The South Eastern Trust marked Co-Production Week as its Local Engagement Partnership (LEP) showcased how collaboration by those who use services, their carers, families and staff can shape better social work and social care services.
Co-Production recognises that people who use services and their families bring essential knowledge, experience and insight.
South Eastern Trust LEP Co-Chair Jillian Morris explained how two events were held to highlight Co-Production work that has been undertaken by Local Engagement Partnerships within the South Eastern and Southern Trusts.
Jillian said, “We hosted an online ‘Celebration of Co-Production’ event along with colleagues from the Southern Trust, which was an opportunity to enable us to highlight the value of perspectives of those who require our services, working as equals with those designing and delivering services, as well as adding an integral dimension to ‘getting it right’. The event was attended by the Department of Health’s Chief Social Worker, Aine Morrison, in what was an inspiring and powerful session.”
Jillian added how South Eastern Trust LEP also hosted a successful Co-Production Café in the Downe Leisure Centre in Downpatrick , “The aim of the Café was an opportunity for us to reach out to the local community to highlight the value of Co-Production and how those with lived experience can become involved within Social Work and Social Care in our Trust.”