We are proud to host the Birmingham University NIHR funded Adults Family and Group Conferencing Research and Practice Network.

As part of this, we recently produced and launched a short film celebrating the impact of the Adults Family and Group Conferencing approach in Camden.

The launch coincides with Camden’s recent overall ‘Outstanding’ outcome from their Care Quality Commission (CQC) Assessment.  Their CQC report cited Adults Family and Group Conferencing several times including this comment:

“[Family and Group Conferencing for Adults] was a tool effectively used across the local authority to support people to make plans and decisions…and look at their strengths and promote engagement with local community groups.”

The report also stated that the approach ‘placed people within their communities and networks at the centre of the safeguarding process and was used effectively to make safeguarding personal.’

Our new film reflects all that too.  You will hear many inspiring and passionate voices of people involved, including most importantly, people and families with personal experience of this. The  film’s opening contributor, Dr Stuart Mackay-Thomas, a GP and Clinical Lead for Camden’s integrated complex care Multidisciplinary Team explains how the process has produced ‘novel ideas and solutions’ for what seemed like insurmountable challenges, particularly where there were differences of opinion among family members, caregivers and professionals.

Adults Family and Group Conferencing highlights what is possible when we start with people, not the system around them. It shows that by bringing together professionals and families in a collaborative and creative process, it is possible to achieve truly person-centred, creative and sustainable solutions.

Community Catalysts will continue to convene and facilitate the Network of people doing this. We are also offering a supportive design programme and strategy to new areas interested in implementing the approach too.

Please get in touch for more information.