At Skills for People we think services are best when people who use the services are really involved in designing and delivering them.
Co-production means that local people work together with local organisations to design and deliver services and support. It is a real partnership where people who use services (like people with learning disabilities and/or autism and their families) work alongside professionals to improve services and improve the quality of life for people and communities.
It means real partnership. It is more than just asking people what they think.
People need time, support to do this work. They should be offered payment for their work.
We have many years’ experience of supporting people and organisations to work together in co-production.
For example: Mindfulness for Life
Local people with learning disabilities were supported to work with the Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust to create a programme to train people with learning disabilities to use mindfulness in their lives, to improve their wellbeing, whilst getting support from each other. This programme is the first of its kind in the country.
In Newcastle upon Tyne, we are currently supporting a group of people with learning disabilities and/or autism and family carers who are working alongside health services and the council to design our local community services for people with complex support needs or behaviour that challenges others.
If you want to know more contact liz.wright@skillsforpeople.org.uk
Leadership
We support people with learning disabilities and/or autism and their families to become leaders using their life experience to help improve the world and services.
We employ people with learning disabilities and/or autism and their families – they are really important in our team.
If you want to know more contact liz.wright@skillsforpeople.org.uk
Engagement and consultation
Sometimes organisations need to find out the thoughts and views of the people whom they support.
We have extensive experience of helping health and social care organisations to consult people.
We have many years’ experience of supporting organisations to engage with those whom they support.
For example: Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust
Our work with Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, where we support people who use/have used the service to collect the views of people and use the information to make the service better. We train staff, carry out exit interviews, raise awareness, and work with the Trust to improve quality.
If you want to know more contact liz.wright@skillsforpeople.org.uk
Collaboration
Skills for People works with a range of health services, councils and other organisations to improve the lives of disabled people and their families.
For example: Tenancy support
We have worked with Newcastle City Council and local social landlords to create a course aimed at helping people with learning disabilities to understand their rights and responsibilities as a tenant. The course helps people keep their tenancy, stay safe and get involved in their local community.