voice-clouds.com

How does Voice-Clouds work?
It is an on-line tool based on mind-mapping. It elicits key information using a person centred approach e.g. the things that are individual to that person and determines whether they have a bad day or a good day, details of any interests, hobbies or ambitions they might have, what?s important to and for them etc. from the service user and/or their parent, family member or carer depending on the service user?s ability to communicate.

How is the information used?
This information enables services to be developed, adapted and matched to the client rather than the client having to adjust to fit in with existing services.

Why is Voice-Clouds important?
By using Voice-Clouds you will be sure you have all the information that is necessary to ensure your clients are recognised and treated for who they are and what they are able to do, rather than known for what is wrong with them. (Consider how you like to be viewed or thought of by others). This approach is not dependent on any particular policy or belief, the information it reveals will always be the most important information if the client is going to be happy, fulfilled, live a meaningful life and become or remain part of their community. This should be treated as an integral and valid part of any assessment or information gathering exercise but is commonly not given any attention or priority and unfortunately is frequently overlooked all together.

What makes Voice-Clouds different?
It is efficient and user friendly. There are no forms or questionnaires instead it records the details of a constructive and positive conversation by slotting the information in under the correct heading. It helps the client, their relatives and carers clarify their thinking, identify their priorities and elicit succinct, relevant information in a stress free and emotionally sensitive way, particularly when the situation they are dealing with is likely to be stressful and emotionally charged.

How does Voice-Clouds help with the new Education, Health and Care Plans coming in in England?
It fits in perfectly with many aspects of the Children and Families Act especially the person centred requirements. It also allows parents/carers to "tell it once" and makes the sharing of key information easier.

How does Voice-Clouds help clients/service users?
It helps them maintain their identity as an individual rather than being treated and seen as part of a homogeneous group. It provides the information needed that will enable them to live a fulfilling and meaningful life and make choices just like everyone else.

Who uses Voice-Clouds? (who is it for?)
It is for any professionals working in the fields of Education, Health or Social Care, who are involved with clients who have additional or specific needs and their families.Why should I use Voice-Clouds?
For many reasons including because the Government is committed to the Personalisation Agenda and giving greater value and recognition to the things that are important to, and make a positive difference to, the client to help them;
- overcome as many of their difficulties as possible
- achieve what is important to them
- fulfil ambitions and live a meaningful life with dignity
- enable them to contribute to, or take their place in society.

How much training will I need to be able to use Voice-Clouds?
No more than 2 hours but if you don?t know anything about the ethos behind person centred planning then a full days training may be necessary.

What?s in it for my service/dept/organisation?
Voice-Clouds assumes the premise that services and provision were developed and exist to engage with, enhance and fulfil the needs of the clients that are referred to them. Unfortunately we know that this is not always the case in practice. By using these tools you can adjust your services to make sure they are actually doing exactly what they are supposed to do and ensuring they are offering value for money.

How will Voice-Clouds help me with inspections?
Whether it?s Ofsted in England, Estyn in Wales, HMIE in Scotland or the relevant Care Commissioners for your part of the UK.

One size (of provision) does not fit all (match or meet all needs) and there is an increased recognition that systems are frequently failing the very people they are there to support, inform and protect rather than people failing the systems. Inspectors are looking more closely for wider recognition and appreciation of individual needs and creativity in meeting them. Voice-Clouds fulfils this by doing exactly that.

For example since 1st January 2012 Ofsted Inspectors are required to look for evidence relating to:
- The spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils
- The extent to which the education provided by the school enables all pupils to achieve, in particular disabled pupils and pupils who have special educational needs.

How does Voice-Clouds support the personalisation agenda?
Voice-Clouds is all about the client ? what is important to them, their goals, how they want to spend their time and identifying how these aims can be achieved.

Is this going to be more expensive i.e. having to provide expensive services?
Not usually because the budget is just spent differently in a more targeted and efficient way.

What does being Person Centred actually mean?
It is the difference between fitting people in to existing services and instead providing the support to enable someone to live the life they would choose to live.