Taking a new approach has paid dividends
‘I allowed what I thought was my friend into my property to stay… I’ve never felt so scared and powerless.’ Our cover story (p6) looks at cuckooing – a situation terrifying for victims and largely invisible to the outside world. It’s also a long-hidden crime that, after much campaigning, is about to be recognised as a specific criminal offence. Surrey’s Catalyst Support team help us identify the signs of this devastating form of exploitation and give guidance on helping victims – not only to escape the trap, but also to recover their confidence and sense of self-worth.
Meanwhile in Essex, we hear how lived experience has gone right to the heart of the commissioning process, with Essex Recovery Foundation directly influencing how services are designed and run (p10). The door was opened from the inside by a head of public health with the courage to take a new approach, and it’s paid dividends. All parties are energised by better outcomes for everyone and a transformative shift in commissioning.
And for further inspiration read about LEROs as nimble, responsive, entrepreneurial frontline providers (p18). Effective partnerships are thriving!
Read the May issue as an online magazine (you can also download it as a PDF from the online magazine)
Claire Brown, editor