Equal Lives is a user led organisation that provides a number of services to enable people to live more independently and have choice and control in their lives. Information, advice and advocacy – assisting people to know their rights, access services and get the support they need to have their voices heard. Supporting people to live more independently – including: Help with planning care and support (including personal budgets) Assistance with recruiting and managing carers / personal assistants Finance and payroll services Member activities and projects Norfolk wide, many of these services are free and open to anyone facing disabling barriers.

The Workforce Development Project Equal Lives is working in partnership with Norfolk and Suffolk Care Support on a project supporting care providers, managers and staff, to be more effective in their involvement of people who use their services

Care providers are being asked to better involve the people using their services. This is to meet new national and local care standards and also to meet the aims set out in the new Care Act Some care providers have told us that they have found it difficult to engage with people to help to shape their service.

The project comprises three parts: An information pack, co-produced with people who use care services, full of valuable information on how to involve users more effectively and how to support staff to better involve people Free disability equality training for key staff Free individual tailored consultancy with up to 10 care providers to help improve their service user involvement

FREE Disability Equality Training Available to care providers across Norfolk Co-produced and delivered by disabled people Level 2 Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) accredited course approved through the Open College Network

FREE Disability Equality Training Training Outcomes: Understand disability from both a human rights and equality perspective Be able to better understand barriers faced by disabled people Have a basic understanding of disability according to the Social Model of Disability Consider own attitudes and assumptions to / about disabled people

FREE support to set up user forums I ndividual tailored consultancy with up to 10 care providers to help improve their service user involvement Providers will be drawn from across different parts of the sector to reflect the diversity of care provision across the community.

How does involving people in shaping your service benefit the people you care for? People have the service that’s right for them People who feel valued are happier People are less likely to complain People feel more confident People feel part of the service It is important for people to know that their comments are listened to and respected The impact on family and carers is reduced

What’s in it for your organisation? Meet new statutory and local standards Be recognised as an organisation that listens to its customers Improved positive publicity Fewer complaints A better motivated staff group who feel they are supporting people’s choices A more cost effective service Innovative solutions from people who know best

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