A membership network promoting co-operative models of social care and well-being

Issues we face Social support demands are increasing – but resources are finite. The citizen experience of social support is often disempowering and isolating. Social support work is often low status and under-valued. The solution is not more money, or bureaucracy, or competition. The pressures, and the need for innovation, is not going away. What is needed are service models based on citizen “capital” and citizen “voice and control”.

A basis for hope Co-operative models of citizen self-help and community-building hold out real hope for transformative, creative, sustainable development Multi-stakeholder co-operative models are particularly suited for the “co-production” of services The rights and responsibilities of service users, workers and the local community are recognised within their governance arrangements.

The challenge There are long-term obstacles to be overcome to encourage co-operative development to flourish, not least in addressing the culture gap between co-operative and individualistic societal values. There is a need for long-term strategic leadership that will address issues ranging from practical service development to the shaping of public policy

The Forum’s Purpose To promote Social Care and support innovation in Wales based on co-operative values and methods of working, with particular but not exclusive emphasis on user-controlled delivery models.   Co-production – not top-down professional control Economic democracy – for users and workers Community development – assets and added value Collaboration – not competition (where possible)

Our stakeholders Citizens - particularly those receiving social support and their family carers The co-operative movement The voluntary and community sector The social care and support profession Local government, Welsh Government and related agencies The Cross-Party Co-operatives & Mutuals Group

The Forum’s Aims Promote co-operation in policy and practice Co-ordinate and synergise related activities Promote cross-fertilisation of learning Across Wales and beyond Wales Support and champion innovators New start-ups Organisations transforming themselves Promote access to expertise and support

Partners with Care to Co-operate CtC provides the Forum’s admin support and contributes to its leadership The Forum contributes to CtC’s governance and enables CtC to access voluntary support and expertise from members The success of the Forum will be best measured by the success of CtC – putting social co-operation into practice

Join the Forum Come to Forum meetings and events Three meetings a year Rotating north/south and east/west No membership fee (at present) Receive email updates and papers Get involved as much as you want Share what you are doing Let others share with you Help Care to Co-operate succeed!

For more information about the Forum Or to sign up as a member contact: gemma.murphy@wales.coop Gemma Murphy Care To Co-operate/Social Co-operation Forum