Setting up a sustainable user group

[admin]

If your DAT's looking at setting up a user group, pass on these tips from Rosy Flexer, Lambeth's Client Involvement  Coordinator, on how to set up a sustainable group:
 
1. Identify a staff champion who can lead on service user issues and look at what support they will need.
 
2. Identify service users who are likely to be interested. Have one-to-one meetings, explain what their time and commitment will entail, develop interest.
 
3. Develop a consultation tool, like a questionnaire, to get feedback from service users and a clear idea about big issues.
 
4. Choose an appropriate setting for the first meeting - it's important everyone feels comfortable - and publicise the meeting well.
 
5. At the first meeting explain what's happening clearly and outline the group's aims and objectives. Be honest and realistic.
 
6. Focus on the wider picture but make sure people know individual concerns will not be ignored and a complaints procedure is in place in the service.
 
7. Consider the nuts and bolts of meetings - chairing, taking minutes, setting agendas - and how to support service users develop these skills
 
8. Recognise broader training needs and encourage service users to access available opportunities. Look at people's individual strengths.
 
9. Provide resources to help sustain the group - computer access, use of a designated space.
 
10. Think about the wider picture. Inform the group about linking into the DAAT team and national and regional user forums run by the NTA.
 
11. Remember user groups are just one part of user involvement. It should be integrated into all aspects of service planning and delivery.
 
12. At all times encourage, boost confidence and congratulate!!

[Wolves]

Some good tips there thanks. If anybody does struggle or needs any advice on keeping numbers in user groups or how to attract service users in first place feel free to email me and ask.
Our project is now 10 months old and as well as all the usual stuff user groups, womens groups, hep c support groups etc we have over 70 service users registered as part of our interactive text network and at a recent DAT Treatment Plan consultation event we had more service users attend than professionals, and our magazine is now circulated to 500 service users locally.
So it can be done and anyone who is feeling lost this christmas because low numbers turn up to their groups don't worry things will build if you work at it for long enough.

[bedwa]

Hi there

it is 10.30am in a cold frosty morning and ice on the road
just going to drive 60 miles to Penrith for our User group for Cumbria
thanks for all the great tips much appreciated

Bri

[February]

Feeling ever so slightly cynical...... not one congratulation or word of encouragement fron Service Providers on our RAPS news letter..... though we are told it has been sent to Welsh Assembly as an example of good practice..... neither has there been any comment posted in the forum...... I guess  many User Groups have gone through this process before us out there...... it does feel like it's a first for us ..... and we do need encouragement and feedback..... but nothing so far except request from Kaleidoscop and Probation for more copies..... spose that's encouraging.
It would be great if some of you in Wales could post your views for us and posibly send something in for next edtion..... looking at Dept, womens issues, and any thing you would like to contribute.
February Happy New Year
contact: angela.brinkworth@virgin.net

[bedwa]

Hi well back from our meeting in Penrith  it went well it is hard work getting the group to see we are not paying lip service we are there as service users to help our fellow users and ourselves  thanks for the support anyone who would like  a copy of our mag please let me know and anything you feel we should know about please drop me an message on the forum thanks

Bri (Cumbria)

[February]

Thanks for email.Will ring. Can you email copy of MAG for  our group......Keep warm and happy. Febuary

[mikee3333]

  thanx for being here.We are a small group(2 OF US) of service users in the medway towns called MUST(MEDWAY USERS STANDING TALL).Hi to all other SU groups.thanx for the tips from rosy.Iam looking for advice on the subject of us as SUsers being the "treatment watchdog" for our area as well as hopefully OD/HR training for SUrun by SU.My main subject is for any advice on gathering  feedback about providors from SU and the best way to achive this.Any contacts we could establish to help us would be appreciated Mikee(MUST)