National roll out of Communi-crate

The national roll out of Communi-crate in Hearing centres across Scotland is now underway.

Communi-crate is a communication toolkit which helps children and young people participate in their Hearing and ensure their views are heard.

The toolkit includes a worry monster, emoji fan, emoji cards, conversation cubes,  a range of communication cards including stop/go cards, as well as ear defenders and sun glasses.

The toolkit was originally piloted in our Glasgow Locality and is now being rolled out across the country.

SCRA’s Corporate Parenting Manager Karen Garside, is working with Localities to introduce it across the country by the end of the year. It is important it is introduced at a time that suits Localities to ensure plenty of time for colleagues to learn about the tools and to inform partners.

Karen said: “Children and young people have told us that they find it hard to give their views in a Hearing. We want to provide a range of tools to help children and young people fully participate in their Hearing.

“The tools are aimed at ages six years and over, but will be dependent on a child or young person’s communication needs.

“The Communi-crate will be shared with a child or young person in the waiting room. The tools and what they are for will be discussed with the child or young person and they can chose any they would like to use.

“The tools will then be brought into the Hearing room and displayed for ease of access. The tools will then be available for panel members to use to encourage children and young people to communicate their views.”

To ensure everyone gets the most out of Communi-crate, briefing materials have been prepared for panel members and partners. You can find out more about the different tools in the Communi-crate. You can also watch a short cartoon animation below.