Co-production counts: PSS’s Awards For All project

The Shared Lives PSS scheme, based in Merseyside, has had massive success designing care services with their Awards For All project. The project has seen PSS bring in Shared Lives Ambassadors to design a peer support group that will help those drawing on Shared Lives care in Merseyside. The support group will be launching on June 23rd and will provide a space where those in need of support can find some additional help from others with lived experience of Shared Lives.

Sophie Hargreaves, Project Support Officer at Shared Lives Plus, outlined why the work of ambassadors Mark, Lee and Hope is so important:

“The ambassadors involved in the project have provided a wealth of knowledge and expertise, designing a group that benefits both PSS and those who are supported by Shared Lives. The success of their work shows how people with lived experience should be at the heart of designing the services that they access.”

The project has also been massively beneficial to the ambassadors involved and has helped them grow important skills that will assist them in the future.

Employment can be incredibly difficult for those with learning difficulties. A recent report by the Department for Work and Pensions found that fewer than three in ten people with autism are in work. Projects such as this can help play a role in boosting employment for those with learning disabilities, allowing them to live more independent and fulfilling lives.

Hope has spoken about how the project has helped her grow personally, and how she now feels far more optimistic about the future than she ever has before:

“I am thoroughly enjoying being an ambassador. It’s been a great way to grow my confidence and communication skills, making me a more effective team worker and advocate for myself and others. For many years after being diagnosed with Autism and struggling with my mental health I was worried I’d never be able to get a job or any type of meaningful employment. The number of people like me who achieve employment is a very depressing and sobering statistic. However, thanks to Shared Lives Plus and this role I’m starting to see that the possibilities are endless and employment is possible even with the challenges I’ve faced and continue to face.”

This project shows how involving those who receive care in the design of services they rely on is mutually beneficial. We advocate for this type of co-production across the care sector.

If you have any stories which outline the positive affect that co-production can have, please send them to press@sharedlivesplus.org.uk