Our voices matter
Join our 12th December summit from 12-2pm online or in person to defend services, protect communities and influence local care services collectively.
Argyll and Bute is entering one of the most challenging periods our health and social care system has faced in a generation. HSCP papers are forecasting a budget gap of more than £18 million for 2026/27, and the pressures already being felt across social care, community services, and preventative support will only intensify if we do not act together.
This is a critical moment for the third sector. The cuts are likely to fall on social care services the most severely because of the way NHS targets are structured. Not only will this be painful for our communities, but it runs completely contrary to the principles of prevention inherent in Scottish national policy since the Christie Commission report in 2011.
The decisions made in the coming months will shape the services available to older people, disabled people, families and carers for years to come. Cuts of this scale inevitably risk falling on the very supports that keep people well and independent. Without a strong community voice, we risk losing the preventative and early intervention services that protect residents and avoid higher-cost crisis responses.
We have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to stand together, set out what communities need, and ensure our contribution is visible, valued and included in the planning of future services.
Join us on Thursday 12th December 2025, 12.00–2.00pm at the Inveraray Hub (and online). For those attending in person we will close at 2pm with a light lunch.
This meeting will bring together campaigning, advocacy, and community health and social care groups from across Argyll and Bute to:
- Respond collectively to the current funding crisis
- Explore a Dumfries & Galloway “DG Collective”-style model that could strengthen partnership working locally
- Develop a Third Sector section for inclusion in the Joint Strategic Plan 2026–2031
Your experience, your evidence, and your voice are essential. We cannot allow decisions to be made without those who understand community need and community solutions. The constant salami slicing style approach to cuts does not work and will lead to rising demand without a fundamental remodelling of public services that integrates with community provision in a meaningful way.
**If you care about the future of health and social care in Argyll and Bute, please attend.
**If your organisation is feeling the impact of pressures on prevention, early intervention or social care, we need you in the room.
**If you want the third sector to be treated as an equal partner, now is the time to step forward.**
Please share this widely with colleagues, volunteers and partners.
Together, we can help shape a fairer, more sustainable future for our communities.
To view the proposed agenda and sign up to attend either in person or online, using this Eventbrite link.
I hope you will join us on Friday 12th December – as we are strongest when we come together!