This case study from the Fulfilling Lives: VOICES partnership in Stoke-on-Trent explores the development and impact of the Care Act Toolkit in improving access to mental health and social care support for people experiencing multiple disadvantage.
The publication highlights a key challenge: referrals to adult social care were often unsuccessful because they did not align with the Care Act’s requirements. In response, the Care Act Toolkit was co-developed to bridge the gap between homelessness services and statutory social care, translating complex lived experiences into clear, relevant evidence that meets assessment criteria.
The case study demonstrates how the toolkit has led to more effective referrals, increased access to care and support, and improved confidence among frontline staff. It also shows how embedding lived experience and co-production strengthened the tool’s design, enabling more meaningful assessments and advocacy.
Beyond individual outcomes, the toolkit has improved relationships between
