Paul O’Rouke, Managing Director of North West care provider, Next Stage Group, emphasises the crucial role of empowering individuals who require social care, by listening to their needs and letting them take the lead.
At its core, social care is about people, not just policies. It’s about focusing on the individuals we serve and putting them at the centre of everything we do. This human-centric approach, rooted in genuine empathy and understanding, is essential for shaping a more inclusive and effective social care system.
I’ve experienced social care from both sides. As a young person, I benefited from youth centres. Now, I lead programs to support others. This taught me an important lesson: understanding and empathy are the cornerstones of making a real difference. Whether we’re working with young people or adults, initiatives that amplify their voices and allow them to take the lead not only enhance their well-being but also ensure that our services are truly responsive and effective.
Engaging communities on familiar ground
Research from the University of Hull i shows that people are more willing to engage with social services when approached through familiar, creative channels like theatre, arts, and sports. Football clubs, for example, have become effective hubs for community engagement for Next Stage, creating spaces where people feel at ease communicating and connecting with others. It’s about meeting people where they are, both literally and figuratively. The football pitch becomes more than a playing field; it transforms into a space for dialogue, support, and growth.
From my experience in youth groups, people are more likely to open up and engage when they’re in comfortable settings where they feel heard. Ultimately, it’s their voice that matters most when it comes to providing effective care.
Connecting through community
This approach isn’t limited to sports. The COVID-19 pandemic unveiled another avenue for community engagement: religious institutions. As a sector, healthcare saw huge success in collaborating with churches, mosques, and other faith groups to disseminate key information about social distancing and vaccinations. This model of engagement, built on trust and cultural understanding, has applications far beyond crisis management.
For young people, especially asylum seekers and refugees, these religious centres can serve as gateways to a broader network of support. They offer familiar ground in an often unfamiliar landscape, providing a foundation of trust upon which we can build comprehensive care strategies.
Engaging families holistically through family hubs
Engagement is only part of the equation. The delivery of services plays an equally crucial role in putting people at the centre of social care. Building on the concept of accessible, community-based support, family hubs offer a single access point for high-quality, whole-family supportii. This significantly cuts down on the bureaucracy that often alienates people, especially those with additional needs.
This approach makes it easier for families to receive the help they need. By engaging with people through their families, we can create a more supportive environment that addresses the needs of the entire family unit. When families feel supported and understood, they are more likely to open up and accept help.
Compassion is the key to success
As we look to the future of social care, it’s clear that the path forward is one of connection, understanding, and adaptability. We must be willing to step out of our offices and into the communities we serve, to listen more than we speak, and to build services around people rather than expecting people to fit into predefined service models.
At Next Stage Group we’re committed to embodying these principles. Our approach is rooted in genuine empathy and understanding, derived from personal backgrounds that mirror those we serve.
The challenges facing social care are significant, but so too are the opportunities for positive change. By putting people truly at the heart of what we do – not just in words, but in actions – we can create a system that doesn’t just support, but empowers.
nextstageawf.co.uk
