{"id":884,"date":"2026-03-24T11:29:11","date_gmt":"2026-03-24T11:29:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.communitycatalysts.co.uk\/fgcforadults\/?page_id=884"},"modified":"2026-03-24T11:37:01","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T11:37:01","slug":"turning-meetings-on-their-head-how-camdens-adult-family-and-group-conferencing-is-changing-practice","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.communitycatalysts.co.uk\/fgcforadults\/turning-meetings-on-their-head-how-camdens-adult-family-and-group-conferencing-is-changing-practice\/","title":{"rendered":"Turning Meetings on Their Head: How Camden\u2019s Adult Family and Group Conferencing is Changing Practice."},"content":{"rendered":"

What if the people most affected by decisions weren\u2019t just present at meetings\u2014they were in charge? No rigid agendas or professionals leading the conversation. Instead, a welcoming space where individuals and those they trust lead the discussion. This is the essence of Family and Group Conferencing (FGC)<\/strong>, and it\u2019s quietly transforming practice in Camden.<\/p>\n

FGC turns traditional meetings on their head. Rather than professionals deciding outcomes, individuals and their chosen networks\u2014family, friends, neighbours, people of their choice\u2014take the lead. They decide what will happen and how they\u2019ll make it work. Professionals provide information and clarify risks, but the plan belongs to the person and their group. It works because people are experts in their own lives.<\/p>\n

A Decade of Growth and Integration<\/strong><\/p>\n

Over the past ten years, Camden\u2019s FGC service has evolved from a small initiative aligned with the Care Act 2014 and a Strength based approach to practice, into a cornerstone of Adult Social Care and Health. Initially rooted in social care, it now spans health services, mental health teams, and carers\u2019 groups.<\/p>\n

FGC Team Managers participate in weekly Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) meetings, where professionals from across health and social care collaborate to find solutions for complex cases. FGC is now a regular suggestion from GPs, Community and Complex Care Nursing teams, Memory Service, Camden Carers, Housing and Environmental Health, along with the more traditional referrals from Social Workers\u2014evidence of its growing recognition as a practical, person-centred approach is found in the many stories and feedback provided by participants in FGCs.<\/p>\n

Case Study: A Fresh Start<\/strong><\/p>\n

A recent FGC illustrates its impact. A social worker raised concerns about an older man living in unsafe conditions due to severe hoarding. Traditional interventions had failed\u2014he refused help and wouldn\u2019t allow anyone into his home.<\/p>\n

The MDT recommended an FGC. The coordinator arranged a meeting at a venue meaningful to him, creating a safe and familiar environment. His family attended, and the relaxed setting\u2014with food and time to talk\u2014helped shift the tone from confrontation to collaboration.<\/p>\n

During private family time, they agreed on a practical plan: the man would allow a cleaning team into his home, supported by his family to ensure he felt comfortable. This was a breakthrough, improving his living conditions and wellbeing.<\/p>\n

For the social worker, the difference was clear: \u201cSitting together at the table made all the difference. I hope I can bring other clients to an FGC.\u201d<\/p>\n

Why It Works<\/strong><\/p>\n