I and others have been advocating for a long time that the common method of providing information on social care services (or anything else) with A-Z directories is not fit for purpose for referring people with acute needs to resources that can help them instead of overwhelm them.
As a solution I have come up with a novel method of making directories that users can interactively self-refer themselves or be guided by a non-professional adviser which can be authored in freely available software called Freemind. I call it CIP resource mapping, CIP stands for Community Information Project.
These online maps can be both distributed on the web or printed inexpensively as a wall chart without any complex conversion. The core format for online and paper printing is exactly the same. The print maps can be put on the wall in a community centre or folded up like an OS map to be carried by users or advisors, both formal and informal ones.
Testing with users has found they can find services very quickly but also - very importantly - a user can audit provision and easily amend maps whenever services close or new ones start up. I find most users and professionals will automatically audit these maps which they never do if handed a A-Z directory.
If you can make a list: you can make a map. I demonstrate this in the video below. The method has many other applications besides referral. As well as auditing, it is ideal for planning new services with community groups and for community project management and the commissioning of services as the maps produced literally reveal gaps in service and present clearly the opportunities for collaboration or a combination of services to meet a need.
If you would like more information, please get in touch with me at
nat (at) pixlink.co.uk
