The SPICE team, are a group of people with learning disabilities, autistic people and people with a mental health support needs, employed by social care provider Future Directions, as ‘Experts by Experience’. Here’s why, for Future Directions, Co-Production really does Count!
SPICE stands for Supporting People into Community Employment and gives people with learning disabilities and autistic people a voice. It gives them the opportunity to speak out about things that are important to them.
They are involved in lots of work for Future Directions, such as workforce development, as well as working with other learning disability organisations and the wider community.
We believe that by employing people that we support and empowering them to tell their stories and deliver training, we are able to challenge stereotypes and foster positive attitudes.
We are also able to see the strengths and talents of individuals, and value their lived experiences.
SPICE are involved in lots of projects; interviewing, delivering training for all new employees on our staff induction, green superheroes, chatty cafe scheme and many more.
SPICE also work with external organisations and within local communities to share knowledge, breakdown barriers, and increase awareness and understanding about learning disabilities, autism and mental health.
A member of the SPICE team, Abby said: “Tell them about my life and what I’ve been through. It’s really nice to meet them. They say I could write a book about what I’ve been through. I love being part of SPICE. It makes me happy.“
SPICE member Anthony said: “I do training for new staff every month and I love doing it. I will tell it as it is. It’s important that people understand about autism, so they know how to provide better support. People learn a lot from me.”
As Experts by Experience SPICE teach people to work in a positive more person centred way. Their invaluable guidance really does add a pinch of SPICE when highlighting the need to foster a more positive and person centered approach to care and support.
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