Connection Support is committed to involving clients directly in shaping our work because we value the knowledge, skills and experience people who use our services bring to decisions about our organisation. The purpose of client involvement is to further improve outcomes for clients, as it builds trust, and means that our services will more closely reflect the views and priorities of the people who use them, as clients shape the goals for improvement and monitor the results.

Getting involved has many benefits for those taking part too, such as skills development, building confidence and social connections and taking steps towards employment.

In 2022 we agreed on an organisation-wide strategy to embed client involvement across Connection Support over the next three years. This includes:

  • Ensuring all services offer clients the opportunity to provide feedback about the service they have received via the method they choose, and are informed about the impact of the feedback they provide
  • Supporting people who have used our services to volunteer with us
  • Developing client-specific volunteering roles such as peer mentoring
  • Training client involvement “champions” amongst our front-line staff
  • Providing training for clients to take part in recruitment decisions
  • Opportunities for clients to shape and review the service they receive through focus groups and meetings, as well as to help shape policies and procedures

As this work takes shape, we encourage people who use our services to get involved in a way that feels right and manageable for them. We are open to learning from all involved.

If you have any questions or comments about client involvement at Connection Support, please contact our Client Involvement and Volunteering Manager, Rachel Ruscombe-King at rachelruscombe-king@connectionsupport.org.uk

Testimonials

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