sharing experiences of self-directed support

[Lucie Stephens]

An invitation to help take self-directed support forward...

Hi all, just incase people haven't been to the discussion boards recently, please see the post below from Andrew Tyson. A great chance to profile some of your great co-production examples. Please contact him directly with the email at the bottom of the post. Cheers, Lucie

 

 

In Control has tried to play a helpful role in the development of self-directed support in the UK over the past few years. Over the next few, we are determined to use the learning gained from the practical, sometimes painful experience of local efforts to implement self-directed support to help make it better going forward in tough times. To help with this, between now and the spring, we are going to be reflecting ourselves and with our many partners on what has worked and what hasn't, what this tells us and what are the most promising ways forward.

Obviously many people have already offered their views and opinions on this topic. These range from those who are largely hostile to self-directed support to those who want to see it work, have views about what has gone right and wrong in implementation so far and how improvements can be achieved. While some of these have been mostly theoretical or veering towards the axe grinding ("I told you so!", "If only the government hadn't been so stupid" etc) many others have been of good practical value.

Our piece will have a very practical purpose and will reflect In Control's position in linking closely with both those who need self-directed support to work (people and families) and those trying to deliver it in tough times (commissioners and providers). We'll be thinking about and discussing key elements including leadership and culture, systems, practices and co-production. We also want to think broadly, not limited to adult social care but rather looking across the range of public services and age ranges.

So here is the invitation bit. We think we know pretty well what the problems are. We are therefore looking for things that work or promising possibilities. Have you got some that you would like to share? If so please send these through to [e-mail] copied to me [e-mail]

We have to make self-directed support work. We have a long way to go. Let's help each other make progress!