Monday, 20 December 2010
Friday, 10 December 2010
Find out about our recent DVD production with The Your Life, Your Choices transitions project
Watch the video to hear about the 'Your future, Your choice transitions project. Or, read below...
The Your Life, Your Choices project was set up by the Local Authorities of Monmouthshire, Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent to support young people with disabilities as they progressed from childhood into adulthood. A key aim of the project was to promote the positive use of transition coordinators in transition planning. In 2009 we were commissioned to produce a DVD on behalf of the project team, which would be used to provide information about transition planning for young people, parents, carers and professionals.
It was agreed that the projects' transition coordinators and a group of young people they were engaged with, would be the main focus for the DVD. Thus, to ensure that everyone involved could benefit as much as possible from the experience it was decided to kick start the process by inviting a number of young people to attend a five day film making course. The aim was to introduce participants to the experience of creating digital films and more importantly, to get to know us and warm to the idea of appearing in front of a video camera.
The approach was incredibly successful and really helped to develop the skills, confidence and trust of the participants who now form a key part of the final DVD. As Mike Logan, the Your life, Your Choices project manger commented, 'We had nine young people who had never met each other before from three different local authority areas...we found them working together as a team much quicker than we had expected. And also, because they were then listening to each others voices as they recorded each other and as they planned some of the film clips, we found that they started to think for themselves about their own experiences. By the end of it they were comparing quite deep experiences, quite emotional experiences of things they had in common, like being bullied at school and some of the things they'd done about it...(we)found the whole experience extremely powerful, but it was also clearly powerful for the young people who were involved.'
The second phase of the process involved the actual production of a series of digital stories that documented the transition experiences of four young people, their families and transition coordinators. Three of the four stories were based on the experiences of young people who had accessed the initial training programme and at least two individuals volunteered to assist with the production work.
We worked very closely with the transition coordinators and the individuals whose experiences we were planning to film to ensure they understood why we wanted them to be involved. It was also important for them to understand that their contribution would be made public to other young people, their parents, carers and professionals who were interested in finding out more about transition planning.
The second phase of the project took approximately two months to complete and the first draft of the DVD is currently being reviewed by all the key stakeholders prior to it's final completion. The project was immensely rewarding and it was gave both John and I a great buzz to see how much the young people grew in confidence and self esteem, simply by getting involved. It was clear from the comments made by Mike Logan, the project manager, that he also valued our approach to engaging with the young people, 'From those very first training days, John and Sarah engaged with the young people really well. They recognised their skills and potential and brought them along. Their work was incredibly empowering'.
The Your Life, Your Choices project now has an extremely useful resource that can be used by any young person and their families who are thinking about their transitions into adulthood. It's also being used a as a training tool for practitioners working directly with young children with disabilities. 'John and Sarah really helped us clarify what we wanted the DVD project, and from our point of view they've helped us produce a really effective product' Mike Logan, Your Future, Your Choices Project Manager. If you'd like to find out more about the project, see the digital stories, or explore how Practice Solutions can assist you in the production of a digital media project, then please don't hesitate to give us a call on 01443 742384.
The Your Life, Your Choices project was set up by the Local Authorities of Monmouthshire, Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent to support young people with disabilities as they progressed from childhood into adulthood. A key aim of the project was to promote the positive use of transition coordinators in transition planning. In 2009 we were commissioned to produce a DVD on behalf of the project team, which would be used to provide information about transition planning for young people, parents, carers and professionals.
It was agreed that the projects' transition coordinators and a group of young people they were engaged with, would be the main focus for the DVD. Thus, to ensure that everyone involved could benefit as much as possible from the experience it was decided to kick start the process by inviting a number of young people to attend a five day film making course. The aim was to introduce participants to the experience of creating digital films and more importantly, to get to know us and warm to the idea of appearing in front of a video camera.
The approach was incredibly successful and really helped to develop the skills, confidence and trust of the participants who now form a key part of the final DVD. As Mike Logan, the Your life, Your Choices project manger commented, 'We had nine young people who had never met each other before from three different local authority areas...we found them working together as a team much quicker than we had expected. And also, because they were then listening to each others voices as they recorded each other and as they planned some of the film clips, we found that they started to think for themselves about their own experiences. By the end of it they were comparing quite deep experiences, quite emotional experiences of things they had in common, like being bullied at school and some of the things they'd done about it...(we)found the whole experience extremely powerful, but it was also clearly powerful for the young people who were involved.'
The second phase of the process involved the actual production of a series of digital stories that documented the transition experiences of four young people, their families and transition coordinators. Three of the four stories were based on the experiences of young people who had accessed the initial training programme and at least two individuals volunteered to assist with the production work.
We worked very closely with the transition coordinators and the individuals whose experiences we were planning to film to ensure they understood why we wanted them to be involved. It was also important for them to understand that their contribution would be made public to other young people, their parents, carers and professionals who were interested in finding out more about transition planning.
The second phase of the project took approximately two months to complete and the first draft of the DVD is currently being reviewed by all the key stakeholders prior to it's final completion. The project was immensely rewarding and it was gave both John and I a great buzz to see how much the young people grew in confidence and self esteem, simply by getting involved. It was clear from the comments made by Mike Logan, the project manager, that he also valued our approach to engaging with the young people, 'From those very first training days, John and Sarah engaged with the young people really well. They recognised their skills and potential and brought them along. Their work was incredibly empowering'.
The Your Life, Your Choices project now has an extremely useful resource that can be used by any young person and their families who are thinking about their transitions into adulthood. It's also being used a as a training tool for practitioners working directly with young children with disabilities. 'John and Sarah really helped us clarify what we wanted the DVD project, and from our point of view they've helped us produce a really effective product' Mike Logan, Your Future, Your Choices Project Manager. If you'd like to find out more about the project, see the digital stories, or explore how Practice Solutions can assist you in the production of a digital media project, then please don't hesitate to give us a call on 01443 742384.
Friday, 3 December 2010
The new Equality Act 2010 Seminar - Janurary 27th. Book two delegate places, and receive the opportunity to register one further delegate FOC
At Practice Solutions we realise that in this challenging climate, training budgets have been reduced considerably, so in response we would like to offer those wishing to book two delegate places, the opportunity to register a further delegate at no extra charge.
If you would like any further information, Robert Corteen, the seminar facilitator, will be more than happy to discuss this with you, just send an email to beth@practicesolutions-ltd.co.uk with your contact details.
For your convenience, you can download our electronic booking form to book onto the seminar. Click here to book. The form can be downloaded to your computer, filled in, and then returned to us via email or post.
If you would like any further information, Robert Corteen, the seminar facilitator, will be more than happy to discuss this with you, just send an email to beth@practicesolutions-ltd.co.uk with your contact details.
For your convenience, you can download our electronic booking form to book onto the seminar. Click here to book. The form can be downloaded to your computer, filled in, and then returned to us via email or post.
Thursday, 11 November 2010
Geoff Waites joins the team
Geoff has recently joined Practice Solutions and brings 35 years of experience of working with children's services in both local authority and voluntary sectors. Geoff is a registered social worker and has worked as a senior manager for the last 10 years, with key involvement in quality assurance and performance management as well as the development of multi-agency safeguarding.
His particular interests include improving the management and leadership of social care services and developing outcome based practice in the safeguarding of children.
Rhondda Cynon Taf respite review winner!
As part of our review of respite services for Rhondda Cynon Taf Social Services, Practice Solutions conducted a survey that gave respondents the opportunity to enter a free prize draw. The draw has now been made and Mrs Dyer (pictured opposite with Phil Tyrrell and her husband) who lives near Pontypridd, and cares for her husband, was the lucky winner of the £50 pound shopping voucher.The survey attracted a significantly high response rate and has produced some really insightful results that will assist RCT in the planning and development of respite care in the future. If you are interested in finding out more about the review, and how this approach may be used to help your organisation, please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Wednesday, 20 October 2010
Val Connors joins the team
Val has ex
tensive experience working in the field of social care across Local Government, the Welsh Assembly and the Wales Audit Office. Her early career includes post graduate research and teaching at Cardiff University, as well as work in the Voluntary Sector in the area of substance misuse. Between 1991-1998, Val held a variety of managerial and strategic posts in Mid Glamorgan Social Services Department and, following Local Government Reorganisations in Wales, in Bridgend SSD.
tensive experience working in the field of social care across Local Government, the Welsh Assembly and the Wales Audit Office. Her early career includes post graduate research and teaching at Cardiff University, as well as work in the Voluntary Sector in the area of substance misuse. Between 1991-1998, Val held a variety of managerial and strategic posts in Mid Glamorgan Social Services Department and, following Local Government Reorganisations in Wales, in Bridgend SSD.
Val joined the Social Services Inspectorate Wales (SSIW) at the National Assembly for Wales in 1998 where she spent the next four years developing and leading inspections across a range of service areas, and also undertook a period of secondment with the Joint Review Team carrying out reviews in Wales and England. In recent years Val worked for the Wales Audit Office where she provided specialist social care expertise and knowledge. During this time, she had specific responsibility for managing the second programme of joint reviews in Wales in partnship with CSSIW and more recently played a key role in developing the methodology for new inspection and review arrangements in Wales.
Friday, 24 September 2010
Flipping benefits!
We've had our Flip HD camera since May and since that time we've uncovered a number of significant benefits the Flip can offer us and other organisations working in the health and social care sector. For those who are unaware, the Flip is a simple to use camcorder, lowcost (approx £120) that is lightweight, portable and powered by AA batteries. The camera records HD quality video and can be plugged directly into your computer's USB port, to preview or edit any recorded video footage. The Video can be shared online or exported to DVD.
Our Flip is now used as a key tool within our business, and has significantly enhanced the ways in which we communicate and work with our customers. In particular we now use our Flip to
Our Flip is now used as a key tool within our business, and has significantly enhanced the ways in which we communicate and work with our customers. In particular we now use our Flip to
- Capture relevant and expert information regarding the social care sector on our public blog
- Document what our customers think about our work
- Work with individuals to help them make their own video presentations in a supported and purposeful way
We're confident that other organisations could benefit from the use of a 'Flip', and as a result we've developed a number of training programmes that aim to develop the skills and knowledge of health and social care professionals and service users in the use of Flip cameras. If you want to find out more about our training programmes, or how we could help your organisation benefit from the use a Flip camera, please contact sarah@practicesolutions-ltd.co.uk
Monday, 13 September 2010
Seeking the views of service users and carers in the Rhondda Cynon Taff area
We are currently working with Rhondda Cynon Taff local authority to review their Respite Care Services. During September and October 2010 we will be seeking the views of service users and carers to find out what they think of the respite services they currently receive. If you know of anyone living in the area who you think my be interested in sharing their views, either by questionnaire (for which there will be a prize draw for all completed questionnaires), focus group, or telephone interview, please contact Beth on 01443 742384 or email her on beth@practicesolutions-ltd.co.uk.
Monday, 9 August 2010
Successful Dementia Training
Last month our associate trainer, John Lewindon delivered a one day Dementia Awareness Programme for one of our regular clients as part of their workforce development programme. For your information, here are some of the comments that were made by participants.
Before taking this course I had little knowledge of dementia and Alzheimer's. I strongly enjoyed the course and found it very beneficial to myself as a carer. The activities learnt and carried out were thoroughly enjoyed.
Thank you for giving me an insight into a very difficult subject, and for giving an understanding of dementia and what it could mean to that person to still be treated like a human being. Thank you.
John was an enthusiastic trainer with clear, vast knowledge. This is the second time I have completed this course. An excellent refresher with a good balance between factual information and managing in care settings.
When coming to the course, I thought I knew everything there was for me to do my job. I was wrong. I have learnt a great deal. The teacher was perfect for the job. Really enjoyed the course. Thank you.
An excellent course and has made me think differently about a number of my cases, and will encourage me to explore different methods and ways of communicating with people with dementia. I would like there to be regulation refreshers of this training.
For more information about our dementia training, or any of our other programmes, please contact beth@practicesolutions-ltd.co.uk.
Before taking this course I had little knowledge of dementia and Alzheimer's. I strongly enjoyed the course and found it very beneficial to myself as a carer. The activities learnt and carried out were thoroughly enjoyed.
Thank you for giving me an insight into a very difficult subject, and for giving an understanding of dementia and what it could mean to that person to still be treated like a human being. Thank you.
John was an enthusiastic trainer with clear, vast knowledge. This is the second time I have completed this course. An excellent refresher with a good balance between factual information and managing in care settings.
When coming to the course, I thought I knew everything there was for me to do my job. I was wrong. I have learnt a great deal. The teacher was perfect for the job. Really enjoyed the course. Thank you.
An excellent course and has made me think differently about a number of my cases, and will encourage me to explore different methods and ways of communicating with people with dementia. I would like there to be regulation refreshers of this training.
For more information about our dementia training, or any of our other programmes, please contact beth@practicesolutions-ltd.co.uk.
Monday, 26 July 2010
Successful Open Day
Thursday the 15th July saw us open the doors of our office for free consultations with local health and social care providers. The idea was to let other businesses operating within the same sector to come and discuss the types of digital media solutions we are able to provide, and more importantly, have a look at the work we have produced for other organisations.
We had a very positive response from the invitations we sent out and had the opportunity to speak to several organisations who seemed very interested in what we could do for them and how we operate at Practice Solutions. We have already planned a number of follow-up meetings to take our discussions forward.
We plan to hold another open day in late autumn, where we will be offering free consultations for those interested in our training and consultancy solutions. If you would like to attend, please let us know.
We had a very positive response from the invitations we sent out and had the opportunity to speak to several organisations who seemed very interested in what we could do for them and how we operate at Practice Solutions. We have already planned a number of follow-up meetings to take our discussions forward.
We plan to hold another open day in late autumn, where we will be offering free consultations for those interested in our training and consultancy solutions. If you would like to attend, please let us know.
Thursday, 15 July 2010
Monday, 12 July 2010
Get people involved early!
The future will inevitable mean changes in the way services are provided. In exploring the options and choices for the future, there may be an inclination to protect key stake holders from the realities of change. Key stakeholders need to be involved at an early stage in planning and implementation. There may be a protective inclination to shield and protect vulnerable people from the debate. There can be a variety of cogent and understandable arguments offered for this approach; the desire not to raise unnecessary anxiety; concern that debate will be hijacked by powerful forces; or the belief that professionals know best!
I can't but think that any attempt to defend people from the consequences of change however well meaning, might deal a fatal blow to any attempt to build future services 'fit for purpose'. Those who might propose this approach may ultimately have the unenviable task of defending something which has excluded local people in the debate about future social care services for their community.
We know it's not easy to engage the wider community, but it is a challenge that we have to face full on if future decisions are to be empowering, understood and accepted.
Gabe
I can't but think that any attempt to defend people from the consequences of change however well meaning, might deal a fatal blow to any attempt to build future services 'fit for purpose'. Those who might propose this approach may ultimately have the unenviable task of defending something which has excluded local people in the debate about future social care services for their community.
We know it's not easy to engage the wider community, but it is a challenge that we have to face full on if future decisions are to be empowering, understood and accepted.
Gabe
Monday, 5 July 2010
Monday, 28 June 2010
Monday, 21 June 2010
Fresh look for our website
We've lots to tell this week.
Firstly, we have launched our 'new-look' website. It has been updated to include our design service that has really taken off over the past few months. Make sure you have a look at our portfolio www.practicesolutions-ltd.co.uk/design-services to see how this service could help to promote your organisation. Our digital media library includes more of our recent video projects. Thanks to viewing platforms such as YouTube, online viewing is becoming even more popular, so it's a great tool that can be utilised to promote your message without the excessive costs of video hosting. We've also added this blog that will enable you to keep informed and up-to-date with the goings on at Practice Solutions. It is also our plan to add testimonials and comments about our work here. If you have any comments on our new site, please let us know what you think by emailing beth@practicesolutions-ltd.co.uk.
Secondly, there is an open invitation to providers of health and social care services to attend our 'digital media - engagement and inclusion in social care' open day at our office in Abercynon on July 15th 2010. We are offering short consultation sessions where you can come and find out how we can help you to use digital media to support your organisation. To find out more, or book a session, please contact beth@practicesolutions-ltd.co.uk or call 01443 742384.
Finally, check out our Autumn series of 'Open Access Training' that can be found at www.practicesolutions-ltd.co.uk/training-services. The forthcoming series focuses specifcally on issues relating to managing the safeguarding process of vulnerable adults in social care.
Firstly, we have launched our 'new-look' website. It has been updated to include our design service that has really taken off over the past few months. Make sure you have a look at our portfolio www.practicesolutions-ltd.co.uk/design-services to see how this service could help to promote your organisation. Our digital media library includes more of our recent video projects. Thanks to viewing platforms such as YouTube, online viewing is becoming even more popular, so it's a great tool that can be utilised to promote your message without the excessive costs of video hosting. We've also added this blog that will enable you to keep informed and up-to-date with the goings on at Practice Solutions. It is also our plan to add testimonials and comments about our work here. If you have any comments on our new site, please let us know what you think by emailing beth@practicesolutions-ltd.co.uk.
Secondly, there is an open invitation to providers of health and social care services to attend our 'digital media - engagement and inclusion in social care' open day at our office in Abercynon on July 15th 2010. We are offering short consultation sessions where you can come and find out how we can help you to use digital media to support your organisation. To find out more, or book a session, please contact beth@practicesolutions-ltd.co.uk or call 01443 742384.
Finally, check out our Autumn series of 'Open Access Training' that can be found at www.practicesolutions-ltd.co.uk/training-services. The forthcoming series focuses specifcally on issues relating to managing the safeguarding process of vulnerable adults in social care.
Friday, 11 June 2010
Successful joint workshop with The Equality and Human Rights Commission
The joint workshop with Amelia John, from the Equality and Human Rights commission was well received by the MA Social Work students at Cardiff University this morning. The presentations relevance to social work practice was welcomed and it seems likely that it will now form a regular part of the curriculum for future post graduate students.
Both Gabe and Amelia enjoyed the opportunity to explore these issues with soon to be qualified social work practitioners.
Both Gabe and Amelia enjoyed the opportunity to explore these issues with soon to be qualified social work practitioners.
Monday, 7 June 2010
Wednesday, 26 May 2010
Creative Team Development day feedback
Last month we ran a creative thinking team development day for one of our regular clients. We've just received feedback and here is a collection of some comments that were made...
"I found the customer insight and the practical activity most useful"
"I found the 'dealing with difficult customers' session most useful. I was able to gain new skills in dealing with the subject and put them into practice through the role play"
"I felt at ease throughout the day. Everything was relaxed and laid back. The discussions flowed well and were informal and very constructive"
"There was a very friendly and familiar atmosphere about the day. The trainers made an effort to refer to us all by name, and encouraged all to get involved."
"The best development day I've been to so far!"
For more information about our development days, please contact us on contact@practicesolutions-ltd.co.uk
"I found the customer insight and the practical activity most useful"
"I found the 'dealing with difficult customers' session most useful. I was able to gain new skills in dealing with the subject and put them into practice through the role play"
"I felt at ease throughout the day. Everything was relaxed and laid back. The discussions flowed well and were informal and very constructive"
"There was a very friendly and familiar atmosphere about the day. The trainers made an effort to refer to us all by name, and encouraged all to get involved."
"The best development day I've been to so far!"
For more information about our development days, please contact us on contact@practicesolutions-ltd.co.uk
Monday, 24 May 2010
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