Using strengths-based approaches to support unpaid carers

What is the project?

Credu is a charity that supports unpaid carers of all ages in the areas of Powys, Wrexham, Conwy, Denbighshire and Ceredigion.

The charity has developed a model of strengths-based and outcomes-focused practice which has become a central part of how it works.

This approach supports the charity to put carers at the heart of everything it does, and to help them understand that they’re the experts in their own lives.

Strengths-based practice supports people to make sustainable positive changes in their lives. The approach is embedded in Credu’s systems, practice and recruitment, as well as the way it supports its teams, and its recording and reporting.

For example, the charity has developed strengths-based job descriptions which focus on values, principles and experience, rather than qualifications.

Credu trains its new staff and volunteers in this approach early in their induction. Staff get support to learn and practise their skills in weekly reflective sessions.

Some members of the Credu team have become ‘practice champions’ and use their experience to train and support others. They run sessions for all staff on a regular basis, both online and face-to-face. This helps the organisation to continue to refine the skills and knowledge of its staff and volunteers.

The charity continually reflects on how it records and reports its work, which has helped show the impact the new approach is having. Feedback is then used to guide training plans and the development of services and systems.

Why is it being carried out?

Making strengths-based practice part of its everyday work directly supports Credu’s organisational values and principles.

Credu felt that this way of working could create sustainable change in carers’ lives and would support a strong workforce who feel supported and listened to.

The approach means Credu can continue to do what matters, when it matters and show the impact of this.

Where and when is the work taking place?

This approach has been embedded by the charity at its sites across Wales.

The work is still in progress as Credu continues to develop its practice.

Who's involved?

Credu has its own team of mentors and works with local authorities in the five counties it supports - Powys, Wrexham, Conwy, Denbighshire and Ceredigion.

Credu also works with the health boards, third sector and local communities in these areas.

The Social Care Wales improvement team has supported the project by bringing together mentors from across Wales to share practice and discuss with others how they’re championing and implementing this approach.

What have they learned from the work?

One of the main things the Credu team have learned from this project is that this way of working needs attention and drive from the leadership in an organisation.

Credu CEO Becky Evans said: “People need to understand why it makes a difference.

“You need to look at the systems and change them so that they help you to work in this way, rather than get in the way.”

2024 Accolades winner

Becky Evans won the ‘Working to the principles of strengths-based practice’ award at the 2024 Accolades in her previous role as Powys team leader.

Becky was nominated by Credu’s Campaigns Coordinator, Sally Duckers, for being “a driving force in our organisation with regards to strengths-based practice”.

Sally said Becky had applied a strengths-based approach in all her interactions with the organisation’s managers, trustees, staff, volunteers, commissioners and funders.

Sally added that Becky had adapted the organisation’s systems to capture unpaid carers’ stories, especially their strengths, and thanks to Becky’s work, carers’ voices are now at the centre of the organisation’s work.

Becky also created ‘The Carers’ Story’, a case study that showcases the impact of the organisation’s work with unpaid carers, recognising the strengths and the support networks families bring to their own stories.