Working in partnership with people who user services and their families or carers is an important way to influence positive change.

In this week’s ‘Care to chat?’ podcast we hear from members of the Northern Ireland Social Care Council’s Participation Partnership which consists of people who use services and carers from a range of backgrounds and experiences.

Members of the Participation Partnership influence and advise the Social Care Council and develop principles and standards to encourage best practice in participation working. 

Dr Wendy Austin MBE hears from members Alan Ritchie, Grace Price and Anne Mallon about their experiences of being involved in advocacy and engagement in health and social care, what motivates them to participate and why they think others should consider getting involved. Hear from them about the importance of nurturing the service user and family’s relationship with social care and social work professionals and to view it as an equal and respectful partnership.

If you are interested in influencing just like Grace, Alan and Anne you can join the Social Care Council’s Participation Partnership by sending an email to: comms@niscc.hscni.net.