research report

Report that aims to highlight ways in which the social work profession can be reformed in the face of significant challenges to effect improvement in the lives of the most vulnerable.

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'.

Report of a survey that explored the impact that caring has on people's lives. In particular it focused on carers' relationships, career, finances and health and well-being.

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.

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.

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.

Briefing that suggests ways in which social media and online technologies may complement traditional methods of informing, engaging and consulting people when planning and carrying out NHS service changes.

Report that investigated whether there were indeed differences in early years' experiences between Scotland and England, and between the three 'city regions' of Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Glasgow and the Clyde Valley (GCV), that might partly account for the poorer health status of Scotland, and these areas.

It drew on four cohort studies of children, born in Britain in 1946, 1958, 1970 and 2000, supplemented by analyses of routine data and other large scale surveys.

Report that outlines the key findings of a survey into people's views and concerns about bedroom tax and other changes to housing benefit in Scotland. It reveals the potentially devastating impact of one of the most controversial welfare reforms on the lives of disabled people and their families.