It is government policy
to seek the views of service users in an effort to make them responsive to
the specific needs of all users, these are expressed through a group. The
philosophy of "user involvement" and empowerment of disabled people means
that useful evaluation and monitoring of a service is not possible without
the formation of a users group (or committee, panel or forum) in which users
are in the majority.
The concept of users groups is strongly supported by the Aldersea Report on
wheelchair services. It says that services that get it right benefit enormously.
Four Tips Recruit committed people willing to play an active part. Have specific
objectives and monitor the results. Avoid becoming a "talking shop". Avoid
users with self-interest (remember, you are there to help others, not yourself)
Six Key Stages 1. Bring together all interested parties - both users and professionals
- to discuss interests and research possible options.
2. Establish users group.
3. Set specific aims, objectives and priorities for the group and advertise
them widely.
4. Set up monitoring mechanisms.
5. Collect feedback from users, acknowledging any improvements in the service
and noting any suggestions for further work.
6. Then go back to stage three and repeat the process with appropriate modifications.
Basic Essentials
Through experience we suggest;
There must be co-operation, trust and respect between service providers and
users;
The group should involve users from different cultures and age groups, representing
a variety of needs, and with differing impairments and lifestyles;
The group should be validated through the provision of transport, a meeting
space and administrative support;
People can only evaluate those aspects of a service they know about. There
must be a basic understanding in the users'group of what is available, how
the service operates and the bases and amount of its funding;
The users group should be concerned not only with monitoring the supply but
also with repairs and service contracts. In turn, wheelchair supply and repair
contracts must acknowledge the users group and respect its function;
Evaluation and monitoring should also cover the provision of cushions and
special seating;
Users have a part to play in spreading information about the service and the
group.
Original Aims of the South and East Kent Users' Group
a. To facilitate communication between service providers and users, enabling
good information flow and user feedback.
b. To represent the views of wheelchair users and carers on the provision
and development of the wheelchair service.
c. To assist in the monitoring of quality standards for the service by co-ordinating
feedback from wheelchair users.
d. To identify areas for improvement within that service.
e. To be represented on the wheelchair monitoring group.
f. The wheelchair centre is represented so that the group has a direct voice
to the wheelchair service.
g. Meetings to be held every 3 months.
Development of the South and East Kent Wheelchair Users Group Originally set
up as a forum for users and carers in 1992 the users group has now become
a registered charity with the following aims and objectives.
1. To provide a support helpline and information service for any wheelchair
user, carer or disability group.
2. To educate and advance public awareness of the needs and aspirations of
all wheelchair users.
3. To hold training days for wheelchair users, wheelchair attendants and carers.
4. To provide a news and information magazine.
5. To provide a range of fact sheets.
6. To represent the views of wheelchair users and carers on the provision
and development of the NHS wheelchair service.
7. To develop and maintain positive contacts with local authorities and other
appropriate organisations on matters relating to wheelchair users.
8. Co-operate with other charities, voluntary bodies and statutory authorities,
for the benefit of all.
Brent Wheelchair Users' Group
Brent Wheelchair Users' Group, which works with Parkside Wheelchair Service,
has a valued part to play in developing and monitoring the provision of wheelchairs,
cushions and seating. The wheelchair service is committed to supporting the
users;
group in order to work towards a quality service that respects the views of
its users.
The users group aims to;
Reflect the variety of views and needs of wheelchair users from different
cultures, age groups and lifestyles in the Brent area;
Consult with service providers about contracts for the supply and repair of
wheelchairs, cushions and seating;
Work with the service to check the level and quality of services, through
contact with users;
Disseminate information about the group and the service to users in the Brent
area;
Offer advice and consultation to interested parties.
Shropshire Wheelchair Users Group
If you live in Shropshire why not become involved so that you too can have
the chance to air your opinions on all aspects to NHS professionals and Borough
Councils in order to influence change. Since being formed in 1992 the users
group have been involved in:
WHEELCHAIR RETRIEVAL - ACTIVE USER WHEELCHAIR CRITERIA
AT RISK CRITERIA - WHEELCHAIR WEIGHING FACILITY
VOUCHER SCHEME - LIGHTWEIGHT WHEELCHAIRS FOR CARERS
WHEELCHAIR REPAIRS - OPEN DAYS
BETTER FACILITIES FOR THE DISABLED AT NHS OUTLETS
IMPROVED ACCESS IN SHROPSHIRE
FURTHER DETAILS AVAILABLE FROM THE SECRETARY ON
EMAIL: angels15@fdn.co.uk
