On 21st March 2025, we hosted our very first My Future Care Open Forum – an interactive session where our partner organisations shared how they support people in making later life and future care plans. With insights from speakers who actively use the My Future Care Handbook, the session provided practical advice, first-hand experiences, and a strong sense of shared purpose.

Our speakers – Dawn Butcher from Henfield Community Partnership, Alison Brennan from The Healing Harbour Charity, Karen Pirks from Selsey Community Forum, and Sara Strivens, an End of Life Companion – discussed how they’ve integrated future planning into their work. They highlighted the real difference it has made to individuals, families, and communities.

Why Future Planning Matters

Planning for later life is something many people avoid, yet those who engage with it often feel a greater sense of control and peace of mind. As Sara Strivens pointed out, “It’s not about focusing on the end – it’s about making the most of life now.”
Community-based organisations can play an important role in supporting people to make their later life plans. By providing accessible guidance, creating safe spaces for conversations, and offering practical resources, they can make a real difference in helping individuals take control of their future.

Starting Conversations

One of the biggest challenges organisations face is initiating discussions about the future. Many people feel hesitant or even fearful about planning ahead.

Karen Pirks emphasised the importance of making it a natural, ongoing conversation: “We don’t ask people to plan everything at once. It’s about planting seeds and giving people permission to think about what they want.”

Dawn Butcher shared how the Henfield Community Partnership created informal, friendly spaces to encourage discussions. “We start with a cup of tea and an open mind. Once people realise they’re not alone in thinking about these things, they relax and start engaging.”

The Role of the My Future Care Handbook

All our speakers highlighted how the My Future Care Handbook has been instrumental in guiding people through their planning journey.
Alison Brennan from The Healing Harbour noted, “It’s a fantastic tool that takes away the fear of the unknown. People feel empowered when they see a clear, structured approach.”

Several organisations shared that simply having a resource to refer to makes conversations easier and helps people feel supported rather than overwhelmed.

Overcoming Barriers

A key takeaway from the Open Forum was the need to address common barriers to future planning.
Emotional Resistance – Many people associate planning with illness or loss. The advice? Reframe it. As Sara Strivens put it, “Think of it as planning for your best possible future, not just for the end.”

Practical Challenges – Some individuals struggle with paperwork or knowing where to start. Organisations have found that breaking things down into manageable steps is key. “Small actions build confidence,” said Karen Pirks.

Meet people where they are, physically and emotionally – connect with people in ways that feel natural and accessible to them. Consider using informal, familiar settings to help open up conversations. For example, Karen Pirks said, “Doing drop-ins at cafes and sheltered accommodations has worked well. We simply sit at a table, listen to people’s stories, and create a space for conversations to unfold naturally.”
Access to Support – Not everyone has family or close friends to help with decision-making. Community groups are stepping in to fill this gap, offering workshops, one-to-one support, and peer networks.

Building Confidence in Future Planning

One of the most encouraging themes of the event was how future planning can bring reassurance and confidence to individuals and organisations alike.

“Seeing the relief on people’s faces when they’ve made a plan – even just a small part of one – is incredibly rewarding,” shared Alison Brennan. “It’s about helping people take control, one step at a time.”

For organisations considering integrating future planning into their services, the message was clear: you don’t need to be an expert. Providing a safe space, signposting to resources, and listening with empathy can make all the difference.

Continuing the Conversation

The My Future Care Open Forum reinforced the importance of future planning as a powerful tool for wellbeing and highlighted the growing community of organisations committed to supporting it.

If you missed the session or would like to revisit the insights shared, a recording of the Open Forum is available. You can watch it here.

We’re here to help you integrate future planning into your work. Our My Future Care Service comprising, free training and ongoing support is available to guide you every step of the way.