Adult Social Care Network: Connection and innovation in the South West
A regional initiative that connects professionals, providers and partners across the South West to innovate and improve outcomes in adult social care through a dynamic and positive peer-to-peer platform.
Impact
- 80% of care providers across the South West changed from analogue to digital systems in 2024-25.
- Over 200 care homes received specialist Music for Dementia training, introducing innovative therapeutic practices.
- £3.2 million funding generated for South West Local Authorities, with the support of Health Innovation South West.
- 375 attendees at quarterly network events in the last 12 months, engaging a broad cross-section of stakeholders across the sector.
- Improved hospital discharges, care home discharge processes and the prevention of avoidable admissions through initiatives like the 100-Days Programme, West Somerset Access to Care and the Adult Social Care Tech Fund.
Project summary
The Adult Social Care Network, facilitated by Health Innovation South West, connects adult social care professionals across Devon, Somerset, Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly to collaborate, share best practice, and drive innovation and improvement.
The Network’s goal is to support system-wide improvement, enhance care quality and reduce pressure on NHS services by connecting local care providers through quarterly online events and peer-to-peer learning. By building relationships and showcasing successful projects, the Network helps address system-wide issues such as care home discharge, deterioration management and avoidable hospital admissions.
The Network benefits care providers, NHS teams, Local Authorities and people receiving care by improving care pathways, supporting digital transformation and attracting new funding to the region.
By 2025, 80% of care providers in the South West had moved from analogue to digital helping to deliver higher-quality care.
Rationale
The adult social care sector in the South West faces particular challenges, including geographical isolation, workforce pressures and fragmented service delivery across a largely rural and coastal region.
Care providers often work in ‘silos’ with limited opportunities to collaborate, share learning or spread innovation. This lack of connection can slow down the adoption of best practice, digital transformation and improvement initiatives. To address these challenges Health Innovation South West launched the Adult Social Care Network to connect professionals, providers and stakeholders across the Peninsula.
Key stakeholders
- Health Innovation South West is the Project Lead and host of the Adult Social Care Network. We facilitate engagement, innovation spread and collaboration across the region, supporting funding bids, improvement projects and regional events.
- The network brings together local authorities, care providers, Integrated Care Systems, Integrated Care Boards, commissioners, hospital trusts, NHS staff, charities and community organisations, as well as family members, friends and carers.
Next steps
The Adult Social Care Network will continue to build momentum, expand engagement and deepen impact across the South West region.
Expected future impact includes a 25% increase in professional engagement and collaboration by March 2026, greater integration between social care and healthcare systems and more efficient patient flow, improved quality of care and stronger peer-to-peer networks.
We will continue to lead and facilitate connections, support funding opportunities and measure impact through increased participation, digital adoption and improvements in care quality and innovation.
