Pip Cannons, CEO at Community Catalysts, stresses the importance of committing to personalisation and how we can help local authorities and organisations fulfil their legal duties.
The NHS 10-Year Plan makes the case for more personalised care and local models of support.
In Adult Social Care personalisation is a core principle. Choice and control are core tenets of the Care Act 2014. So, what can the NHS learn from local authorities as it sets out to deliver the plan?
Authorities that have successfully developed and implemented commissioning strategies around personalisation have grown their local offer so they can provide a range of good quality solutions to meet a range of needs. This also includes a focus on driving up Direct Payments to enable more people to self-direct their care and support.
Nationally however, there is evidence that personalisation is still not a reality for all. The use of Direct Payments has declined or are being used in ways that are restrictive or risk averse. Many people still tell us that they do not have access to the type of care and support they want or need.
Our Community Micro-enterprise Development Programme is designed to support councils to fulfil their duty under section 5 of the Care Act – to create the conditions that enable people to have access to a wider range of local care and support and to ensure that the mechanisms are in place to support increased take up of Direct Payments.
While there are inevitably some short-term wins, it takes time to build community capacity and change the way things are done.
Commissioners, social work teams and senior leaders all need to think and work differently to ensure self-directed support and community resources are fully incorporated as part of the core adult social care offer. Not bolted on.
This is what our programme is designed to help with.
But success is dependent on strong local leadership, and a long-term strategy and commitment to personalisation.
Our programme in partnership with Suffolk County Council was set up to increase the care options for older people and increase the take up of Direct Payments. The programme has already started to make a difference.
The council has recently extended our programme for another year so we can support them to go further.
“Suffolk County Council’s ‘People at the heart of care’ strategy focuses on working in a personalised way with people who require care and support. We recognise the strength of a diverse and agile care market which includes empowering residents to choose the best solutions that support them in achieving the quality of life that they want.”
Suffolks strategic vision demonstrates their commitment to personalisation.
Their Market Position Statement supports the development of a wider range of support options and recognises that community micro-enterprises are an important part of a diverse local offer. Noting that Community Micro-enterprise development has proved particularly effective in rural areas, where access to care and support can be more difficult.
“Community Catalysts promote choice for people via community micro-enterprises and encourages them to understand how they can use Small Good Stuff to identify local enterprises that can support them to live a good life.”
We are delighted that Suffolk received a ‘good’ rating from their CQC assessment. And pleased that we will continue to play a part in enabling the authority to grow ‘small good stuff’ that helps people across the county access the care and support they want and need to live a good life.
Pip Cannons, CEO, Community Catalysts
Contact us to find out more about our programme.
In the meantime, here`s a flavour of what makes our community micro-enterprises valued by the people they support. Read Lenka’s story – how her community micro-enterprise is helping Rosie regain her sense of fun and mischief! And Freya to get involved with lots of different activities.
Explore Small Good Stuff, our directory of local care and support services.