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Understanding the place based social value created by new-start social enterprises: evidence from ten rural communities

Social enterprise, characterised by organisations enacting a hybrid mix of non-profit and for-profit characteristics, is increasingly regarded as an important component in the regeneration of areas affected by social and economic deprivation. In parallel there has been growing academic, practitioner and policy interest in 'social value' and 'social impact' within the broader 'social economy'.

Putting people into personalisation: relational approaches to social care and housing

Paper that argues that 'demand-side' reforms such as Direct Payments do not on their own result in a change of provision in the care and support market. It asks what 'supply-side' reforms might be needed in order to bring real choice - the choice about the shape of their lives - to those newly 'empowered' 'consumers'.

The expert working group on welfare

The Expert Working Group on Welfare was established to review the Scottish Government's work on the cost of the current benefits system, their plans for delivery of benefit payments in an independent Scotland, and provide views on transitional issues that would be relevant to the continued delivery of benefit payments in the event of independence.

This report presents a preliminary forecast of benefit spending in Scotland through to 2017-18 that covers the actual costs of the payments to individuals, and the costs to government of administering these payments.

Peer support in mental health care: is it good value for money?

Paper that makes a first attempt at assessing whether peer support provides value for money, looking specifically at whether peer support workers can reduce psychiatric inpatient bed use, either by preventing admissions or by shortening lengths of stay. Because of the very high cost of inpatient care, the savings that result from even small changes in bed use may be sufficient to outweigh the costs of employing peer workers.

Ending the other care crisis: making the case for investment in preventative care and support for disabled adults

Document that argues that in the Spending Review in June the Government must invest at least £1.2 billion to address the funding gap facing disabled adults.

It draws on compelling new research from Deloitte which shows that an investment in preventative social care delivers returns for national and local government, the NHS, individuals and carers. It also ensures a modernised care system that promotes independence and prevents people having to enter crisis point to get this vital support.

Young people creating belonging: spaces, sounds and sights

The 'Sight and Sound Project' used creative sensory methods to explore how young people who are looked after feel that they belong, or do not belong, in the places that they live.

This briefing focuses primarily on the relationship between the senses (visual, audial and touch) and participants' feelings of belonging (or not) while looked after and leaving care. It also outlines other key issues raised by the young people, including their relationships with various agencies, notably the police as well as further detail on the creative and sensory methods employed.

Caring together and getting it right for young carers: the carers and young carers strategy for Scotland 2012-2015

Report that summarises the action in hand to support carers and young carers. It addresses many of the issues raised by carers and young carers at the first Carers Parliament. It also takes on board some of the concerns raised. Better outcomes are being achieved for some carers and young carers.