The Daybreak Bluebird Programme
A unique aspect of Daybreak's work is our initiative to expand the use of family group conferences (FGCs) to include the safeguarding of vulnerable adults - the Bluebird Project.

This ground-breaking work is headed by Project Manager Linda Tapper who, together with a team of experienced coordinators, offers a service across Hampshire for older people and adults of any age with a disability or mental health problem.

The Bluebird Project was set up in 2007 with three years funding from Comic Relief to explore the use of FGCs in situations of Elder Abuse. The benefits of this service to older people and their families are already being recognised by Adult Services and other agencies, and by the families themselves. The project team are working closely with Adult Services in the field of Safeguarding and in Hampshire's Personalisation programme to increase choice for families in situations where important decisions need to be made about someone's welfare.

As with our other programmes it is vital that the voice of the person who is the focus of the meeting is heard and that their views and opinions are listened to. To this end anyone who needs it is offered the opportunity to have an advocate or supporter to help them present their views.

Restorative Practices
This is a method of resolving situations where there has been an incident of harm or conflict. This can be by way of one-to-one discussions, or other methods through to a formal Restorative Conference involving everybody who has been harmed or affected by the incident.

The Bluebird Programme is able to offer this facility in some appropriate situations. It may be used as an alternative to a full Family Group Conference, or in preparation for one.