More than 600 Isle of Wight residents have shared their hopes, concerns and experiences as part of a major community engagement project designed to help shape the future of adult social care and housing services on the Island.
The year-long Big Conversation project, led by the Involving People Isle of Wight team, saw residents take part in face-to-face discussions at community groups, libraries, cafés, workplaces, care settings and local events across the Island.
Participants were asked 2 simple questions: what currently makes them happy and supports their wellbeing, and what they hope for in the future.
The responses have now been brought together in a report presented to the Isle of Wight Council’s Adult Social Care, Public Health and Housing Needs Committee. The findings will help inform the development of the council’s future Adult Social Care and Housing Strategy.
The project generated a detailed picture of what matters most to Islanders, with strong communities, friendships, family connections and local support networks emerging as some of the biggest contributors to wellbeing.
Residents repeatedly praised the work of community groups, charities and voluntary organisations, saying they play a vital role in reducing loneliness, providing practical support and helping people stay active and connected.
People also highlighted the importance of reliable healthcare, accessible transport, meaningful employment and volunteering opportunities, as well as being able to remain independent in their own homes as they grow older.
Looking ahead, residents raised concerns about issues including the affordability of ferry travel, access to housing, support for carers and the need for affordable activities and high-quality local services that help people remain connected and independent.
The report identifies six key areas for action, including tackling social isolation, improving access to employment and volunteering opportunities, supporting independent living, encouraging healthier lifestyles and addressing practical barriers such as transport and childcare costs.
Alongside the report, the committee also approved the launch of a new initiative called Wayfarers, designed to ensure residents continue to have a voice in shaping local services.
The programme will create a network of trained volunteers who will hold regular conversations with residents in community settings, helping the council build a better understanding of people’s lived experiences and ensuring local voices remain at the heart of decision-making.
The scheme was developed in direct response to feedback gathered during the Big Conversation, which found some people face barriers to taking part in traditional consultation exercises because of isolation, accessibility issues or the complexity of formal engagement processes.
A spokesperson for the Involving People Isle of Wight team said:
“The Big Conversation has given hundreds of Island residents the opportunity to share what makes a real difference to their lives and wellbeing.
“What stood out throughout the project was the importance of community, connection and belonging. People told us how much they value local groups, support networks, volunteering opportunities, green spaces and the chance to remain independent for as long as possible.
“While many people spoke positively about their communities, they also identified barriers such as cost, accessibility and navigating complex systems.
“We would like to thank everyone who took part and all the organisations that helped make these conversations possible.”
Laura Gaudion, the council’s director of adult social care and housing, said the findings showed that good lives are built on much more than formal services alone.
She said:
“For me, the most encouraging outcome from the Big Conversation is that people did not just tell us about the challenges they face, they also told us what is working well.
“Time and again, local people spoke about the importance of their friends, family, neighbours, community groups and local organisations who help them to stay connected and thrive.
“These findings remind us that creating good lives is about much more than services alone. It is about supporting people to remain independent, active and involved in the things that matter to them.
“We are committed to using what we have heard to shape the future of our council services and strategies, ensuring that the views of Island residents remain at the heart of our decision-making.”
The report concludes that Islanders want to stay active, connected and involved in their communities, with affordable services and support that enable people of all ages and abilities to thrive.
The findings will now be used to help shape future policy and service development across adult social care and housing services, while the new Wayfarers programme aims to keep the conversation going long after the original project has ended.
