In 2023, Alex set up Better Together, a companion and concierge service for older people. It helps them remain independent in their own homes. We hear about the difference it’s making in the local community.
Alex was supported by our local Catalyst in her area, who helped ensure her community micro-enterprise had all the necessary paperwork and policies in place and that it was safe, legal and compliant. She completed our Community Micro-Enterprise Development Programme and Better Together was ready for business within six months.
Better Together invests time in getting to know the individual, understanding who they are and how best they can be supported. Activities are tailored to the individual’s needs and can include but not limited to help at home or in the garden, walking, hobbies and social activities.
Alex was approached by social workers in the local council about how they could work together to help people use their direct payments for services. This is now happening, which gives the person more choice and control over the type of support they receive.
In the video below, Alex tells us her story of setting up a community micro-enterprise, the difference it is making to people’s lives, and her experience of working with the council social work team to use direct payments.
“…both of us, the social worker and myself have been on a journey to try and get to know how we use direct payments… Together we’ve grown and built relationships and learned how they’re used.”
This is a great example of how service providers and commissioners can work together to make more of direct payments.
Community Catalysts is proud to be able to support community micro-enterprises like Better Together to get set up and offer diverse and often creative care and support to people.
Find out more about our Community Micro-Enterprise Development Programme.
Find more like Better Together on our Small Good Stuff directory of community micro-enterprises.