Jak Savage MBE With the influence of outstanding Social Work practice, Jak has navigated children’s social care as a child and adult social care.  She has faced health, mental health challenges and acquired disability along the way and still has a long way to go.   Recently, Jak has become Jak Savage MBE for 32 years’ service to Social Care and shares her life journey of 47 years lived, worked, and learnt experience.  Bringing to

David Gower David is an Associate Lecturer at University of Worcester and member (since 2013) of IMPACT Service Users and Carers Organisation based within the Institute of Health and Society at the University of Worcester. Current responsibilities include being one of two IMPACT representatives on the Social Work Management Board, and Chairing a recent joint BASW/University of Worcester Conference. He is Co-Chair of West Midlands Teaching Social Work Teaching Partnership People with Lived Experience Advisory

Faye Medcalf I am an adult in her early 30’s with learning disabilities, autism, sensory disabilities and hidden long term health conditions and I speak up for myself and other adults with learning disabilities, autism, sensory disabilities and hidden long term health conditions in lots of different parts of their lives, like health and wellbeing, housing and transport, sport and leisure and easy read and communication and the disability organisations that do multiple support services

Claire Crossley I am first and foremost a parent! I have 4 children with a variety of needs and have experienced all aspects of services and tribunals in the last 20 years. My oldest son now 24 is entering his last stage of education and will be accessing a bespoke package to pursue his dream of being a gaming designer. I challenged my local council who have provided 24/7 care via a personal budget since

New resources for organising inclusive and insightful events People’s lived experiences of health and social care can bring insight and ideas that have positive implications for the development of policy and practice in public services. Yet, too often, the voices of people who draw on care and support are missing from events and debates that shape the policies and programmes that affect their lives. Social Care Future, In Control and Think Local Act Personal teamed

Mathew Micklethwaite   Having spent over 10 years working within health and social care, working with many individuals from children and young people, up to older adults with varying needs leading into my current role as a service manager for children and young peoples service, and providing specialist and dedicated training for Ethical workforce solutions I have built a portfolio of knowledge, awareness and experience that can support many people to achieve and succeed. I

Jacqui Darlington BEM I am a passionate campaigner for unpaid carers and adults with additional needs. I have lived experience of the struggles associated with caring for family members and raising a young person needing everyday support. This prompted to start the Out of Hours Club Rutland, a group for adults with additional needs who are isolated or at risk of becoming so to get together and go out ‘independently’ carrying out a range of

People Power, Making our voices heard As part of the “people power” initiative being supported by the National Lottery we now have a people finder page for event organisers, publication editors, news media and others to connect with a diverse range of people who draw on long term heath and social care to live their lives.   The importance of equality, diversity, co producing and inclusion is finally getting some recognition and we know organisations