£1.7m project to transform education in west Cumbria WELL underway

A transformative education programme has been launched which aims to raise standards in every classroom in west Cumbria.The Western Excellence in Learning and Leadership (WELL) programme aims to improve teaching, enhance health and wellbeing, and close the attainment gap for disadvantaged children.

It has been developed by Cumbria County Council and the Cumbria Alliance of System Leaders (CASL), with £1.7m of funding being provided by Sellafield Ltd and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.

+ READ MORE ABOUT THE WELL PROGRAMME

Think Family pathfinder aims to protect children at risk

As part of the council's Thriving Communities programme a new pathfinder project has launched in west Cumbria. The Think Family project brings together a multi-agency team to work rapidly and intensively with children at significant risk of harm and their families. If successful the approach could be rolled out more widely.

+ MORE INFORMATION IN JULY'S TEAM BRIEF

Working groups to progress SEND recommendations

Following the recent Ofsted/CQC inspection of SEND services six new working groups have been established to take forward the local area's response to the report recommendations. As well representatives from agencies, members of the Cumbria Parent Carer Forum have been invited to participate. The working group will report back to the Cumbria SEND Partnership Improvement Board. The groups are

• Working Group One – Understanding of Local Need
• Working Group Two – Commissioning and Access to provision
• Working Group Three – Engagement and Co-production
• Working Group Four – Transition 
• Working Group Five – Emotional Health and wellbeing
• Working Group Six – SEN Support

+ MORE INFORMATION IN JULY'S TEAM BRIEF

Adult Social Care redesign update from Cath Whalley, Assistant Director Adults

"Since the last edition of People News, I have been working with the leadership team to review all the feedback you submitted during consultation. Over 350 separate pieces of feedback – which is just incredible – and may well be a record!

"Over the last 2 weeks we have been working flat out to update all the role profiles – and are now very close to completing what will be the final structure. The structure has evolved since we launched reshaping back in March 2019. It has been very important to me from the outset to work collaboratively with you – and for you to have your say on reshaping adult social care. I hope you will feel that this has been reflected when I come out to deliver the final structure in the coming weeks.

"In terms of next steps, next week is a busy week - all the role profiles will be evaluated and the structure will be finalised and costed. I will be arranging to meet with Trade Union colleague to present this and discuss an implementation plan. I am keen to identify dates for calendars as soon as possible, when I will bring the final structure out to you – hopefully early July. I will also be planning in sessions for those teams working in Adult Social Care, but who are not in scope for this phase of reshaping."

Last chance to apply for new Social Work Degree Apprenticeship 

Cumbria County Council has been working in partnership with the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) to provide this new course, which is available to People employees who are involved in direct work with children and adults.

The new Social Work Degree Apprenticeship (SWDA) will lead to a BA Social Work (Hons) which provides eligibility to apply to join the social work register. The programme will begin in September 2019. 

The closing date has been extended and it will now close on Tuesday 18 June at 5pm.

+ FIND OUT MORE AND APPLY ON MY LEARNING

Council supports People First takeover

As part of National Learning Disabilities week People First are running the People First Takeover.

The takeover will provide and opportunity for people with a learning disability to spend the day shadowing someone who influences learning disability services.

Here at Cumbria County Council Mark Humble, Senior Commissioning Manager – Learning Disability, Mental Health and Autism is taking part. Mark will be shadowed tomorrow and will report back to share his learning from the experience. We look forward to finding out how it went!

Shared Lives gears up for speed dating night!

As well as running drop-in events around the county for those interested in becoming a Shared Lives carer, the team is hosting Cumbria's first Shared Lives speed dating event for people with a learning disability.

The event is aimed at anyone who is looking for friendship, or even love! We'll let you know how it goes in the next People News.

+  TO RESERVE A PLACE EMAIL SHARED.LIVES@CUMBRIA.GOV.UK

Shared Lives information events:

• Saturday 25 May 10am – 5pm – Kick Off 4 Mental Health, Hawcoat Park, Barrow
• Friday 14 June 10am – 12pm – Furness Carers 25th Anniversary, Hindpool Community Centre
• Monday 17 June 10am – 12pm – Barrow Library drop-in morning
• Tuesday 18 June 1pm – 4pm Grand Summer Fair hosted by Shared Lives Cumbria, Coronation Hall, Ulverston
• Thursday 20 June 10am – 2am – Shared Lives Cumbria stall at Ulverston Market
• Saturday 22 June 10am – 4pm – Kendal Unity Festival, Abbot Hall Park, Kendal

Supporting learning disabled people in sport and activity

This year NLDW is focused on Sport & Inclusion – but did you know that people with disabilities are nearly twice as likely to be inactive!

One in five people in England have a long-standing limiting disability or illness. Disabled people say they are nearly twice as likely to be physically inactive (44.91% in Cumbria), compared with non-disabled people (19.28% in Cumbria).

+ FIND OUT MORE ABOUT WHAT ACTIVE CUMBRIA ARE DOING TO HELP!

5-19 team focus on transition in latest newsletter

Public Health's 5-19 team are focusing on transition in this terms edition of their regular newsletter, particularly in relation to children moving from primary to secondary school. The newsletter contains useful feedback from survey of Year 6 pupils, providing insight into the things that would make transition easier. The edition also provides useful advice about emotional health and signposts to other useful resources.

+ READ TO NEWSLETTER

100% respected and listened to by Youth Offending Service

Our Youth Offending Service (YOS) have been gathering feedback from young service users and have produced a report to help them to analyse what those young people had to say.

The feedback was very positive with 905 saying the had received good support and 100% saying they felt respected, listened to and involved. One young person said:

“I have managed to get a job and have lots more confidence and am a lot happier"

The YOS will continue seek feedback from the young people they work with and they plan to do another report in six months time.

+ READ THE FULL REPORT FROM JUNE 2019

Cake sale and prizes to be won at Riverside House

Cumbria Care's Residential Care Home Riverside house is hosting a coffee afternoon. Council staff are invited along for music, cake and a raffle. Prizes include vouchers for restaurants and hair salons in Kendal. Come along for a chance to win!

Friday 28th June, 2pm- 4pm, Watsfield Road, Kendal, Cumbria, LA9 5JL

+ MORE INFO AVAILABLE FROM EMMA.KERSHAW@CUMBRIA.GOV.UK

Councillor Bell gives thanks to the county's carers

Cumbria County Council supported National Carers’ Week last week (between 10 and 16 June) with a variety of events which took place across the county.

National Carers Week offered an opportunity to highlight and recognise the achievements of carers and the huge contribution they make. Local events took place around the county with support from Cumbria County Council and Carers’ Organisations.

Whilst the caring role can be rewarding for those people who provide that support, Cumbria County Council also recognises that it can be challenging and it is vital that carers have access to the support they need. 

The Council’s Portfolio Holder for Health and Care Services, Cllr Patricia Bell, posted a video on social media to say thank you for the hard work that our carers do.

+ WATCH THE VIDEO OF CLLR BELL  

Youth council supporting their community & Unity Fair

Lakeland Youth Council members were hard at work on 1 June bag packing Kendal Asda in support of AWAZ and raised £214!

AWAZ Cumbria represents Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) People and Communities in Cumbria and they are organising the second Kendal Unity Festival on the 22nd June between 10am - 4pm at Abbot Hall Park, and admission is free! The event celebrates the strengths and diversity of Kendal and will highlight a range of activities on offer within the community.

Our Targeted Youth Support Team are supporting Lakeland Youth Council's stand at the Festival, which will be making seed bombs and bird feeders, and demonstrating fun activities to promote a healthy planet. Everyone welcome!

+ FOR MORE INFORMATION EMAIL LYNNE.MURRAY@CUMBRIA.GOV.UK

Reminder of the importance of staying hydrated

Public Health teams and local NHS services are warning the public about the dangers of poor hydration, particularly in older adults and those who are being cared for, which can lead to Blood Stream Infections such as Escherichia coli (E.coli). The vast majority of infections originate in the community as a result of a urinary tract infection (UTI), one important and often preventable cause is simply due to people not drinking enough. Follow the link below to view a useful guide for health and care professionals from the Royal College of Nursing: 

+ GUIDE TO NUTRITION AND HYDRATION

Recruiting experienced children's social workers

Don't forget we're recruiting to some exciting children's social work roles, including Children's Team Managers, Children's Social Workers and Children's Enhanced Social Workers.

If you know someone who might be interested, please encourage them to contact Sonyia.Curran@cumbria.gov.uk or Jeanette.Maye@cumbria.gov.uk for an informal chat.

+ MORE INFORMATION

Lisa's brush with (mountaineering) royalty

At the end of May, Cumbria Outdoor's Lisa Hignett had the pleasure of attending a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Gold Award Presentation at Buckingham Palace. Lisa is the county's Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Co-ordinator.

She attended with 20 young people from Cumbrian secondary schools .

As well as hob-knobbing with Her Royal Highness Princess Eugenie of York, Lisa met legendary mountaineer Alan Hinkes OBE who was presenting the awards.

We can guess who Lisa was more excited to meet!

Want to improve your project management skills?

The Learning & Skills Team are delivering a range of new project management courses throughout the county, free to council staff.

The course, Project Thinking, will equip participants with the knowledge needed to effectively initiate and manage projects using the Cumbria County Council’s Project Methodology. It's aimed at any council staff who manage or run projects within their job role. The dates are:

• Friday 26th July Cumbria House 9:30-16:30
• Wednesday 30th October Workington Fire Station 9:30-16:30
• Thursday 16th January Penrith – venue TBC 9:30-16:30
• Thursday 23rd April Barrow – venue TBC 9:30-16:30

+ VISIT MY LEARNING TO BOOK OR FOR MORE INFORMATION

New approach to appraisals 

The new approach will see a shift from the traditional one-size-fits-all annual appraisal and a move to a more flexible approach. The underlying principle is that conversations matter and discussions can take place in 1-2-1s, supervisions or team meetings. It will be a time for you to discuss performance and development that is less formal but more regular. A suite of tools will be available to help.

Discussions will focus around strengths, contribution, areas for improvement and wellbeing as well as the learning and support you need and what you can offer others. These conversations will be brought together in an annual review, undertaken on a rolling 12 month basis, using a simplified form that will capture your goals and measures of success. There will be an opportunity for you to provide feedback on the new approach and this will be used to develop improvements. Follow the link below to find out more.

+ VALUING INDIVIDUALS AND PERFORMANCE

Change at the top for Cumbria Council for Voluntary Service (CVS)

Earlier this month Cumbria CVS announced the appointment of their new Chief Executive Officer David Allen who will start in post by 1st August 2019.

David has over 20 years experience of working at a senior level in national charities, and has worked across the UK, including 10 years based in the North West of England. Most recently, he has served for five years as Chief Executive Officer of the Faculty of Public Health of the Royal Colleges of Physicians of the UK.

+ CUMBRIA COUNCIL FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE WEBSITE

Heads up for Safeguarding Fortnight

9th - 20th September 2019

The LSCB will be holding a series of learning events, across the county, to highlight that safeguarding is not just being about child protection intervention, but also has a place in the wider community.

The fortnight will also be used to share information and engage with practitioners about the new partnership arrangement for safeguarding children. The Department for Education published a new Working Together in 2018 that set out new safeguarding arrangements for local authorities, their statutory partners and wider safeguarding agencies and bodies. 

+ CUMBRIA LSCB 5 MINUTE BRIEFING : SAFEGUARDING FORTNIGHT

Community Stroke Prevention in Copeland

Last week our Public Health team had the pleasure of being in Whitehaven with The Copeland Community Stroke Prevention Project.

The project is run by Rotary, the West Cumbrians’ Voice for Healthcare, the Stroke Association, NWAS, Healthwatch Cumbria, local pharmacies, Public Health and NHS. A real team effort!

More than 80 people took up the offer of a free blood pressure and pulse rating test to look for atrial fibrillation. There was advice on things people can do to improve their own health too, such as healthy eating, taking more exercise and stopping smoking which are key to reducing the chance of having a stroke.

Longer term, Cumbria Community Pharmacy is offering testing at three pharmacies in Copeland which started in the Spring. They have tested 34 people, 14 people then followed up.

+ FIND OUT MORE

Cath Whalley, Assistant Director Adults visits South Lakes Hospital Discharge Team

Cath Whalley

I want to start by thanking Claire, Team Manager, for inviting me along to spend an afternoon with the Social Work team, Louise, Craig, Isabel and Hannah (photo shows Isabel, Hannah and me).

Being a Social Worker in a hospital, is very different to being a Social Worker in the community – and I think there is real benefit to getting experience in both environments. I cut my teeth as a Team Manager in Royal Preston Hospital many years ago, and it was a great reminder to me of the pressures, challenges and rewards of working in hospital.

Isabel took me along to a Multidiscipliary meeting on the ward and I observed as she liaised with families and medical staff to ensure the best outcomes for service users.

I was really strongly reminded about the value of Social Workers, and the unique and essential role that they play quietly, everyday in ensuring that the human rights of those who they advocate on behalf of are protected. Social Workers strive everyday, using their knowledge of the law, their ability to build relationships and negotiate in complex sitautions and their underpinning values to ensure that the people they work with have access to the right level of support to meet their needs, in ways that will protect their dignity and promote their independence.

It is in all of our interests to value and celebrate the work of these unsung heroes – after all, we are all getting older, and if the need arose – I know I would want a Social Worker fighting my corner, in the event that I was unable to do this for myself. Thanks Claire and team for a fantastic afternoon.

Claire Stanley, Team Manager - Adult Social Care

It was a combination of factors (which included staffing issues, reshaping and the proposal for new teams, combined with the offer of shadowing opportunities) which led to my request for Cath to visit the South Lakes Hospital Discharge Team. Due to the distance between the hospitals social workers from both hospitals met at Westmorland General Hospital and initially had discussion about how this small team has supported hospital discharges by staff being flexible in their work, supportive of each other and with a can do attitude. For us the proposed short term team would be an extension of what, for South Lakes, has worked well facilitated by the hospital team; but with increased resources our potential to further support admission prevention and short term work will be enhanced which is an exciting prospect!

The discussions which took place around active cases provided an opportunity for social workers to demonstrate that whilst the discharge process is clearly recorded the knowledge, skills, values and approach underpinning the whole process is not easily quantified unless it ticks a box. Where hospital referrals usually define a person by their status as a patient, their diagnosis or presumed need (usually residential or nursing care) social workers consider the person in the context of their life, experiences, relationships and make sense of the complexities in the current situation.

These days much is said about the need to reclaim social work, however the hospital social workers are a great example of how Social Work is prevalent and active. I am biased about this particular team but would also emphasise that the good practice evident in Royal Lancashire Infirmary and Westmorland General Hospital is also replicated by our Community colleagues. We appreciated Cath’s time and enjoyed the opportunity to demonstrate a day in the life of a hospital SW – thanks for that Cath!

Julie Baillie, Senior Manager Commisioning visits Debbie McKenna, Health Protection Specialist, Public Health

Debbie McKenna

I contacted Julie last month and we arranged a session to discuss the commissioning arrangements in Elderly Care. Part of my role as a Health Protection Specialist is supporting both Cumbria County Council and Private Residential and Nursing homes, with regards to Infection prevention  and Control, offering audit support, training and when required outbreak management advice so I had an interest in Elderly care and how services were purchased in Cumbria County Council.

I was aware that Health and Social care budgets have joined together and Julie talked about the Better Care Fund and how this pays for reablement, carers and assist technology. It was interesting to learn about how  Integrated Care Communities share resources such as Social Workers and Occupational Therapists and work in partnership to ensure the best care for clients in Cumbria. It was also useful to learn about the rehabilitation beds in residential homes as this is something to consider in my role when I am working with these homes.

Julie built on my knowledge obtained previously from colleagues who commission Public Health services around the commissioning process. I must admit I had not appreciated how complex and rigorous this process was from writing service specifications, advertising contracts including the EU, evaluation and scoring the applicants which could be a significant number and then contracts being awarded by cabinet. In addition to this we discussed the care system and workforce retention issues, I have come across this in my day to day job, it was reassuring that this is being considered going forward so we can attract and retain staff in caring for our elderly population.

I found Julie’s role both fascinating and challenging. I appreciated the time Julie gave me as personally it is reassuring we are striving for our elderly population………I will be elderly hopefully one day in  Cumbria and I have family who are.

Julie Baillie

It was a pleasure to spend time with Debbie and share information on some of the existing but also the future plans we have around commissioning services for the citizens of Cumbria.

It was also of great benefit to me to learn more about Debbie’s role and how the system fits together.

The tender of residential services and the current tender for home care have been a great opportunity for me and my team to try to do things differently and improve outcomes for those people that we support. Whilst commissioning services for the elderly are a real challenge across the country, not only in Cumbria, working together across a range of disciplines can only be a benefit for us all

Belinda Child, Single Point of Access, Adult Social Care, Penrith

"Belinda has been with the North team for since August 2018. A recent piece of work carried out with a customer has been recognised as making a positive difference to that individual, by the person themselves. The customer has been so grateful for the support provided by Belinda that he has brought flowers to the office to say thank you. This piece of work was also commended by the Social work practitioner."

Sent in by Leona Noble, Business Resource Manager.

+ SEND YOU COMPLIMENTS TO PEOPLE.NEWS@CUMBRIA.GOV.UK