For this project the Birmingham City Council (Adults & Communities directorate) is working in partnership with Turning Point, to develop a service which will connect people with the help they need in a timely and effective way.

We will be working closely with the residents of Ladywood and Kingstanding by recruiting local people or those who know the area well to undertake an audit of need with residents, specifically; older people and adults with a learning disability, a physical disability or mental health condition. This information will be used to inform the design of a new Community Navigator service that will connect people with local groups, opportunities and services early, promote health and wellbeing, encourage the take up of individual budgets and support new community-led social care initiatives.

Progress Update November 2012

• 22 people have completed their training as Community Researchers, 11 in Ladywood and 11 in Kingstanding wards
• The research has now started
• The most recent programme board took place on the 22nd October-meetings occur monthly with Turning Point and BCC Adults and Communities Directorate.
• Stakeholder engagement is progressing with meetings set up with ward support officers and Turning Points attendance at the specialist care management meetings.

Research and Engagement

Local people are being recruited and trained by Turning Point to become Community Researchers who will use a range of methods including face-to-face interviews, attending community events and focus groups to explore how residents currently connect with services, perceive Individual Budgets and how they access information, advice and guidance - these findings will inform the Community Navigator service design.

In addition we will also engage with the wider community to explore existing groups, organisations and individuals who could potentially provide care and support to client groups through volunteer programmes, support groups or micro-enterprise services to people with Individual Budgets for example personal assistant services.

Outline of the Community Navigator service:

The aim is to develop a service which operates across the entire span of the customer journey for older people, adults with a learning disability, a physical disability or mental health condition.

Download our presentation slides

Timetable

Year 1: A community-led research and engagement programme (Oct - Dec) Review of engagement findings and development of service (Jan +)

Year 2: Piloting the community navigator service for 12 months

Support Needed

We will be looking for local people to take part in the community audit to be conducted by our recently recruited Community Researchers. If you know of anyone who would like to take part please ask them to contact Amanda Preece on the contact details below.

We are also looking for local groups and organisations in Ladywood and Kingstanding that would be good contacts for us to link with, if you can help please email amanda.preece@turning-point.co.uk

Contact

If you would like to hear more or get involved in the project please call Amanda Preece on 07587 630 195 or email amanda.preece@turning-point.co.uk