TIME is running out for people to have their say on important changes to the way individuals, families and communities are supported in Gloucestershire.

There are now ten days left for people to make their views known on a major consultation about a change in direction for public services as Gloucestershire County Council bids to save £75million over the next three years.

Meeting the Challenge – Together We Can launched on 9th June and over 1,650 people have now completed an online survey or attended a roadshow event and completed a questionnaire.

People visiting the website gloucestershire.gov.uk/togetherwecan can view all the information about the consultation and watch a variety of animated videos showing how the changes could affect people in different parts of the community.

In the latest video we meet 77-year-old Sue who is becoming frail and her son Greg who is worried about where to turn for help.

In the past, we see Greg struggle to find time to help Sue due to his busy job and finding the process of arranging support both difficult and time consuming, leaving him very frustrated.

However, when we see the story in the future Greg is able to find the information he wants quickly using the council’s website and fills in an online referral form to set up his mum’s assessment. A stairlift is fitted and Sue gets help from community groups to help her get out and about, making her and Greg feel much happier with life.

As well as being more convenient and fast, making more information accessible online helps to save money.

There are several videos available at the site explaining how people like Melanie, a married mum who struggles to eat healthily or exercise due to her hectic lifestyle, could benefit from the change of approach.

Gloucestershire County Council cabinet member for public health and communities, Dorcas Binns said: “There is still time to make your views known on our Meeting the Challenge – Together We Can consultation.

“Tell us what you think by 4th August to ensure you don’t miss the opportunity to have your say on some very important decisions that the council has to make, to ensure our services are in good shape for the future.”

People have until Monday 4th August, to tell us what they think. To have your say complete the online survey at gloucestershire.gov.uk/togetherwecan or use the site to find an upcoming roadshow near you.