We need service users to be involved to make sure that our services meet the real needs of people who use them. We have a dedicated involvement coordinator, Abi Butters, who supports all service users who want to contribute their ideas, help to develop services and participate in the programme in the following areas:
- Future planning of the programme
- Service development and evaluation (by telling us what works and what doesn’t)
- Peer reviewing of housing support services (talking to other service users about their support services)
- Deciding about future services (called tendering).
Abi assists and arranges the Shropshire Housing Support Group meetings. These are run and attended by current, past and potential service users and carers of service users, who hold various positions ranging from chair, vice chair, treasurer and secretary. They all champion the support services they receive. Service users plan the meetings and decide, with Abi's help, what is to be discussed. It gives service users an opportunity ‘to have their say’ about what works and what doesn't, and to say what they would like to see happening in the Supporting People programme throughout the county.
Meeting dates 2012
Thursday 9 February - 1pm to 4pm.
Thursday 12 April - 1.30pm to 4.30pm.
Thursday 14 June - 1.30pm to 4.30pm.
All to take place at Seabury Close, Shrewsbury.
What other ways can service users be involved?
- Being a champion for the Housing Support Service you are working with
- Membership of the 'Armchair Panel' which has been set up for service users who are not able to attend meetings. Abi can talk to you in advance of any planned meeting and feedback any decisions to you
- Attending focus groups to talk to people about their service
- Involvement in putting together the annual questionnaire
- Promotion of the Supporting People programme to potential new service users and existing service users
- Carrying out mystery shopping of Supporting People services, and readability exercises of Supporting People promotional material ranging from leaflets, surveys, newsletters, etc.
- A voluntary work placement - working alongside the service user involvement coordinator, giving a good insight into the programme and gaining hands on experience for a short period of time (usually 3 months at a time).
Benefits of getting involved
- Gaining skills and experience (which can go on a CV)
- Giving something back by helping others in the future
- On-going training and support
- A reference
- Being part of a team
- Satisfaction that you are making a difference and improving services for you and others in a similar situation
- Personal development, such as improved confidence.
Who do I contact?
The Shropshire Housing Support Group would like to hear from you if you would like to be involved.
There are a number of ways in which you can contact the group. Contact Abi Butters direct on 07929 857 886, either by telephone or text, email abi.butters@shropshirehousing.org.uk, or write to: The Gateway, Craven Arms, Shropshire SY7 9BW. You can also speak to your Support Worker, who will contact Abi for you.