The TLAP insight group was set up to examine the impact of Covid-19 on people accessing care and support. Tim Parkin, senior policy advisor at TLAP wonders if it was such a good idea.

Our latest cohort of stories of promise offer examples of the digital and workforce solutions that organisations have developed in response to Covid. Take a look at Kent County Council,  In Common Buddies, Gig Buddies and the others.

Read Natasha’s latest blog on the jigsaw pieces that make up a good example with tips from members of our National Co-production Advisory Group. If you missed her earlier blogs read here. 

Leaving the care system can be tough with many caught in a downward spiral of neglect, isolation and life on the streets. Skulls Fade Foundation have found an inspired solution. They are the latest organisation to enter the Innovations in Community Centred Support directory. 

If you want to be showcased, please contact us now to join.

Contrary to expectation, during the lockdown period staff at Dimensions did not see an increase in behaviour that challenges amongst people with learning disabilities and autism. CEO Steve Scown, a long-time advocate of personalised care, asks if we really listen to what people want. What do you think? Read Steve’s guest blog.

Listen to TLAP Head Caroline Speirs and Kate Sibthorp, NCAG discuss the ingredients for reshaping the market and how the TLAP partnership is challenging the status quo. (19 minutes)

From 1st September CCGs are expected to resume delivery of NHS Continuing Healthcare (NHS CHC) home care arrangements.

What does this mean for the workforce?  All new NHS CHC home care packages should be set up as a personal health budget by default, and work should continue to transition existing traditional packages of care to a personal health budget.

What does this mean for people in receipt? People will know upfront what their budget is, will be involved in personalised care and support planning and have greater control over how the budget is used, including the option of a direct payment.

A recording is now available for the InControl webinar Let’s talk about… ‘How I manage my direct payments’ which included speakers Miro Griffiths, Karen Saville, Monzur Miah and Lisa Watchorn all of whom receive direct payments or support people they love to manage theirs.

You will also find the recording from the webinar along with previous webinars and other useful resources that have been shared with InControl at https://be-human.org.uk/webinars 

Join MIAA virtual masterclass next month as Michael Marmot gives an analysis on the impact of Covid-19 on inequalities and discusses how human health and wellbeing can be made central to UK and international policy.

Find out about the NHS Volunteer Responder programme by joining their webinars. They are for referrers and colleagues working across health and care, including primary care; social care; local authorities; government departments; voluntary sector organisations; STPs and ICSs; and NHS England and Improvement regional teams.

Dates for forthcoming webinars:

• Thursday 3 September, 11am-12pm - Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
• Thursday 17 September, 11am–12pm - Join Microsoft Teams Meeting
• Thursday 1 October, 11am-12pm - Join Microsoft Teams Meeting

One in four people in England lives with multiple long-term conditions. The pandemic has highlighted the extent to which health inequalities are the both the cause and consequence of such conditions.  You can watch the video on the Taskforce on Multiple Conditions or via the Richmond Group YouTube channel to find out more. Show your support on Twitter #MultipleSolutions.

Community Catalysts are hosting two immersive online events in September to celebrate the positive difference passionate people can make to the strength of communities. These events will coincide with the latest report by the University of Birmingham on the case for investment in support for community enterprise and community business.

If you are a social care provider interested in investing in digital technology but in needs some advice, the National Care Forum can help. The Hubble Project gives you the chance to learn from others via virtual innovations hubs (webinars).

Listen to the latest #ChatForCare conversations with Kathryn Smith from SCIE, and another with Martin Routledge and Anna Severwright. More familiar faces coming soon. 

What do you think of the TLAP e-newsletter. How could we improve it? Interested in guest blogging? Submit your ideas now.