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Feedback on the usefulness of this bulletin is very much appreciated, such as whether you find the content useful, if anything is missing, or whether more (or less) detail is needed. Please email any feedback to SocialCareCommissioning@coventry.gov.uk
In this issue:
Welcome to the August edition of the ASC Provider Bulletin. We hope you are enjoying summer and staying safe in the sun! This bulletin will list a number of key dates and events throughout the month in addition to other information and resources that will be of value to you as a provider.
We hope you find this bulletin useful. If there is anything you would like to see in the next edition, please contact Mae.Fletcher@coventry.gov.uk.
1st Lammas (Christian)
1st Lughnasdh
9th International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
12th International Youth Day
12-13th Tish’a B’av (Jewish)
15th Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Catholic)
19th World Humanitarian Day
19th Raksha Bandhan (Hindu)
23rd International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition
26th Krishna Janmashtami (Hindu)
31st-7th Sept Paryushana (Jainism)
Webinars and events
Improving your CQC rating seminar – please book your place as early as possible
Tuesday 22 October I 10am – 3.30pm I Zoom
This interactive seminar is for services who have fallen below CQC standards and are looking for practical ways to recover and achieve a Good rating. It brings together frontline managers to learn about the step-by-step ways to drive forward improvements within adult social care services.
Explore the benefits of making improvements, how to overcome barriers to improvement, how to action and evidence improvements and how to involve others in helping you to improve.
You’ll gain an understanding of what you will be expected to evidence, successful approaches to recover from a Requires improvement or Inadequate CQC rating and how to demonstrate issues have been successfully addressed.
After the seminar you will receive a 70-page toolkit which is a comprehensive resource bringing together key learning and activities.
⇨ Register now
Being prepared for CQC assessment seminar – please book your place as early as possible
Thursday 14 November | 10am – 3.30pm | Zoom
With the changes to CQC assessment, this seminar brings together frontline managers to learn about the step-by-step ways to be ready to evidence that your service meets CQC expectations to achieve a Good or Outstanding rating. Discover practical ways to prepare for assessment and evidence the quality care you’re providing.
⇨ Register now
Support for leaders and managers
Register for our Moving Up programme
Places on the Moving Up programme are selling fast so don’t miss out - book your place by 27 September. The programme supports people from Black and Asian minority groups who are managers or aspiring managers and who want to progress in their career. This programme blends live online sessions and self-learning modules. It gives participants the opportunity to:
- develop their leadership style
- better understand who they are
- enhance their confidence
- identify strengths and weaknesses
- learn a variety of techniques to overcome personal challenges
- build a supportive network.
⇨ Find out more and register
Delegated healthcare activities: Practical ways to apply guiding principles in your service
Tuesday 10 September | 10.30am – 11.30am | Zoom
This webinar for frontline managers of adult social care services will deepen understanding of the guiding principles and resources to support person-centred, safe and effective delegation of healthcare activities. You’ll hear from a panel of care providers who will share their experiences focusing on how to introduce and embed the principles into practice.
⇨ Book your place on the webinar
The care exchange | New episode
In the final episode of the current series of the care exchange, we are joined by Zoe Fry OBE from the Outstanding Society.
Listen to Pia, Wendy and Zoe reflect on previous episodes and discuss lots of interesting topics including:
- Different ways to train leaders and staff
- Proactively preparing staff for CQC assessments
- Having conversations about LGBTQ+
Listen now
Live podcast | The care exchange series 5 launch - In conversation with James Bullion, CQC
Date: Thursday 19 September 2024, 10am – 11am
Please join us for a special live episode of the care exchange to launch our fifth series of the podcast for managers in social care, where we will be talking with James Bullion, Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care and Integrated Care at the CQC.
We will be chatting to James about his role as the Chief Inspector, as well the CQC's regulatory approach.
As this is a special live episode of the care exchange, we are also giving you the opportunity to help the shape the conversation. If there is anything in particular that you would like to hear us talk to James about or you’d like to ask in advance, please let us know when you register your place to join us.
So please do come along and enjoy our special live episode and take the opportunity to see our podcast co-hosts Pia Rathje-Burton and Wendy Adams chatting to James Bullion!
Book online.
Resources
Leading induction for a positive workplace culture
Following the launch of our induction toolkit, we recently ran a webinar showing managers that a quality induction doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does need to be planned and considered. Explore practical ideas to support new employees with an effective induction and learn how this helps create a positive workplace culture within your organisation.
⇨ Watch the recorded webinar
Developing your workforce
Digital skills eLearning modules
We’ve developed a suite of free-to-access ‘bitesize’ digital skills eLearning modules, in line with the Digital Skills Framework. The modules are designed to support people working in adult social care to gain knowledge and understanding on how digital, data and technology is used in the sector. The titles and themes of these seven modules are:
- using technology to support person-centred care
- technical skills in using technology
- communicating through technology
- using and managing data
- being safe and secure online
- ethical use of technology
- digital learning, development and wellbeing.
⇨ Find out more about the modules
General Information
The Workforce Development Fund 2024-25 is now open
The Workforce Development Fund (WDF) is now open to organisations that provide adult social care services and directly employ care staff within England. The fund is being scaled down in 2024-25 and it will only be possible to claim WDF for qualifications and apprenticeships which started on or before 31 March 2024 and which will complete by 31 March 2025. This year, WDF will be distributed exclusively by Skills for Care.
⇨ Find out more about WDF
New offer available through the Benefits Bundle
We’ve added a new offer to our exclusive Benefits Bundle for users of our Adult Social Care Workforce Data Set (ASC-WDS). Anyone using the service can now enjoy a 12-month free trial of Glendale Academy's Learning Management System. The trial gives you unlimited access to all courses and platform features and there are no commitments to continue after the trial ends. Other Benefits Bundle offers includes 10% off eLearning modules, publications and tailored seminars from Skills for Care.
⇨ Sign in or create an ASC-WDS account today
Workforce intelligence
Size and structure of the adult social care sector report published
Skills for Care has launched our annual ‘Size and structure of the adult social care sector and workforce in England’ report. It shows that the total number of filled posts in adult social care has increased to the highest number on record to 1.705m in 2023/24, compared to 1.635m the year before. The total number of vacant posts has decreased to 131,000, despite the overall size of the workforce increasing. It’s now estimated that there are 1.59m people working in adult social care in England.
⇨ Read the full report
A Workforce Strategy for Adult Social Care in England launched on 18 July
Skills for Care have developed a new workforce strategy for ASC in England. The strategy sets out a vision for the social care workforce for the next 15 years. Skills for Care bought together a wide range of people and organisations to develop this comprehensive and long-term strategy to ensure we have enough of the right people with the right skills to provide the best possible care and support to people who draw on it. The Strategy focuses on the next 15 years and has three key themes closely aligned to the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan: Attract and Retain, Train and Transform.
This is just the beginning for it to succeed, it needs engagement and support from national and local government and across the sector and we welcome your support in helping to make that happen.
⇨ A Workforce Strategy for Adult Social Care
Please see a compilation of safeguarding links for your convenience below:
All providers should now be aware of the importance of digital transformation and be aware of the Digital Transformation Fund (DTF). Previously, the grant window has been open bi-monthly for funding applications. However, the grant window has now been extended and will remain available throughout the year. Please see further information on the grant and how to apply below.
When can I apply for the grant?
The grant window will remain open throughout 2024.
What is it?
Funding to support CQC registered Adult Social Care providers to adopt various technologies that can help you to transform the care you provide.
Who is the Grant available to?
Grants are available to CQC-registered Adult Social Care providers in Coventry and Warwickshire. This includes providers of Residential and Non-Residential Services. For example:
- Care homes with or without nursing
- Domiciliary Care
- Extra Care
- Supporting Living
- Shared Lives
Where can I apply and how much is available?
Apply online.
Grants of up to £7500 are available for the implementation of Digital Social Care Records. The amount of grant allocation will be determined on completion of the online application form and provided as match funding to successful applicants.
Can I get help with completing my grant application form?
Yes. If you need help you can email digitaltransformationfundenquiries@coventrygov.uk
For more information, please visit our commissioning website.
People who test positive for COVID-19 in Coventry and Warwickshire and who are at the highest risk of becoming seriously unwell are now able to refer themselves for potentially lifesaving treatment.
Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board (ICB) have launched a new self-referral form that allows patients who are in the highest risk group to access treatment without having to wait to speak to a medical professional should they receive a positive test.
Previously, vulnerable patients had to report a positive test result to their local NHS services and wait for it to be referred for assessment for treatment. The introduction of a self-referral form allows patients to access these vital treatments sooner and gives them a better chance of avoiding the most severe symptoms, which can be potentially fatal in those most at risk.
Timely access to treatments is especially important for COVID-19 as they need to be given quickly after symptoms first start, ideally within five days of the onset of symptoms
Eligibility:
Patients who are considered to be at high risk of progression to severe COVID-19 should have already received a letter from NHS England, but more information on who is eligible for treatments can be found on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) website.
Additionally, the following groups of patients will be eligible for treatment:
- people aged 85 years and over
- people with end-stage heart failure who have a long-term ventricular assistance device
- people on the organ transplant waiting list
- people aged 70 years and over, or who have a BMI of 35 kg/m2 or more, diabetes or heart failure, and:
- are a resident in a care home, or
- are already hospitalised.
If eligible patients test positive for COVID, they should refer themselves into the Respiratory Home service, who are responsible for the community based COVID Medicines Delivery Unit (CMDU), using the new self-referral form.
Jamie Soden, Acting Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Coventry and Warwickshire Integrated Care Board (ICB), said:
“Accessing these vital treatments quickly will reduce the risk of vulnerable people becoming seriously ill if they test positive for COVID-19.
“If you have a high-risk condition and experience COVID-19 symptoms, you should take a rapid lateral flow test as soon as possible. If you test positive, you should refer yourself using the new form or contact the local NHS service as soon as possible.”
“The new self-referral form makes it even easier for those most vulnerable to access COVID-19 treatments and I urge eligible patients to use the service for timely assessment for treatment.”
High risk COVID patients can also still contact their GP practice, NHS 111 or hospital specialist (if they have one) as soon as possible so that the healthcare professional can consider referral for an assessment for treatment.
Find out more about the treatments for COVID.
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What are nitazenes?
Nitazenes are very strong and dangerous synthetic opioids. They have been found in the drug supply across the country.
What are the risks?
Nitazenes are continuing to cause overdoses and deaths.
What to do in an emergency?
If you think someone is overdosing, call 999 for an ambulance immediately.
Give the person naloxone.
Make sure you have enough naloxone - at least two kits.
You may need to give more doses of naloxone to stop someone from overdosing.
Get free naloxone kits and training from your local service or visit Change, Grow, Live for more information.
The ASC Commissioning Team are supporting a recruitment event at Job Centre+ on 14/08/2024 to promote care jobs in Coventry.
If your service has live vacancies such as:
- Care Assistant
- Activities Co-ordinator
- Chef
- Cleaner
Or any other available roles - please contact Mae.Fletcher@coventry.gov.uk or Simon.Veasey@coventry.gov.uk before 09/08/2024 and we will support you to promote your vacancies to suitable pre-screened candidates.
This section of the bulletin is for highlighting community organisations providing support to adults in Coventry. Knowledge of support in the community enables a holistic approach from practitioners, providers and other professionals to effectively signpost individuals to relevant organisations.
WM Bus on Demand
Have you heard of West Midlands Bus on Demand?
They provide an accessible transport service for low cost in and around Coventry!
It operates 7 days a week: Monday to Friday, 6am to 11pm, Saturday, 8am to 11pm, Sunday, 8am to 3.30pm.
You will need to register if you would like to use the service. Download the app on Google Play for Android or the App Store for iOS or you can also register without the app - call 0345 034 8670.
The phone lines are open Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm, Saturday: 8am to 4pm, Sundays and Bank Holidays: Closed.
Concessionary fare:
- 0 - 1.5 miles: £1
- 1.5 - 5 miles: £1.50
- 5 - 10 miles: £2
- 10+ miles: £2.50
The price of your journey will be confirmed when you book, you can either pay by cash on the bus or by card once your journey is complete. You are eligible for the concessionary discount if you are over 67 years old and/or have a registered disability
Once you have booked you will be able to add additional passengers for £1 per person regardless of journey length. You can add up to 10 people to one booking. Concessionary passes cannot be used on group or bulk bookings.
You’ll be told exactly when and where to catch the bus. If you use the app, you can follow the bus in real-time. You will also receive a text message reminder 10 and 5 minutes before arrival.
Wheelchair users
WM Bus on Demand use accessible minibuses with space for a wheelchair. You can also bring assistance dogs on the bus.
If you are a wheelchair user we will need to do an assessment before you are able to use the service. To arrange this, please call 0345 034 8670.
Love4Life club night for adults with a learning disability or autism and carers/support workers
Love4Life is hosting a club night on 13 September 2024 exclusively for all adults with learning disabilities and autism. With each ticket sold a carer/support can come too for free. Get your tickets.
Love4Life presents Love Lounge, the ultimate pop-up nightclub where everyone can shine! Designed with heart and creativity, Love Lounge is a vibrant and inclusive haven for people with learning disabilities and autism. Here, the magic happens as soon as you step through the doors.
Imagine a space filled with dazzling lights that dance to the rhythm of the music, creating a sensory wonderland. Our DJ spins the best tunes, from the latest hits to timeless classics, ensuring there's something for everyone to groove to. The music is carefully curated with varying tempos and volumes to suit different sensory needs, making sure everyone can enjoy the beat in their own way.
At Love Lounge, the dance floor is a place where everyone can express themselves freely. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just love to move, you'll find a warm, welcoming atmosphere where every step is celebrated.
Love Lounge isn't just a nightclub; it's a community where friendships blossom and memories are made. So come on down and experience a night of joy, laughter, and endless fun. At Love Lounge, everyone is a VIP, and the only rule is to have a fantastic time!
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Love4ife presents LOVE LOUNGE AT CLUB 147
Pop up club night for people with learning disabilities and autism
Friday 13 September 2024 at 7.30pm - 10.30pm
Tickets £10
18+ adults only
147 Club, 147 Far Gosford Street, Coventry, CV1 5DY
Hundreds of people in Coventry are now able to enjoy a day at the War Memorial Park, with less to worry about, after a new specialist toilet facility was opened.
A new Changing Places toilet was recently opened at the park. The unit is one of the most advanced forms of accessible toilets. It includes specialist equipment with plenty of room for the user and carer.
The Council has installed five new Changing Places toilets at the War Memorial Park, Coombe Abbey Park, Shop Mobility, Albany Theatre and at Tesco – Cross Point.
Marie Geary, a teacher at Sherbourne Fields School, added:
“We all know how important it is to get outside and enjoy a day in the park in the fresh air. It’s great that we have this venue because we don’t have to make extra plans, we can be more spontaneous and spend all day here. It makes a big difference.”
Changing Places are toilet facilities for people with profound and multiple disabilities. The toilets are fitted with specialist equipment such as a hoist and changing bench.
They provide sufficient space for up to two carers to support the person with a disability to use the Changing Place.
The toilet facilities will ensure that people with severe disabilities and their families or carers will not have to worry about whether there are suitable toilet facilities when they go out shopping, plan a day out or travel.
There are also seven other Changing Places toilets registered in Coventry, at: The Reel Store; Wilfred Spencer Centre; Asda Whitley; Central Library; University of Warwick Sports and Wellness Hub – Dry Sports and University of Warwick Sports and Wellness Hub – Pool side and Coventry University.
The Wave and the Coventry Railway Station also have the facilities.
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