“Our new Kidz Unlimited website complements Whizz-Kidz’s offline training, and hosts interactive elearning modules and video topics featuring young disabled people themselves. The friendly sessions support young disabled people with advice – expressed in the language and voices of their peers. Topics include dealing with your feelings, food and fitness, and relationships.

Also on the site is our ‘Ambassador Forum’ which we designed to be somewhere safe for young people to talk to one another about issues important to them, in a different medium than they might speak to their friends on Facebook or other social media.

We’ve had several hundred unique visitors in the first week or so of launching, and are on track to hit our end target registered users for 2011 (around 1,000 young people).”Ruth Giller Project Manager Kidz Unlimited

The site has been reviewed by the NSPCC and steps have been taken to ensure young people will be safe whilst chatting online, including a forum moderator at Whizz-Kidz and links to the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre, where young people can report inappropriate online behaviour.

Impressively the project has not cost Whizz-Kidz any of its voluntary income to produce. The website portal was funded by Accenture; three eLearning modules including Healthy Living were funded by the Department of Health’s Innovation Excellence and Strategic Development Fund; and additional video production such as the wheelchair skills guides were made in conjunction with the BBC’s training academy Connect & Create.

http://www.kidz-unlimited.org.uk/

Tags: disability, free online learning, whizzkidz

For over 2 years I have been running my blog http://martynsibley.com/. I enjoy writing articles, tweeting, sharing videos and pictures on my life: some would say a life less ordinary, while others would not feel the need to clarify. Having a disability; always striving for new challenges and living life to the full; my articles often highlight the lighter/social side to life. Having gained a masters degree, travelled to Australia, learnt to drive a car with my hands and now living independently in London; I have crammed a lot in to my 28 years. My website mantra is inspire, inform and change.

I have always said how grateful I am for those who fought for and won independence for disabled people 20+ years ago. Moreover, I remain ever grateful to those campaigning on prevalent issues today. I have also dipped my toe in the political writing arena http://www.disabilitynow.org.uk/have-your-say/guest-column/putting-the-personal-into-personal-care and attended political marches http://martynsibley.com/the-professionals-video-from-the-march

For the past 2 months I have been self-employed (having worked for Scope in various capacities for 5 years) and I’m now running my own online projects for disabled people. Beyond my blog I co-launched the disability magazine http://disabilityhorizons.com/, created a series of ‘webinars’ (online seminars) http://martynsibley.com/online-learning and have other ‘new media’ plans.

The webinars are being run for my social media audience, and also in partnership with Hackney council http://www.hackney.gov.uk/disability-webinars.htm and Scope http://www.scope.org.uk/news/blogs/martyns-blog/free-disability-webinars (for their respective service users). Each series has 5 topics, which vary with each contract, and include: being a parent to a disabled child, a session for disabled teenagers, giving assistance with independent living (accessible housing, equipment, care and finance), accessing local leisure and world travel. In one hour the attendee can log on from home (or their nearest computer), absorb the 45 minute presentation I deliver and then ask specific questions in the 15 minute Q&A session. They see my screen and therefore can view powerpoint slides, websites, word documents and other useful/relevant materials. Meanwhile I explain all by talking into a microphone.

The benefits are seen by free attendance, useful information on a manner of disability related topics, personal goals to be taken away and my own theory which can be applied to all future concerns. To sign up and try one for yourself please click here http://martynsibley.com/online-learning

So, what is the theory I mentioned? It is called the Disability Diamond Theory. I created this theory because I could see the need for a disability model that focuses on an individuals’ impairment, needs, aspirations and life choices. It also encourages disabled people to aim higher, helps them along with some useful resources and explains my philosophy too. By my own admission it derives from personal experiences and is not an academic thesis. My experiences have, however, been influenced by many other disabled people and my only professional work was in the disability sector. A pretty solid foundation to write such a book I hope.

It is free to download here http://martynsibley.com/philosophy. My vision is that the Disability Diamond Theory will encourage disabled people (especially the next generation) to use the resources available (that were not around 20+ years ago) and excel in life.

I would love for you to read this ebook and feedback your views – good, bad or indifferent http://martynsibley.com/give-me-a-shout

Martyn Sibley – Managing Director Sunnier Days Ltd

Website - http://martynsibley.com/

Online magazine - http://disabilityhorizons.com/

Email - martyn@martynsibley.com

Tags: advocacy, digital engagement, disability, Disability Diamond Theory, social care

Mary Baker founder of DropBy

Social Networking and the over 60s may sound an unusual combination. However, the latest Nielsen research finds that overall membership of existing social network sites has grown significantly between 2009 and 2011 and that use by older people has grown more than twice as fast.

DropBy is a social website for the over 60s to keep in touch with family, friends and interest groups. DropBy is very much part of the Big Society and is an enabling force for family and community communications. In the longer term it could become a life-line for those who live alone or who feel isolated.

The website provides a safe hub for older people to communicate and interact with their families and friends even if they cannot leave the house. It is also proving to be a friendly place where carers can share their frustrations and make new friends.

Tags: DropBy, online communities, social care, social media

Angela Catley

The providers of high quality care and support services are eager to show that what they offer is valued by customers, their families and supporters. Care and support choices are increasingly being made by people and not local authorities and we need ways of ‘badging’ or accrediting providers that takes this into account. The new Quality Mark developed by Community Catalysts could offer the answer.

Community Catalysts works with people with good ideas, offering the help they need to get their new enterprise established. This has the knock on effect of providing greater choice for people who need care and support to live their lives kind of “market shaping from the bottom up”

Evidence from our work is that lots of enterprises are not covered by local contracts or care regulation and as a result are unable to get ‘registered’ or ‘approved’ as care services were in the past. Others spend time and money jumping through the hoops necessary for registration or approval only to find these don’t have a focus on the quality issues that users and families are looking for. There are a plethora of new and emerging systems and initiatives which are attempting to address the quality issue but are not designed to work for the kind of small and/or quirky service providers that users are looking to purchase from.

The Quality Mark gives providers access to advice and information before assessing their systems and paper documents. It also recognises that all the paperwork in the world will not guarantee that the service will deliver good outcomes for customers and uses very simple feedback systems to allow people to say what they think about the service they have received. An independent Citizen Panel makes recommendations as to whether the provider should gain the quality mark awards

The system is designed to be accessible to as wide a range of providers as possible. We hope that providers and councils in other areas will be interested in using it and will be licensing its use in order to offer more comprehensive and continuing support.

We believe that people will appreciate this simple but robust approach to tackling the very real issues we face in this new (but a little confusing) personalised world of care.

About the author  Angela is the Director of Operations at Community Catalysts, an organisation that works to harness the talents of people and communities to provide high quality small scale and local support services. Angela began her career as a nurse for people with a learning disability, moving on to manage nursing, residential and day services and supported living projects.

For more information about the Quality Mark contact Angela  angela.catley@communitycatalysts.co.uk

Tags: adult social care, Community Catalysts, evaluating care services, micro providers, personalisation, Quality Mark

“We don’t want to be ‘Left Out In The Cold’ ”, say Britain’s disabled people.  On the eve of the second reading of the government’s controversial Welfare Reform Bill on 9th March, a stark image of disabled campaigner Kaliya Franklin aims to convey how vulnerable some of the bills proposals will leave sick and disabled people across the UK.

The photograph depicts a naked Franklin lying on the sand on a wintry beach, next to her empty wheelchair.

Just like Franklin’s wheelchair in the image, social care and support will be left out of reach for many of those most in need if these reforms go ahead, literally leaving many “Left Out in the Cold.”

“We decided to use one thought provoking image to make our point,” explains Franklin. “Sick and disabled people are often left voiceless in society, so we hoped using a single image might reflect this.”

Says Franklin, “It’s vital we all remember we are just an accident or illness away from becoming disabled. Many people think if they do become disabled that the state will look after them.

“But the fact is that even under current provisions, disability benefits are not enough for disabled people to live on. If the Welfare Reform Bill is passed, the situation will become unimaginably worse.”

In January, Franklin released a video on YouTube that explained how able-bodied people would be in for a major shock if they found themselves needing to apply for disability benefits. The video can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7EXSpmrVMU.

The Broken of Britain group has been campaigning since summer 2010 to raise awareness of the government’s wider anti-disability policies. The group has consistently drawn attention to disabled people being the target of unjust government rhetoric and sham consultations, tabloid slander and political myths.

It says: “We are now the targets of deep and damaging cuts to disability services that are contained in and symbolised by the Welfare Reform Bill. The Bill disguises cuts and changes to a number of benefits, from housing benefit to Income Support that will punish disabled people.”

Tags: disability, social justice, social work and social care, the Broken of Britain campaign

Gordon Chapman

Deaf people who use British Sign Language (BSL) have traditionally gone to their social worker whenever they had a problem. That is because the social worker understood the needs of deaf people and, more importantly could communicate fluently in BSL.
The absence of post qualifying training has resulted in the absence of social workers willing to work with deaf people. Despite the desire to see a specialist social work service retained, we have to face reality and concentrate on how we can support deaf people more effectively.
Taking into account that most of deaf people’s problems arise directly from their poor language skills and the resultant communication problems, it makes sense to concentrate on how to overcome these in the first instance.
The use of online interpreting services over the Internet provides a simple and low cost solution. By having a computer with a webcam and broadband access in the duty room, you can deal with any query immediately. Similarly, a social worker can take a netbook with a 3G dongle with them when visiting clients.
We have worked very closely with North Lanarkshire Council and have a very successful model which has been very effective in removing the deaf community’s dependence upon social work and shared the burden across the whole of the Council. I believe the time has come for all Local Authorities to look at Online Interpreting and consider using video technology to overcome the communication barrier with deaf people. Sign on Screen is an online interpreting facility which makes access to a qualified British Sign Language interpreter available to anyone, anywhere at any time.  

About the author: Gordon Chapman is Chief Executive of Deaf Connections the oldest charity established for Deaf people in Scotland. He is a child of deaf parents and grew up in a bilingual environment. Gordon is a qualified social worker and registered Sign Language Interpreter and he has been Chief Executive of Deaf Connections since 1983 .

Follow @DeafConnections on twitter and join the Deaf Connections facebook group

Tags: Deaf Connections, Gordon Chapman, online interpreting services, Social Work

“Whose Shoes? was the winner of the national Dragon’s Den style “Thinking outside the Box” event in Newcastle.

About the author Gill Phillips has 30 years experience in social care. She became passionate about the personalisation agenda while working for Coventry City Council as Service Manager, Performance Improvement. Wishing to pursue innovative ways of engaging people, Gill established Nutshell Communications Ltd and developed Whose Shoes?  She gives lively, challenging talks and workshops across the UK. Contact Gill through her website  www.nutshellcomms.co.uk and follow her on twitter @WhoseShoes

Whose Shoes? is featured as a “good practice” example in the Department of Health: Putting People First Communications Toolkit:
Watch the lovely Whose Shoes? videos

Tags: encouraging innovation, personalisation, social care, workforce engagement

My parents belief in social justice has been a guiding force in my professional and personal life. The care they received at the end of their life was important to me, my family and our friends. With over thirty years experience in the care sector I was able to navigate and understand what often seem to be very complex systems and information. I hope that these  posts will help the many people confronting a similar dilemma about finding good quality residential care for people who have been affected by Dementia and Alzheimer’s.  

 I am currently developing the Click Guide to Personalisation which brings together online resources for professionals supporting adults receiving care services. For the benefit of carers, relatives and social entrepreneurs developing new services, the Guide will now include further information about how adult social care services work, and the roles of the various national, regional and local bodies.

Dear Shirley,

I am the sole carer of my mother who suffers from Dementia with Alzheimer’s.  After several years of caring for her in her own home I find myself physically and emotionally exhausted and in my forties I can see the rest of my life mapped out for me if I don’t take action now.  I am looking for an outstanding home to care, engage and love her. I have explored all publicly available sites for information but only two places have inspired me in their approach which are Spring Mount in Bradford and Merevale near Birmingham, both of which are full to capacity and have waiting lists.  Those homes that I have visited do not cut the mustard or are protectionist and will not signpost me to good practice elsewhere.  So I am hoping you can help.
My mother is in good physical health, is involved in daily tasks of life and living and is a creative, gentle spirit.  We live in London but ultimately I’m willing to place her outside London if this ensures she gets the best possible care and am willing to travel.
I do hope you can help to sign post me in the right direction. If you are unable to do so, perhaps you know of someone who can help me, with unbiased information that I can research further? Its a mine field and I’ve discovered that the CQC rating is a pile of crock.  In helping me you will go a long way to supporting my duty of care towards my mother, who you can imagine is the most precious person in my life and who deserves the best care possible.  She is Asian too so any culturally specific places could be worth exploring.  I’ve looked at a few in XXXXXXX which are very institutionalised.

Kind regards and in anticipation,
K

Dear K,
Thanks for your email and I understand the challenges you are facing. My mother had dementia, she was precious to us all and we loved her dearly. We fought long and hard to find the right home for her when she could no longer be cared for at home. In my experience the care provided is very dependent on the manager and we eventually found a place for my mother at XXXX (NB The name of the home has been deleted following my discussions with the Care Quality Commission which will be reported in the next post). A brilliant home with a committed manager and an excellent example of best practice. We did have to fight with the local authority who were more concerned about a single room being available and the cost rather than the philosophy and approach underpinning the care.
 
I believe that as our knowledge and expectations increase about what is appropriate care for people with dementia we, as a society, have to challenge inadequate and bad practice. But I also see the potential for conflict with the budget cuts being used as an excuse for justifying the lack of improvements which need to be addressed by strong leadership, staff training and supervision.
 
I would have recommended Spring Mount in Bradford and Merevale near Birmingham but since they were highlighted in TV programmes I guess it is understandable that they now have long waiting lists. Have you been in contact with the national charities representing people who have dementia and carers?
 
You may have picked up that I am a keen advocate of the potential of social networking to improve care standards. With your consent and without identifying you or your mother I would like to post the content of your email across a number of professional networking forums and on my website to highlight the issues you raise in your email and to see what homes would be recommended. Do let me know whether this is an idea you would be happy for me to pursue.
 
As a matter of professional curiosity can I ask why you contacted me?
 
With all good wishes
 
Shirley

I would really welcome feedback about the issues raised in this post, recommendations for care homes which provide “person centred” dementia care and thoughts about any websites which provide an “Amazon” style ratings system locally, regionally, nationally or internationally.

About Shirley Ayres Consulting

Tags: Alzheimer’s, care homes, care quality commission, choice and control, Click Guide to Personalisation, dementia, personalisation, social care, workforce development

The new regulations for Direct Payments came into force on the 9th of November 2009. To coincide with this change, Cheryl Lewis and Marcia White, on behalf of the Department of Health Personalisation team, have thoroughly overhauled the Direct Payments Solution set. It can now be located in the Personalisation toolkit under the topic heading Direct Payments. Click here

The Direct Payments Solution Set is an online resource aimed at sharing what works through examples and resources produced by people with experience. It will help others promote and provide direct payments, both where personal budgets are available and where they have yet to be introduced.  The Solution Set will be updated regularly.

In conjunction with the Direct Payments Solution Set, the Direct Payments Uptake Group DP is a private group to enable members of all regional Direct Payments groups to share a single message space. Click here to join the DP Solution Set Yahoo Group

Did you know about the DH Care Networks? This very useful online resource provides information around integration and whole system reform, housing with care, assistive technology and partnership working. Click here for more information

Shirley Ayres Consulting, in conjunction with Cheryl Lewis, have developed a Direct Payments Training programme for managers and staff to explore how Direct Payments support Personalisation, Self Directed Support, Individual Budgets and Personal Budgets. For more information contact info@shirleyayresconsulting.co.uk

Tags: cheryl lewis, Department of Health, DH Care Networks, Direct Payments, personalisation, Putting People First, research, Resource Allocation System, Self Directed Support, shirley ayres consulting, Social Work

Now in its third year the mental health social work CPD conference is definitely worth attending. Organised by the Institute of Psychiatry (King’s College London) and Making Research Count you will have the opportunity to hear about the latest research and practice and join in the debate about the future direction of mental health social work.

The secondment of adult mental health social workers into NHS trusts and the separation of children and adult social services has increased the gulf between children’s and adults’

practitioners. At a time of increased media attention on the profession, now is an opportune moment to reflect on an enduring strength of social work – its holistic approach to children, adults, families and communities.

Parallel workshops will explore research and practice in the following areas:

Early intervention in psychosis

Approved Mental Health Professional training

Effective social work practice with children & adults

Practitioner research

Stigma and discrimination

Assessments of children

Working with men sexually abused in childhood

Social capital and social work

Learning disabilities and self-harm

User involvement and inter-professional working

International social work

Case consultation – live!

Speakers include:

Prof Jill Manthorpe (Professor of Social Work, King’s College London): Personalisation and mental health services

Prof Michael Sheppard (Professor of Social Work, University of Plymouth): The significance of service user coping to practice

Dr Mike Slade (Reader in Health Services Research, Institute of Psychiatry): Recovery: A challenge for all mental health professionals

Booking information

Fees:

EARLY BIRD RATE £80 – for bookings received before 5th June

£120 – for bookings received after 5th June

£40 – social work students

A limited number of free places are available for service users and carers.

For further information and to book your place visit http://www.iop.kcl.ac.uk/events/?id=737

I look forward to meeting you there!

Tags: advanced social work practice, connecting children and adults, mental health conference, research papers, social work cpd