A new strategy has been developed to improve the support available to people who regularly provide unpaid care to a relative, friend or neighbour....Cornwall Council Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health Partnerships, Cllr Jim McKenna said: “Carers provide essential, often round-the-clock support with little recognition....The service will centre around a number of different priorities, including: Providing improved access to information and advice Making sure support is flexible and person-centred Recognising the emotional and financial impact of caring Recognising the impact that caring roles can have on children and young people’s development Supporting people to maintain their own health and wellbeing Providing different ways of accessing support, both digital and non-digital Stronger collaboration between health, social care, and voluntary sector partners Cllr McKenna added: “This strategy provides a strong foundation, but its success depends on partnership working across our system.

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/council-news/health-wellbeing-and-social-care/new-strategy-launched-to-support-unpaid-carers-in-cornwall/

Last updated: 15/04/2026 09:11:35

Cornwall’s children in care enjoyed a special visit to the Eden Project to celebrate their talents and achievements.Around 230 people, including young people, foster carers and friends, attended the annual event on Sunday, July 19.Among the activities on offer they tried parkour, played with therapy pets, and got hands-on with robot cars and flying saucers during a fun-filled day.They also heard from Tom Palmer, author of over 70 children’s books, who talked about how he became a writer and chatted with the children about their favourite books.On arrival, every child received a personalised certificate.The event was organised by Awena Virtual School and attended by charity Carefree, which supports children and young people aged 11-25 who are in or leaving care.Part of Cornwall Council’s Together for Families directorate, Awena supports the education of children in care and those who have, or have had, a social worker.The virtual school tracks their progress at their ‘real’ school providing...additional support if needed.Cllr Hilary Frank, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families, who attended the event, said:“What made the day extra special was that it celebrated the talents and achievements of every child as an individual....There was such a positive atmosphere, and it was great to see children and young people trying new things and having fun.

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/council-news/together-for-families/cornwall-s-children-in-care-enjoy-special-event-to-celebrate-their-achievements/

Last updated: 13/08/2026 13:05:09

There are currently 345 teenagers aged between 16 and 19 in the care system in Cornwall.  ...The call for more hosts comes during National Care Leavers Month, which shines a light on Cornwall’s amazing care leavers and all the people who support them. ...Cllr Hilary Frank, Cabinet member for Children, Families and Schools at Cornwall Council, said:   “Being a Supported Lodgings host is a key role.

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/council-news/together-for-families/more-people-needed-to-host-teenagers-leaving-care-system-in-cornwall/

Last updated: 13/11/2025 12:17:24

Young people in care from Cornwall have created a new poster aimed at helping their peers and teachers understand what it’s like to be in the care system.The posters are now being sent out to schools across our communities to be used as teaching aids and conversation starters.The idea came about after young people from charity Carefree Cornwall told Cornwall’s Corporate Parenting Board about their experiences of being a child in care in education.They said they felt there was a lack of understanding and awareness among both school staff and students of what being in foster care means.Cornwall Council’s Awena Virtual School, which supports the education of children in care, then provided funding alongside the Council’s Headstart Kernow team to run a project to raise awareness about this.They ran a 10-week session in the Spring term to create a poster aimed at celebrating diversity and reminding people that care experience is now a ‘protected characteristic’ in Cornwall, similar to the nine...characteristics protected under the Equality Act 2010.The group was made up of young people aged 12 to 16 who worked alongside local screen print artist Dena O’Brien to create the poster.In a message sent to schools with the posters, the children who created them write:“We have created these posters to share the importance of inclusion throughout the care experienced community and beyond....No matter where you come from, we all deserve to be accepted.”Cllr Hilary Frank, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families at Cornwall Council, said:“The young people behind these posters have drawn on their own experiences to help build understanding of what it means to grow up in care.

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/council-news/together-for-families/new-school-posters-aim-to-raise-awareness-of-life-for-children-in-care/

Last updated: 13/08/2026 12:58:33

Launched in January, the 60 Over 60 campaign set to shine a light on people across Cornwall who are embracing healthy, active ageing and inspiring others to do the same. ...“When you get to a certain age group it is quite easy to be forgotten and one of the good things that has come about from this, is you can actually encourage other people to get out and say to them; don’t sit at home, get out there and champion who you are, as it gives you a great sense of well-being.” ...Cornwall Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health Partnerships, Councillor Jim McKenna, paid tribute to everyone involved:  "I'd like to thank everyone who took the time to nominate someone from their community.  

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/council-news/health-wellbeing-and-social-care/celebrating-cornwall-s-inspirational-over-sixties/

Last updated: 17/04/2026 13:29:02

We gave feedback on the pictures on the site and how it could be improved.”Cornwall Council Cabinet Lead for Adult Social Care and Health Partnerships, Cllr Jim McKenna said: “Having information that is easy to access allows people more choice and control over their lives....“If the directory helps someone to learn about a club in their area which helps them to make connections and enrich their life this can have a long-lasting, positive effect on their life, as loneliness is known to have direct correlation with people’s physical health.”There are three main directories available:Care homes and home care – this includes nursing careCommunity – including wider support organisations, voluntary services, activities and eventsProducts and services – items and services that support daily living like technology and house adaptationsPeople can search by postcode, service type or need....Residents and professionals are also encouraged to explore the site and see what support is available locally.

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/council-news/health-wellbeing-and-social-care/new-kernow-directory-website-to-help-people-in-cornwall-find-local-support/

Last updated: 30/07/2026 13:27:20

Cabinet Member for Adults and Health Partnerships, Cllr Jim McKenna said:  "I am delighted that we have been given the go ahead to become part of the Age Friendly Communtiy network, but this is where the hard work begins.  ...“They are all passionate on supporting people to live well and age well, and this gives us a platform and ideas to build from." ...“The fact that people are living longer is cause for celebration, but it is important that we take proactive steps to allow people to age well. 

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/council-news/health-wellbeing-and-social-care/cornwall-joins-the-uk-network-of-age-friendly-communities/

Last updated: 07/04/2026 12:15:03

Cornwall’s unpaid carers will soon be able to access more specialised support as part of a new service launching in November that is tailored to their individual circumstances.Disability Cornwall and Isles of Scilly will coordinate the new service, working with Barnardo's, Alzheimer's Society, Rethink Mental Illness, and Whitehead-Ross Social Work to provide different kinds of support based on a carer's needs.Cornwall Council Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health Partnerships, Cllr Jim McKenna, said:"Each carer's circumstances are different – someone caring for a child has very different needs from someone caring for a partner with dementia, so the support available needs to reflect that."...Disability Cornwall and Isles of Scilly said:“We are incredibly proud to have been entrusted with leading and coordinating this new service for Cornwall’s unpaid carers....This is the beginning of a long-term partnership, and we are really looking forward to working with carers and our partners across Cornwall to build a service that listens, learns and responds to what people actually need.”Cornwall Council published the Caring in Cornwall strategy earlier this year following extensive engagement with over 800 unpaid carers from across Cornwall, who said they wanted support that better reflected their individual needs.Barnardo's will deliver the Young Carers Service, providing a whole-family approach to supporting young carers up to the age of 18.Whitehead-Ross Social Work Ltd will provide the Parent Carer Specialist Advisor Service, supporting parent carers of young people with SEND who are transitioning into adulthood, as well as those caring for adult children who could not manage without their support.Rethink Mental Illness will provide the Mental Health Carer Specialist Advisor Service, offering specialist support for carers of people with serious and

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/council-news/health-wellbeing-and-social-care/cornwall-s-unpaid-carers-will-benefit-from-a-more-specialised-support-service/

Last updated: 06/10/2026 09:40:19

Cllr Barbara Ellenbroek, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for children and families, said: “It is great for Richard Holden to see and hear first-hand about the excellent work that has been going on here in Cornwall to ensure young people leaving the care system have access to affordable travel.  ...That’s why we are calling on the Government to support and fund free bus travel for care leavers up to the age of 25....By doing so, we can help make sure care leavers have the best possible chance to build a brighter and positive future.” 

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/council-news/transport-streets-and-waste/more-transport-streets-and-waste-news-stories/transport-minister-visits-cornwall-to-hear-about-bus-improvements-and-project-offering-free-bus-travel-for-care-leavers/

Last updated: 11/12/2024 10:54:27

Cornwall Council has welcomed a landmark Government decision to devolve control of adult skills funding, giving the Council new powers to shape training and education around the needs of residents and businesses....From August 2025, the Department of Education will devolve to Cornwall Council strategic responsibility for the Adult Skills Fund, a £9.6 million annual budget (formerly the Adult Education Budget), with an additional £600,000 to support the Free Courses for Jobs programme....We are now making more of the decisions that affect our everyday lives right here, in Cornwall, not in London.

https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/council-news/council-budgets-and-economy/cornwall-council-secures-control-over-adult-skills-funding-in-landmark-decision/

Last updated: 23/05/2025 13:36:42