By Sam Bingham, CAN Development Manager

As we reach the end of our first year, we are thrilled to share the journey of our ‘Trusted Reviewers’ project. It’s been a busy, brilliant 12 months, and we’re so excited to share a glimpse of what we’ve been up to.

Since June last 2024, we’ve had the chance to speak with over 100 people — clients, families, provider staff; and to connect with more than 150 day opportunity providers across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole. That’s a lot of conversations, cups of tea, and community connections!

We’ve pulled together a short video to celebrate some of the amazing moments from Year 1. It doesn’t cover everything (we’ve been very busy), but it gives a great flavour of the work and the people behind it.

Our small but mighty team based at Community Action Network, with backgrounds in service design, community engagement, mental health, nutrition, and care. Have been working to support the transformation of day opportunities in our area—and here’s a little of what that’s looked like:

• Listening and learning – Our reviewers have engaged with individuals, families, and carers to understand what really matters to them.

• Teaming up with providers – We’ve worked closely with specialist services, community groups, and non-specialist services to offer a diverse range of day opportunities.

• Opening doors – Through 68 taster and pilot sessions, we’ve helped over 150 people try something new and find activities that spark interest and joy.
• Ongoing support – We are currently supporting 15 clients to review their care plans to continue accessing activities that help them thrive.

• Shaping the future –Our learning, people’s stories, and experiences are fed back into the wider day opportunity transformation work.

I’m incredibly proud of the team of what’s been achieved so far—and even more excited about what’s to come in Year 2. A huge thank you to everyone who’s been part of this journey. By working together, we’re helping to build a more inclusive, empowering, and joyful future for everyone.