News
The people we support came together for a great Resident’s Forum in May. Staff at The Skills Centre worked with Skills Centre Buddies to plan and hold the co-produced event, leading to an inclusive, well-attended forum with lots of participation from the people we support.
Everyone Has A Voice
While every service holds weekly house meetings, the Meath-wide Forum is an opportunity for the people we support to put forward their ideas and views on what activities are on offer, request any changes to the way activities are run, and of course, to come up with some exciting new ideas for events and activities to enjoy over the months ahead!
The Meath is a wonderfully bustling and vibrant community which includes people who together, have a diverse range of support needs, skills and interests. The Resident’s Forum plays a key part in our ability to listen and respond to the needs of the people we support. Lee Bennett explains why this is so fundamentally important to us
“We are proud that everyone at The Meath has a voice. The Skills Centre Buddies did a great job of encouraging others to share their views. The Forum is an empowering opportunity to amplify individual voices, and was a joy to be a part of. The team and I look forward to actioning the wonderful ideas, for new activities and events that the people we support have requested.”
The forum provided an opportunity for residents to share their views openly, contribute ideas, and build confidence in speaking within a group setting.
Skills Centre Buddies Francesca, Stephen, Hannah, Philippa and Janet opened the forum by confidently presenting a series of questions they had prepared over the past few weeks. The questions focused on important topics including safeguarding, communication, fire safety awareness, social opportunities, and ways residents can share ideas and feedback.
Questions posed and answered at the forum included:
- Do you know who to talk to if you feel worried?
- Do you know what the pink lanyard is for?
- What events would you like at the Skills Centre?
- Would you like a suggestion box to share your ideas – in your residential service or at the Skills Centre?
- Do you know what to do when the fire alarm sounds?
- Do you feel happy asking staff to invite a friend over?
- Would you like to have dinner, games, or a movie night with friends?
- Are you happy with the themed evening activities in The Hive?
- Do you know what a Skills Centre Buddy does?
The Buddies also individually shared what makes them feel proud to be a Skills Centre Buddy. Their contributions were met with a very warm reception and enthusiastic applause from residents and staff. Following this, the CEO presented certificates to each Buddy in recognition of their hard work and involvement.
The afternoon was highly interactive, with the people we support responding to questions with confidence, enthusiasm, and positivity. Residents actively shared ideas and suggestions for future activities and events.
Among lots of other great suggestions for trips, Skills Centre Sessions and social opportunities, the people we support requested these:
Suggested Trips
- Laser Quest
- Thorpe Park
- Seaside trips
- Circus
Suggested Social Events
- BBQs
- More ‘Live at Hive’ Music events
- Cricket & Afternoon Tea
- More Social Saturdays
- Watching movies in other services with friends
The idea of introducing suggestion boxes was very well received by residents, both within Residential Services and at the Skills Centre.
Requested Skills Centre Activities
- German language sessions
- Jewellery making
- Archery
- General exercise classes
Requested Life Skills Sessions
Residents also expressed interest in learning more about:
- Budgeting and money management
- Healthy eating
- Sewing
- Politics
The Buddies closed the forum by speaking about what they enjoy most about being a Skills Centre Buddy, encouraging other residents to consider joining the group in the future.
Comments About The Resident's Forum
“I really enjoyed being involved in the resident forum – I’d like to do it again.”
Hannah, Skills Centre Buddy
“The resident forum was brilliant. I liked the way I got to ask questions.”
Adam, Supported Living Client
“I was nervous speaking to start with because it wasn’t easy doing it in front of people; then afterwards I felt really proud of myself.”
Francesca, Resident
“Our first co-produced Resident Forum was a fantastic success and a great example of what can be achieved when the people we support are at the heart of planning and leading opportunities together.”
Celia Prince, Skills Centre Manager
