ARC Scotland facilitates the Scottish Borders Providers Forum. This group has membership from provider organisations who deliver services to people with learning difficulties. The Local Authority and on occasion the NHS attend the meetings for part of the time to share information and discuss issues of mutual interest.
The Forum discusses a broad range of issues relevant to the delivery of high quality person centred services for people with a learning difficulty and to supporting people to lead the best possible lives. Those involved in planning, managing or delivering services to people with learning difficulties in the area are welcome to attend.
Forum Chairperson
The Forum is chaired by one of the members of the group. The Chairperson is the source of contact for the Local Authority, NHS or anyone else who wishes to engage with the Forum. S/he will chair the Forum meeting, attend other groups and meetings, write letters and take other appropriate action on behalf of the Forum and it’s membership. The Chairperson is elected each year at the Annual Review meeting.
How to join
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Group, or would like more information, please contact Sylvia Crick:
- Email: sylvia.crick@arcuk.org.uk
- Telephone: 0131 454 9052
Workplan
The Forum sets a workplan each year, outlining the priority areas that members want to work on and the outcomes they would like to achieve. This is reviewed and updated regularly at meetings.
The Forum also invites speakers on issues of relevance and on occasion organises workshop and events to allow for fuller discussion and learning and development around specific issues. The Forum also seeks to work closely with self advocates across the area.
Guidelines on Support Planning
The Providers Group has just launched their Guidelines on Support Planning. There are three versions of these Guidelines, including an Accessible version and one which includes graphics. These documents were all updated in November 2011 to incorporate a stronger Outcomes Focus. See these documents below:
- Outcomes focused Guidelines for Borders – Support Planning Guidelines – detailed version
- Outcomes focused Support Plan Guidelines – Accessible Summary – Accessible version
- Some Information about Support Plans (final version with outcomes) – Shorter Accessible version with graphics.
- W.I.N plan procedure (doc) An example of how the Guidelines are being used by one agency.
Self Directed Support Consortium Project Work
A Provider Consortium, supported by ARC Scotland, received funding from the Scottish Government to help build provider capacity to understand and engage with the National Self Directed Support Strategy.
The Consortium organised an event in the Borders on 28th March 2012 called “Getting to Grips with Self Directed Support”.
Here are some of the presentations and papers shared on the day:-
Presentation by Susan Henderson & Tricia Hunter – Scottish Borders Council
Thistle Foundation Presentation
Dave Bleasdale Presentation – Personalisation in D&G
Scottish Borders Council Pilot – Self Directed Support
