Viewpoint get involved with service commissioning
Some of our members with experience of using drug and alcohol services and homelessness were asked to help with this.
Here is some feedback from one of our members about their experience of getting involved in this work:
"When I was first confronted with the paperwork, I thought there seemed to be a very small allocation of money disproportionate to the large, thick swathes of paper defying staples.
We each kept a diary and were told that our notes would also be retained should there be an issue later on to resolve.
5 people with lived experiences were identified to evaluate the bids and we had several meetings to discuss the parameters of our role and devise a method of working which was fit for purpose. Each element of the bid was broken down and valued – at first individually and then towards the end collectively.
Gradually through Leslie’s sensitive facilitation and our group discussions I began to see clearly our role and the submissions started to become intelligible.
As a service user, the bid which acknowledges risk and crime reduction but also had a strong co-productive approach and a generous sensitivity to the plight of homeless addicts won it for me. My preference and voice is of course only part of the picture but it is great to be involved with commissioning in this co-productive way.
I thought the scheme was desperately needed and derived a lot of personal satisfaction from my involvement. I also got to know other Viewpoint members better over the six weeks or so of our involvement.
Giving back and helping others is an important part of my ongoing recovery. I would like to thank Viewpoint, Leslie, my peers and the commissioners for making this happen."
Viewpoint is a user involvement charity in Hertfordshire for people with mental health or drug and alcohol problems which is separate from Healthwatch Hertfordshire.
01707 386136
