A SCHEME launched in Thurrock six years ago has been highlighted as an exemplary way to help improve adult social care services.

First implemented in 2015, the Micro-Enterprises scheme was initially piloted as part of a wider initiative to transform local services.

Thurrock Council said it had become aware that in the face of increasing demand and pressure on budgets, there needed to be a more creative response to meeting ongoing demand.

What prompted a pilot scheme was the recognition that there was a limited choice of services for local people - local residents were looking for more than just ensuring that their statutory needs were being met.

A statement from the council says: "Thurrock's Micro-Enterprise scheme has fitted well with other place and strengths-based initiatives. Examples include Local Area Co-Ordination and Community Hubs which have enabled us to develop services that are diverse, bespoke and based upon our growing evidence base of what our communities value and require.

"The Micro-Enterprises programme focuses on finding residents who want to support others in their local community and helps them to set up their chosen service.

"They are supported to do so by a co-ordinator who provides advice and ongoing assistance. Now approaching its sixth year, the scheme is continuing to support community choice and, in addition, provides opportunity for employment in the local area."

You can read more about the scheme via this [L] https://www.apse.org.uk/apse/index.cfm/news/articles/2021/thurrock-micro-enterprises-ordinary-people-doing-extraordinary-things/?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=Orlo [L+link.[.L]