Summary and Recommendations
“Voices for Change” found that the people we spoke to highlight the importance of peer support and sharing information as key benefits of being part of a group.
Transport and personal assistance were two of the main areas of support needed and when these were not available, it was difficult for people to take part in activities.
Discussions in many groups touched on the role of paid staff when providing support. This is an area which would benefit for further research.
On many occasions people expressed the view that they were not being listened to.
Issues raised during discussion:
More information needed at the right time.
When leaving school people need to be aware for their choices for learning or work – going to college is often felt to be the only option.
Workers do not always show their trust in service users taking the lead.
Workers expect that people should trust them – but they need to gain trust and prove they know what they are doing. If they don’t know they should be prepared to help you find out what you need to know. Most importantly if they are not honest then trust is broken.
Disability Awareness and training is needed to increase understanding.
People have skills and experience which is not always recognised by the people trying to help them. People need the opportunity to use their skills and not be forced into a place because people underestimate what they can do.
Some groups are not open to others for a good reason but others can be open to new members.
Ground rules are needed for groups, and these should be designed and agreed by the group so that everyone sticks by them.
Common Themes
What people get from being involved in groups:
- Friendships and making connections
- Access to information and sharing of information
- Having a voice
- Learning new skills
- Having fun and enjoying yourself
- Everybody likes to have activities to do
- Peer support and self help
What people think is important to live independently:
- Budgeting and handling of money
- Transport issues i.e. difficulties in rural areas but lack of affordable public transport which is wheelchair accessible in Aberdeen city
- Good quality support and the difference it makes to your life
- Learning to cook
- Variety of activities are important in life
- Making decisions for yourself
