SHIEN
The Scottish Homelessness
Involvement and Empowerment
Network
Stephanie Plotnikoff
Glasgow Homelessness Network
October 6th 2009
What do we mean by service user
involvement and empowerment?
Proposed definitions
Service user involvement
A process that enables people to participate in
decisions and actions that affect their lives.
Empowerment
The enabling of individuals to claim their rights,
and to achieve their potential and aspirations.
This is the principal behind and intended
outcome of involvement.
Why service user involvement?
Homelessness Task Force
‘The objectives of increasing homeless people’s
control and extending their choices, and
achieving the effective participation of people
affected by homelessness in the development of
future policy, practice and service delivery
should be widely promoted and given practical
effect in all activities directed at tackling
homelessness.’
Why service user involvement?
(continued)
Because it works!
Benefits at numerous levels:
- Person
- Service
- Policy and planning
- Perception
What is SHIEN?
• National network to identify, share, support and
promote good practice in service user
involvement across Scotland.
Who is SHIEN for?
• For all those who recognise the importance of
involving people.
How it came about
• Importance of involvement
• Experience
• Governmental support
SHIEN: purpose and approach
Approach
• Recognises the value of shared knowledge
and learning
• Enabling role
• Network-led
Purpose
Facilitate exchange and networking
• Identify needs, aspirations and barriers
Identify good practice
• Support the sharing of good practice
• Work towards informing policy
How can SHIEN support you?
Opening up a national dialogue through:
• Networking
• On-line Resource Exchange
• Toolkit
Contact details
Stephanie Plotnikoff
Glasgow Homelessness Network
[email protected]
0141 276 4825