What is it?

In order for service users to effectively have an influence on the support offered, it is vital that they understand the Supporting People programme and have the opportunity to air their views in situations in which they are comfortable and confident.

Liverpool Charity and Voluntary Services, Liverpool Community Network, the Welfare Organisations Committee and Health and Social Care Network - most of which are SP providers – came together in December 2006 with a view to developing a forum for service users.

What’s involved?

The first meeting was held in December 2006 at a central, accessible venue, with the aim of exploring the existing understanding of the SP programme.

Invitations were widely circulated to the community and the format was developed so that the event would be informal to encourage as many people as possible to attend.

This seemed to work and, in order to build on the good numbers attending the first meeting, more events were held to recruit further members, a name and logo was created, basic rules were developed, sub-groups were formed and an away-day held to discuss elections. To ensure the forum’s independence it was decided that elections should be held to decide candidates for key posts, a constitution was created and annual general meetings should be a key element to maintain accountability.

What has it led to?

The Liverpool Supporting People Forum has been created from nothing into a truly independent voice for service users.

The forum now has representation on a number of SP groups and committees, peer assessment schemes have been developed, fundraising work takes place and awareness of the group and SP generally has been improved due to ideas such as the creation of a forum website.

The forum adopts and promotes good practice in its work, with diversity of membership, unpredictable meetings where people are encouraged to speak, easy read formats of all materials are produced and a strong relationship with Liverpool City Council ensures they have access to providers whilst maintaining independence.