Redcar and Cleveland Voices for Real Change is a co-production steering group, working together to help support and develop co-production in Adult Social Care.
Redcar and Cleveland Voices for Real Change is a co-production steering group, working together to help support and develop co-production in Adult Social Care.
The group includes local people with different experiences of Adult Social Care and people who work in Adult Social Care. We come together as equals, each providing our own insight and knowledge, to make decisions and develop services that work for everyone.
Our local definition was developed by Redcar and Cleveland Voices for Real Change:
“Co-production is working together, with respect as a team, listening to and learning from everyone’s knowledge and experiences to improve.”
As a group, we:
You can:
Email ASCEngagement@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk with the following details:
My experience:
I had a social worker. They helped me to talk about getting a place of my own when I am ready.
Something fun or unique about me:
A little about me:
I’m a widow now retired. I have been involved in the Grenfell Club (a learning disability centre for all ages) for around 50 years and am now a trustee.
I also volunteer for MIND in Redcar and at the moment, I help at the Dementia Project for carers who look after people with dementia. I have 2 sons and 2 grandsons and love to spend time with them. I lead a very busy life.
My experience:
I have been involved with social care since my son was a child as he has disabilities.
Some good experiences and some not so good. I also helped at Teesside University with students telling them about my experiences and hopefully giving them something to think about when they get a job after their training at the School of Health.
Something fun or unique about me:
I play badminton on a Tuesday for an hour (still very badly). I also do line dancing on a Friday with other ladies of a certain age, which is a laugh.
A little about me:
I am a Nigerian. I work in finance and my speciality is communications. I love volunteering and attending community events like park run, family hubs events and library events. They help me stay close to my communities.
My experience:
My experience was when I worked as a carer and how the role helps fill the gap for individuals who require support in completing their day-to-day tasks. The role was fulfilling and satisfactory.
Why I joined Voices for Real Change:
I joined to lend my experience, voice and be involved in shaping what Adult Social Care looks like going forward – I hope to learn the different ways policies can protect and support service users, carers and families of adults and social care services.
A little about me:
From Marske, retired, caregiver for husband with young-onset dementia. Interests - quizzes, sewing, outdoor activities and looking after myself to support my hubby.
Why I joined Voices for Real Change:
Joined the group to help raise the profile of Adult Social Care, and try and make other people’s lived experiences better, and constructive.
Something fun or unique about me:
I have a thing for collecting materials, for the next sewing project, and now have a stash that will take at least 5 years to use (can never have too much material). I make items to raise funds for the charities that really helped us and also help with some of the needs of people suffering from dementia.
A little about me:
I manage Enhance Redcar and Cleveland, a service that supports charities and helps them to work with the Council better. I am passionate about supporting the voluntary sector to be the best it can be to support Redcar and Cleveland residents. I live in Saltburn and love walking and baking in my spare time.
Why I joined Voices for Real Change:
I wanted to support the voice of the voluntary sector and support the vital work of ensuring resident voices were central to the development of services for them.
Something fun or unique about me:
I used to have very happy holidays in Saltburn as a child, and I am very lucky to now live there.
A little about me:
I’m from Middlesbrough. I work as a Project Worker for Skills for People, a learning disability charity based in Newcastle. We have a small team based in Teesside. Outside work, I like to keep active by going to the gym, running and hiking. I love to be outdoors in nature.
My experience:
In my current role, I support adults with a learning disability. I have been in this role for 4 years; during this time, I have developed strong experience working alongside Adult Social Care services, including co-production, partnership working and supporting referrals. I am also passionate about advocacy, supporting people to have their voices heard and make informed choices about their care and support.
Something fun or unique about me:
Something that makes me smile is my cats. I also enjoy reading, and I’ve had the opportunity to work abroad in the past, including a summer in America supporting children and adults with disabilities, and time in Costa Rica working at an animal sanctuary.
My experience:
I have worked for social services. Also have experienced services as I was a carer for my husband and have lots of lived experience of all aspects of social care, including care services and NHS.
Why I joined Voices for Real Change:
I attended another group and was asked if I was interested in coming to this group. I feel as though I represent other carers who are unable to attend these meetings and can take back ideas and information that may be suitable for their needs. My experience in this group is amazing, and I am learning a lot.
Something fun or unique about me:
I have 8 grandchildren and always try to keep up with their music – I can’t understand a word – they laugh and say it’s for the best!! They try to teach me computer skills, but I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m a dinosaur!
My experience:
Working in Adult Social Care as an Occupational Therapist has given me the opportunity to support individuals in maintaining their independence, dignity and quality of life within their own environments. My role has involved assessing functional abilities, identifying barriers to daily living, and implementing practical, person-centred interventions that enable people to remain safe and confident at home.
A key part of my practice has been balancing risk with independence, supporting individuals to make informed choices while promoting their autonomy. Working in Adult Social Care has deepened my understanding of the importance of holistic, compassionate care in supporting people to live well in their communities.
Something fun or unique about me:
My love for a bit of adventure and nostalgia. You’ll often find me out metal detecting in muddy fields, happily digging through the dirt in search of hidden treasures - it’s messy, unpredictable, and I love it. I’ve also pushed myself out of my comfort zone by abseiling off the Transporter Bridge for charity, which was equal parts terrifying and exhilarating! When I’m not out exploring, I’m usually listening to 80's music - nothing beats a good throwback playlist to keep me energised and smiling.
A little about me:
I’m from Redcar and I work in a local charity shop. I like to go to the gym and socialise because it’s good for my mental health. I go to Independent Voices - a group that supports people with different abilities. We learn things so we can raise awareness with other people.
Why I joined Voices for Real Change:
I wanted to see what we could change and how we can make things better. I want to learn about the different support that is out there. Everyone has a difficult time sometimes and might need extra support, and I want to see what I can give back to help others.
Something fun or unique about me:
I like to be different! My clothes change all the time, depending on how I feel, and I like to collect unusual bags like Star Wars!
A little about me:
Originally from Guisborough, I now live in Redcar. I am now retired but spent the last 30 years living and working in Glasgow.
My experience:
Working with community groups, organisations and businesses in and around Glasgow, including the disability alliance, development companies and businesses. I was also a member of the Community Council and worked with community organisations that provided education and support for elderly, disabled and ethnic minority groups.
Something fun or unique about me:
I enjoy art and crafts - I was a beadworker and have had several of my designs published. I love learning and spent 4 years at Stirling University as a mature student, an experience I would recommend.
A little about me:
My experience:
I used to have a social worker, but I don’t have one anymore. I interviewed social workers before and really enjoyed it. I asked them why they want to work with people with learning disabilities. I would like to see it happen again.
Why I joined Voices for Real Change:
I like getting involved in a team, and I like to make sure the social workers are doing a good job. I like to take notes. I want to make sure there are easy read documents, with pictures on the left and writing on the right, so I can understand them - then everyone can understand them!
My experience:
I was a carer for my parents for 10 years. They lived at home and both had Alzheimer’s. They were supported by Redcar and Cleveland social services during that time. I also worked in social care myself for thirty years.
Why I joined Voices for Real Change:
Because of my experience accessing social services for my parents, I would like tohelp shape future council services that support people. I hope that we can make services more accessible, easier to navigate and improve the services themselves. This would benefit everyone.
Something fun or unique about me:
Since 1989, I have been a volunteer at the Grenfell Club in Redcar. It is a great place to be involved with, and I love chatting with the members.
A little about me:
I have worked in and alongside Adult Social Care for over 20 years, supporting adults and carers in different ways.
I currently work as a Business Development Officer, where I work in a team which is led by our Principal Social Worker to make sure practice is good quality and that services keep improving.
Outside work, I love being outdoors, especially cycling and gardening.
My experience:
I have experience of Adult Social Care both through my job and in my personal life. I’ve supported people through work for many years, and I’ve also helped family members as an unpaid carer.
This has helped me understand how important good support is and how much of a difference it can make to people’s everyday lives.
Something fun or unique about me:
Most people are surprised to find out that I keep two pet tarantulas; they’re definitely a talking point!