ASIAN communities in the north west are being urged to make their voices heard on the future of health services.

The Government plans to change the care and support system and will outline possible reforms next year.

Now, politicians are calling on people from diverse communities to take part in the debate on the future of care services and want to hear views on how the system could change.

They say that statistics show that Asian groups have higher rates of chronic ill health and there has been a significant increase in the population of older people from Asian communities.

Phil Hope, a care services minister for the Department of Health, said: "We want to hear your views on how we can create a high quality system that promotes independence, choice and control for everyone.

"We are asking stakeholders and citizens what they think about the future direction of the care and support system through an extensive programme of engagement.

"These are decisions that will affect us all, about social justice and the kind of society we want to live in. We must make them together."

To join the debate and make your views heard, visit www.careandsupport.direct.gov.uk