Some practical examples of new ways of working were aired in a session at LIVE run by Skills for Care, formerly training body Topss England, on some of the pilot projects that it has supported.

The Such project was set up and is run by service users in and around Taunton, Somerset. It involves holistic medicines, massages, making food and fruit drinks and generally finding the time to talk and relax. The project focuses on service users interacting and controlling their own time and activities; rather than have professionals in charge of the project. Service users reported improvements in their quality of life and well-being.

Another project in the Laurels Care Home in Carlisle helped and improved the well-being of people with dementia. It involved replacing the traditional approach to working with residents such as regular meals and toilet time with one based on greater interaction.  More time was spent with residents doing activities such as dancing, gardening, hairdressing or just talking. The six-month project was so successful that the residents are now telling staff what they want.  However traditional nursing and social care roles were challenged as staff took part in more psychosocial activities such as talking and listening to users.