2 minute read
Making it Real
Making it Real believes that all Adult Social Care services should be devised and enhanced with the participation of the people who use them, giving shared opportunities to solve problems and design services. This is called co-production.
Making it Real is clear that co-production is about collaboratively problemsolving, just like any bit of good teamwork. Good co-production is so much about how we behave, how we create the right environment, and build positive long-term relationships.
Making it Real recognises that people who use social care services (and their families) have knowledge and experience that can be used to help make services better, not only for themselves but for other people who need social care.
Shropshire’s Making it Real Partnership encourages good conversations that involve local people who use services, carers, advocacy and community groups, social work staff, senior officers and councillors from Shropshire Council.
By making social care services responsive to the everyday experiences and feed back of people who use services and their carers, Making it Real looks to influence service design and delivery so that people who use services have more choice and control over what they access, enabling people to live life to the full.
Making it Real gives the chance to share experiences and directly feedback comments to inform future developments. The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated changes to the way we work but you can contribute in many ways. If you would like to get involved and change things for the better, get in touch using the contact details to the right. ‘Making it Real gives a tremendous opportunity for anybody who has a genuine desire to contribute, to get involved and change things for the better.’ – Jon has been heavily involved in the Making it Real Board.
‘Because my journey through the system wasn’t right, I wanted to try and improve it for others...’ – Katie has been involved in developments and Direct Payments with Making it Real.
‘I’ve joined a new Direct Payments Board, set up by both staff and people who use Direct Payments, which is also co-chaired in the same way. We want to create a new way of working around Direct Payments in Shropshire – a new culture. As the jargon goes (and there’s a bit of that), we are working co-productively. Myself, Mary and Katie (people who use Direct Payments and Personal Assistants) are equal to Tanya, Chris and Rob, managers and staff who look after the system. Together we are looking for ways to bring about change.’ – Caroline has been involved with the Direct Payments Board.
Make sure that the voice of the people of Shropshire is placed at the heart of shaping the future of Adult Social Care in the county. Call 01743 257705 or email
makingitreal@shropshire.gov.uk
You can find more information about Making it Real such as its core values, targets, achievements and ongoing discussion opportunities at www.shropshire.gov.uk/
