BlueSalmon An online resource for service user self-assessment and portable support planning Gerard Lemos Partner, Lemos&Crane Portable support plans and self- assessment for vulnerable people

Difficulties with normal support planning Time constraints: meetings are often brief and infrequent Practical considerations: conversation dominated by benefits, drugs and alcohol Support worker skills: often not trained in raising sensitive topics Service user confidence: may be uncomfortable talking about private matters Client-support worker dynamic: support planning sessions get in a rut and don’t move forward

Normal support planning Leads support planning Support workerClient Directs and controls Limited input Action plan

An online resource that enables people to describe for themselves how they want their lives to change and to find practical assistance in reaching their goals. Supported by City Bridge Trust Prototype development in association with Thames Reach What is BlueSalmon?

Key features for clients: –Identifying goals: structured interactive modules on identity, relationships and family and friends –Getting support: powerful action planning tool helps user find assistance each step of the way Key features for organisations: –Oversight: Support workers can see action plans if given permission –Organisational planning: Aggregate data is available for all users

Support planning with BlueSalmon Client BlueSalmon action plan directs and controls Family Friends Support worker Partner information about client’s goals provide support

Key features of BlueSalmon An account for life Safe and fully confidential Easy-to-use and customizable interface Accessible 24/7 User can proceed at their own pace Saves and recalls all previous work Comprehensive ‘help’ facility

Structured interactive modules Identity –Finding new interests and ambitions –Building confidence and self-esteem Relationships –Developing loving partnerships –Finding somebody new Family and friends –Becoming closer to people important to you –Making new friends

Action planning tool Choose goals from the modules or add your own Break goals down into their component steps Assign support for each goal – from a support worker or somebody else Share the action plan with: –Support worker –Partner, family members and friends –Other service users

Support worker oversight Clients can complete the modules on their own or with their support worker’s help Clients can give permission for their support worker to see their action plans online Support workers can use the BlueSalmon action plan as the basis of the support planning meeting –What are the service user’s priorities? –What support does the service user need to reach their goals?

Organisational planning Client Support organisation Aggregate data Unlimited number of BlueSalmon accounts Data is made anonymous Accounts for life Informs planning and policy Annual subscription

Demonstration of BlueSalmon

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