SCIE Practice guide 11: The participation of adult service users, including older people, in developing social care

Practice example 1: Adaab

Characteristics of service users involved

Adaab is an acronym for Asian Disability Awareness Action in Bradford but is also an Arabic word whose meanings include courtesy and etiquette. Adaab is an advocacy and campaigning organisation providing help, support, and advice to disabled people within the metropolitan district of Bradford.

How service user participation within the organisation is ensured

Adaab aims to represent the disabled communities of Bradford at every level, in every cultural and faith group as long as the person has a disability or is a carer. Service users are encouraged to play a practical part at every level and there are four main mechanisms for participation.

1. People using the service are asked to complete a questionnaire asking their opinions about the organisation.
2. Service users are involving planning and running events held by Adaab and attending consultation meetings.
3. There is a strong community reference group that advises on future plans and policies and gives feedback about the needs of people with disabilities in Bradford.
4. People with disabilities are represented on the Board of Trustees.

What policies on service user participation has the organisation formulated?

Policies include an equal rights and a disability policy.

How are service users supported?

Volunteers and administrative staff help people who cannot read or write. There are translators for all the Asian languages spoken locally and everything is translated into Asian languages. Home visits are made to people who cannot leave their homes.

Adaab will also support service users by:

• providing information;
• helping fill in forms;
• representing service users at tribunals;
• making applications on behalf of service users;
• arranging seminars to raise awareness about specific health issues;
• lobbying MPs, ministers and local government officials;
• raising public awareness through writing articles for local newspapers and giving interviews to the media.

How are the effects of participation monitored, audited, and evaluated?

There is regular monitoring done, and reports are made to the Trustees every six weeks.

What makes organisations succeed in participation?

Sincerity, dedication, and empathy for service users.

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