The Social Care Institute for Excellence's (SCIE) new Transforming Adult Social Care website is now live.
The site will share knowledge, tools and resources along with information about regional plans and other activities.
Click here for more
Tuesday, 8 December 2009
Consultation on service changes
Wolverhampton City Council is holding an extensive consultation on its proposals to make changes to adult social care.
Suggestions include:
· A review of contributions people make to the cost of day services including hot meals, home care, day care services, day care transport and Carelink – an emergency alarm system for vulnerable people
· A review of allowances currently paid for attending day care services
· A review of eligibility for transport services
· Relocation of day care services for older people to make better use of existing facilities
· Externalise day to day running of Blakehall Resource Centre.
Consultation will continue until Thursday 31 December.
Click here for details
Suggestions include:
· A review of contributions people make to the cost of day services including hot meals, home care, day care services, day care transport and Carelink – an emergency alarm system for vulnerable people
· A review of allowances currently paid for attending day care services
· A review of eligibility for transport services
· Relocation of day care services for older people to make better use of existing facilities
· Externalise day to day running of Blakehall Resource Centre.
Consultation will continue until Thursday 31 December.
Click here for details
Adult social care involvement strategy
Coventry Community Services is consulting on a new Adult Social Care Involvement Strategy.
It aims to improve and develop the way in which the service informs, consults and involves adults and older people.
Closing date: 31 December 2009.
Click here for details
It aims to improve and develop the way in which the service informs, consults and involves adults and older people.
Closing date: 31 December 2009.
Click here for details
Impact of ULOs on personalisation
The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) has produced a quick guide to ULOs, and the implications for personalisation.
It provides two examples of ULOs working with local authorities and developing personalisation support services.
Click here for details
It provides two examples of ULOs working with local authorities and developing personalisation support services.
Click here for details
Discover ULOs
A briefing document on the ULOs project is available on the DH website.
The document includes policy details, strategic objectives, and information on the design criteria for ULOs
Read more
The document includes policy details, strategic objectives, and information on the design criteria for ULOs
Read more
Tips for transition in Solihull
Vulnerable adults and young people with disabilities were given expert advice on how to prepare for independent living at a recent Transition Event organised in Solihull.
The event, staged by Solihull Community Housing and Solihull Life Opportunities, was held to explain options and support available to people ready for independent living, and the problems that can arise.
Information ranged from what to do when buying a house, to understanding the practicalities of living alone such as changing a light bulb and paying bills.
The message was reinforced by playing an adapted game of snakes and ladders: players moved up ladders by correctly answering questions about repairs, health and safety, benefits and income, tenancy issues, employment and training.
Click here for details
The event, staged by Solihull Community Housing and Solihull Life Opportunities, was held to explain options and support available to people ready for independent living, and the problems that can arise.
Information ranged from what to do when buying a house, to understanding the practicalities of living alone such as changing a light bulb and paying bills.
The message was reinforced by playing an adapted game of snakes and ladders: players moved up ladders by correctly answering questions about repairs, health and safety, benefits and income, tenancy issues, employment and training.
Click here for details
Regaining skills in Warwickshire
A new reablement service has been introduced by Warwickshire County Council to help older people live independently and safely in their own homes.
The service is for people who have been ill, hospitalised or are struggling to cope and regain the skills and confidence needed to continue living independently.
It will initially be offered to new home care customers for up to six weeks, and eventually will be rolled out across the county.
Specialist teams of supervisors, home carers and occupational therapists will help people relearn skills needed to carry out daily tasks such as washing, dressing, cooking, shopping and moving around. Safety advice will be given to reduce the risk of falling or other accidents.
Research has shown people who receive reablement support often need less ongoing care or none at all.
Click here for details
16.
The service is for people who have been ill, hospitalised or are struggling to cope and regain the skills and confidence needed to continue living independently.
It will initially be offered to new home care customers for up to six weeks, and eventually will be rolled out across the county.
Specialist teams of supervisors, home carers and occupational therapists will help people relearn skills needed to carry out daily tasks such as washing, dressing, cooking, shopping and moving around. Safety advice will be given to reduce the risk of falling or other accidents.
Research has shown people who receive reablement support often need less ongoing care or none at all.
Click here for details
16.
Introducing Staffordshire Cares
Staffordshire County Council has launched Staffordshire Cares, its strategy for overhauling adult social care.
The council wants to improve access and understanding of services available, and establish seamless working with its partners.
Plans include:
· Staffordshire Cares Direct - a single countywide phone number providing a wide range of advice, information, simple assessments and 24/7 emergency contact all in one place
· Local information points across the county - offering advice and signposting to other forms of support
· One stop shops - access to a full range of face to face services and assessments
· Preventative Services - integration of front line services with the NHS and with the fire service, police and others to help avoid people needing acute care in hospital or long term institutionalised care
· Marketplace - an easy to understand website directory of Staffordshire service providers, costs and quality reports to help people choose the support they want
Click here for details
The council wants to improve access and understanding of services available, and establish seamless working with its partners.
Plans include:
· Staffordshire Cares Direct - a single countywide phone number providing a wide range of advice, information, simple assessments and 24/7 emergency contact all in one place
· Local information points across the county - offering advice and signposting to other forms of support
· One stop shops - access to a full range of face to face services and assessments
· Preventative Services - integration of front line services with the NHS and with the fire service, police and others to help avoid people needing acute care in hospital or long term institutionalised care
· Marketplace - an easy to understand website directory of Staffordshire service providers, costs and quality reports to help people choose the support they want
Click here for details
Festival of ideas fosters innovation
Video presentations and photos from the Festival of Ideas staged in Birmingham last month can be seen on line.
The one day event organised by the JIP and the consultancy Innovation Exchange, put third sector adult social care projects in touch with council commissioners and investors looking to buy or develop personalised services.
In a letter thanking participants for their contribution to the event, Director of Innovation Exchange, John Craig, said: “The majority of participants met at least three people they would like to contact again …… Most commissioners thought that the event had put them in touch with people who could help them to meet their work objectives.”
Visit http://www.innovation-exchange.org/ for details.
The one day event organised by the JIP and the consultancy Innovation Exchange, put third sector adult social care projects in touch with council commissioners and investors looking to buy or develop personalised services.
In a letter thanking participants for their contribution to the event, Director of Innovation Exchange, John Craig, said: “The majority of participants met at least three people they would like to contact again …… Most commissioners thought that the event had put them in touch with people who could help them to meet their work objectives.”
Visit http://www.innovation-exchange.org/ for details.
Transforming Adult Social Care – a new business model
Warwickshire County Council (WCC) has set up a new business model to aid transformation of adult social care in line with the government’s agenda for change - Putting People First.
An estimated 1.7 million more people will need support by 2026 with fewer resources available to care for them. Councils are also facing cuts in funding of 7% to 15% over three years from 2011/12.
Local authorities are seeking new ways of providing good quality services for more people at a reduced cost. The business model is designed to assist this process and will be used to provide evidence of benefits to customers and the organisation.
Focus is on managing the flow of people seeking services by investing more in preventative measures. WCC currently spends 0.4% of its adult social care budget on prevention and 70% on traditional services. The aim is to shift spending from long term support and residential care to early intervention, better prevention and reablement support.
Contact: Gill Jowers, Service Development Manager, telephone: 01926 74 3257, email: gilljowers@warwickshire.gov.uk
An estimated 1.7 million more people will need support by 2026 with fewer resources available to care for them. Councils are also facing cuts in funding of 7% to 15% over three years from 2011/12.
Local authorities are seeking new ways of providing good quality services for more people at a reduced cost. The business model is designed to assist this process and will be used to provide evidence of benefits to customers and the organisation.
Focus is on managing the flow of people seeking services by investing more in preventative measures. WCC currently spends 0.4% of its adult social care budget on prevention and 70% on traditional services. The aim is to shift spending from long term support and residential care to early intervention, better prevention and reablement support.
Contact: Gill Jowers, Service Development Manager, telephone: 01926 74 3257, email: gilljowers@warwickshire.gov.uk
CQC ratings for the West Midlands
Ninety five per cent of local authorities in England have been rated as excellent or performing well in their provision of adult social care services by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
The commission this month released its annual report in which it identifies eight councils as in need of improving their services urgently. The report covers independent providers of care services in addition to its assessment of 148 local authorities.
The CQC has urged councils to do more to drive up standards in the voluntary and private sector.
From next year emphasis will be placed on the views of people using care services. Providers performing inadequately may be fined.
Details of Adult Social Care ratings in the West Midlands are available on the JIP website.
Click here for details
The commission this month released its annual report in which it identifies eight councils as in need of improving their services urgently. The report covers independent providers of care services in addition to its assessment of 148 local authorities.
The CQC has urged councils to do more to drive up standards in the voluntary and private sector.
From next year emphasis will be placed on the views of people using care services. Providers performing inadequately may be fined.
Details of Adult Social Care ratings in the West Midlands are available on the JIP website.
Click here for details
Sharing ULO information on the NCIL site
Councils and other organisations are invited to share information and learning about developing and sustaining ULOs, on the National Center for Independent Living (NCIL) website.
The NCIL is a not for profit organisation run and controlled by disabled people with the aim of promoting independent living. It provides a wide range of services including support and information on direct payments.
The organisation works with the DH and other policy makers, and campaigns to improve the rights of disabled people.
Click here for more
The NCIL is a not for profit organisation run and controlled by disabled people with the aim of promoting independent living. It provides a wide range of services including support and information on direct payments.
The organisation works with the DH and other policy makers, and campaigns to improve the rights of disabled people.
Click here for more
Partnership working in Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton City Council has embarked on a number of programmes to engage and work in partnership with stakeholders.
Initiatives include:
· a communication strategy to ensure service users, local stakeholders and the wider public are informed of personal budgets as part of Putting People First – the government plan to transform adult social care.
· Running personal budget pilots that seek involvement of different service areas and users. The council has made significant progress in consulting with forums, partnership boards and, specifically, disabled people, to make sure their views and experiences are included in the development of local practice.
Knowledge gained is incorporated in the council’s approach to further develop ULOs in the city. This entails bringing together groups led by and representing disabled people to form a partnership board. One of the organisations – One Voice, is a user led organisation supported by the council.
Click here for details
Initiatives include:
· a communication strategy to ensure service users, local stakeholders and the wider public are informed of personal budgets as part of Putting People First – the government plan to transform adult social care.
· Running personal budget pilots that seek involvement of different service areas and users. The council has made significant progress in consulting with forums, partnership boards and, specifically, disabled people, to make sure their views and experiences are included in the development of local practice.
Knowledge gained is incorporated in the council’s approach to further develop ULOs in the city. This entails bringing together groups led by and representing disabled people to form a partnership board. One of the organisations – One Voice, is a user led organisation supported by the council.
Click here for details
ULOs to deliver brokerage support in Birmingham
Birmingham City Council is supporting the development of ULOs by working in partnership with Birmingham Voluntary Service Council and other local projects.
As part of the process of setting up ULOs, the council is looking at organisations that have the capacity to deliver a support brokerage service. Brokers help people with individual budgets develop their own support plans, and negotiate the best deals when purchasing support. The approach and methodology for procuring a brokerage service via a ULO is currently under consideration.
The council expects to have identified potential organisations by February 2010, and will seek expressions of interest to deliver services. The procurement process should be completed by April 2010 and arrangements in place to begin delivery of the brokerage service which will be extended city wide following a six month pilot scheme.
The council will explore how ULOs can further benefit service users by setting up two working groups – one with broad based representation, the other with governance responsibilities. They will advise on the potential for ULOs to deliver initiatives as part of the personalisation agenda.
As part of the process of setting up ULOs, the council is looking at organisations that have the capacity to deliver a support brokerage service. Brokers help people with individual budgets develop their own support plans, and negotiate the best deals when purchasing support. The approach and methodology for procuring a brokerage service via a ULO is currently under consideration.
The council expects to have identified potential organisations by February 2010, and will seek expressions of interest to deliver services. The procurement process should be completed by April 2010 and arrangements in place to begin delivery of the brokerage service which will be extended city wide following a six month pilot scheme.
The council will explore how ULOs can further benefit service users by setting up two working groups – one with broad based representation, the other with governance responsibilities. They will advise on the potential for ULOs to deliver initiatives as part of the personalisation agenda.
Designing ULOs in Dudley
A conference for local third sector organisations to plan the development of ULOs in Dudley will take place on 6 February 2010.
The council has already identified existing organisations that could contribute to the development of a ULO in Dudley. Some organisations already meet aspects of the ULO criteria. One in particular fulfils the requirements for delivering services and is considering developing into a ULO.
The conference will be an opportunity to find out more about the requirements and to firm up expressions of interests to become part of the ULO programme. A follow up workshop will be held in March 2010.
Contact Steve Jones, telephone: 01384 813658; email: steve.jones@dudley.gov.uk
The council has already identified existing organisations that could contribute to the development of a ULO in Dudley. Some organisations already meet aspects of the ULO criteria. One in particular fulfils the requirements for delivering services and is considering developing into a ULO.
The conference will be an opportunity to find out more about the requirements and to firm up expressions of interests to become part of the ULO programme. A follow up workshop will be held in March 2010.
Contact Steve Jones, telephone: 01384 813658; email: steve.jones@dudley.gov.uk
Users at the heart of services in Telford & Wrekin
Telford & Wrekin Council for Voluntary Services (CVS) will lead the development of a ULO and a Centre for Independent Living (CIL) in the borough, following consultation with local groups and publication of a feasibility study.
The Council, Primary Care Trust and the CVS, commissioned the study to identify an appropriate ULO model and CIL for the Telford & Wrekin area.
A workshop was held in January this year to present the results and gather feedback from representatives of local groups, disabled people and carers.
The majority wanted a ULO built on services already delivered to disabled people and carers by the local voluntary and community sector, and a CIL based on a consortium partnership model.
Draft terms of reference have been written for the organisations, membership has been established and both groups have met.
Development work will be carried out by the CVS , which has successfully bid for funds from the Council and PCT for a part-time coordinator. Tina Jones has been appointed to this role.
Partners involved in the development include the Telford & Wrekin’s Joint Commissioning and Contracts Team, the Putting People First team who are leading on the transformation of adult social care, and the Department of Health West Midlands.
For more information contact Tina Jones, telephone: 01952 291350
email : abconsultancy@hotmail.co.uk
The Council, Primary Care Trust and the CVS, commissioned the study to identify an appropriate ULO model and CIL for the Telford & Wrekin area.
A workshop was held in January this year to present the results and gather feedback from representatives of local groups, disabled people and carers.
The majority wanted a ULO built on services already delivered to disabled people and carers by the local voluntary and community sector, and a CIL based on a consortium partnership model.
Draft terms of reference have been written for the organisations, membership has been established and both groups have met.
Development work will be carried out by the CVS , which has successfully bid for funds from the Council and PCT for a part-time coordinator. Tina Jones has been appointed to this role.
Partners involved in the development include the Telford & Wrekin’s Joint Commissioning and Contracts Team, the Putting People First team who are leading on the transformation of adult social care, and the Department of Health West Midlands.
For more information contact Tina Jones, telephone: 01952 291350
email : abconsultancy@hotmail.co.uk
Promoting level playing field for ULOs
The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) working with the National Centre for Independent Living and the Local Government Association, has revised a joint protocol to support development of ULOs and support services.
The protocol focuses on how ULOs can add value to direct payment support services which are a means to independent living.
It also encourages local authorities to create a level playing field so that ULOs can compete unhindered for contracts to run direct payment support services.
Click here for details
The protocol focuses on how ULOs can add value to direct payment support services which are a means to independent living.
It also encourages local authorities to create a level playing field so that ULOs can compete unhindered for contracts to run direct payment support services.
Click here for details
ULOs - What’s in it for us?
A conference will be held for would be ULOs on 14 January 2010.
Organised by the JIP and the NCIL, conference speakers will brief third sector organisations' representatives about the ULO project, its implications for voluntary sector organisations, what they need to do if they want to become ULOs, and how the project fits in with the government programme to transform social care.
Focus will be on:
· sustainability
· personalisation
· consortium working
Organisations currently commissioned by councils to deliver services may fail to secure future contracts if they are not compliant with ULO standards.
For details contact Anthony Walters; telephone: 07972 704163 email:anthonygwalters@yahoo.co.uk.
Organised by the JIP and the NCIL, conference speakers will brief third sector organisations' representatives about the ULO project, its implications for voluntary sector organisations, what they need to do if they want to become ULOs, and how the project fits in with the government programme to transform social care.
Focus will be on:
· sustainability
· personalisation
· consortium working
Organisations currently commissioned by councils to deliver services may fail to secure future contracts if they are not compliant with ULO standards.
For details contact Anthony Walters; telephone: 07972 704163 email:anthonygwalters@yahoo.co.uk.
JIP starts ULO ball rolling
Specialist support to develop ULOs is available following the JIP’s appointment of consultant, Anthony Walters.
All councils with responsibility for adult social care must have at least one ULO in their area by 2010, as part of the government’s vision for improving the quality of life for disabled people in Britain – see story Improving choice and opportunity with ULOs.
ULOs are organisations run by individuals who use support services, including disabled people, older people, families and carers. The government sees them as integral to successful transformation of social care, by giving people more choice and control over how their support needs are met.
There are many disability organisations in the West Midlands, but few meet the full criteria for ULOs, which is modelled on existing Centres for Independent Living (CILs). The centres are grassroots organisations run by disabled people with the purpose of helping them manage their own lives and participate fully in society.
Anthony will provide targeted support for councils and organisations seeking to meet the ULO criteria detailed in the government report Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People. (insert link http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/cabinetoffice/strategy/assets/disability.pdf).
Organisations at a more advanced stage of change will be used to mentor others.
The DH will be giving funding to facilitate the development of ULOs. Three authorities in the region have already received money as part of a pilot programme.
The JIP and the National Centre for Independent Living (NCIL) will hold a conference on 14 January to highlight the benefits, challenges and connection between ULOs and the government's personalisation agenda - see story ULOs – What’s in it for us?
Contact Anthony Walters; telephone: 07972 704163 email:anthonygwalters@yahoo.co.uk
http://www.westmidlandsiep.gov.uk/index.php?page=585
All councils with responsibility for adult social care must have at least one ULO in their area by 2010, as part of the government’s vision for improving the quality of life for disabled people in Britain – see story Improving choice and opportunity with ULOs.
ULOs are organisations run by individuals who use support services, including disabled people, older people, families and carers. The government sees them as integral to successful transformation of social care, by giving people more choice and control over how their support needs are met.
There are many disability organisations in the West Midlands, but few meet the full criteria for ULOs, which is modelled on existing Centres for Independent Living (CILs). The centres are grassroots organisations run by disabled people with the purpose of helping them manage their own lives and participate fully in society.
Anthony will provide targeted support for councils and organisations seeking to meet the ULO criteria detailed in the government report Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People. (insert link http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/media/cabinetoffice/strategy/assets/disability.pdf).
Organisations at a more advanced stage of change will be used to mentor others.
The DH will be giving funding to facilitate the development of ULOs. Three authorities in the region have already received money as part of a pilot programme.
The JIP and the National Centre for Independent Living (NCIL) will hold a conference on 14 January to highlight the benefits, challenges and connection between ULOs and the government's personalisation agenda - see story ULOs – What’s in it for us?
Contact Anthony Walters; telephone: 07972 704163 email:anthonygwalters@yahoo.co.uk
http://www.westmidlandsiep.gov.uk/index.php?page=585
ULOs to improve life chances
Government plans for improving the lives and prospects for disabled people by 2025 can be found in the report Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People.
It sets out a wide ranging programme of action to create an environment where ‘disabled people in Britain should have full opportunities and choices to improve their quality of life and will be respected and included as equal members of society’.
One of the key measures specified is helping disabled people to achieve independent living. This entails a number of initiatives including establishing User Led Organisations (ULOs).
The government strategy states each locality covered by a council with social services responsibilities should have a ULO by 2010.The programme for implementation will be led by the Department of Health.
ULOs are controlled by disabled people and carers. They are critical to delivering personalisation, promoting independent living, implementing the Disability Equality Duty, tackling social exclusion and empowering disabled people.
Groups can choose to become ULOs and deliver their own services, or work with other voluntary and community organisations to form a Centre of Independent Living (CIL). insert link.
At a minimum ULOs will be expected to provide -
· information and advice
· advocacy and peer support
· assistance with self-assessment
· support in using individual budgets
· support to recruit and employ personal assistants
· disability equality training
· consumer audits of local services.
Click here for details
It sets out a wide ranging programme of action to create an environment where ‘disabled people in Britain should have full opportunities and choices to improve their quality of life and will be respected and included as equal members of society’.
One of the key measures specified is helping disabled people to achieve independent living. This entails a number of initiatives including establishing User Led Organisations (ULOs).
The government strategy states each locality covered by a council with social services responsibilities should have a ULO by 2010.The programme for implementation will be led by the Department of Health.
ULOs are controlled by disabled people and carers. They are critical to delivering personalisation, promoting independent living, implementing the Disability Equality Duty, tackling social exclusion and empowering disabled people.
Groups can choose to become ULOs and deliver their own services, or work with other voluntary and community organisations to form a Centre of Independent Living (CIL). insert link.
At a minimum ULOs will be expected to provide -
· information and advice
· advocacy and peer support
· assistance with self-assessment
· support in using individual budgets
· support to recruit and employ personal assistants
· disability equality training
· consumer audits of local services.
Click here for details
Foreword
e-bulletin No 7 December 2009
This month we bring you news and information about user led organisations (ULOs).
When the government launched its strategy ‘Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People’ in 2005, the idea was to create conditions that improve the quality of disabled people’s lives and allow them to live independently.
ULOs - organisations led by and representing the needs of disabled people- are seen as one of the main vehicles for making this vision a reality.
The target for local authorities with responsibility for adult social care is to set up at least one in their locality by December 2010.
Up to one in five British adults is disabled. The premise behind ULOs is that people who use services are capable of determining their own needs and plan their own support – thinking that is in keeping with the government’s personalisation agenda.
In this bulletin we bring you news about the work that has been done to set up ULOs in Telford & Wrekin, Dudley, Birmingham and Wolverhampton. We also introduce you to the consultant, Anthony Walters, who is working with us to proved dedicated ULO support to councils.
Our next bulletin will be sent to you in January 2010 and will feature safeguarding. Please send any news and information you would like included to cathrinalouis@btinternet.com, telephone 0790 887 5533.
Wishing you a happy festive season.
Denise Porter
Deputy Regional Director
Social Care and Partnerships
Department of Health West Midlands
This month we bring you news and information about user led organisations (ULOs).
When the government launched its strategy ‘Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People’ in 2005, the idea was to create conditions that improve the quality of disabled people’s lives and allow them to live independently.
ULOs - organisations led by and representing the needs of disabled people- are seen as one of the main vehicles for making this vision a reality.
The target for local authorities with responsibility for adult social care is to set up at least one in their locality by December 2010.
Up to one in five British adults is disabled. The premise behind ULOs is that people who use services are capable of determining their own needs and plan their own support – thinking that is in keeping with the government’s personalisation agenda.
In this bulletin we bring you news about the work that has been done to set up ULOs in Telford & Wrekin, Dudley, Birmingham and Wolverhampton. We also introduce you to the consultant, Anthony Walters, who is working with us to proved dedicated ULO support to councils.
Our next bulletin will be sent to you in January 2010 and will feature safeguarding. Please send any news and information you would like included to cathrinalouis@btinternet.com, telephone 0790 887 5533.
Wishing you a happy festive season.
Denise Porter
Deputy Regional Director
Social Care and Partnerships
Department of Health West Midlands
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)