vital work that carers do.
“If carers stopped doing what they’re doing, the system would fall apart.” – Lisa Loy, Lincolnshire Carers Service
All areas of carers’ journeys were covered, with support for each shared.
This included information about carers who don’t yet know they’re carers and eligible for help – “It takes up to two years for people to realise they are a carers,” said Lisa. Sheena added, “But this can take up to 10 years.”
The process of finding help can start by visiting the Lincolnshire Carers Service website.
“If you don’t look after yourself, you can’t look after the person you care for” – Sheena Goodley, Carers First
Check out the presentation slides for the full list of websites and support services.
Next up was an overview of the Lincolnshire County Council Lincolnshire Adult Social Care Strategy for 2025-2028.
Presented by Martyn Parker, Assistant Director of Community Protection and Commissioning for Lincolnshire County Council, this presentation shared how the council is responding to rising demand, the county’s ageing population and economic pressures.
A key challenge is the “huge impact” that Lincolnshire’s ageing population will have on services, as it is predicted that the number of people age 65 and older will increase by 41% by 2043.
Without action, “Social care will bankrupt local authorities,” Parker said.
To combat this, the council’s plan involves co-production and personalisation. “We need to listen and act,” Parker said.
There is also a focus on prevention and early support, integrated care, partnership working, digital innovation and assistive technology, and more.
For the full presentation, click below.
Following the social care talks, HWLincs CEO Navaz Sutton led a workshop that explored key questions in the Lincolnshire County Council healthy living services consultation.
Before the marketplace opened for networking and advice, a new Healthwatch Lincolnshire survey was launched.
This important survey is open to everyone in Lincolnshire and will help to take the pulse of health and care across the county, with a chance to give your feedback on all aspects of medical and social care services you have used.
We are grateful to everyone who came, whether to present, offer help in the marketplace or come along to participate.
