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facilitating local networks of mutual support amongst marginalised people in
Scotland
SOCIAL SERVICES EXPO & CONFERENCE: EDINBURGH: MARCH 2013
DOROTHY GARDINER JOHN DALRYMPLELAUREN MAYSALLY HUMPHREY
participants
INTRODUCTION
Facilitating local networks of mutual support amongst marginalised people in Scotland
network
• 9-12 members living in the same locality
• a Community Living Worker recruited for each locality
• already living in the Network area
• low-level support• flexible support • support that is negotiated between the
worker and the member• Community Living Workers can be available
during the day, evenings and weekends• they can respond in times of crisis
or when things arise unexpectedly• mutual support is fostered between members
service
Generic Specialist
Community Professional
Non-intensive Intensive
continuum
challenges
• to do things differently
• by restoring power to individuals and communities, and thus– reduce dependency– build capacity
opportunities• in Scotland to date the facilitated social
networks approach has been adopted only as an "add-on”: not as part of a radical new approach
• so there is considerable untapped opportunity for expansion of the approach, especially in the current climate
opportunities
• increasing recognition – that public services need to be re-designed
• around people• around communities• with prevention in mind [CHRISTIE COMMISSION]
– that ideas such as co-production and active citizenship hold the key to unlocking a wider range of untapped and unrecognised resources
– that social networks can create the context for sustainable solutions to these challenges
– that
opportunities• historically our networks have been for people
with milder learning disabilities• or for people with mental health problems• but there is no reason to suggest that their
benefits would not also apply to other groups– young people in transition– older people etc
• indeed some reason to suggest that the best and most effective networks might have the local community as their focus and be open to all
– open to everyone
[“co-production”]*
• building on people’s existing capabilities– moving away from deficit model of services – moving towards model recognising people’s
capabilities and actively supporting them to put these to use with individuals and communities
*PUBLIC SERVICES INSIDE OUT: PUTTING CO-PRODUCTION INTO PRACTICE: Boyle, Slay and Stephens; 2010
[“co-production”]
• public services that rest on equal and reciprocal relationships between:– professionals– people using services– their families and neighbours
[“co-production”]
social networks involve people directly, & so
• take advantage of their skill & experience• tap into key community resources• discourage the over-provision of services
[active citizenship outcomes]
• keeping my independence • more friendships and relationships • having more chances to work and learn• doing more things in my community • taking decisions important to me• staying safe and free from harm
‘Personalisation is about building on the strengths, interests and aspirations of people and putting the person at the heart of everything’
(Alan G. Baird, President of ADSW, 2008-2009)
[“Personalisation”]
NEIGHBOURHOOD NETWORKS
Facilitating local networks of mutual support amongst marginalised people in Scotland
Natural
Effective
Two-way
Whole
Opportunities
Reliable
Knowledgeable
Sustainable
• facilitated social networks are “member-led” and operate on a human scale
• they enable opportunities for personal development– “being stretched out of your comfort zone: it
helps you grow”– “roller coaster: a bit scary but you want more”
Natural
Effective
• facilitated social networks are less costly than other forms of public provision
• they also reduce risk by connecting groups of people, but don’t reduce the individuals right to take risks
• they provide early warning of crisis
• they prevent isolation and problems of loneliness– strong links to family & friends
• create a greater sense of well-being• help us adapt better to change
– but modern life weakens these links – people have capacity to support each other:
but system doesn’t always make this easy
Effective
[life or death]*
• people with stronger relationships had a 50% increased likelihood of survival than those with weaker social relationships
• the influence of social relationships on the risk of death– comparable with the influence of factors such
as smoking and drinking– exceeds the influence of factors such as
physical inactivity and obesity*SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS AND MORTALITY RISK: A META-ANALYTIC REVIEW: Holt-Lunstad, Smith & Layton;
2010
Two-way
• rather than “I need this from you”......... ........
• networks encourage “this is the way I want to live my life with your support”
• networks enable members to offer friendship & support as well as receive it
• networks help to identify, develop and support assets and capacity– of individuals– of communities
• reducing the need for individuals to prove they are eligible– a negative and self-perpetuating process– where deficiencies get exaggerated
Two-way
• rather than “I need this from you”......... ........
• networks encourage “this is the way I want to live my life with your support”
Two-way
Whole
• facilitated social networks promote a sense of belonging
• they boost confidence and sense of value members get through involvement– “having support when you need it and not
when you don’t”– “doing things without support workers”– “being in control of the small, important details
of your life”
• facilitated social networks provide opportunities to continue living in same place and to
– make an important contribution– go places– do things
– work– learn– teach– connect
Opportunities
• social networks are robust and adaptable• they promote trust
– “knowing someone you can trust is there for you”• and a sense of assurance at times of crisis
– “you can always keep in touch and they can pick you up when you break down”
– “the fourth emergency service”• they promote a sense of safety and reduced risk
of harm
Reliable
Knowledgeable
• by facilitating networks rather than delivering them we enable public services to become catalysts of change
• the more they are used the more they spread expertise and resources amongst members
• members are viewed as experts in their lives and contribute to the support of others
Sustainable
• social networks help create context for sustainable solutions in part by empowering vulnerable people to become involved in delivering those solution
• networks help paid support to decrease over time through interventions that connect people to the community and with other members
• they permit flat structures, light infrastructure and direct communication
• networks represent a low cost investment for substantial outcomes
– using limited resources to enable people to have social lives within social networks........
– .........expands the amount of time and talent friends, neighbours and families are able to share to address material needs
Sustainable
“Life of the Edge: the experiences of people with a learning disability who do not use specialist services”
Ken Symons: Pavilion, Joseph Rowntree, Norah Fry 2000
We need comprehensive services:• increased range of low-support options• specialist/generic collaboration• people moving on from specialist services• increased emphasis on natural supports• rethinking vulnerability & responses to it• maximising income & employment opps• reviving the idea of “preventative services”
“Life of the Edge: the experiences of people with a learning disability who do not use specialist services”
Ken Symons : Pavilion, Joseph Rowntree, Norah Fry 2000
Summary:• some people do fine• some people just manage• some people go through crises
“Life of the Edge: the experiences of people with a learning disability who do not use specialist services” Ken Symons: Pavilion, Joseph Rowntree, Norah Fry 2000
“It’s actually people taking notice……before they actually get into a crisis. It’s not just saying I want this, but really pressuring for that before you get too bad. But some people come to a crisis before they can get help, people ought to be looking out for the signs.”
[Deirdre]
“Staying Human: respect, values and social justice”Gerry Hassan and Sue Rawcliffe: SHS Trust 2003
“Key Features of this model are:• network members are active participants on
designing and contributing to their own support• the key emphasis on community building as a
deliberate process to achieve community for some of the potentially most marginalised individuals
• the role of the CLW as community “animator” using their local knowledge and networks to develop support for network members.”
NEIGHBOURHOOD NETWORKS
@nayburhoodwww.neighbourhoodnetworks.org0141-314-0027Festival Business Centre, 150 Brand Street, Glasgow, G51 1DH
