Skills for Care in the South West bulletin

Thursday 26 August

end of life strategy – new report

In July 2008 the Department of Health published the End of Life Care strategy - promoting high quality care for all adults at the end of life. This second annual report sets out the continuing progress in implementing the strategy, highlights the need for further work and identifies the action intended for this coming year.
End of Life Care Strategy: Second Annual Report

 

minister urges early intervention on dementia
Care Services minister Paul Burstow said that with 750,000 people living with dementia in the UK, representing one of the country's most significant health challenges, people should seek early GP advice if they believe they might be showing signs of memory problems. He says that without a formal diagnosis people will find it difficult to access the help they need.
BBC Health

 

pre-diagnostic dementia support
One of the most difficult times when caring for a friend or family member with dementia is the period before diagnosis, according to new research led by UCL and published in the British Medical Journal.
Medical News Today

 

care quality commission annual report
The Care Quality Commission's online annual report looks back on the achievements and challenges in its first year of operation– from 1 April 2009 to 31 March 2010.

You can also watch videos of some of the many people who have worked with the Commission to help make sure that its operations are focused on better care.
CQC annual report

 

right to train consultation
Employees in businesses with more than 250 employees have the legal right to request time to take up relevant training. The Government is now consulting about whether to retain this obligation on employers.
Wired Gov Net

 

employer skills report
Most young people leave education well prepared for their first job, according to a survey of nearly 80,000 employers published by UKCES.
UKES news release

 

department of work and pensions training research
This research reviews recent trends in training and seeks to uncover a link to changes in employment characteristics. It looks specifically for a relationship between undertaking training, and gaining, retaining and advancing in employment.
Info for Local Govt(Source Marchmont + 2 items above this)

 

care ratings to stay on cqc website for at least 8 months
Adult care providers will be stuck with outdated ratings until at least May next year, following a decision by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to retain old information on its website
Community Care

 

social work 'union' calls for views on overseas social workers
Plea for social workers, and associated professionals, to offer their views on the subject for a Home Office consultation.
British Association of Social Workers

 

social workers increasingly using digital technology
Social workers are increasingly embracing digital technology to find families for children
British Association of Social Workers

 

personal budgets double – but post code lottery over use
The percentage of service users and carers using personal budgets in England has doubled in the past year but there are wide variations between councils, official figures show.
Community Care

Adass to question councils slow to roll out personal budgets

 

better rehab' for stroke victims will help all
Poor rehabilitation services are undermining improvements elsewhere in stroke care, according to new report produced by the Royal College of Physicians.
Healthcare Republic

 

end of life dvd & support documents available
Printed copies of the document people to live and die well' are now available from the End of Life Care team at the NHS, along with a new DVD; 'Environments for Care at End of Life – Case Study.'
Copies are available, free of charge, by emailing information@eolc.nhs.uk .

 

south west news

devon bridge worker scheme
A scheme has been running in South Devon which aims to help bridge the gap between the voluntary sector, health service and social services by using the bridge workers to 'signpost' need and call in the services that their clients need prior to serious medical conditions developing.

The Bridge Worker role – created in South Devon by charity Dartmouth Caring and NHS Devon - offers a glimpse of a possible future for care of the vulnerable and elderly.
This is the Westcountry

 

dorset features in 'total place' study
The public service challenge: implementing the lessons from Total Place includes a Case Study from Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole.

The pilot focussing on how to deliver better services for older people at less cost. The final report confirmed there is real scope for more effective collaboration between public organisations, putting more resources into preventative and support services, and so cutting back on the need for more expensive care when people need emergency help.
Idea Gov UK

 

labour market statistics for south west
The seasonally adjusted LFS estimate of employment in the South West was 73.8% in the April to June 2010 period, down 0.6 percentage points on the same period a year earlier. The employment level was 2.52 million in the April to June 2010 period, up 22,000 on the same period a year earlier.
LFS estimates indicate an increase in the level of male employment, up 28,000 on the same period a year earlier, to 1.34 million. The employment rate for men aged from 16 to 64 increased 0.3 percentage points on a year earlier to 78.4%. LFS estimates indicate a decrease in the level of female employment, down 6,000 on the same period a year earlier to 1.19 million. The employment rate for women aged from 16 to 64 was down 1.4 percentage points on a year earlier to 69.2%.
There were 2.6 million workforce jobs in March 2010, up 4,000 on the quarter and down 64,000 on a year earlier. The sector showing the largest increase in jobs was wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motor cycles which increased by 16,000.
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in the South West was 6.1% in the April to June 2010 period, down 0.2 percentage points on the same period a year earlier. The rates for men and women in April to June 2010 were 6.8 and 5.4% respectively.
Government Statistics( source Marchmont Observatory)

 

devon looks at social care savings
Devon county councillors are being asked to shave more than £800,000 from the annual budget – including £150,000 from adult social care through the current review of adult care provision.
This is Devon

 

incurable optimist
A father from Wells with a degenerative disease has set himself a target of painting 100 'incurable optimists'.
BBC Somerset

 

wiltshire work scheme for those with learning difficulties
A man who worked with adults with learning difficulties is helping some of his former colleagues find work
Salisbury Journal

white paper events for region
In July this year the government announced plans for a major shake-up of the NHS and one of the biggest in its history. The plans are laid out in a White Paper, called Equity and Excellence: Liberating the NHS.

The White Paper sets out a vision for transforming health and social care and it also announced their plans to set up an independent champion for health and social care consumers. This new body will be called HEALTHWATCH England, and at a local level LINks (Local Involvement Networks) will make the transition to evolve into local HealthWatch organisations
The Department of Health is now running consultation events to discuss the proposed changes with meetings in Plymouth (15 Sept), Bristol (17), Swindon (24) and Poole (29)

You can book places at these events and find more information about the White Paper on the website: Makes a Change

 

cash help for disability group
A Highbridge firm has handed over a cheque for £820 to help fund an annual summer trip for adults with learning disabilities
Burnham on Sea News

new vacancies
Two new vacancies from organisations outside of Skills for Care have been added to our website this week.
We are happy to notify readers of vacancies in this way but point out that this does not constitute an endorsement by Skills for Care of the position or organisation offering the vacancy.
You can find the details here –
Vacancies

 

euro fund offers south west employers apprenticeship payments
A European Social Fund incentive payment is available for any employers (of less than 249 staff) that takes on any new apprentice or put an existing member of staff through an apprenticeship – provided the organisation has had no apprenticeships in the past 18 months. The payments are £1000 and £750 respectively with a maximum amount for each.
Download flyer Apprenticeship Funding

For more information on Apprenticeships or to find out how to apply, please contact the Skills for Care South West Apprenticeship Lead, Leah-Marie Mills by telephone on 01363 776142 Mobile tel: 07971 002283or email her
Leah-Marie.Mills@skillsforcare.org.uk

 

south west events

newly added

union reps' training day
30 September – to beat the Recession' Atlantic Hotel, Newquay
The programme will include sessions on the new rights around Time off for Training, the new funding and qualification changes, saving costs at home and in the workplace – improve your eco-skills.
Further enquiries to Geoff Hale 01726 626860.
Link(Source Marchmont)

 

chronological diary

regional competition for best 'new' manager
Nominations are open for the South West Ted Gully award for recently appointed managers (within past 18 months) in adult social care.

Full details about the award can be found on our website together with a downloadable entry form.
Ted Gully Award 2010

 

help for older people in ledbury
Guidance about the services and help available to older people in Ledbury will be on offer at a special Community Information Day on Friday, September 10.

Age Concern and Ledbury Older People's Forum are hosting the event between 10am-3pm in Ledbury Community Hall and about 20 organisations have been invited to come and advertise their services.

Those invited to attend include Meals on Wheels, British Red Cross, Deaf Direct, the Alzheimer's Society and all the emergency services.

Everyone is welcome to attend and refreshments will be available.

 

calling all dignity champions
The South West Dignity in Care Team will be hosting a series of FREE events throughout September for Dignity Champions.

Tuesday 14 September - EXETER
Thursday 16 September - BATH
Tuesday 21 September – DORCHESTER

Please come along to one of these events to show you support and find out the latest information on the campaign, the resources available to you and what is happening locally.
An excellent opportunity to meet with other registered champions, to network, share ideas and best practice.

Further details –

Dignity Champions Events

 

personalisation agenda
September 14, 2010
A workshop to support: Workforce Planning and Business Transformation & Diversity for Social Care Managers in Gloucestershire

Speakers:

Virginia McCririck – Regional Policy Implementation Project Manager Regional Social Care Team DH SW Government Office South West

Julie Branton – Chair of GCSWDG and Hr Manager GCC

Jan Halliday -Strategic Commissioning Manager GCC

For more information & booking form
personalisation link

 

memory café
Tuesday 14 September.
Alzheimer's Society, South Dorset branch memory café between 1030 and 1230 at St Paul's Church Hall, Abbotsbury Road, Weymouth. For further details call Susan Gibson on 01305 762501.

Also meets on 28 September, same time and location.

 

somerset learning exchange meetings
Somerset Learning Exchange network has two new Learning Exchange dates:

• Monday 20 September 2010 @ 10.00 am, Minehead

• Tuesday 5 October 2010 @ 2.00 pm, Burnham on Sea
Somerset Learning Exchange

 

principles of infection prevention in care and nursing homes
20, 21 and 22 September 2010,
Bournemouth International Centre,

FREE ENTRY

The Infection Prevention Society are holding a series of FREE study days on infection prevention in care homes. These free study days are a quick way of being updated about the implications of the CQC Essential Standards of Quality and Safety as it relates to infection prevention but also there are short sessions on a number of infection prevention issues likely to occur.

The Infection Prevention Society is offering free lectures for all staff explaining the basic principles of infection prevention. These events are being run alongside the UK's largest infection prevention exhibition where the latest products and services will be on show.

Delegates must register to attend www.eventsforce.net/ipscarehome2010

 

devon care conference
Tuesday 28 September Westpoint Arena

0900-1600. free to attend

Devon Care Training Conference 2010

 

self directed support events 2010-11
Skills for Care in the South West has organised a series of Self Directed Support networking events in the region in the autumn (October) of 2010 and the early part of 2011.
The events will be held at three locations - Bristol, Exeter and Wimborne in Dorset
Self Directed Support events

 

wiltshire autumn conference
October 1, 2010,Alexandra House, Wroughton, Nr Swindon, Wiltshire. 10 - 4pm.
More information

 

devon learning exchange networks
Free meetings for the autumn organised by the Devon Learning Exchange have just been announced.

They feature October meetings in Exeter (5), Torbay (7), North (6) and East Devon (14) and Plymouth (12).

For details and downloadable booking form –
Devon Learning Exchange

 

autumn conference
Skills for Care in the South West and its partners will be running a conference on 21 October -'Jobs for People with Learning Disabilities - Everyone's Responsibility'.

The event will take place in Taunton and is aimed at Health and Social Care Providers, Representatives from Learning Disability Partnerships Boards; People First Workforce Representatives, Social Workers/Care Managers, Commissioners,Learning and Development Providers and Employment Services.

The aims of the day are:

To discuss the workforce implications of the employment chapter in Valuing People Now and look at developing our workforce around this area and to develop recommendations for the region
download flyer & booking form

 

skills for care in the south west conference
1 December, Sandy Park, Exeter'
Achieving Workforce Excellence: Putting Learning Into Practice In Social Care'
Focus on learning transfer and how to implement this in your training plans.
December conference

 

 

Papers

 

National

Telegraph Number of people working beyond 65 soars
Guardian Older workers 'trapped in long-term unemployment'
WalesOnline £4.3m to help older people find work
Telegraph Number of people working beyond 65 soars
Guardian Older workers 'trapped in long-term unemployment'
Guardian comment Cameron fools some - but pain will be a wake up call
Irish Times Services for elderly have undergone 'huge change'
Independent Pensions 'less than half the minimum standard of living'
TelegraphWinter fuel payment cuts to hit millions of pensioners

Regions

Community Care Kent saves money by supporting disabled people into work
Oxford Mail NHS push to keep people trim into old age
BBC Yorkshire New Bradford unit targets younger people with dementia
Peterborough TodaySocial care services in city praised
Portsmouth News Quarter of Hampshire residents will be over age of 60 by 2026
Halifax Evening Courier There's a £1.1m hole in budget
Crewe Guardian Cheshire East Council Is Looking To Make Further Savings
The Northern Echo Hundreds of care staff to be made redundant
Total Essex Social care from the front line
Malvern Gazette Second drop-in club for older people to be launched
This Is Mablethorpe Council face carers at home threatened with closure
Essex Echo Recession puts £28m Southend 'care village' for elderly on hold
BBC News Dementia patients' homes in Leicestershire get sensors
Portsmouth News New cafe service opens for people with dementia

 

Research, Information,Guidance

Skills for Care continuing professional development (CPD) - a practical guide to implementing continuing professional development in the adult social care workforce

HealthScout Slowed Reflexes in Aging Could Be Due to Brain Changes
Medical News Today GPs Failing To Diagnose Dementia Early
Southampton Echo Tackling the killer prostate cancer
Guardian - Health inequality - how Finland tackled the problem
Science Daily Daughters caring for a parent recovering from stroke more prone to depression than sons
Times of India Stress 'ups dementia risk'
Praxis Encouraging small firms to invest in training: learning from overseas
UKCES Skills and the small firm: a research and policy briefing.
(source for 2 items above– Marchmont Observatory, Exeter)

 

Food theme

Health News Eat berries to keep the brain young
Health News Watercress may help fight cancer
BBC Health Leafy veg 'may cut diabetes risk'

 

The Skills for Care South West Bulletin is compiled by trevor.bevins@skillsforcare.org.uk

Please email, or telephone (01305 269699), if you wish to unsubscribe .

Regional Office: Burraton House, 5 Burraton Square, Poundbury, Dorchester, DT1 3GR, Tel 01305 751130

Skills for Care is the not for profit organisation that aims to improve adult social care services across the whole of England by supporting employers' workforce development activity.

Our Vision is:

* To put employers in the driving seat on social care workforce issues

* To create a trained and qualified workforce providing high quality care

* To provide an expert voice on the social care workforce