 
Fife User Panels (Age Concern Scotland)
Method(s) Used
Name of person who posted the project:Edward Andersson
Location of project:United Kingdom
Date when the project started:
Date when the project ended/project ongoing:
Background to project:Age Concern Scotland's Fife User Panels were launched in 1992 as a project aimed at developing Panels of frail older people and providing them with an opportunity to influence the provision of services which help them maintain an independent lifestyle.Purpose of project:The user panels aim to provide a voice to a group that might otherwise find it very hard to be heard. It also aims to improve the quality of services delivered to older people.Project activities:Panel members are aged over 70 have difficulty getting out and about without assistance and are users of various community care services.Over ten years later there are 7 Panels across Fife with up to eight older people on each. The age range of Panel members is 70 - 101. As older people's everyday experiences are shared and discussed many issues are raised including health and social care, but also housing, transport, information, social activities etc. Project results:The older people themselves control the agenda with one member of staff facilitating and another (or a volunteer) taking notes, to ensure that issues raised are accurately reflected.Service planners and providers from Fife Council and NHS Fife are invited by Panel members on a regular basis to discuss issues they are concerned about. The Panels are a recognised part of the consultation process of these agencies and they also work with researchers UK wide. Panel meetings are informal and have enabled users to influence service provision within Fife. Two examples are an enhanced cleaning service for Home Care clients and good practice for Hospital Discharge. Contact details:Fife User PanelsAge Concern Scotland 11 Wemyssfield KIRKCALDY KY1 1XN Telephone: 01592 204273 Fax: 01592 644693 E-mail: jessie.watt@acscot.org.uk |
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