service users

For the sake of their health: older service users' requirements for social care to facilitate access to networks following hospital

Facilitating older service users' requirements for access to or re-engagement in social networks following hospital discharge is recognised in social care analysis and policy as critically important. This is because of the associated benefits for restoring physical health and psychological well-being. However, it tends to be a neglected dimension of current social care/intermediate care. Our paper draws on a qualitative study of voluntary sector hospital aftercare social rehabilitation projects in five UK localities, which focused on addressing this issue.

Real Lives, real difference: service user and carer involvement in professional education

On the 4 June 2013, eight Scottish universities involved in the Scottish Inter-University Social Work Service User and Carers' Network, supported by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and the Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Services (IRISS), collaborated to produce the first national service user and carer conference aimed at highlighting the importance of involving people who have experience of using social work and/or health services in the education of social workers and other professionals.

This conference report documents the outcomes of the day.

Implementing universal credit: will the reforms improve the service for users

Universal Credit (UC) will replace means-tested benefits and tax credits for people out of work or on low incomes, and transform the system of service delivery. But will UC improve service delivery and incentives to work, and reduce the complexity of the system?

This study found support for reform, but identified risks that need addressing if UC is to bring about genuine improvements for all service users.

The right to take risks: service users views of risk in adult social care

This paper gives voice to service users’ fears and concerns about risk. It identifies additional risks to those commonly identified by professionals and policy-makers and explores how perceptions of risk and rights are significantly different for mental health service users.

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) commissioned this paper as part of its programme on risk, trust and relationships in an ageing society, which aims to explore how risk features in the lives of adults who use care and support.