In this special episode of 'What Does Good Care Look Like?', Amy sits down with Councillor Sharon Thompson for an open and inspiring conversation about care, community, and systemic change. Sharon reflects on her own experience of teenage homelessness and how it shaped her 11 years in local politics, including her role as Birmingham’s Deputy Leader and the West Midlands’ first female Deputy Mayor.

Together, Amy and Sharon explore what it means to design out homelessness, the importance of bringing lived experience into decision-making, and why brave leadership is essential in today’s pressured public sector. Sharon shares the story behind influencing national legislation on supported housing, leading an 81% reduction in rough sleeping, and championing partnerships that prioritise prevention over crisis.

They also discuss the future of care, how communities can be empowered to shape solutions, and what’s next for Sharon as she steps into a new chapter outside elected office.