Personalisation – making it happen: user-led organisations (ULOs)
The video highlights the importance of user-led organisations (ULOs) in delivering personalisation. ULOS support people to have independence, choice and control over their lives. They use the experience of members to inform their work, to build relationships with other organisations, particularly local authorities, and to drive organisational policy and strategy.
The video features the Essex Coalition of Disabled People (ECDP) which was established more than 15 years ago and works on behalf of over 3,600 people. The ECDP involves people who use services and their carers in staff training and has a peer mentoring scheme to enable people to share their experiences.
The video concludes by explaining how established ULOs can help to support the development of ULOs in other areas.
Messages for practice
- ULOs support people to have independence, choice and control over their lives.
- ULOs have experiences, knowledge and expertise about disability because they are managed by people who use services.
- By drawing on the experience of their members, ULOs can help to shape local authority policy and practice.
- Carers of disabled people are also involved in the work of ULOs. They can provide invaluable support to other carers.
Who will find this useful?
Community workers; commissioners of social care and health; qualified social workers; social work students; professionals allied to social work; people who use services and their carers.