It is 10 years since the abuse of people with learning disabilities and autistic people by staff members at an independent sector ‘specialist’ inpatient unit, Winterbourne View.

A group of families with relatives who were at Winterbourne View have published their family stories in a report called Tea, smiles and empty promises reflecting on the last ten years for them since the Winterbourne View scandal.

Responding to child victims of modern slavery presents unique challenges for practitioners working on the frontline. 

This child specific programme seeks to build on what you already know as a First Responder and/or Safeguarding Partner. The programme covers child-specific indicators of modern slavery, while also taking a closer look at forms of exploitation that are particularly prevalent. The programme will guide the learner through the safeguarding and NRM referral processes, exploring best practice and the specific knowledge required to respond to child cases of modern slavery. 

Making Safeguarding Personal (MSP) is the key to understanding how we undertake Safeguarding Adults enquires. It means that we will always try to fully involve the person affected by the concern as much as possible throughout the enquiry.  In Cumbria we ask that adults or their advocates help us to complete the Making Safeguarding Personal feedback questionnaire to inform us as to how effective we were at listening and ensuring they are involved in the enquiry.

Cumbria is consistently one of the top outliers across the North West region gathering feedback from adults (or their advocates) who have been through the safeguarding process.  During the period January – March 2021 Adult Social Care practitioners gathered feedback from 91% of adults with 92% confirming their outcomes were either "fully" or "partially" achieved.

Thanks to all our practitioners who ensure that safeguarding is personal and supporting adults to provide feedback.

You can access more information about Making Safeguarding Personal (MSP) here 

The Department of Health & Social Care’s guidance for care homes and for visitors has now been updated to reflect changes from 19th July 2021.  

It makes clear that despite the removal of (most) legal restrictions on gatherings, face masks, etc, life for those in care homes and supported living placements will not return to how it was before March 2020.

The guidance continues to provide the framework through which care homes will make their decisions about visitors and reflects the changes in the public health environment, and also the impact of the work of bodies such as the Joint Committee on Human Rights.

People are being encouraged to send messages to local care home residents this summer to help tackle loneliness. With travel abroad limited, more people than ever will be out and about exploring closer to home, the perfect opportunity to share your favourite places with someone and brighten their day.

Cards for Kindness is now in its fourth year, helping to reduce isolation in care homes across Lancashire and Cumbria. This year's campaign is particularly important as people are getting fewer visits because of the Covid-19 restrictions. Receiving these postcards helps to promote a feeling of connection to the local community, as well as initiating conversations about the landmarks among the residents and bringing back happy memories.

Taking part is easy, simply address your postcard to residents and pop it in the post.

All the materials, including post cards to print out, are available on the Healthier Lancashire and South Cumbria website.

Addresses of all the care homes involved and instructions on how to take part are available here.