The People We Support Forum in South East Wales continues to grow from strength to strength, bringing people together in a relaxed, welcoming environment where voices are heard, friendships are formed and confidence flourishes.
As Zena, Regional Director, explains: “The forum is about creating a space where people feel comfortable, confident and able to speak up for themselves and others.”
These regular forums give people the opportunity to share ideas, build friendships and have a real influence on how services develop.
The success of the forum is built on consistency and careful planning, developed over the past two years. The same venue is used each time, alongside familiar food choices that people have told us they enjoy — including tuna sandwiches, chips, tomato sauce, tea, coffee and biscuits!
“Using the same venue and food choices helps people feel settled before the day even starts,” Zena says. “Knowing what to expect makes a huge difference.”
There are currently 15 people we support who attend as service representatives. The forum takes place every other month on the first Wednesday, providing a predictable routine that people can rely on.
Zena facilitates the session, supported by Lucy, Vocational Manager, who helps organise activities at the Hub, and Sian, Administrator, who records the minutes. The venue itself adds to the relaxed and inclusive feel of the day — it’s a large space with a stage, and towards the end of the session some people enjoy a sing‑along, with Joe, a person we support, playing his guitar while others dance and join in.
The forum follows the same structure each time, including three consistent questions. Stickers are used to support discussion and help break conversations down into manageable parts. The session begins with introductions and catching up, followed by a review of actions from the previous meeting. Each question is discussed for around 10–15 minutes before Zena summarises what has been shared and everyone enjoys food together.
“Structure and repetition help people feel confident to take part,” Zena explains. “It removes uncertainty and lets people focus on sharing their views.”
People attend the forum as house representatives, sharing feedback for themselves and on behalf of others they live with. Wherever possible, the same staff members support attendance each time.
“Consistency with staff support really helps,” says Zena. “People arrive knowing who will be there and what the day will look like.”
This familiarity allows people to focus on contributing, rather than managing anxiety or uncertainty about the environment.
As people arrived, the atmosphere was relaxed, excited and full of conversation. There was plenty of laughter, sharing of ideas and warm conversations.
Zena observed growing confidence across the group, with more people speaking up and sharing their views independently. Some people now use Makaton confidently within the group, and Zena is able to facilitate discussion using sign where needed.
“Seeing people grow in confidence over time is one of the most rewarding parts of the forum,” Zena reflects. “People who were quiet a year ago are now actively taking part.”
Close friendships have also begun to form, with some people meeting up outside of the forum. During discussions, ideas were shared openly and enthusiastically. Phil regularly brings new suggestions, while Kaye’s enthusiasm for food‑related activities always brings smiles and laughter to the room.
There were many moments that captured the spirit of the forum — from shared jokes to people proudly writing their ideas on stickers and placing them on the window themselves.
Individual contributions stood out too. Phil spoke about wanting to visit more cultural places, Samantha and Louise shared their hopes of returning to Disney World, Corey brought energy through dancing and signing, and Mack talked about his interest in emergency services after attending Fire Marshal training with managers.
“The friendships that are forming and the confidence people are building really stand out,” Zena says. “You can see how much being part of the forum means to them.”
The forum’s structured but flexible format ensures everyone has the opportunity to contribute. Group discussions are facilitated in a way that encourages listening and respect for one another’s views.
“People value having a space where their ideas are listened to,” Zena explains. “The forum has become somewhere people look forward to coming.”
Over time, the benefits have extended beyond the sessions themselves, supporting friendships, shared interests and confidence in everyday life at home and in the community.
Zena shared her thanks to everyone who makes the forum possible — the people we support, the staff teams, Lucy and Sian, and all those who help with transport and support on the day.
“I’m incredibly proud of how far everyone has come,” Zena reflects. “People are speaking up for themselves and others, and that confidence is carrying into other areas of their lives.”
Looking to the future, the focus remains on maintaining consistency, supporting regular attendance and continuing to gather feedback through house meetings. Representatives will keep sharing ideas from across services, ensuring that the voices of everyone in South East Wales continue to shape what happens next.
Alongside the regional forums, ideas and feedback are also shared through Swanton’s National People We Support Forum, helping to ensure that themes, priorities and voices from across the organisation are heard and considered at a wider level.
“This is co‑production in action,” Zena says. “It’s about listening, consistency and creating spaces where people feel truly heard — both locally and nationally.”
The People We Support Forum is a powerful example of support in practice — showing how inclusion, structure and genuine listening can help people feel confident, connected and valued
