Two members of a fast-growing adults and communities engagement panel have been talking about their experience of becoming the first ‘volunteer editors’ of an online newsletter.
Matthew and Bhavin said being involved in the newsletter project stands out as a great example of how ideas can be developed and shared with a wider audience through the work of the engagement panel.
The panel is made up of volunteer members who have lived experiences of accessing adult social care, as well as the director of adults & communities and senior leaders.
Matthew said: “As part of a small editorial team, It was great to use the newsletter as a platform to tell others how important this group is in helping to improve different aspects of adult social care in Leicestershire.
“I'm very proud of this - it takes me back to before being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease when I was writing newsletters in my previous professional life in education.
“Now, since needing personal care and support, I suppose I’ve become a bit of an expert in the field and was happy to revisit these old skills in helping to produce this newsletter.”
Bhavin said “I feel that using my personal experiences and knowledge of IT can help take the panel to the next level. A computer can be the voice of the people and we want to make sure everyone can be heard.”
The newsletter gives an overview of the panel and highlights some of the work in which they have been involved.
Future editions will be used to share new developments the panel are working on and other information which they feel people may find helpful. The newsletter can be viewed at: www.leicestershirecommunities.org.uk/asc/newsletters.
As the number of panel members continues to grow, the opportunities increase to get involved in more focused projects and task groups.
The panel has also been involved in developing training for the council’s Customer Service Centre, reviewed the scripts and videos about navigating social care that are now available on the council’s website and two members were invited to join last year’s care professional of the year judging panel.
Councillor Christine Radford, cabinet member for adults and communities, said: “As a member of the panel, I want to congratulate Matthew and Bhavin for doing such a great job producing this first issue of the newsletter.
“This is just the first of many! I hope that people will take time to read the newsletter and find out more about how the panel works with the council’s Adults and Communities department to break down barriers and help people access information and services.
“We want the panel to reflect the diversity and wide-ranging needs of Leicestershire’s residents and communities and I would encourage anyone interested in the work we do, to visit our website to find out more.”
For more information on the engagement panel, visit www.leicestershirecommunities.org.uk/asc/engagement-advisory-panel, e-mail a&c-strategy@leics.gov.uk or call 0116 305 4886.