Want to shape our 2026 'helping you plan for later life' events? Join our co‑production group!

After successful events in 2023 and 2025, we are inviting people to express their interest in being part of a co-production group to shape our upcoming 'helping you plan for later life' events.  This group offers a chance to share your experiences and ideas for the upcoming events.

We’ll review past successes, discuss improvements, and shape the 2026 events together.

What are the events about?

In 2025, drop-in sessions were hosted at The Bridge in Shirley and The Onward Club in Chelmsley Wood. Participants had the opportunity to consult with local experts, including representatives from the Council, NHS, Age UK Solihull, and Carers Trust Solihull.

These events were designed to help people plan ahead for later life and make wise choices early on.

People were able to engage with Council teams, experts, and local organisations about:

• finances and planning in case you (or family members) need help
• housing choices - adaptations, right-sizing and how housing can keep you well
• support for carers
• technology and care choices
• looking after your health and wellbeing

Working together

This group will be key in creating meaningful and inclusive events that truly reflect the experiences, needs, and priorities of Solihull's community. All Solihull residents are invited to participate.

The project is scheduled from May 2026 to November 2026. The first meeting is set for Tuesday, 19 May 2026, from 10am to 12noon via Microsoft Teams. Meetings will occur every four to six weeks.

What is co-production?

Co-production is when people come together as equals to make decisions or create services that work for them all. It is about creating an equal partnership between people with care and support needs, carers and people who work in care and support. Working together requires people to actively listen, share ideas and collaborate. 

Co-production involves sharing power and taking risks, confronting issues together and working as a group to find solutions that work for all. Recognising that everyone has different skills and expertise, but decisions should be made together, so everyone has a say on what happens. It can happen at an individual, service and strategic level. For example, people may work together to co-produce a person’s care and support plan or a group of people could work together on a strategy. 

If you’re interested in contributing your insights, please complete the form.