Issue Based Support
BVSC leads on a number of projects/initiatives that address specific social issues such as multiple and complex needs, homelessness, isolation, youth unemployment, and gangs and violence. We have a wealth of experience and expertise in these areas and would welcome the opportunity to share our learning with you in the following areas:
iCat
The intelligent Common Assessment Tool (iCAT) is a web based data recording and communications solution to the challenges of data sharing and interdisciplinary working, specifically focusing on those with multiple and complex needs as part of Birmingham Changing Futures Together (BCFT).
iCAT was designed to be an integral part of No Wrong Door (NWD); a network of partners (service delivery agencies) committed to improving information sharing and the delivery of services to those with multiple complex needs.
We are happy to provide a demo of the system and share our learning on the successes and challenges of developing this solution. Please contact Natalie Allen nataliea[at]bvsc[dot]org.
Quality Standards
The quality standards framework has been developed collaboratively across both the Homelessness Partnership Board (Birmingham City Council) and Birmingham Changing Futures Together with involvement from service providers and Experts by Experience.
Specific attention has been given to the need to encourage the system to wrap support around the service user, rather than expect service users to conform to service requirements.
The main objectives are:
- Promote safe and effective service provision to vulnerable persons
- Establish consistency in how vulnerable persons are responded to across multiple services.
- Support collaborative working across multiple agencies for the benefit of the service user
- Promote excellence in service provision
- Drive systemic change
If you are interested in finding out more about the quality standards framework and its application in Birmingham then please contact Alana Raybould, email alanar[at]bvsc[dot]org
No Wrong Door Network
No Wrong Door is a group of service providers across Birmingham who are committed to working together to create a network of support for multiple and complex needs across the city.
Our aim is to break down the barriers service users experience when trying to get support from multiple services at the same to. No Wrong Door looks to ensure that individuals can get the right support faster and without having to repeat the same information to different people. This is done through a single referral form for over 20 service; a set of quality standards to uphold and a revolutionary new IT system (iCAT) that enables staff from across the city to share information and work together to help those who need support.
Our ambition for Birmingham is that no one with multiple and complex needs is turned away when they ask for help and the support they need can be easily found.
We would be happy to share our current modelling for No Wrong Door as well as the learning from setting up a multi-agency partnership. For more information please contact Alana Raybould alanar[at]bvsc[dot]org
Service user involvement
Every Step of the Way is our flagship user involvement and engagement programme. We support, train, enable and empower people with lived experience e.g. of homelessness, substance misuse, offending behaviour and mental ill health to have their voices heard across a range of topics. Our volunteers choose to share their lived experience as service users to contribute to service and systems change.
Please get in touch with Susannah Wilson, susannahw[at]bvsc[dot]org if you wish to discuss the Every Step of the Way programme or have an opportunity that you would like our Experts by Experience to be involved in.
Housing First Projects
We can offer strategic and project management advice on setting up a Housing First project, including: how to get the referral process right; knowing your target audience; and the structures that are needed to facilitate the programme.
Contact us - email admin[at]bvsc[dot]org