The SUCIG Training Sub-Group

The Glasgow Service User and Carer Group (SUCIG) has set up a Training Sub-Group where members are working with the Social Work Services Learning and Development Department, academic institutions involved in social care training and the Social Work Services Learning Network West. The sub -group aims to assist staff trainers to access service users and carers who are willing to contribute to the design and delivery of staff training through sharing their experience of living as a member of their care group and receiving support services.

The sub-group has:

• Developed a contact list for local training providers so that they can contact local service user/ carer groups that might wish to become involved
• Organised two successful events, each of which was attended by over 40 service users and carers. These events were aimed at building the confidence of service users and carers to become involved in staff training and to link them in with training providers. The event on 4th March 2008 led to the production of a training DVD by Learning Network West and SUCIG and a list of service users and carers who are interested in becoming involved. This will be shared with training providers
• Worked with Learning Networks West and South East on how Universities and Further Education Colleges are involving service users and carers. This led to the research in which this Guide is based and to the Guide itself

Action

Ask your local university or colleges to hold an information event for service users and carers who might be interested in getting involved with training. Invite them to find a way to stay in touch with groups and individuals who express an interest.

Further Information

Ager W., Dow, J. and Gee, M. (2005) Grassroots networks: a model for promoting the influence of social work users and carers in social work education. Social Work Education, 24 (4).

Scottish Voices is the national network of service users and carers influencing social work education.