Gaddum is thrilled to announce its central role as the infrastructure support organisation in a groundbreaking initiative set to transform adult social care across Greater Manchester. The GM Accelerating Reform Fund (ARF), a £1.9 million project awarded by the Department of Health and Social Care, aims to boost the quality and accessibility of adult social care by supporting innovation and kickstarting a change in services to support unpaid carers. Gaddum is working alongside local authorities, health partners, and the VCSE sector within the GM Integrated Care System to add capacity and support the ARF to achieve its ambitious goals. Our mission is to break down barriers to innovation and build robust capacity in adult social care, aligning with the government’s 10-year vision for reform.
At the core of this transformative project are two key focus areas: Hospital Discharge and ‘Shared Lives’ – a community-based care model.
Designed to enhance the experience of carers and their involvement in the discharge process, the Hospital Discharge initiatives span ten GM Local Authorities, with Bury, Rochdale, and Oldham collaborating on a joint project. Co-designed with carers themselves, each area has taken a unique approach to suit local need – from dedicated Carers Officers at hospitals to therapeutic sessions and training for hospital staff. The initiatives collectively aim to enhance carer identification, provide targeted support, and streamline discharge processes across different hospital settings. Gaddum is also proud to be working as a delivery provider for both Manchester Council and Salford Council’s ARF Hospital Discharge Projects.
The second priority area chosen by the GM ARF Consortium is the development and expansion of Shared Lives across Greater Manchester. Shared Lives is a service which matches adults with care and support needs with approved carers who open their homes and lives to provide support – from day support or respite to long-term care solutions. Gaddum is supporting the infrastructure of three exciting Shared Lives Projects: starting with a major pan GM campaign to raise awareness of the scheme and attract more carers, as well as a Shared Lives matching app designed with Manchester, and a boost to improve partnership working and cross-organisational learning led by Wigan.
Ben Whalley, Chief Executive Officer of Gaddum, emphasises the transformative potential of this project:
“Our charity is passionate about effective change through partnership approaches and shared learning.
It’s therefore a privilege to be chosen to provide the infrastructure support that brings together our amazing communities, local authorities, health system and fellow VCSE partners.
At Gaddum, we look forward to using our professionalism and expertise, based on our values of listening and exploring, collaborating and connecting, so we all can ultimately benefit every individual and community we exist to support.”
Running from July 2024 to March 2026, delivery now begins after a carefully approached planning phase. As a system, Greater Manchester hopes to deliver lasting positive change in adult social care. It’s not just about improving services; it’s about reimagining how we support our most vulnerable community members.
For those interested in learning more about the Accelerating Reform Fund and Gaddum’s role, please reach out to Heather Carss, our Senior Project Manager, at heather.carss@gaddum.org.uk