Individual people are at the heart of what Putting People First is about. For it to be a success we need people to get involved whether they are service users, carers, providers or staff. The PPF transformation is still in its early days and we are looking for people to help shape the way it grows.

• General events
• Reference groups

Self Directed Support reference groups

Self Directed Support (SDS) reference groups provide advice and support to the SDS project. They provide an opportunity for people who actually use and work in social care services to be involved and influence what happens in the project, and will ensure that these people’s views are heard. We are running groups for service users, carers, service providers and staff.

Members of the reference groups can take part in different ways, depending on how involved they want to be, and how much time they are able to give:

• attending group meetings is an opportunity to influence what is happening in the development of SDS. Members will be able to share their views and make comments and recommendations. They may also be interested in helping with testing out parts of SDS, training and interviews
• being part of a ‘virtual group’ is an opportunity for people to be involved without actually attending meetings. We will consult with these members on specific items about SDS, and members will be able to influence what is happening by offering their views and opinions and giving feedback. They may also want to be involved in testing out parts of SDS, training and interviews
• Alternatively, members may simply want to know more about SDS and receive information about what is happening. These members will be included on a mailing list and we will send information about SDS in Nottinghamshire when it is available – for example, newsletters and details of any special events that are taking place.

It is important that each member of the groups represents themselves – each person gives their own view or opinion, and no-one is there as a representative of a group or organisation.

New group members are welcome – the only experience you need is that you are, or have been, a service user, carer, provider or member of social care staff in Nottinghamshire. For more information on how to take part in any of the ways listed above contact the Self directed support team.

• Service user reference group
• Carer reference group
• Staff reference group
• Provider reference group

Do you want to find out more?

The Self Directed Support team are out and about visiting groups, organisations and teams to discuss Self Directed Support and the impact it may have. If you would like someone from the team to visit your group then contact the Self Directed Support team.