Right To Better: A Story of Hope, Partnership, and Change

In late 2022, a family reached out to C-Change with a plea for help. Their loved one and son had been in hospital for years with no real prospect of him returning to his own home and living in his own community. Though a local support provider was in place, they lacked the capacity to help him live the life he deserved, and progress was slow. That call marked the beginning of something transformative – not just for him, but for many others as well. 

“When a family phones us and says, “Can you help?” we always say yes. That doesn’t mean we’ll provide the support, but it does mean we’ll try and help. Families need to hear ‘yes’ – they’ve been passed from pillar to post for too long.” explained Ian WiIliams, Deputy CEO of C-Change, when we caught up with him recently. ‘Saying yes to families’ has become something of a mantra here at C-Change.” 

The Beginning 

The young man’s family had worked with Frances Brown, a respected figure in the field, to envision a better future. The vision was compelling, and there was a feeling that C-Change was the right organisation to bring it to life, but there was a challenge: he lived in Perthshire, and C-Change didn’t provide support arrangements there. 

The local authority, recognising the recruitment challenges in the area, agreed to fund his support in a way that meant the organisation was able to attract great people.  While this created an opportunity, it also presented a conundrum with the C-Change ethos of remaining “intentionally small”.  The strategy of the organisation is to grow “better, not bigger”. 

Creating Right to Better 

After consulting with its Board, C-Change developed a bold plan: it would create a project which in time, could become a new independent organisation called ‘Right to Better’ with this young man being the first person it worked for. 

“We thought: what if he could be the first person of a new organisation? It would be fostered by C-Change just like the origins of this organisation and like the work we did to establish Dates-n-Mates. Right to Better could be something new, something different.” explained Ian. 

The family supported our proposition; they were focused on his wellbeing and were understandably cautious, but they saw the potential, not just for their son, but for others stuck in similar situations. The local authority also recognised the value, identifying others who had been institutionalised for years. 

Soon after, another family approached C-Change. Their son was facing exclusion from a social care institutional setting. Though they initially chose another provider promising immediate support, they returned two months later, disillusioned at things not panning out as they’d hoped. C-Change via Right to Better became involved and worked with the council to provide interim support.  Eventually, a support team was created around a bespoke service design, that originated from a ‘Planning Day’ with his needs, wishes and requirements rooted firmly at its core. In autumn 2023, he moved into his own home, and a bespoke team was recruited to support him; his transformation has been profound since. 

“He had a full-time Support Advisor in year one, now he has half that. That’s a saving to his budget and a sign of progress.” Ian explains. “It’s self-managing teams in action. It’s often the situation that a service will commence with more Personal Development Workers on the initial team as people transition from an institutional setting into their own home. Over time, this can be reduced as we get to know the person and individual risks are reassessed and the person gets to live the life they wish to lead. Adjustments are often made incrementally as things become more apparent about what is working and what isn’t.” 

Growing Reputation 

From there, the momentum grew: families began to hear about Right to Better. An ally within the council helped spread the word, and the organisation was soon approached to support others; some who had been in hospitals and institutions for up to 18 years. The number of people that Right to Better now works for is rapidly approaching double figures. 

Ian acknowledges that things don’t always go according to plan: “We don’t always get it right. But when we don’t, we’re upfront and we work harder to get it right.” he states. 

“The organisation’s model is built on value, not cost. We’re committed to reducing support over time as individuals flourish – it benefits both the person and the public purse.” 

Turning to recruitment, Ian acknowledges that Right to Better isn’t immune to the challenges that the wider job market is currently facing, but he is positive and optimistic about the quality and diversity of candidates recent vacancies have attracted. 

“We’ve had people with outward bound experience and from other settings working with us, we’re not just limited to people with social care experience. They say: “He sounds like a good guy – I run, I hill walk, I swim.’, I can support him to do that.” 

Looking Ahead 

Looking ahead, C- Change is exploring the best organisational structure for Right to Better; whether as an independent charity or part of a group. Whatever the path, the mission remains clear: to help people live good lives, with dignity, trust, and bespoke support. 

“If you believe people have a right to a good life, and you work out with them what that looks like, you have to have faith in them and in your colleagues.” reiterates Ian. 

From that first person’s initial steps out of hospital, the story of Right to Better is one of transformation. It’s a good reminder that with the correct support, everyone can, and deserves to live, their best life. 

#BetterIsPossible