Page 1 of 23 Monthly Bulletin 42 November 2012: Monthly Bulletin 42 This update includes articles on the following topics: ecdp news 1. ecdp takes Essex Unite to Government 2. ecdp supporting Department of Health on Personal Health Budgets 3. ecdp’s 15 th Annual General Meeting 4. Free training for disabled employers and their PAs in Thurrock Empowering the employer Personal Assistant Training local news November 2012 Dear Members, Over the last three years, ecdp has been working with Essex County Council and OPM to evaluate the impact of Personal Budgets. This week, the final results of this long term study will be published. You can read more about this in the national news section of the bulletin, on page 10. On page 3 you can read an update on ecdp’s unique employment programme, Essex Unite, which is now in its fifth week. Last week, two young people on the programme were invited to meet the Minister for Disabled People to talk about role models for disabled people. This month we will be holding our Annual General Meeting. All members are invited to attend and hear about the work the organisation has
Welcome message from author
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
Page 1 of 14
Monthly Bulletin 42
November 2012: Monthly Bulletin 42
This update includes articles on the following topics:
ecdp news
1. ecdp takes Essex Unite to Government
2. ecdp supporting Department of Health on Personal Health Budgets
3. ecdp’s 15th Annual General Meeting
4. Free training for disabled employers and their PAs in Thurrock
Empowering the employer
Personal Assistant Training
local news
5. Activities for young disabled people in Essex
6. DIS – A new way to deliver personal aspirations
November 2012
Dear Members,
Over the last three years, ecdp has been working with Essex County Council and OPM to evaluate the impact of Personal Budgets.
This week, the final results of this long term study will be published. You can read more about this in the national news section of the bulletin, on page 10.
On page 3 you can read an update on ecdp’s unique employment programme, Essex Unite, which is now in its fifth week. Last week, two young people on the programme were invited to meet the Minister for Disabled People to talk about role models for disabled people.
This month we will be holding our Annual General Meeting. All members are invited to attend and hear about the work the organisation has been doing in the last year to enhance the everyday lives of disabled people. You will also have the opportunity to share your thoughts about ecdp’s work in the future, shaping our new strategy. Information about the AGM is available on page 5.
Members will know that we have been working closely with Skills for Care to ensure people employing care and support staff have access
November 2012: Monthly Bulletin 42
Page 2 of 14
Monthly Bulletin 42 – November 2012
national news
7. The impact of Personal Budgets
8. EHRC launch final disability related harassment report
9. Local authority support for people who employ personal assistants – report launched
10. Share your experience of Learning Difference with TOTKO
11. Working with Skills for Care
to the support and tools they need to do this successfully. We have now finished this work but on page 14 you can read an update about the ways in which you can get involved with Skills for Care and access the support they offer.
We look forward to seeing you at the AGM!
Best wishes,
Faye SavageLived Experience Officer
We welcome member contributions to the bulletin, our website and the ecdp magazine. If you would like to write something, or comment on any of the articles in this edition of the bulletin, please get in touch with us using the details below.
If you have missed a previous email bulletin, they are all available on our website: ecdp monthly email bulletin.
Telephone: 01245 392 300Email: [email protected]: Ivan Peck House, 1 Russell Way,Chelmsford, Essex CM1 3AA
Page 3 of 14
ecdp takes Essex Unite to Government
Last month we launched our innovative new work experience scheme for disabled people, Essex Unite. We are running the programme in partnership with the private sector organisation, MITIE and with companies across Essex who have offered placements to 15 disabled people.
The aim of the scheme is to support disabled people to gain valuable work experience and help them to gain or extend their skills in order to get into paid work.
The Essex Uniters are now 4 weeks into their work placements, and through regular phone calls and visits, receive support from peers at ecdp.
Sebastian Fontenelle and Leanne Morley, two participants of Essex Unite recently took part in a discussion with the Minister for Disabled People, Esther McVey on how role models can inspire young disabled people.
In the afternoon Iain Duncan Smith, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions popped by to thank everyone for their help and support (see pictures on the right).
For more about the Essex Unite programme see the Essex Unite page on the ecdp website.
November 2012: Monthly Bulletin 42
ecdp news
Photographers wanted!
ecdp is looking for volunteer photographers to take pictures at events and to help us build up our photo bank for publications and the website.
If you are interested in using your photography skills to help us out, please call 01245 392 324 and speak to Faye or email [email protected].
November 2012: Monthly Bulletin 42
Page 4 of 14
ecdp supporting Department of Health on Personal Health Budgets
ecdp is delighted to be working with the Department of Health on its work on Personal Health Budgets (PHBs).
Personal Health Budgets allow people to have more choice, flexibility and control over the health services and care they receive. They draw upon Personal Budgets in social care, which ecdp has considerable experience of, especially in supporting people to ensure they have as much choice and control as possible over the care and support they receive.
The Department of Health has asked ecdp to capture the information, advice and guidance people need to make the most of the opportunity of Personal Health Budgets. We will develop guidance for people responsible for implementing PHBs so that they know the best way of offering information, advice and guidance to people. We will also be working in detail in one area to develop the information offer, as well as understand how well websites and other forms of giving information work in practice.
This work is just starting, and we will keep you up-to-date as it progresses. In the meantime, you can read an article we’ve written that captures our 7 top lessons from working on Personal Budgets in social care for people developing Personal Health Budgets, on our website: 7 practical suggestions to help Personal Health Budgets succeed for everyone.
ecdp news
November 2012: Monthly Bulletin 42
Page 5 of 14
ecdp’s 15th Annual General Meeting
ecdp’s 15th Annual General Meeting (for 2011/12) will be held on Wednesday 21 November 2012 at the Millennium Hall Great Baddow, Chelmsford CM2 9RL. The meeting will start at 2pm and finish at 5pm after a buffet, where there will be an opportunity to network with other members and ecdp staff.
Full details of the day are available on our website, including the letter and notice sent to members plus a reply slip for members to book their place.
So that we can make the necessary arrangements, such as providing for any access needs, we need to know in good time if you will be coming to the AGM. If you have not already done so, please use the reply slip, available on the website, or request a booking form by contacting us on 01245 392 300. Alternatively, you can confirm your attendance via email: using [email protected].
Please ensure we have your booking form by Monday 12 November 2012 at the latest.
Following the AGM, we will be holding an interactive session to discuss the planning for ecdp’s next strategic plan to be launched next year.
Once again, we look forward to welcoming you on the day.
ecdp news
November 2012: Monthly Bulletin 42
Page 6 of 14
ecdp running free training for disabled employers and their PAs in Thurrock
ecdp and Thurrock Borough Council are running two free training courses, for disabled people who employ staff and for their Personal Assistants. Details of both courses are below:
Empowering the Employer: Training for disabled people who employ personal assistants.
This peer-led workshop covers a range of skills needed as a PA employer, including:
Rights and needs – examining how Human Rights and physical and emotional needs are linked and why it is important to get your needs met.
Resolution – resolving difficult situations and elements of compromise when managing a PA.
Behavioural types – approaches to working with different types of people.
How disciplinary and dismissal procedures work – what you need to have in place.
Appropriate record keeping – A list of legal and necessary paperwork needed to maintain Direct Payments/Personal Budgets.
The training for employers will be repeated two more times on 22 November and 21 January and will start at 10.30 and end at 15.30.
Personal Assistant Training: Training for Personal Assistants who support disabled or older people.
This workshop covers a range of information and skills needed as a PA, including:
Equality Act 2010 – basics of the Act and how it relates to being a PA.
ecdp news
November 2012: Monthly Bulletin 42
Page 7 of 14
Safeguarding – recognising abuse and what you can do to stop it.
Employer’s responsibilities – the responsibilities of your employer to you as their employee.
Best working practice – good practice and how you can be a great PA.
Lone working – risks and how to keep safe. Dignity in care – what is dignity and why it is important in PA
work?
The training for Personal Assistants will be repeated two more times, on 23 November and 23 January and will start at 10.30 and end at 15.30.
If you or your PA are interested in participating, please contact Faye Savage at ecdp: 01245 214 023 or email: [email protected].
ecdp news
Could you be an ecdp Trustee?
Could you help set the strategic direction at ecdp – a leading Disabled People’s User Led Organisation (DPULO) – which serves, and represents, the interests of disabled people in Essex and beyond?
We are a charity and company limited by guarantee and are looking for people to join our existing Board of Trustees/Directors.
To find out more, please contact the Companies and Charity Secretary, Margaret Watchorn ([email protected] ) or telephone 07546 597044.
Page 8 of 14
Activities for young disabled people in Essex
InterAct run activities for young disabled people (aged 13-18) in the Chelmsford, Basildon, Brentwood, Braintree, Colchester and Tendring areas and aim to provide an enjoyable way for young people to learn and practice skills while socialising with their friends.
On the ecdp website is a programme with the details of InterAct events for the next 2 months. If you want to attend any of these events, please complete this booking form.
For further information about InterAct’s activity and events programme please contact them by phone 01245 608201 or email [email protected].
November 2012: Monthly Bulletin 42
local news
Help judges make the right decisions in disability cases
There are opportunities available for individuals who work with disabled people in their profession or as a volunteer, or who are disabled themselves, to work with judges to help ensure the right decisions are made in benefits appeals cases involving disability.
There are vacancies for Fee-Paid Disability Member roles to sit as judicial office holders in the First-tier Tribunal, Social Entitlement Chamber. These roles involve working on a panel, with a judge and a medically qualified member, to analyse the evidence and reach a decision on the effects of disability and entitlement to benefits.
For more information about these roles, please see the ecdp website. The closing date for applications is 12 November.
November 2012: Monthly Bulletin 42
Page 9 of 14
DIS – A new way to deliver personal aspirations An article from DIS, the Disability Inclusion Society…
With the backing of Essex Social Services, Basildon Council and MP Stephen Metcalf, the Disability Inclusion Society (DIS) was born.
In a nutshell DIS work with small groups of disabled and non-disabled individuals on community projects. Working alongside our three trained and experienced artists up to seven individuals can attend our sessions run throughout Basildon.
In the sessions we work on community projects, which could include decorating community halls, maintaining an elderly persons gardens’ or maintaining Basildon District Volunteer Carers fleet of wheelchairs to name but a few.
DIS works with most people who either have a physical, sensory, cognitive or developmental disability or multiple impairments. We meet all people who are interested in joining DIS to find out what they like and don’t and what adjustments we will need to make to meet the needs of everyone working with us.
DIS are currently looking for individuals aged 18 and upwards (no upwards limit) who are looking to participate in fun, exciting and worthwhile projects in and around Basildon. They are able to accommodate people with the widest range of disabilities. DIS would like to offer a free taster session for all those interested in finding out more. To book this please contact us on 07914334892 or email us on [email protected]
After your taster session the programme costs will be £55 for a half day and £90 for the whole day including transportation (subject to location).
local news
Page 10 of 14
The impact of Personal Budgets
At ecdp we’ve been working in partnership with OPM and Essex County Council on a three year research project to explore the impact of Personal Budgets on service users in Essex.
One of the key findings of this study has been the huge variety of benefits we’ve seen Personal Budgets enabling service users to access. These benefits range from a greater sense of empowerment and self esteem, to access to better quality, flexible and consistent care. However, an equally interesting finding from the research is the ways which Personal Budgets have been shown to have a positive impact on the friends and families of service users.
Many family members reported how the care and support they purchased through Personal Budgets has eased their caring responsibilities and given them much needed time to themselves during their daily lives. They described how they are now able to live fuller lives, by, for example, taking part in leisure activities, socialising with friends or just simply running errands. Some have even been able to plan holidays and go back to part-time work.
The full report will be available on the ecdp website, but before it is released you can watch 3 short films illustrating the effect Personal Budgets have had on specific people with social care needs in Essex, via the links below:
Simon’s StoryNicola’s Story Tim’s Story
If you would like to speak to OPM about Personal Budgets or any of the issues raised in this post, please contact [email protected] or you can contact Faye at ecdp: [email protected].
November 2012: Monthly Bulletin 42
national news
November 2012: Monthly Bulletin 42
Page 11 of 14
EHRC launches final disability related harassment report
‘Out in the open: a manifesto for change’ was published by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) at the end of October. This report follows ‘Hidden in plain sight’, which was published following the conclusion of the EHRC’s major inquiry into disability related harassment.
‘Out in the open’ includes a summary of agencies’ formal responses to the disability related harassment inquiry and finalises the recommendations made in 7 strategic areas by the original report.
The UK government published its formal response to Hidden in plain sight on 17 July 2012. It refers to a number of significant new policy or legislative approaches that have been or will be influenced by the inquiry’s recommendations.
When the original report was published, ecdp noted some of the similarities between the recommendations we made following our disability hate crime report, which ecdp coproduced with members and published in May 2011. You can listen to them in an audioboo on our website.
ecdp is continuing to work with Essex Police and other key agencies around disability hate crime. For more information on this work, please contact Faye, ecdp’s Lived Experience Officer: [email protected].
The ‘Out in the open’ report is embedded below and is also available to read on the EHRC website.
national news
November 2012: Monthly Bulletin 42
Page 12 of 14
Local authority support for people who employ personal assistants –report launched
A research report into what local authorities across England are doing to support people who employ personal assistants has been launched.
Skills for Care, the Association of Directors of Adult Services (ADASS) and Learn to Care came together to produce ‘Better understanding of levels of support for individual employers and their personal assistants (PAs)’. The report was commissioned to find out more about how local authorities support more than 170,000 individual employers and their personal assistants, who now make up around a fifth of the adult social care workforce. It points to the leadership role that local authorities have as commissioners in developing local markets. It also makes it clear that local authority partnerships with direct payment support and user led organisations are crucial to embed personalisation. One of the areas highlighted was the need for more support and information for PAs plus more learning and development opportunities for this growing part of the workforce. The three organisations make very clear recommendations that local authorities and key partners can begin to implement. An advice note for local authorities was also launched setting out the minimum standards of support for individual employers and personal assistants backed by examples of good practice.
This article is continued on the ecdp website.
national news
November 2012: Monthly Bulletin 42
Page 13 of 14
Share your experience of Learning Difference with TOTKO
TOTKO (takes one to know one) is a not-for-profit organisation that supports, informs, and connects with all people affected by learning disabilities, difficulties, or differences.
They provide services in schools, businesses, and our own community, to challenge the way learning disabilities are viewed.
As part of their work to facilitate discussion and awareness about conditions such as Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia, ADHD and forms of Autism, they are running a short survey: TOTKO survey.
For more information about TOTKO, please see their website, or find them on Twitter @hellototko.
national news
Are your CRB checks up to date for your employees?
If you employ Personal Assistants (PAs) or carers, you may wish to take advantage of ecdp’s fast and efficient CRB service.
If you employ a PA and use ecdp’s payroll services you will not be charged an administration fee to process your CRB applications.
While the CRB fees for all disclosures still apply, ecdp can arrange this payment for you direct from your account with us.
For any other employers, ecdp has recently reduced the fee you will pay, making it even cheaper to CRB check your staff through us.
For more information, please contact the ecdp Admin Team on 01245 392310 or email [email protected]
November 2012: Monthly Bulletin 42
Page 14 of 14
Working with Skills for Care
Share your information through the NMDS
Skills for Care run the National Minimum Data Set for Social Care. This helps them gather information about the adult social care workforce – including Personal Assistants – so they can help the government make decisions about policy and funding for the social care workforce. It also helps local councils – like Essex County Council – to know what the workforce issues are in their area.
To help Skills for Care, you can sign up to the National Minimum Data Set for Social Care. To do this, you can follow the instructions here: Signing up to the National Minimum data Set for Social Care
Join the Skills for Care Advisory Group
The Department of Health has given Skills for Care the job of implementing the Personal Assistant Framework. In undertaking this task it is very important to Skills for Care that we take advantage of the widest possible consultation. To do this they have set up a Sector Advisory Group.
Members of this group will have many roles including informing directing and advising on how the work around the PA Framework should be done. There are no limitations to who can join the group and there are no expectations as to how much time and involvement volunteers can give to the task. It is also up to volunteers to decide which areas they are most interested in getting involved with.
If you would be interested in learning more and/or registering your interest in being part of the Sector Advisory Group please contact Skills for Care on [email protected] or 0113 241 1275.
national news
Related Documents
