The social care communications experts have teamed up with Championing Social Care (CSC) to create an innovative ‘Invite Your MP’ digital toolkit, designed to support this year’s Care Home Open Week (CHOW) and strengthen relationships between social care providers and policymakers.

The interactive website, developed by the communications agency’s digital experts, makes it easier than ever for care homes across the UK to engage their local MPs and councillors. Users can simply enter their postcode to:

• Identify their local MP
• Invite them to their CHOW event with just a few clicks
• Share event details on an interactive public map, helping communities, media, and decision-makers see where celebrations are happening

Care Home Open Week, taking place this year between 16th to 22nd June, is an annual event that sees thousands of care homes across the country open their doors to the public, welcoming families, local partners, and politicians. It is an opportunity to challenge misconceptions, highlight the positive impact of social care services, enable residents to remain part of their community, and showcase the dedication of care teams nationwide.

With the event providing a national platform to shout about the incredible work of care teams, this new toolkit ensures the voices of care providers and residents are heard at the highest levels of government.

Championing Social Care (CSC) is a volunteer-led initiative dedicated to promoting and celebrating the vital role of the social care sector. Through events like Care Home Open Week, CSC aims to connect care providers with local communities and policymakers.

Edward Maxfield, Director of Championing Social Care, said:

“Care Home Open Week is a moment of national celebration, and it’s fantastic to have the support of PLMR in creating this user-friendly toolkit. By making it easier than ever for care homes to connect with MPs and councillors, we are helping to ensure that social care remains firmly on the political agenda. We encourage care homes across the country to take advantage of this new tool and make their voices heard.”

PLMR has been a trusted communications partner to the health and social care sector for nearly two decades, and originally devised and launched the original Care Home Open Day initiative in 2013. The agency provides marketing and reputation support to the care sector, including PR, public affairs, crisis management, reputation building, design, video, websites and digital marketing support to care providers, charities, and advocacy organisations. With a deep understanding of social care policy, the team is committed to using its expertise to elevate the voices of care professionals and drive positive change.

Nathan Hollow, Head of Health and Social Care at PLMR, commented:

“We are incredibly proud to be working with Championing Social Care to help make this year’s Care Home Open Week the biggest and most successful to date. It’s a pivotal time for the sector following the National Insurance changes and the soon to launch Casey Commission, with CHOW providing an ideal opportunity to showcase the hugely positive health, wellbeing, social, and economic impact of care services in communities across the UK.

“PLMR works closely a wide range of care providers every day and we know first-hand just how useful this new digital tool will be in supporting home managers and marketing teams to participate in CHOW. Together with CSC, we are making it easier than ever for care homes to engage with policymakers, ensuring the experiences of residents, families, and care teams are at the heart of future decision-making.”

To access the toolkit, please visit: https://map.championingsocialcare.org.uk/