TRFS work with NHS Highland on Right to Speak
The NHS Highland Learning Disability Team has received funding from the Scottish Government as part of its 'A Right to Speak' project, which aims to support people with communication needs.
The project is a partnership between NHS Highland and The Richmond Fellowship Scotland. Christine Meek has been seconded as Project Worker and will work alongside David Hughes (NHS Highland) – the Accessible Information Officer
We are seeking to develop a tool kit that will enable people with a learning disability to give feedback to service providers about the actual quality of the service received.
The project aims, to develop, a person centred reviewing tool for adults, with a Learning Disability, who use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC ), using a range of visual support to aid their understanding and participation
It is often difficult for individuals with communication difficulties, to be fully involved in decision making and planning regarding their future support needs. There are difficulties in understanding, processing information, questions being asked and to make informed decisions.
Crucial to the project will be the scoping exercise which will be the initial research stage where the Project Worker will be meeting with other Service Providers and voluntary organisations such as Lifeways, Highland Home Carers and Tigh na drochid Resource Centre (Isle of Skye), Self Directed Support Services (Highland Health and Social Care Partnership), Health and Happiness Highland, People First Highland as well as the Highland SDS Consortium who consist of Cantray Bridge College, People First Highland, Birchwood and Highland and Health and Happiness .
We are aware that it is evident that there is good practice amongst all providers and agencies and working together, sharing ideas will allow us to develop a tool that can enable individuals who use AAC within Highland to participate in a meaningful way regarding all aspects of their life including decision making and reviewing the services that they receive.
Built into the funding application was the opportunity for consultation time with “Talking Mats”. “Talking Mats” is a recognised tool that supports individuals with communications difficulties to express their needs, and wants. Lois Cameron from “Talking Mats” will provide a wealth and depth of knowledge at all stages- from scoping, developing through to piloting the tool.
Christine will be seeking to contact agencies over the coming weeks seeking to establish what's already in place as we are aware that there has been good work developed and being worked on. It is important that we can foster shared practice and knowledge and develop a reviewing tool kit seeking to make a meaningful difference to individuals.
Further details Contact Christine Meek, Project Worker
Christine.meek@nhs .net
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