Resources

The National Autistic Society

The UK’s leading charity for people with autism (including Asperger's syndrome) offers information, support and a range of services.

It also campaigns for change in policies and public sector services.

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Autism West Midlands

The charity provides care and support across the region. 

It has six residential homes, two supported living establishments,and helps hundreds of people and their families in the community.

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Adult autism support services in Warwickshire

Specialising in help for adults with autism who do not have a learning disability, the council run service offers support ranging from planning daily activities and routines, to setting up home and developing independent living skills.

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Video - Working with people with autism: the autistic perspective

Produced by the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE), the video tells the story of Scott, a man with autism and learning disabilities, learning to make sense of society.

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North-South divide in adult social care

A recent BBC survey shows less money will be spent in the year ahead on adult social care services in the North of England, than in the South.

The survey looked at spending plans for the new financial year. Findings reveal an estimated fall of 4.7% in expenditure in the North, amounting to £3.4bn; and a rise of 2.7% in the South, equivalent to £3.33bn.

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Call to modernise social care legislation

A single, clear, modern law and code of practice that would pave the way for a coherent social care system, has been called for by the Law Commission, following a three year review of adult care law.

The commission says current laws, totalling over 40, are outdated and flawed; and should be replaced by a single law that clearly states people’s legal rights entitlements.

The review is the first of two that government ministers will use to reform social care in England. The independent Dilmot Commission has been set up to look at how social care should be funded. It will report in July 2011.

The Law Commission recommends:

• putting the individual’s wellbeing at the heart of decision-making, using new statutory principles
• giving carers new legal rights to services
• placing duties on councils and the NHS to work together
• building a single, streamlined assessment and eligibility framework
• protecting service users from abuse and neglect with a new legal framework
• and, for the first time, giving adult safeguarding boards a statutory footing.

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High 90s success rate for independence service

Worcestershire Council’s Promoting Independence (PI) Service, is succeeding in meeting up to 95% of objectives agreed with service users each month.

The service helps people recovering from illness, or who are disabled, or have mental health issues, acquire the skills needed to remain independent.

Support offered by PI is based on objectives agreed with service users. These can be learning to prepare meals and drinks, managing medication, household tasks, physical exercise or personal care.

A recent survey of service users' views show:

• 43% rated the service as excellent
• 43% rated it as good
• 14% found it to be satisfactory.

For more information contact: Dee Zimmermann, Team Manager, telephone: 01905 734200, email: dzimmermann@worcestershire.gov.uk

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Helping people into work

Work4You, a new service helping people with mental health issues find jobs, has been launched in Staffordshire.

Funded by Staffordshire County Council, NHS North Staffordshire and South Staffordshire PCT, the scheme, run by national charity Making Space, will offer help with CVs, application forms, interview techniques and getting people into part or full time work.

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Improving choice, increasing control

Dudley Borough Council has increased choice and control for service users, by improving the quality of information it provides.

The Council’s Community Information Directory, developed as a one stop shop for information about activities, events and services, now includes a Personal Assistant Register.

The register has been added in response to the growing demand for personal assistants. It will make it easier for people needing help in their homes to find and employ a suitable assistant.

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Healthy living boost for Worcester’s over 50s

Over 50s with learning disabilities, who are based in Kidderminster, are to benefit from a programme of healthy lifestyle activities funded to the tune of £25,500, by the Worcestershire Partnership’s Health Improvement Fund.

The partnership brings together local government, health, learning providers, police, the probation service, voluntary and community organisations, and local businesses in Worcestershire.

The money has been given to local community organisation, the Odell Trust, which runs activities and services including healthy eating sessions, dental clinic sessions and blood pressure testing.

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