BlueSalmon An alternative support planning model Carwyn Gravell, Lemos&Crane

About Lemos&Crane Social research and knowledge for public and voluntary sector practitioners through web sites and events on: Homelessness and vulnerability Community conflict Racial harassment Financial exclusion Youth disengagement

Traditional focus of support for homeless and vulnerable people Shelter Job training Practical support (money, health, etc)

Thinking through an alternative

Alternative objectives for support 1. Identity –Finding new interests and ambitions –Building confidence and self-esteem –Inherited, chosen and group identities

Identity: Example of Practice Open Doors Creative Drop-In Open Doors supports women working in the sex industry in East London – beyond practical support the organisation provides creative outlets for forging a different sense of self

Playing with image and identity

Making magic

Alternative objectives for support 1. Identity –Finding new interests and ambitions –Building confidence and self-esteem –Inherited, chosen and group identities 2. Family and friends –Becoming closer to people important to you –Making new friends

Family and friends: Example of Practice Storybook Dads Maintaining family ties and facilitating learning for prisoners and their families through the provision of story CDs

Alternative objectives for support 1. Identity –Finding new interests and ambitions –Building confidence and self-esteem 2. Family and friends –Becoming closer to people important to you –Making new friends 3. Relationships –Developing loving partnerships –Finding somebody new

Lasting & Loving Relationships: Example of practice Stars in the Sky A dating agency for people with learning disabilities – a response to the desire from local people with learning disabilities for friendships, companionship and long term relationships.

Difficulties with support delivery Time constraints: meetings are often brief and infrequent Practical considerations: conversation dominated by benefits, drugs and alcohol Support worker confidence: uneasiness about social and emotional aspirations, ‘a can of worms’ Service user confidence: may be uncomfortable talking about private matters Client-support worker dynamic: support planning sessions can get in a rut and don’t move forward

Normal support planning Leads support planning Support worker Service user Directs and controls Limited input Action plan

An alternative model of support provision BlueSalmon action plan directs and controls Family Friends Support worker Partner information about client’s goals provide support Service user

Introducing BlueSalmon An online resource that enables people to describe for themselves how they want their lives to change and to find practical assistance in reaching goals Prototype development in association with homeless agency Thames Reach and their service users

How BlueSalmon is used in practice Service users work through the modules by themselves; OR Service users work through the modules with their support worker (where language / computer literacy is an issue); OR Service users work with others for peer support Service users can then share action plans with support workers, family or friends – –Print out on paper

What service users think about BlueSalmon "Gave me insight, confidence and self-esteem" “Can definitely help to bridge the barrier gap between service users and staff" "Changed my thinking, found it very enriching...would take my action plan to the support worker " "I'm impressed with it. I need to learn computer skills so it's a good incentive. I’ll enjoy using it." "It's a very smart project...helps people to reach inside"

Benefits for service users Service users are empowered to describe for themselves how they want their lives to change Service users are encouraged to think differently about themselves as people with potential not just problems Service users are motivated to ask for practical support from support workers or family and friends to meet their goals and aspirations

Who’s using BlueSalmon Thames Reach working with homeless people in London The Croftlands Trust, Cumbria working with complex needs Nacro and their nationwide services for ex-offenders English Churches Housing Group - one of the largest providers of supported housing in the UK Rainer working nationally with vulnerable young people St Martins Housing Association – single homeless people in Norfolk Twin Valley Homes – a hostel for vulnerable young people Redditch Nightstop – working with young people Venus Resource Centre – working with vulnerable women Epic Trust – over 5,000 service users with a range of needs Outward – working with people with mental health needs