Reflecting on North West Forward: Stories of Digital Support

Last month’s ‘North West Forward: Stories of Digital Support for Working-Age Adults’ event was something special. It was a powerful and inspiring day filled with energy, honesty and collaboration, bringing together people from across the region who are truly committed to changing the way we think about technology and care.

It was a real pleasure to work alongside Alternative Futures Group, Andrew Kendall, Lorenzo Gordon and Daniel Casson to bring this vision to life. From the first conversations back in June, the goals were ambitious. Looking back now, we can proudly say they were achieved: a grass-roots conference focused on how to make technology work in reality; a focus on support models and processes rather than product features; real people telling real stories; real problems being solved; shared learning across the North West; and a room that brought together commissioners, providers and people with lived experience.

The People’s History Museum provided the perfect venue. Its heritage of bold action for people’s rights created a powerful backdrop for a day dedicated to empowerment, autonomy and driving change. Cllr Thomas F. Robinson set the tone perfectly with his challenge to everyone in the room, reminding us that Manchester is a city of firsts and asking what new ideas could emerge when the right people come together. Kathryn Marsden OBE followed with an inspiring keynote that framed the day beautifully, highlighting the power of genuine co-production and cross-sector partnership, and reminding us that digital transformation in care is not about ticking boxes but about solving problems with people.

Building the Right Care: Designing Tech into New Builds

Chaired by Andrew Kendall, this session explored how embedding assistive technology into new specialist housing can transform lives and deliver long-term savings. Case studies from Lancashire County Council and Dimensions UK showed how smart design, from motion sensors to autism-friendly environments, boosts independence, dignity, and safety while cutting care costs. Speakers called for closer collaboration between housing, care, and commissioning teams, and for technology integration to become standard in all future developments.

How Does Care Tech Work for
Complex Care and High-Risk Management?

Daniel Casson led a dynamic discussion on how digital and assistive technologies are reshaping support for people with complex needs. Drawing on examples from across health, housing, and social care, panellists showed how smart homes, sensory tools, and remote monitoring enhance independence and safety. They emphasised imagination, co-production, and person-centred design as key to success, alongside strong legal and ethical safeguards. The session ended with optimism about new funding and the potential for truly inclusive, tech-enabled care.

Overnight Support Models

Amy Lewis chaired an insightful session on reimagining overnight care through technology. Speakers shared how remote monitoring and digital tools can replace intrusive checks, offering safer and more dignified support that respects privacy and independence. The discussion highlighted co-production, ethical use of data, and the need for training and trust among staff and families. The panel agreed that technology should complement, not replace, human care, creating more person-centred services around the clock.

What Does Working-Age Adults’ Care Tech Look Like in 10 Years?

Led by Lorenzo Gordon, this forward-looking panel explored how technology, workforce innovation, and co-production could shape social care by 2035. Panellists highlighted the importance of mindset over hardware, the rise of the Care Technologist role, and the need for joined-up infrastructure and digital confidence. With AI offering new opportunities for prediction and personalisation, the group called for user-led design and inclusive innovation to drive more independent and empowering care for the future.

Across every conversation, certain themes stood out clearly: nothing about me without me; people want control over their lives and their support; and technology, when used thoughtfully, can be a powerful enabler of that control. We were all challenged to think differently about where and when support is needed, and by whom. The stories of lived experience carried the greatest impact, reminding everyone why this work matters so deeply.

We want to extend a huge thank you to all our speakers and contributors for your insight, knowledge and honesty.