SCIE media releases 2010
Interactive guidance on user-led organisations
16 June 2010
An interactive online guide is launched today, supporting commissioners on how to develop strong and sustainable user-led organisations (ULOs).
The website, which includes video interviews with experts and useful tips on setting up a ULO, has been produced by the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE). It is a useful tool for local authority commissioners, who must make sure that they have worked to develop and sustain ULOs by December 2010.
The guide is accompanied by a printed and online, At a glance version of the publication.
SCIE says there is now a stronger case than ever before for local authorities to invest in, and work with, ULOs because they have a vital role to play in the transformation of adult social care. The new guidance:
- explains why commissioners must develop and sustain ULOs
- provides background information about ULOs
- offers practical advice for developing and strengthening ULOs
- suggests resources that can help.
SCIE’s Director of Adult Services, David Walden, says:
User-led organisations offer people the chance to help others in similar situations on the basis of personal experience. These types of services have been found to be very effective, and the transformation of adult social care provides them with the opportunity to take their rightful place in the social care community.
ULOs are support services that are run and controlled by people who use the services, such as disabled people, older people, families and carers. Typically they might provide information and advice; advocacy and peer support; and support in using direct payments and/or personal budgets.
SCIE’s guidance is based on the knowledge that ULOs’ success is down to their person-centred approach. The briefing also includes: further information on what ULOs can do; case studies showing how commissioners can support ULOs; and useful links to find out more.
Media contact
Steve Palmer | Press and Public Affairs Manager | T: 020 7024 7733 | M: 07739 458 192 | Email: media@scie.org.uk
