Coronavirus (COVID-19) Special Brief – 16 April 2020

Essential social care for those that need it is finally in the media, but of course in very sad circumstances. Policy and media attention is skewed towards older people’s care homes where there has, rightly, been very significant causes for concern in some areas of provision. But we also need messages to land that there are risks in the provision of services for disabled people, including individuals with a learning disability and/or autism, at this time. And so, in haste, there is a small window of media opportunity to present a sector snapshot of current risks facing providers supporting disabled people. We have developed a short reporting sheet to enable organisations to confidentially share data about workforce, COVID19 diagnoses, deaths and other key issues. You are invited to support the building of our data set which will put into sharp focus the essential role of VODG member services. The Excel sheet is available here and we are inviting you to participate by completing both sets of tables for CQC regulated and non-CQC regulated services. Returns should be sent to [email protected] and the deadline for responses is noon this Sunday 19 April. The data will be kept confidential and will be shared in an anonymous form with Professor Chris Hatton (Lancaster University) who will undertake independent analysis. Data will be aggregated and no individual service or organisation will be identifiable nor named in any reporting. Finally, there are opportunities for organisations, managers and carers to share their stories with the media. It could be about any of the challenges that we know you are facing at the moment. If you feel able to speak with media colleagues (either ‘on’ or ‘off’ the record) please come back. Again please email [email protected]. Thank you for considering this request when we know all member organisations are extremely stretched.

IPPR/YouGov poll highlights worse health among healthcare professionals since pandemic began.

Key findings from LaingBuission survey highlights resilience of social care providers.

Leaked letter reveals an extensive list of concerns about how the social care sector is coping.

Voluntary and community sector organisations have a vital role working alongside the NHS to support anyone who experiences mental ill health. To help voluntary organisations continue to provide mental health services - or provide additional support - organisations can apply for a Coronavirus Mental Health Response Fund (CMHRF) grant. Funding ranges from £20,000 to £50,000 for projects lasting up to 12 months.

Information hub for the social care sector on responding to the coronavirus pandemic.

Outlines government's plan to deliver PPE to those who need it.

The British Medical Association, the trade union and professional association for doctors has responded to the open letter "Covid 19 and the rights of disabled people" which was supported by some VODG members.

SignHealth and InterpreterNow have launched ‘BSLHealthAccess’ which enables the provision of immediate, on demand access to BSL interpreters for communication with deaf people in health settings free of charge during the current Coronavirus situation.

Full slidedeck from Jonathan Senker's presentation during the VODG member Keeping in touch call on 15 April.

PDF readout from the third adult social care forum, held on 8 April, discussing the Care Act easements guidance. Meeting was chaired by Richard Cienciala, deputy director in adult social care (DHSC).

Audio recording from the third adult social care forum, held on 8 April, discussing the Care Act easements guidance. Meeting was chaired by Richard Cienciala, deputy director in adult social care (DHSC).

The next virtual Coronavirus (COVID-19) KIT meeting will offer another opportunity for members to share issues and ideas. Register here.

An opportunity for VODG member finance directors to discuss finance and funding issues. Register here.