Lifeways residential service in Southport holds co-production day!

Abingdon, a Lifeways residential service in Southport recently brought together individuals we support, families and the support team for fun, food, and competitions – and a co-produced plan for even better support.

The action-packed day was the first get-together Abingdon has held since the pandemic began.

With guidance from Lifeways’ Quality Team, the co-production day saw everyone involved at the service finalise what they want support to look like in the coming months, as the country continues to move out of pandemic-related restrictions.

The co-production plan’s actions included:

• completing art projects
• taking part in activities to improve health and wellbeing, such as swimming and board games
• extending the garden to take part in more outdoor-based activities
• planning a charity event
• creating Abingdon’s own newsletter
• individuals we support getting even more involved in recruiting their own support team to more closely match new team members.

During the day, the support team and individuals held a barbecue, alongside charity fundraising competitions, including a tombola.

In total, almost £100 was raised on the day, which will be donated to Southport’s Queenscourt Hospice.

‘A brilliant day’

“Today has been a brilliant day,” said Chris Regan, Abingdon’s Registered Manager. 

“It has provided the tools to make Abingdon an even better place for everyone who lives here. We are proud of everything we have achieved and are going to achieve in the future!”

Also present at the co-production day was Jodie Allen-Cawley, Lifeways’ Group Lead Quality Manager.

“It was just an absolutely great day,” said Jodie. “It was amazing to be back face-to-face with the people we support and their families, helping people to dream big, and make the co-produced support we provide even better.”

The aim of Abingdon’s co-produced plan is to ensure that individuals who live at the service remain in control and continue to design their own support - and that our colleagues who provide that support are recognised as part of the service’s ‘Good to Outstanding’ journey.

Currently, Abingdon is rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

What is co-production and why does it matter?

Co-production refers to a way of collaborative working. This means that everybody in a service – including individuals who receive support, support workers, and family members – works together on an equal basis to make sure everyone has an equal voice, or come to a decision which works for everybody involved.

The Think Local Act Personal national partnership, of which Lifeways is a member, calls co-production a ‘meeting of minds coming together to find shared solutions.’

Or, as Josie, an individual we support who lives in Morecambe, Lancashire describes co-production: “when I get support, it’s a working-together-and-helping-each-other-thing.”

About Abingdon:

Based in Southport, Merseyside, Abingdon is a Lifeways residential service which provides support for up to nine adults who live with learning disabilities, autism, physical disabilities, and mental health support needs.

The service is in a beautiful detached Victorian house, complete with an accessible garden and patio area.

Located in a vibrant residential area of Southport, people who live at Abingdon regularly visit the community’s cafes, pubs and restaurants, as well as walk along the coast.

About Lifeways:

Lifeways is the UK’s largest team of professionals who support adults living in the community.

Our 11,000 colleagues currently support almost 5,000 individuals who live in our 1,500 supported living and residential services across England, Scotland, and Wales. 

Find out more about how we change people's lives at: www.lifeways.co.uk  

Follow us on:

•  Facebook
•  LinkedIn
•  Twitter
•  Instagram