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Many of you will know of Social Care Futures, working with people to be inclusive, to make literature understandable to everyone and to value people.
At WBC we have already rewritten much of what we use, explaining to people in understandable language, for jobs or to advise people. We are now also including people in interviews, especially if applicants are going to work with the people we serve.
This is called co-production, but basically, it’s what we should always have done, being open to everyone and involving people in shaping the support they need to live lives as positively as possible.
I heard about something that, I feel, is an often ignored basic of working with people. A young person, Will said that he and a friend were invited to look over the plans for a new wheelchair-friendly flat. The important thing was that since they both use electric wheelchairs, the designers wanted our take on whether anything important had been missed. It was a great chance to share their lived experience and help make the space truly accessible.
It was clear how much thought had already gone into the plans. There’s a dedicated charging station for wheelchairs and mobility scooters, the corridors and doorways are wonderfully wide, and the accessible flat is—thankfully– on the ground floor. The plans already had lots of great things a wheelchair user would need like the kitchen, dining area and living room all flowing together in one big open space. But there are always ways to improve.
Due to the suggestions and insights from Will and Greg really useful changes have been made to the plans. For example: In the wet room, there will now be two doors, one leading to the hallway and one to the bedroom, to make it easier and more practical for the resident and any guests to access. In the hallway, there will be bi-folding doors, which will not only free up space but allow more room for a wheelchair user to move in, giving easier access.
These two young people said that it was genuinely exciting to see how much thought has gone into creating a space that truly puts accessibility first. The users sharing their insights and lived experience felt meaningful. With just a few final tweaks, this flat has the potential with a brilliant standard for accessible housing in the area.
I’m really looking forward to seeing the finished result and, more importantly, the difference it will make for the person who gets to call it home.
On another but similar note, WBC has just started the Sparks Community Award. This is a new community fund for Wokingham Borough residents aged 18+, offering £100–£2,000 in 2026–27 to support ideas that help adults live connected, independent and fulfilling lives. Aligned with the Social Care Future vision, it encourages projects that strengthen community belonging and support people to live well in the place they call home, lead the lives they want, and build communities where everyone belongs. The fund is open to individuals, grassroots groups and organisations, including those applying for the first time, with support available for non-constituted groups. The awards might be used for:
• Community cooking or supper clubs
• Accessible arts, sports or wellbeing activities
• Intergenerational projects
• Peer support or interest groups
• Any idea that brings people together and supports independence
Projects must benefit Wokingham residents, fulfil a local need, be inclusive of diverse backgrounds and abilities while also being not-for-profit. Funding may be used for refreshments, venue hire, advertising, equipment, and other costs supporting new groups, events, or services. If you are interested or know someone who is applicants can receive pre-application guidance including templates, videos, and ongoing support. Applications are simple and should take no more than one hour. All information is in one place on the Wokingham BC website, including examples of projects to inspire residents.
https://www.wokingham.gov.uk/sparks
David Hare Executive Member for Adult Service, Health and Wellbeing.
