Spotlight on: Bradford People's Parliament

To help people to have confidence and feel comfortable sharing their views, the monthly parliament meetings are a mix of social and creative activities.

They often have a focus on improving health and wellbeing. The group speaks about what they like and what they would like to be different - things that matter to them, both in their support from Turning Point and the community.

With so many different personalities and differences, flexibility is key to helping people to be involved. Making sure the right questions are asked in the right ways is crucial, so people’s opinions are truly heard, and being willing to speak about whatever people choose. Support workers use a range of techniques and tools, including always using plain language, using large print and easy read documents, pictures, and objects of reference.

These are the tools used by support workers with the people we support, so they can provide their thoughts and feedback.

Through the parliament, people we support have a real voice in different things that are important to them, have made change and been active in the community.

The group requested the council provide extra disabled parking allowing better access to the café and pond in the park. Last year they raised money for the local RSPCA by doing a sponsored sing.  

Members have also been motivated to consider ways to enhance their quality of life through reading lessons, art and music. Last year they held an art exhibition and enjoyed an afternoon of music by a professional group. This year they decided to help people who are unwell, making get well cards and raising money for health research.

Other members take part in Turning Point’s People’s Network to have a voice in our national activity.  

At the end of meetings, everyone is invited to express how they feel the meeting went. This can be verbally, by giving thumbs up or thumbs down, through a smile (or not), or using a picture - a smiley face, a tick or cross.

Based on this, together we consider what we could do to make the meetings work better for everyone. Whatever people bring to the meetings, whether verbally or through gestures, everyone’s voices are heard and valued.

The Bradford People’s Parliament plans to continue to grow and strengthen how its members voices are heard, and continue exploring new ways to enable people with a range of different needs to have their say.