Principles met

  • We will develop systems that enable citizens to be equal partners in designing and commissioning public services and in determining the use of public resources.
  • We will promote community-based approaches to economic development that focus on supporting the creation of jobs, social enterprises and other businesses and providing an environment for co-operative and mutual enterprises to thrive.
  • We will support the development of a framework and criteria for social value, giving substance to the concept and supporting Councils with the tools to ensure better local social and economic outcomes.
  • In exploring new ways of meeting the priority needs of our communities we will encourage models, such as co-operatives and mutuals, which give greater influence and voice to staff and users. in designing and commissioning public services and in determining the use of public resources.

At Co-operative Care Colne Valley, we started offering care and support in our community in March 2021. We offer quality care that is powered by our community and that goes beyond fulfilling basic needs – we want our members to live good lives.

The local authority has played an essential role in our success. Firstly, we were able to apply and received start-up grant funding which has been key to our set up. Then, despite the hard work we put in, we found it difficult to overcome some of the challenges – like recruitment of the Registered Manager, an essential person for a regulated care service operation. Our local council has stepped in creatively – we were offered a secondment of an experienced and enthusiastic person with the right skills and expertise for the job. With their support, we were able to prepare everything that was needed for the Care Quality Commission (CQC) registration so that we can start offering care and support in our community.

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