Project IIRP23

Developing a participatory Social Return on Investment framework for adults with learning disabilities

Working directly with a charity (Pursuing Independent Paths) providing training and support to adults with learning disabilities, this project is developing participatory methodologies, in conjunction with social return on investment analyses to demonstrate the ways in which organisational activities contribute to the wellbeing and development of the adults in the charity programme.

Background

The project is intended to show the immediate benefits (individually, socially and financially) for adults with learning disabilities, public sector organisations, other charities in engaging with the work of the charity to improve the situation of adults with learning disabilities and their carers. The participatory focus is something that is often neglected when working with adults with learning disabilities, so there is much to be learned about applying inclusive involvement methodologies with these groups.

Project Aims

By working directly with adults with learning disabilities to develop a toolkit to demonstrate the impact of organisations like PiP on their lives, and the wider community and society.

Project Activity

Development of a co-produced participatory impact toolkit to demonstrate the individual, community, wider social and cultural benefits of involving adults with learning disabilities in training programmes designed to improve their levels of independence.

Anticipated or actual outputs

This project will produce a resource that the charity can use to demonstrate their social, cultural and financial value to the wider community in terms of ensuring adults with learning disabilities are offered opportunities to participate in their wider community settings, demonstrating the benefits this will bring to the whole community.

Who is involved?

  • Professor Ewen Speed (PI, University of Essex)
  • Dr Tuba Gokpinar (Corresponding Researcher, University of Essex, and Pursuing Independent Paths)
  • Dr Konstantinos Roussos (University of Essex)
  • Jack Taylor (Deputy CEO, Pursuing Independent Paths)
  • Denise Largin (CEO, Pursuing Independent Paths)
  • Dr Anne Steinhoff (University of Essex)
  • Dr John Day (University of Essex)
  • Dr Aaron Wyllie (University of Essex)

Contact

Dr Tuba Gokpinar, tubag@piponline.org.uk  

Prof Ewen Speed, esspeed@essex.ac.uk

IIRP23