Voice for All really showed off their strongest gifts and skills this February! The motivation behind their actions (as ever) came from their members, and responding to what people say is one of the most important parts of their lives….friendships and relationships.
February is usually a busy time for Voice for All, and particularly so this year. First of all, the group put themselves forward for this year’s ‘Lancashire’s Got Talent’ celebration event, hosted by Lancashire County Council at the Gujarat centre in Preston. The group have developed a guide which helps staff members understand what good support looks like when supporting people to make and maintain friendships and relationships. When shared with the Central Lancashire Partnership Board, LCC asked if Voice for All would present the guide across the county at other partnership board meetings. The group were only too happy to share their work and have since introduced other social care providers, families, self-advocate groups and various partners to their guide. The group also arranged for their members some awareness sessions which focused on relationships. The group discussed the different types of relationships there are and how to stay healthy and well. The course also included and involved staff members who found the opportunity to take part invaluable.
So all this work, learning and sharing was described in just 500 words and submitted to LCC under the ‘Wellbeing and Prevention’ category of their celebration event. The result…another award for Voice for All! The good work continues at this year’s Regional Advocacy Conference in Blackpool and for the first time Voice for All, in partnership with another local provider, will be leading their own interactive and inclusive friendships and relationships workshop.
Whilst Voice for All really enjoy developing these guides and sharing their knowledge and experiences, we always make sure we have chance to let our hair down! What better way to do this than organise a Valentines disco open to anyone who enjoys good food, good music and great company. This year’s disco was a great success and gave everyone the chance to pass on their cards, chocolates and flowers to the ‘someone special’ in their lives!
