Participant Committee
Our Participant Committee performs a vital role in providing direct, ongoing feedback about the experience of the people we support. The Committee consists of older people, people with disabilities, and carers, all of whom receive services from us.
WHY DO WE HAVE A PARTICIPANT COMMITTEE?
The Participant Committee began with a commitment from UnitingCare Community Options to hear participants’ voices and respond to their needs. The aim is to develop a service which truly caters to the needs of the people who receive its services. This brings benefits to Participants as well as the Agency.
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE PARTICIPANT COMMITTEE?
The Participant Committee aspires to be truly representative of all people who receive services from UnitingCare Community Options, or their carers and advocates. It also aims to give them the opportunity to meet with others, discuss common concerns and take action. Participation in the Committee is entirely voluntary.
HOW DO PARTICIPANTS BENEFIT?
- Representation and contribution to UCCO to ensure that its services fully meet the needs of participants.
- Recognition of participants’ rights and an increased sense of control over issues which affect participants’ lives.
- An increase in confidence and ability to express concerns and views, and to make recommendations for action.
- An opportunity to be better informed about issues and to gain knowledge.
- An opportunity to meet with other participants to discuss common issues and take action.
- A role in addressing the relationships between participants and service providers.
HOW DOES THE ORGANISATION BENEFIT?
- Enables UCCO to set priorities about areas of improvement that matter to participants.
- Provides an opportunity for joint problem solving between professionals and participants.
- Provides an opportunity for UCCO’s staff to improve practice.
- Gives staff insight into aspects of participants’ care.
- Contributes to continuous improvement in the quality of services.
- Raises UCCO’s profile in the community.
- Gives greater credibility when advocating or lobbying Government.
HOW CAN YOU BECOME INVOLVED?
The Participant Committee places great importances on values like inclusion, consultation, empowerment and collaboration. We would love to have more people become involved with us and strongly encourage you to consider a role on the committee as a member. Our Meetings are held on a monthly basis. The only requirement is that you are a participant in UCCO services, or the carer or advocate of a participant.
Alternatively, you may prefer to take a role outside committee meetings. You could lend a hand to working parties with your unique set of personal talents and experience, or professional skills. There are a multitude of talents, abilities and hobbies hidden out there amongst UCCO participants that the committee would love to learn about.
For further information, please contact:
Barbara Blakey
Community Development Worker – Consumer Participation
Telephone: 1300 651 463
Facsimile: (03) 9239 2522
Email: barbara.blakey@ucco.org.au
