How much (realistically) can the local community and individuals contribute to my support plan?
It depends on individual circumstances. For planning support, you and the people that are closest to you often know how your needs are best met, using professional advice where necessary. For delivering support, we already account for the contribution of carers in support plans. Caring roles are often undertaken by a network of family, friends and neighbours not just one individual. We also encourage everyone to think about the role of the wider community in keeping people independent in their own homes. Other public services need to improve how they target their services on the specific needs of older people and people with disabilities. But everyone in society has a role in maintaining an environment in which more vulnerable people feel safe and supported and the voluntary sector is particularly important in putting that capacity to best effect.