Following launch of it's Co-production Charter earlier this year, Sandwell Adult Social Care have employed two co-production and commissioning support officers to provide capacity to truly involve people and offer support to others.
These officers, working with Sue Eagle, who is active with the West Midlands Regional Co-production Advisory Group have been supporting a number of projects to develop co-production activity with people who have lived experience.
There has been a Direct Payments review involving recipients and professionals. This has led to new training currently being rolled out to over 100 social workers, and a new model of commissioned service.
An Adult Social Care Culture Strategy has been developed in response to an ombudsman complaint that care home staff were unable to correctly deliver culturally appropriate support to a resident. Development, review and endorsement of the strategy brought together staff from different cultures, voluntary sector members, and residents.
Before switching to a digital process for Blue Badge applications, prospective applicants were invited to attend a demo (picture below) and to feed back usability tips. The tips will be shared to support people on their application.
The Carers Service, co-produced with 6 carers and over 200 people engaged in focus groups, surveys, and drop-ins, launched on 1 September and is now continuing with ongoing involvement of the independent Carers Voices Group.
Sandwell has also introduced Bridgit, an online digital solution for unpaid carers that provides information, guidance, advice and support at times when standard services are not available. Rather than just implementing it 'off the shelf' they have built in the views and suggestions from carers to make it an even stronger offer for local people.
Focus groups held in May to demo the Bridgit app (pictured) provided the opportunity for hands-on testing by residents to feedback on usability. This feedback has led to Bridgit's developer making changes to the app.
Image above shows home page of Sandwell ‘Bridgit’ service for unpaid carers.
Meanwhile a carer inspired by this activity has set up a Whatsapp community group and is holding sessions for carers.
A Carers focus group set up to understand experience of statutory process has led to improved strength-based practice for social workers and recognition of the need to promote available services
A bereaved carers focus group is now informing the service offer and has led to new commissioning intentions based on feedback received.
A new project for engagement with parents of disabled children to understand transition and replacement care experiences has just been agreed.
Sandwell's co-production plan, charter and videos can be found at http://www.sandwell.gov.uk/coproduction