ISSUE 3:
voicesofstoke.org.uk
AUGUST 2015
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CHANGING TIMES Changing times Andy Meakin talks unintentional assumptions and systems change
Learning together FREE learning opportunities available through VOICES Mark’ Mark’s story A tale of recovery from violence, alcoholism, and mental ill-health Janette’ Janette’s story Job success through our volunteering programme Challenging media stigma Expert Citizens help to reveal The Real Benefits Street
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VOICES Fulfilling Lives: Supporting people with multiple needs in Stoke-on-Trent Funded by the National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund
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OICES is committed to promoting change in the systems that affect people with multiple needs. Too often, people with multiple needs perceive that they are excluded from the services necessary for their recovery. Systems are often premised on an assumption of rational choice. They may presume that because a customer doesn’t attend an appointment, that it was their preference to be somewhere else. Case notes may then reflect their ‘failure’ to attend the appointment. Such non-attendance may be equated with an unwillingness to engage in services or a lack of motivation. Blame inevitably attributed to the customer. What could possibly have been more important than the appointment?
Perhaps too infrequently do commissioners and services seek to understand the decisions customers make, why these may be different than is convenient for our manicured service models, and the implications for systems change. As a result, the chance to reflect on assumptions and consider other ways of working may seem distant. Listening and learning are constant activities in systems change — that run alongside doing. Systems change involves everyone. Customers. Frontline workers. Managers. Commissioners. Strategic leaders. Executives. Politicians. It occurs at the level of practice, in values, attitudes and cultures, at every layer to the board room, and in the political debating chamber. Changing systems is all our responsibilities — let’s start now. Andy Meakin Director
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