By KLTV Newsdesk –

A powerful new alliance of care providers across Calderdale and Kirklees launched today (7 October) with a mission to transform how local care is valued and supported.

Overgate Hospice, The Kirkwood, and the Kirklees and Calderdale Care Association (KirCCA) officially unveiled Caring Together: A Voice for Local Care — a bold strategic collaboration designed to champion fairness, sustainability and recognition across the non-statutory care sector.

The initiative brings together hospices, care homes and community-based providers under one shared vision: to protect and enhance care for both the people who receive it and the people who deliver it.

Mounting pressure across the care sector

Care providers across the region are currently facing unprecedented strain. Rising costs — including increased staffing expenses following the uplift in the national minimum wage — coupled with spiralling demand, are leaving many services at breaking point. Unlike NHS-funded services, many independent care providers operate without stable long-term funding, making future planning increasingly difficult.

Caring Together launches as a direct response to these challenges, setting out a clear plan to advocate for urgent reform.

Three key priorities for action

The strategic plan outlines three core goals:

1. Champion fairer funding

• Push for transparent, long-term financial models that reflect the true cost of care

• Engage decision-makers at every level with real evidence and lived experience

• Highlight the impact of underfunding on service quality, staffing and health inequalities

2. Demand equity and recognition for care workers

• Campaign for parity of pay and conditions between statutory and non-statutory services

• Demonstrate how workforce instability affects care outcomes

• Elevate the status and visibility of care professionals

3. Secure inclusion in system planning

• Build stronger partnerships with statutory health bodies

• Seek representation in key health and care decision-making forums

• Promote shared values to enable consistent, joined-up care

Voices from the partnership

Michael Crowther, Chief Executive of The Kirkwood, said the collaboration is a vital step forward: “The Kirkwood are delighted to be campaigning with KirCCA and Overgate Hospice. Although the level of services we offer are different – we share many critical experiences when it comes to funding challenges and the valued role of our frontline colleagues. Collaboration is vital if we are to build a stronger, fairer health and care system, and we believe hospices and care providers have a unique role to play in that journey.

“By joining forces, we can amplify our impact, share expertise, and ensure that people and families receive the care and compassion they need, when they need it most.”

Tracey Wilcocks, Chief Executive of Overgate Hospice, added: “Overgate Hospice is proud to be collaborating with KirCCA, standing alongside colleagues from across Kirklees and Calderdale. By working together, we can strengthen the health and care sector and ensure the very best support for the people in our communities.”

James Creegan, Chief Executive Officer for KirCCA, described the launch as a rallying cry: “This is more than a collaboration – it’s a united call for change. ‘Caring Together a Voice for local Care’ brings together the voices of those who deliver care every day, often under-recognised, to demand a system that values compassion, sustainability, and fairness. We’re proud to stand alongside our hospice partners to champion a future where local care is not just heard, but truly respected.”

A call to action

Caring Together is urging MPs, councillors, system leaders and members of the public to stand with them. Their message is clear: true change is only possible when local care providers are treated as equal partners in shaping the future of health and social care.

The full strategic plan and ongoing updates are available on the group’s LinkedIn page: www.linkedin.com/company/caring-together-a-voice-for-local-care