Social Wellbeing Phase 2: Service Development
Commsortia has been working closely with service users and delivery partners to gain an understanding of client needs and the best way to offer services, using Service Design theory as a basis. As part of this process it has been vital to have the necessary information and evidence to make informed decisions. As such, the following activities have been undertaken to drive service development:
- Survey for all service users
- Focus groups with service users
- Thematic steering groups with members
- Service re-design working groups with relevant organisations
- Review of relevant reports and literature, to include peer-reviewed academic papers
- Financial analysis
Case Studies
Case Study 1:
John was living in a pub belonging to an ex employer, the pub was closed and was then put up for sale, so John was served with notice and faced eviction which could not be challenged. John came to see us and our Housing Advisor secured him supported housing for over 55’s. As part of the thorough MECC (Making Every Contact Count) assessment process, The Housing Advisor identified wellbeing issues and referred John to the Social Wellbeing team.
The wellbeing worker identified social isolation and assisted John to gain a bus pass. The wellbeing worker identified health issues and a lack of suitable income and helped John claim and secure PIP for this enhanced care needs. The wellbeing worker assisted John to register with a G.P, which then enabled John to be properly referred to the hospital for much needed cataracts treatment.
Once Johns housing and immediate health needs were stabilised, the wellbeing worker identified a lack of physical activity and mental stimulation and assisted John to access volunteering. John has now joined a community group and is undertaking gardening as a form of regular physical activity. This has also reduced his level of social isolation and improved his health and wellbeing.
Case Study 2:
Eric moved to Northamptonshire, having secured a good job and home. Following the move Eric suffered an accident at home whereby he fell downstairs and sustained a head injury. This left him with very bad memory loss and he can no longer do the job he loves. He went through a divorce shortly after the accident and this left him lonely and feeling very isolated.
After attending the centre he has turned his life around; he is gaining weight through the well balanced meals on offer and his confidence is growing every day. He willingly joins in all the activities on offer including chair exercise sessions a few times a week to build him up physically, as he was very frail when he first attended the centre. He has been offered some gardening duties as part of the centre offering, so he feels valued. Ian now attends the centre all week long. The centre is also supporting Ian with housing issues.