What we heard at Gofod3 2026
In June, Llais attended Gofod3, Wales' largest event for the voluntary and community (third) sector, organised by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA). The conference brings together charities, community groups, public services and people working across the third sector to share ideas, explore challenges and discuss how services can better support people across Wales.
During the event, we spoke to people working across the third sector about health and social care in Wales. Their insights highlighted the vital role community organisations play in supporting people, as well as the barriers many still face when accessing and navigating services.
People shared both system-level challenges and practical ideas for improvement. While experiences varied, shared themes emerged from our conversations.
One of the loudest messages we heard was the importance of clear and accessible communication.
People told us that information is not always easy to find, understand or access in formats that meet people's needs. Others spoke about the importance of being able to receive information in their preferred language and having the right information at the right time to help them make decisions about their care and support.
We also heard about the importance of creating inclusive environments.
People spoke about how the physical environments where care is delivered can affect people's experiences. This included concerns about public waiting areas being used for clinical conversations and the anxiety some settings can create, particularly for neurodivergent people.
Another key theme was access to services.
While some people shared positive experiences of accessing care, others described barriers including transport challenges and difficulties navigating services across organisational and geographical boundaries. These inconsistencies can make it harder for people to get the support they need when they need it.
We also heard strong support for improving advocacy, awareness and signposting.
People told us that professionals need the skills, confidence and information to effectively guide and advocate for people. At the same time, individuals need support and information that enables them to advocate for themselves and make informed choices about their care.
Many conversations focused on the challenges people experience when moving between services.
People described systems that do not always feel joined up, leading to lost information, repeated assessments and having to tell their story multiple times. There was a strong feeling that services should work together more effectively around the needs of the person.
One participant summarised this by sharing the changes they would like to see:
"one record for a person that can be used across health and social care; joint funding, training, support and advice... Easy access to service ‘no wrong door’"
At the same time, we heard powerful reflections on the contribution of the third sector.
People spoke about the trusted relationships community organisations build, their ability to innovate and the important role they play in supporting people where statutory services cannot always meet demand. However, many also highlighted the pressures created by limited and uncertain funding.
"the freedom we have in the third sector is really nice as we can do the things that matter most to people in a timely manner without getting stuck in the treacle of policy and bureaucracy. This means innovation can happen in a true and pure form and that's what health and social care needs right now – innovation!"
Across every conversation, people described a system where the third sector plays a vital role in supporting individuals and communities, often helping to bridge gaps between services. They also highlighted the opportunities that exist through collaboration, innovation and stronger partnership working.
What people told us was clear: being included and listened to, receiving clear and accessible information, experiencing compassionate communication and having access to joined-up services can make a significant difference to people's experiences of health and social care.
The experiences and ideas shared at Gofod3 reflect key themes within Llais' People's Principles and will help shape our work to influence positive change across health and social care in Wales.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to speak with us. Your insights help strengthen our work to make health and social care more joined-up, accessible and person-centred for people across Wales