Andy Gilbert

Ideas about social care, citizenship and communityI’ve spent more than 40 years working in and around social care.

Along the way I’ve learned a lot about people, power, relationships, community and what helps someone live a good life.

I’ve also learned that some of the questions we ask about social care aren’t necessarily the right ones.

This is where I explore those questions.

What does a good life look like?

What happens when we put the person before the service?

What does genuine choice and control actually mean?

Can we shift power from systems towards people?

What does good help look like?

And what would social care look like if we started with citizenship, relationships and community, rather than assessments, services and eligibility?

I don’t claim to have all the answers.But after more than 40 years, I still have plenty of questions.