State of our Nation

Access Social Care

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Welcome to the State of our Nation, a podcast by Access Social Care. Want to learn more about social care? Listen as we invite experts, leaders and change-makers to discuss highs and lows in the adult social care system, and shine a light on a sector that impacts us all. Co-hosted by Kari Gerstheimer, CEO & Founder Access Social Care and Andy McCabe, Co-convenor Social Care Future.

3d ago

Episode 3: In Conversation

In the third episode of State of our Nation: In Conversation, Kari Gerstheimer and Andy McCabe discuss Kari's recent conversation with Will Pike and why people need to know their rights before they reach crisis. They explore how to move from repeated assessments and “fight for it yourself” systems toward proactive support, accessible housing, and a society where everyone can live a good life. Access Social Care: https://www.accesscharity.org.uk/ Social Care Future: https://socialcarefuture.org.uk/
3d ago

Episode 3: Will Pike

Will Pike joins Kari to discuss disability, autonomy, and the systems that shape access to support. Drawing on his experience of spinal injury and his work as a disability rights campaigner, Will explains how bureaucracy, inaccessible environments, and decisions made without disabled people can undermine dignity and inclusion. They explore why lived experience matters, how universal design can benefit everyone, and what it takes to build care and support systems that work for the people who rely on them. Watch Will’s short film, Yes I Can, If: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjvYZ2jvvp8
Sep 23

Episode 2: In Conversation

Episode 2 of State of Our Nation in Conversation explores what the future of social care could look like, from the Casey Commission and pooled risk to the questions of fairness, dignity and who should pay. Kari Gerstheimer and Andy McCabe unpack the realities of navigating social care, disability-related costs and means-testing, while asking what it would take to build a system that works for people across generations and communities. Access Social Care: https://www.accesscharity.org.uk/ Social Care Future: https://socialcarefuture.org.uk/ AccessAva: https://www.accessava.org.uk/
Sep 23

Episode 2: Sonia Sodha

This episode of State of our Nation explores why social care in England is at breaking point, and why meaningful reform has proved so difficult. Sonia Sodha breaks down how the system works, why more than a million adults are going without the care they need, and how the current model places too much responsibility on families. The conversation also examines funding, the value of care work, and what a fairer national care service could look like — putting dignity, support and real lives at the centre of the debate.
Sep 16

Episode 1: In Conversation

In the first episode of series 4 In Conversation, Kari Gerstheimer and Andy McCabe reflect on Kari's conversation with comedian Ria Lina, exploring disability, neurodiversity and the future of social care. They discuss the importance of co-production, designing services around people’s lives, greater choice and opportunity, and recognising social care as a right that enables people to live fulfilling, independent lives. They also look ahead to the Big Conversation on Care, highlighting the importance of public engagement in shaping the future of social care and ensuring people’s rights are properly recognised and funded. Find out more and take part in the Big Conversation: The Big Conversation on Care
Sep 16

Episode 1: Ria Lina

The first episode of State of our Nation series 4 explores how society’s systems often exclude anyone who doesn’t fit an imagined “normal”—from disabled people to older adults and unpaid carers. Comedian Ria Lina challenges outdated approaches to education, social care and ageing, making the case for more accessible, visible and human-centred communities. The conversation also examines unpaid care, the value of humour in serious campaigns, and why we must design systems around real lives rather than forcing people to fit the system.
Jul 29

State of our Nation: The National Conversation

In this episode, Kari and Andy explore the evolving landscape of social care in the UK, emphasising the importance of language, human rights, and strategic framing in influencing policy and public perception. As Prime Minister Andy Burnham signals a potential turning point, the hosts discuss how thoughtful communication and systemic reforms can shape a more equitable future.
Mar 31

Episode 9: Adelina Comas-Herrera

In the final episode of the State of Our Nation: Global Perspectives podcast, Adelina Comas-Herrera, Director of the Global Observatory on Long-Term Care, discusses the challenges and opportunities in social care systems globally. The conversation highlights the funding gaps and inefficiencies in England's social care system, comparing it with international models. Adelina emphasises the need for universal coverage based on need rather than means, and the importance of international collaboration to improve care systems. The discussion also touches on workforce issues, the impact of COVID-19, and the potential for reform through better governance and funding models.

Welcome to the State of our Nation, a podcast by Access Social Care. Want to learn more about social care? Listen as we invite experts, leaders and change-makers to discuss highs and lows in the adult social care system, and shine a light on a sector that impacts us all. Co-hosted by Kari Gerstheimer, CEO & Founder Access Social Care and Andy McCabe, Co-convenor Social Care Future.

Creator

Access Social Care
Years Active

2022 - 2026
Episodes

43
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2026 Access Social Care