IMPACT believes that care is about having a good life
Single mum Jacqui Darlington BEM was awarded a British Empire Medal for services to her community. She is carer to 30-year-old son Josh, whom she credits with giving her purpose. “He is my reason to fight," she says. "My lifeline.” As Josh became an adult, Jacqui was unsettled to learn that services previously open to him were now closed. “I set up the Out of Hours Club Rutland because when adults with additional needs get to 25, there’s nothing. And I want them to have a life. I want my son to have a life.” The Out of Hours Club Rutland provides activities and outings, offering adults like Josh opportunities to get out of the house, make friends, and create memories. Without the club, many would find themselves isolated and at risk.
“My daughter is a bright, sociable teenager,” says carer Ann Marie Penman, who joined the group to fight for better opportunities and hold service providers to account. “She has a right to a good life, but that has not been our experience when trying to get the support she needs. We are often not listened to or simply ignored. There has to be a better way.”
What are the next steps for the co-production group?
“In our next meeting, we'll look at how co-production is working in the IMPACT Networks, and discuss accessible communications,” says IMPACT’s Lived Experience Engagement Lead and parent carer Karen McCormick. “We’re working to establish a consistent approach to co-production, and will make recommendations to our leadership and central teams where necessary.” Karen will coordinate an annual report. Once the group have consulted on projects, it will be important to document their decisions in an accessible and inclusive way.
How can I get involved with the IMPACT Centre for Improving Adult Care?
If you’d like to be contacted about specific opportunities to engage with IMPACT’s work, you can sign up to their mailing list. IMPACT also shares information regularly on Twitter: @ImpAdultCare.
This article was created using co-production methods. The title quote is attributed to Orla Fitzsimons.