Future of adult day services agreed by councillors
People who use adult day services in Wirral could benefit from more choice, more opportunities in their local communities and continued specialist support after councillors approved a phased approach to transforming the service.
At a meeting of Wirral Council's Adult Social Care and Public Health Committee on 15 September 2026, councillors agreed plans to gradually modernise adult day services over the next two years. The approach aims to build on the support people already value while creating more personalised opportunities to help people develop skills, build confidence and take part in their communities.
Adult day services support adults with care and support needs through activities, social opportunities, learning, employment support and specialist care. The service currently supports 315 people across Wirral from eight sites across the borough.
The changes will begin with a "Retain and Refocus" approach. This means specialist services for people with the most complex needs will remain in place, while new community-based opportunities and personalised options are developed over time.
The decision follows a 12-week consultation involving people who use services, carers, families, staff and local organisations. More than 600 responses were received, with feedback highlighting the importance of friendships, trusted staff, familiar routines and safe places to spend the day.
Alongside this feedback, the committee considered how adult social care is changing nationally. Government guidance increasingly focuses on helping people live as independently as possible, make their own choices and play an active role in their communities. The approved approach aims to support this by creating more opportunities for people to access community activities, volunteering, employment and skills development where appropriate, while continuing to provide specialist support for those who need it.
The committee also considered the longer-term challenges facing the service. Four of the five traditional day service buildings require significant repairs or investment, highlighting the need to ensure services remain sustainable and fit for the future.
The approved approach does not involve the immediate closure of day services. Instead, any future changes will be introduced gradually, with people receiving personalised reviews and support to help them access the opportunities that best meet their needs.
The first phase of work will focus on working with people who use services and their families, developing more community opportunities, improving personalised support options and strengthening services for people with higher and more complex needs.
Councillor Sue Powell-Wilde, Chair of the Adult Social Care and Public Health Committee, said:
We know these services play a hugely important role in people's lives. For many people, they are about much more than activities. They provide friendships, support, routine and a sense of belonging.
That's why we've agreed an approach that allows change to happen gradually and carefully. We are committed to working alongside people who use services, their families and carers to make sure everyone gets the support they need, while protecting the relationships and connections that matter so much to them.
At the same time, we want people to have greater choice and more opportunities to build skills, confidence and independence, and to take part in community life in ways that are meaningful to them. Our ambition is to create a modern, personalised service that continues to support people to live fulfilling lives while ensuring specialist support remains available for those who need it most.
