Adult Social Care report highlights improvements and opportunities for further progress in Wolverhampton

Our updated report, Through the Eyes of the Service User: Improving Adult Social Care in Wolverhampton, is based on feedback gathered from residents between September 2025 and February 2026. Participants shared both positive and challenging experiences of accessing Adult Social Care services, support and advice.

While many residents praised the support they had received from social workers, rehabilitation services and home adaptation teams, others said they found it difficult to access information, understand what support was available, or keep track of different professionals involved in their care.

However, since the research was completed, City of Wolverhampton Council has made a number of improvements in response to similar issues raised by residents. These include strengthening frontline Adult Social Care services, reviewing and updating online information, increasing support for unpaid carers and developing Integrated Neighbourhood Teams to improve coordination between health, care and community services.

The Council has also introduced new digital tools and invested in preventative, community-based support designed to help people remain independent for longer.

The report recognises that these developments align with several of Healthwatch Wolverhampton's recommendations and provide an opportunity to address concerns raised by local people.

Stacey Lewis, Healthwatch Wolverhampton Manager, said: "The experiences shared with us show that Adult Social Care services play a vital role in enabling people to live independently and maintain their wellbeing, particularly when the right support is available at the right time.

"While residents identified areas where improvements are needed, particularly around communication and access to information, they also shared many positive experiences and examples of good practice.

"We're pleased to see that the Council has already taken steps to strengthen services since this research was conducted. We hope our findings will help ensure these improvements continue to be shaped by the experiences of people who rely on Adult Social Care services every day."

Andrew Wolverson, Director of Adult Social Care at City of Wolverhampton Council, said: "We welcome this report and would like to thank everyone who shared their experiences. The feedback reflects many of the challenges we have already been working to address through our Adult Social Care transformation programme.

"Since this research was undertaken, we have strengthened our frontline services, improved information and advice available to residents, enhanced support for carers and developed closer partnership working through Integrated Neighbourhood Teams. We remain committed to listening to residents and using their experiences to drive further improvements."

Read the full report

Through the Eyes of the Service User: Improving Adult Social Care in Wolverhampton (updated)