Co-producing a brighter social care future

What does wellbeing mean when it’s interpreted by those with lived experience of social care? A new Evidence Review, co-produced by Research in Practice and Social Care Future, explores the five key changes to unlock an equal life.

The?Evidence Review ?started from the idea that adult social care has been under-imagined. Groups of people with different experiences worked together to discuss issues that are important to them, while reflecting on and interpreting the research.

The open access Evidence Review is the result of those discussions and is structured around Social Care Future’s five key changes needed in social care to unlock an equal life:

Each section contains resources, research and commentary that explores and supports a key change alongside?action?and?reflective points?that aim to make a real impact.

The?review ?offers an accessible and unique commentary of the research on adult social care - it contains practical suggestions for direct practice, supervising others, working in commissioning or senior management.

Using the Evidence Review

Everyone is encouraged to find action points that are relevant to them and consider how they can be achieved. Think about how these actions will have a?direct impact on the lives of the people you work with. If you are someone who draws on social care yourself, please share the resource with any workers you know.

Research in Practice would like to hear from those who use the Evidence Review . In the spirit of co-production, you could contact us ?jointly with someone with care and support needs. We would be keen to feature your stories in podcasts and blogs.

The review can also be used at a national level, to make a case for political and policy changes and to promote the effectiveness of co-production itself.

Sharing power as equals

One of the themes, ‘Sharing power as equals’ is a good metaphor when thinking about co-production. In a new Research in Practice blog, Jeanette Sutton reflects on the co-production process, highlighting the importance of amplifying the voices of people with lived experience.

Grounded in and shaped by the experiences, knowledge and preferences of the people involved, the reviews aim is to encourage people to act now to unlock an equal life for all who draw on social care.