PARTICIPATION OPPORTUNITIES
Can be a one off or a series of meetings that look at a very specific topic or concern and will generally have certain people there and set things to look at.
Is a group containing key people involved in that service, of which a parent is one, that meets to look at specific services or element or documentation of that service and usually meets for a set number of times or has a specific task or job to do (known as a task and finish group) within a set time scale.
Is a group containing key people involved in that service, of which a parent is one, that looks at a specific service or part of and collectively shapes the way that service continues and is shaped or developed in the future. They usually have meetings at regular intervals of 4 to 6 weeks and can continue for the duration of the project or service.
We are often asked if we can provide a parent representative to sit on an interview panel where the post directly or indirectly would be working with disabled children and their families. These happen as and when jobs are advertised and are for ALL services – Local Authority, Health & Voluntary.
This is where a service provider has asked for parent carer’s views on a specific service and can be done individually or in small or large groups. Services providers may or may not be present.
We undertake questionnaires to inform change and to highlight good and bad practice.
Talking at conferences and being part of training, delivered to practitioners from all sectors.
Also at events about your experience as a parent carer, this can be in small or large groups.
PARTICIPATION
“We want to make decisions with you”
CONSULTATION
“Here’s what we’re planning, what do you think”
INFORMATION
“Here’s what we are going to do”
TRUE PARTICIPATION
Includes: Strategic involvement of parents. . . Across all services, regarding. . . All disabilities and health conditions
What are the benefits for Practitioners and Services?
- A means to fulfill legislation
- National Service Framework (NSF)
- Every Child Matters (ECM)
- Allows professionals to effectively monitor and evaluate service change and development by talking first hand to service users
- Breaks down barriers between parents and professionals
- Develops an open and transparent dialogue between parents and professionals
- Professionals hear real stories that evidence their findings of the issues families experience
- Impacts on and enables effective use of budgets through consultation with service users
What are the benefits for Parent Carers?
- An opportunity to learn more about how services work and how decisions are made
- Gain greater knowledge of what services are available to families
- To make an impact by asking the questions no one else asks
- Enables parents’ view to be represented
- Makes parents feel valued and useful
- Allows parents to practice old skills and learn new ones
- Gives parents the opportunity to access training and change careers
- Gain respect due to their unique knowledge, skills and experiences
- Builds confidence and empowers parents
- Make new friendships