case studies

 

 

Cumbria

changing futures were commissioned by Cumbria LSC to provide training in Systematic Instruction to staff responsible for developing and providing supported employment opportunities to people with learning disabilities. Participants came from employment services, local colleges and direct support services. People with learning disabilities took part in the workshop as paid consultant learners, providing participants with the opportunity to practice their newly acquired skills in systematic instruction.

Other key areas of training and development include work on Insight into Challenges, a course for people working with individuals whose behaviour is described as challenging services. This is based on work first developed in the 1990s by the NWRT& D team-and provides participants with both a theoretical background and practical opportunities to develop their skills in supporting individuals.

'Excellent course - brilliant to be able to practice our skills with real people'

'All contact left me feeling that both I and the client had learned'

'Some good insights into own barriers when working with students'

'Excellent course with very knowledgeable presenters'

'A brilliant course and made some good contacts'

 

Shetland Islands

Changing futures undertook a review of all case files of adults with learning disabilities known to Shetland Island Council, in response to recommendations made by the Scottish SW Inspectorate to the Department of Lifelong Care. The main focus of the review was on how any risk factors were identified, and the quality of services. The review examined all social work and service case files, with additional information from service managers and support staff, health personnel, a voluntary organisation, families and a small number of individual service users.

 

'Contracting with changing futures to undertake an audit of of our work with people with learning disabilities has proved real value for money. Their engagement with staff and users was exemplary and the report so good it is continually being used as a training resource within the service

Brian Doughty

Executive Director for Health and Social Care

Orchard Hill

changing futures were contracted to undertake the procurement of new housing and care providers as part of the re-provision of Orchard Hill, a long stay hospital for people with learning disabilities. Work involved developing a procurement strategy to enable health and social service managers and commissioners, families and carers, clinicians and advocates, choose new providers from an approved list of organisations.

Throughout the six month contract we worked closely with all the key stakeholders from the PCT, two London Boroughs, families, hospital staff, advocates, legal departments, and other advisors, reporting to a multi-agency steering group and chief officers. We developed a range of selection documents and assessment criteria and processes, which resulted in the successful appointment of four new care providers and two housing providers.

 

'You undertook this work in a thoroughly professional and highly competent fashion, delivering exactly what you were commissioned to do. Congratulations!'

Ian L Ayres

Chief Executive Sutton and Merton PCT

Individualised Case Study

We are active in supporting families who are taking control of their social care funding, to deliver their own services. For example, an individual previously residing in Private nursing provision with an individual spot purchased care package of £140,000 per annum. Now supported in their own home for a cost of £83,000 of set by income from Charging policy at around £ 4,000 per year.

The individual has a personal income of around £115 per week from benefits enabling them to contribute to their own living expenses and have disposable income to enjoy an interesting lifestyle. Accommodation costs are met through housing benefit .

The support package will reduce in cost as the individual increases in confidence and independence. Expected reductions in support costs are likely to be in the region of a further £20,0000 per annum within the next 12 month period. Further reconfiguration of support will take place over following 12 months.

 

 

The Government published its' green paper ' Independence, well-being and choice', in March 2005. The paper echoes many of our values, placing the individual firmly at the centre of all decision making processes.

Interim Management

''Neil stepped into managing the 37 bedded unit for us following a severe crisis in the management and staffing of the service, and an appalling report from the local inspection team. Through his perceptive and highly skilled analytical approach he quickly identified the major issues needing to be dealt with, he then set about turning the service around. The outcome of interventions is the new service manager has been handed a service that is manageable and functioning and has many issues resolved. Neil's approach was professional, perceptive and solution focused. He was determined in his methods and kept me very informed of his actions, I always felt that there was someone in charge who knew what to do and how to do it. Neil had a very positive effect on the staff team and the service in this short time with us (8 months). I would not hesitate in contacting him for any future work.''

Pauline Steele

Regional Manager North of England Phoenix House

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