What are public’s priorities for next phase of pandemic? As ever, best way to find out is to let people themselves decide. @WestMids_CA have done exactly this – running a rapid public deliberation as strand of recovery planning. Thread provides some insights from results 1/9

If you can manage 3 mins, listen to participants in their own words outlining 6 priorities that emerged – controlling the virus, getting NHS back on track, mental health support, preparing to restart schools, creating new jobs and promoting businesses 2/9

From very beginning, all conversations (panel was split into groups for 6 for a lot of discussion) recognised covid was with us for long time to come. No need to worry that public “don’t get” the need for on-going changes to how we live. It’s the first thing they think about 3/9

Unsurprisingly, getting healthcare back on track emerged as strong theme. The immediate concern was about NHS treatment (hospitals, GPs, etc), restarting non-covid care & making sure continued online access also allows face-to-face for those who need it 4/9

But groups also prioritised longer-term changes, seeing it as vital that public themselves continue to live healthier lifestyles. This is common theme in deliberation – deal with the immediate concerns and then can move on to conversations about longer-term change 5/9

Mental health was big issue, reflecting people’s own (& family / friends) experiences. Was widespread recognition of pre-existing pressure on acute services. So focused on community-based support at schools, work, etc - essentially "how do we look after each other" 6/9

Big “next generation” issue was reopening schools (& sense that we’d messed this up first time around). There were differing views on how to do this safely – what an “adapted school environment” was. But complete agreement that pupils and parents should be prepared for this 7/9

Finally discussions focused on concrete aspects of economy – how to create new jobs and support local retail businesses. Again, once immediate issues addressed, the discussion moved on to wider topics – what “green jobs” look like / how to help big regional businesses / etc 8/9

If you’re interested, you can read more in the @WestMids_CA press notice which links to the full @BritainThinks report. And huge thanks to all involved, especially the participants who made this all possible 9/9 https://www.wmca.org.uk/news/mental-health-support-jobs-and-training-among-key-recovery-priorities-for-west-midlands-citizens-panel/