Darlington Association on Disability

COVID-19 communications update

01st December 2021

The Prime Minister has announced new rules to help us all protect ourselves and others from a new variant of COVID-19 called Omicron.

The Omicron variant has extensive mutations from previous versions of the virus so we need to take urgent measures to protect ourselves from it.

UK scientists are working hard to find out more about the new variant. In the meantime, we must all follow new guidelines to help slow its spread:

 

Face coverings

New COVID-19 rules on wearing face coverings in England will go ahead from 30 November.

Face coverings must be worn in shops and other similar businesses such as banks, post offices and personal care venues like hairdressers, as well as on public transport. This is enforceable by law and people face fines if they do not follow the rules.

People with certain medical conditions are exempt.

 

Travel

The Government is also bringing in measures to prevent new cases from abroad.

All travellers arriving into the country from 4am on Tuesday 30 November will be required to take a PCR test on day 2 and self isolate until they have received a negative test result. These PCR tests can be purchased from private providers.

A number of countries have been added to the red list. UK residents arriving from these countries must isolate in a government-approved facility for 10 days. During their stay, they will be required to take a coronavirus test on day 2 and day 8.

 

Isolation rules

If you come into contact with someone  who tests positive with a suspected case of Omicron you will also have to self-isolate for ten days, even if fully vaccinated.

The new measures on our borders, self-isolation and face coverings will be reviewed in three weeks.

 

Vaccines

We have good reasons for believing booster vaccines will provide some protection from the new variant so it is important that everyone who is eligible for vaccines or a booster jab get them as soon as possible.

You can book online and join the 17 million people who have already had a booster or third jab.

 

By practising key safer behaviours and actions, we can continue to protect ourselves and others and help reduce the virus spreading.

 

Please encourage people in your community to follow these behaviours and actions that include: Wash your hands regularly; Test regularly; Stay at home when you feel unwell; Download and use the COVID-19 NHS App.

 

Ensuring these protections are a part of our everyday behaviours will control transmission of the virus.

 

The details of the Prime Minister’s announcement are online. There is also a version of his announcement on YouTube with BSL. Please share these links with your networks.

Carers Rights Day - 25th November 2021

25th November 2021

Whether you are a new carer or have been caring for someone for a while, we believe that it’s important that you understand your rights and are able to access the support that is available to you as soon as you need it. Many people are taking on more caring responsibilities for their relatives and friends who are disabled, ill or older and who need support. Each year, Carers Rights Day helps us:

• ensure carers are aware of their rights
• let carers know where to get help and support
• raise awareness of the needs of carers.

This year's Carers Rights Day campaign will focus on raising awareness of the rights that unpaid carers have. The pandemic has had a massive impact on the lives of carers, affecting access to services, the ability to juggle work and care and much more. That's why it’s more important than ever that carers are aware of what they have the right to.

Why being aware of your rights is so important

In a recent survey of nearly 6,000 carers, we found:

• Four in five unpaid carers are providing more care for relatives
• 78% reported that the needs of the person they care for have increased during the pandemic
• Two thirds (67%) worried about how they will cope through further lockdowns or local restrictions.

Carers need to know their rights wherever they are in their caring journey: whether they are in the workplace, in a healthcare setting, when interacting with professionals or at home. This Carers Rights Day, we want to empower carers with information and support, so they can feel confident asking for what they need. We also want carers to know how to challenge things when their rights are not being met.

Carers Rights Day 2021 is supported by Barclays LifeSkills

16 days of action 2021

15th November 2021

Learning Events  

The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that commences on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day. 

During the 16 days of Action, specialist providers would like to invite you to participate in a series of online learning events which are aimed at increasing professional understanding of domestic abuse, sexual violence, honour based violence & sexual exploitation.

Tuesday 23 November:   1:30 – 2:30  (in advance of the 16 days programme)   Halo Project and IDAS

Insight into honour based abuse (HBA) and coercive control experienced by black and minoritised victims and survivors.  Enhance safeguarding knowledge through specialist guidance and survivor stories

Zoom virtual event:  https://courses.idas.org.uk/training-event/live-online-hear-our-story-halo-x-idas/

 

Thursday 25 November:  Family Help

For everyone.  Visit Family Help’s White Ribbon stall at the indoor market

Just turn up to show support by signing the pledge to end violence against women and girls. 

 

Thursday 25 November:  10:00am – 2:00pm   The Soroptimists  

For everyone. Visit the Soroptimists Orange the World stalls at The Dolphin Centre and the Cornmill shopping centre

Just turn up and show support for the orange the world campaign  “Orange the world: End violence against women now!”

 

Friday 26 November:  2:00 – 3:00pm  Dr Jane Monckton Smith - Homicide Coercive Control and  Stalking 

Virtual Session.  Places are limited.  Register your interest via email to:  Claire_Moore@middlesbrough.gov.uk

 

Friday 26 November:  9.30 – 11.00am  Durham Safeguarding Adults - For professionals only. 

Safeguarding adults from domestic abuse.  The aim of this session is to focus on domestic abuse in the context of adults with needs to care and support, and includes:  Definitions, The Legal Framework, Patterns of Coercion and Control and Warning Signs, Highlights Some Approaches and Toolkits to Support Good Practice.

Register using the following link:  https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=BIQER23xIUuKVYrF1-chluiTqbgrxopCvCqNvprjOyZUQkgyWVJHRVVaUVZUSVNRUFdGRDFTTUhaUy4u

 

Friday 26 November:  1.30 – 3.00pm  Hour Glass - Elder abuse

For professionals only.  This briefing is to raise awareness on Elder Abuse.  Hourglass is a UK based Charity focusing on the abuse and exploitation of Older People in the UK. The session will enable you to look for signs and indicators of elder abuse, how to support someone who is experiencing elder abuse and the support Hourglass can offer

Virtual session via Zoom.  Register using the following link:  https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=BIQER23xIUuKVYrF1-chluiTqbgrxopCvCqNvprjOyZUQkgyWVJHRVVaUVZUSVNRUFdGRDFTTUhaUy4u

 

Monday 29 November:  Darlington Borough Council’s Housing Options

For everyone.  Housing options in Darlington - The Housing Options Team discuss their approach to supporting survivors of domestic abuse.  The team discuss what support is available and how they work with a number of different agencies.

Virtual session:  Access the link to the pre-recorded event on the Darlington Borough Council webpage:  https://www.darlington.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/domestic-abuse/16-days-of-action/

 

Monday 29 November:  Family Help refuge

For everyone.  Family Help refuge. Virtual session. Access the link to the pre-recorded event on the Darlington Borough Council webpage:

https://www.darlington.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/domestic-abuse/16-days-of-action/

 

Tuesday 30 November:  Dr Wendy Shepherd  “ Silence is not an Option “- sexual abuse and violence

For professionals and Voluntary and community organisations only.  Seen, Heard, Believe Project.  Virtual session via Microsoft teams

To register interest and receive log in details please Contact:  claire_moore@middlesbrough.gov.uk

 

Tuesday 30 November:  11am -12.30pm   Homes For Cathy

Open to all professionals.  Women, homelessness & violence: How can the housing sector improve its response?

Free workshop.  Register Interest via link:  Women, homelessness & violence: How can the housing sector improve its response? | Homes for Cathy

 

Wednesday 1 December:  11.00 – 12.00pm  Harbour - Impact of domestic abuse on children

For professionals only. Join Zoom Meeting:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86282196589?pwd=OWZxS3JyWFNHTVduRHp2VUhhc29kQT09

Meeting ID: 862 8219 6589    Passcode: 679684

 

Wednesday 1 December:  11.00am – 12.00pm  Darlington Borough Council Community Safety Team, Andrew Allison

For everyone.  Meeting :  To explore actions being taken in Darlington to address violence and intimidation against women and girls, To explain the partnership approach adopted in Darlington, To highlight the benefits of the Purple Flag scheme, To inform delegates of the various work strands linked to the ‘Safer Streets’ schemes  Teams session

 

Thursday 2 December:  10:00 – 11:00am  We are with You - Substance misuse and domestic abuse

For professionals only (Darlington and Redcar & Cleveland service but available to all areas).  The correlation between substance misuse and domestic abuse;  Services that are available and the work that WAWY does; and How professionals can work collaboratively to support individuals with complex needs who experience domestic abuse.

Google meet.  Email We are with You to book your place  vicki.bignall@wearewithyou.org.uk

 

Friday 3 December:  10:00 – 11:30am   Hour Glass - Introduction to Elder Abuse

For everyone.  This briefing is to raise awareness on Elder Abuse.  Hourglass is a UK based Charity focusing on the abuse and exploitation of Older People in the UK. The session will enable you to look for signs and indicators of elder abuse, how to support someone who is experiencing elder abuse and the support Hourglass can offer.   Virtual Session   Contact Hourglass via email to book a space:  timbuttle@wearehourglass.org

 

Monday 6 December:  11.00 – 12.00pm  Harbour - Why do we need to work with perpetrators?

For professionals only.  Zoom meeting

Join zoom meeting:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89295034462?pwd=UHluM2c1ZVA2UkFPT2Y2czY2cXFrQT09

Meeting ID: 892 9503 4462   Passcode: 644406

 

Monday 6 December:  1.00 – 2.30pm   PRIDE - LGBTQ+

For professionals only.  This briefing is to focus on LGBTQ+ and domestic Abuse, covering the Myths, Challenges and to provide an overview of the work that PRIDE do to support.

Virtual session  Register using the following link:  https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=BIQER23xIUuKVYrF1-chluiTqbgrxopCvCqNvprjOyZUQkgyWVJHRVVaUVZUSVNRUFdGRDFTTUhaUy4u

 

Tuesday 7 December  10:00am  ARCH

For professionals only.  Disclosures and Support.  Virtual Session

Join Zoom Meeting:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82005814865?pwd=YjVqOEROQjRNRjFib2IvQTF2LzQyQT09

Meeting ID: 820 0581 4865   Passcode: 317928

 

Wednesday 8 December  9.30 – 11.30am   Simon Finch - Cyber stalking and domestic abuse

For professionals only.  The aim of the session to increase participants awareness of cyber stalking.  The session will be facilitated by Simon Finch who will cover:  An Overview of cyber and digitally assisted, stalking and legislation, The challenges and benefits of relationships in the digital age, How technology and social media are used to stalk and harass, Key strategies and actions to identify and remove surveillance apps and technology, Sources of help and support.

Register using the following link:  https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=BIQER23xIUuKVYrF1-chluiTqbgrxopCvCqNvprjOyZUQkgyWVJHRVVaUVZUSVNRUFdGRDFTTUhaUy4u

 

Thursday 9 December  2.00 – 4.00pm  Darlington Borough Council Safeguarding Training - Domestic Abuse Awareness (level 3)

For Darlington Safeguarding Partnership members.  For practitioners who have responsibility for undertaking child and adult protection enquiries and who work with complex cases.  For those who hold professional or organisational authority and a substantial degree of personal responsibility and autonomy to act on child and adult welfare concerns.  Full safeguarding training directory can be found at:  virtual-2021-training-programme-2nd-edition-01-06-21-31-12-21.pdf (darlington-safeguarding-partnership.co.uk)

To book a place please contact:  DSP.Training@darlington.gov.uk or 01325 406452

 

Thursday 9 December:  ARCH - Supporting parents and caregivers of children who experience child sexual exploitation

For everyone.  Virtual session.  Join Zoom Meeting:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87387437451?pwd=SFpYeWVINDRyNXhiN2F5NFp1MlhCQT09

Meeting ID: 873 8743 7451    Passcode: 211331

 

Thursday 9 December:  10:00am – 3:00pm  Darlington Borough Council and Harbour support services - Awareness raising stall at the Dolphin Centre

For everyone.  In person at the Dolphin Centre.  Darlington Borough Council and Harbour support services will have a stall set up in the Dolphin Centre reception area.

 

Friday 10 December:  11:00am  My Sisters Place - IRIS training

Professional Only.  GPs Improving identification and Response to Domestic Abuse.  Virtual Session

Join Zoom Meeting.  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81637582699?pwd=S1NoVlduWWhSRTljR3AzQWYyZVVGUT09

Meeting ID: 816 3758 2699   Passcode: 718874

 

Friday 10 December:  3:00 – 4:30pm  Arcus and Darlington Unity Group - LGBTQ+ seminar

For everyone.  Zoom session.  Contact Arcus to book your place:  contact@arcuslgbt.com

#ItsWhatWeDo

25th October 2021

From 24th October 2021, and for the next 12 months, Co-op Members will be able to support Darlington Association on Disability - Young Leaders as part of the

Co-op Local Community Fund.

For every £1 Co-op members spend on selected Co-op branded products and services, 2p will go into their membership account.

The same amount will support community organisations and local causes including DAD’s Young Leaders.

To collect rewards and contribute to a cause, Co-op members must swipe or scan their membership card when they shop.

Please ask in store if you would like to become a Co-op member or visit https://www.coop.co.uk/membership

DAD’s Young Leaders are linked to the following Co-op stores and services;

• Co-op – Mowden store
• Co-op West Park Store
• Co-op West Auckland Road Store
• Co-op Cockerton Store
• Co-op Funeral Care Darlington

Even though we are linked to local Co-op outlets, money raised through Co-op Membership can be generated anywhere in the UK, as long as a Member is buying selected products or services from the Co-op Group, please select Darlington Association on Disability – Young Leaders when selecting a cause to support.

#ItsWhatWeDo

 

DAD have Trustee vacancies

22nd October 2021

DAD currently has vacancies on our Trustee Board.  DAD is a registered Charity and Company Limited by Guarantee and as such Trustees are required to oversee and provide governance to the running of the organisation. All Members are entitled to put themselves forward for consideration to act as a voluntary Trustee of the organisation.

Ideally, we are seeking people with skills in Finance, Human Resources or Marketing and or knowledge of disabled people’s issues particularly across Tees Valley and County Durham.

As an organisation supporting equality, in all its forms, we are seeking Trustees who reflect our community who are currently underrepresented including: women, people from minority communities and young people. There will be a selection process involving an informal interview with Trustees. The organisation must be led by a majority of disabled people and this will be taken account of in any Trustee appointments.  

For more information about being a trustee: ‘5-minute guides’ for charity trustees -  Charity Commission guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

If you are interested and would like further information please contact Lauren Robinson, Chief Executive or Gordon Pybus, Chairperson  for an initial discussion

Thank you to Ruth for running the Great North Run!

14th September 2021

A HUGE thank you and well done to Ruth, from our Children and Young People's Service, who completed the Great North Run at the weekend in an amazing time of 3 hours 15 minutes and so far has raised £320.00 for DAD.🏃👋

Well done Ruth and thank you to everyone who has donated so far!

You can still donate through Ruth's Just Giving page and any donations would be much appreciated

 http://www.justgiving.com/Ruth-Christian1?utm_id=121&fbclid=IwAR3DmjwCfKdD87g_yhS7LSj1Wb3iGQGFpKPUPAZeRwx3I6Lfg-GqR-CP_sE

 

 

Changing Places

13th September 2021

Durham County Council are asking individuals and carers to share their experiences of using Changing Places toilets, as part of plans to improve facilities for those with disabilities.

£30 million in funding (based on need) has been made available to local authorities in England, to install Changing Places toilets in their communities. The toilets are larger accessible toilets for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets and are essential for more than 250,000 disabled people in the UK.

They are now asking people to get in touch about where they would most like to see additional facilities across County Durham.

Find out more: http://ow.ly/6H2M50G3GiG

Domestic Abuse Accommodation Needs Assessment Interviews

01st September 2021

Darlington Borough Council is undertaking a Domestic Abuse Accommodation Needs Assessment as per requirements outlined in the Domestic Abuse Act (April 2021).

As part of this work, they have commissioned RRR Consultancy to undertake interviews with people who have experienced domestic abuse. The aim of the interviews is to help us better understand the accommodation needs of domestic abuse survivors, barriers to provision, what works, and what could be improved.

They are particularly keen to ensure that the work reflects the needs of people with disabilities.

The interviews would be undertaken by telephone, and are likely to last between 30 and 45 minutes.

As a 'Thank You' for taking part, a £30 High Street voucher will be given to all interviewees.

They do not require any personal details of the interviewees except a first name and contact number. Although the results of the interviews will be summarised in a report, the anonymity of the interviewee will be maintained at all times.

Information Sheet - provides further details about the interviews.

 

 

Domestic abuse services

11th August 2021

Part of the current domestic abuse needs assessment data gathering process involves gathering the voice of survivors/victims.  This is proving to be quite a challenge however it is essential in identifying gaps in provision and developing a strategy that is survivor led and relevant to the needs of our community.  

Bronwyn Lilley, DBC Domestic Abuse Commissioning Officer, would be most grateful you could complete the survey as a survivor or an agency who works with survivors who have required domestic abuse services.  This is regardless of whether you were able to access services or not – this way they can identify the gaps.  The Act focuses on domestic abuse services within ‘relevant accommodation’ however it would be useful to have an understanding of services broadly as well as those offered within relevant accommodation.

 

IMPACT: IMProving Adult Care Together

10th June 2021

IMPACT stands for ‘Improving Adult Care Together’. It is a new £15 million UK centre for implementing evidence in adult social care, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), part of UK Research and Innovation, and the Health Foundation. It will be led by Professor Jon Glasby at the University of Birmingham, with a Leadership Team of 12 other academics, people using social care services, and policy and practice partners - along with a broader consortium of key stakeholders from across the sector and across the four nations of the UK. 

What is IMPACT trying to achieve? In the words of one of the people using services who has helped to shape proposals for the new centre, IMPACT believes that “good support isn’t just about ‘services’ – it’s about having a life."

IMPACT are interested in hearing from everyone who is involved with adult social care in whatever capacity.

Please complete this survey:  https://bham.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9tnuKolsBb3OfGu

This is the English version.  Translations to Bengali, Gujarat, Polish, Punjabi, Urdu and Welsh will follow. We will also launch an easy read version later in the month.

IMPACT have recently launched our website https://more.bham.ac.uk/impact/ which will enable you to keep up-to-date with our activities as these progress. We will start to update this over the coming weeks.

Do you care for a child with a neurodevelopment need?

07th June 2021

If you live in Darlington, Middlesbrough or Redcar and Cleveland, Contact's Listening Ear Service can provide free emotional support, practical advice or strategies to help you cope.

You can book a telephone appointment with a family support advisor using this link contact-tees@eventbrite.co.uk

Find out more by emailing south.tees@contact.org.uk or phoning their free phone number 0800 2540890

 

We need your nominations!

26th May 2021

For the third year running, Ecclesiastical Insurance Group is giving away £1million to charities with the return of its Movement for Good awards and DAD has been nominated by one of our supporters.

From today, people can nominate a cause close to their hearts for a potential £1,000 award to help make a difference.

This year, 500 charities will each receive £1,000 during the first phase of the campaign. A second phase of giving will happen later this summer.

The nomination process is open until 13 June. Winners will be drawn at random and the more times we are nominated the more chance we have of being selected.

Thank you in advance.

https://www.movementforgood.com/

Positive Travel Project

10th May 2021

Positive Travel Project

DAD’s Positive Travel Project, funded by London North Eastern Railway (LNER), will support disabled people and carers of all ages to tackle the barriers they face in accessing transport and travel. The project will offer a range of options including;

Travel training for those who have never used public transport due to their impairments, lack of confidence, skills etc. This will include accessing all forms of public transport including introducing non rail users to the rail network for the first time. Individuals would be supported for 6- 12 sessions to learn the skills needed to access public transport such as journey planning, booking tickets or taxi’s, safe routes to transport, booking and using support. These sessions will be bespoke to meet individual needs and tailored to their communications need.

Improving access to a range of social activities for disabled people who are isolated and have not been able to get out and about due to the barriers they face. Disabled people and their families will be supported to access group outings that they plan, enabling people to visit new places, meet new people and potentially make new friends therefore tackling isolation and loneliness.

Enabling disabled people to participate through education, skills, conferences and networking to improve their prospects and support their communities to participate.

The project will gather feedback about people’s experiences of travelling and using public transport, locally, regionally or nationally, to identify any common experiences or issues that people are facing and what works well and look at ways of removing barriers and improving services and experiences for disabled people

For more information about the project or if you would like to share your experiences please contact David Thomas on 01325 489999 or email david.thomas@darlingtondisability.org

 

BSL: Roadmap

20th April 2021

This BSL video explains the roadmap out of lockdown in England as coronavirus restrictions are eased.

https://youtu.be/1BdJ2tHfxgE

New videos on Covid-19 vaccination for people with Severe Mental Illness and primary care teams

12th April 2021

PHE have developed a series of short videos on COVID-19 vaccination to support and encourage people with Severe Mental Illness (SMI) to get their COVID-19 vaccines, and for promotion with GPs and healthcare professionals.

• Getting the COVID-19 vaccine: Personal experience guide for people with severe mental illness, Part 1: https://youtu.be/NBl4lhIPw2w
• Getting the COVID-19 vaccine: Personal experience guide for people with severe mental illness, Part 2: https://youtu.be/gYWAby0-tEw
• COVID-19 vaccination: A guide for GPs and teams to support people with severe mental illness: https://youtu.be/OusrDVmUDZg

New videos to support people with severe mental illness (SMI) get their #COVID19 #vaccine and advice for primary care professionals that support people with SMI are now available here: https://bit.ly/3fM24KF @PHE_uk @EquallyWellUK @NHSEngland @dremmatiffin @wendyburn @CoProNorfolk

The videos have been developed by Public Health England in collaboration with Equally Well UK and NHS England, including GP professionals and Expert by Experience. They provide useful information for people with SMI to know what to expect from the vaccination process and how to prepare before their appointments. They also provide information for primary care professionals to better support people with SMI in their areas.

Equally Well UK have also produced a guide for people with a diagnosis of severe mental illness to support them with their vaccination, which can be found here.  

 

Shielding guidance is being paused for clinically extremely vulnerable people

22nd March 2021

The government has announced that shielding guidance is being paused. From Thursday 1 April, clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) people are no longer advised to shield. CEV people must continue to follow the national restrictions that are in place for everyone.

From Thursday 1 April, all CEV children should attend early years provision, school, college, wraparound childcare and out-of-school settings, unless they are one of the very small number of children under paediatric or other specialist care and have been advised by their GP or clinician not to attend.

CEV students who are enrolled in practical, or practice-based (including creative arts) courses should return to in-person teaching.

CEV staff are advised to continue to work from home where possible, but if they cannot work from home, they should now attend their workplace.

Where parents, carers, staff, or students are anxious about attendance, you should speak to them about their concerns and discuss the protective measures that have been put in place to reduce the risk and any additional measures that could be put in place.

Roadmap out of Lockdown

04th March 2021

The Prime Minister announced the plans to ease lockdown in England, a few weeks ago, which, by way of reminder, we summarise below. Obviously, the dates are provisional as they may change depending upon the rate of infection.

8th March:  All schools reopen for all age groups. Work from home guidance remains unchanged.

29th March:  Outdoor sports facilities (e.g. golf courses) reopen.

12th April:  Hospitality business can reopen for outdoor service. Non-essential shops can re-open, plus hairdressers, zoos, theme parks, drive in cinemas, libraries, and indoor leisure facilities.

17th May:  Pubs, bars, and restaurants reopen for indoor service. Hotels, cinemas, theatres and other businesses can reopen.

21st June:  Everything reopens, including nightclubs.

The government will review the need for face masks and social distancing, (which will influence work from home guidance).

PPE for unpaid carers

23rd February 2021

PPE is now available via Local Authorities for those providing unpaid care to someone they do not live with. This offer is available to cover needs for PPE that have arisen due to COVID-19. If you would normally use PPE because of the nature of the care you provide, you should continue to access it through your normal routes.

From the guidance;

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-providing-unpaid-care/guidance-for-those-who-provide-unpaid-care-to-friends-or-family#devolved-administrations

 

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

The government are currently rolling out an offer of free PPE for COVID-19 needs to unpaid carers who do not live with the person or people they care for. This will be available until the end of June 2021, and will be available from local authorities (LAs) and local resilience forums (LRFs).

See personal protective equipment (PPE): local contacts for providers for details of LAs and LRFs who are currently making PPE available to unpaid carers. You can contact them to request PPE.

This offer is available to cover needs for PPE that have arisen due to COVID-19. If you would normally use PPE because of the nature of the care you provide, you should continue to access it through your normal routes.

If you live with the person or people you care for, it is not currently recommended that you wear PPE unless advised to do so by a healthcare professional, like a GP or nurse.

Recommended PPE for unpaid carers who do not live with the person or people they care for

If you do not live with the person or people you care for, it is recommended that you wear PPE when delivering care.

It is essential that PPE is worn correctly in order to reduce the risk of transmission. PPE should be put on and removed at least 2 metres away from the person you are caring for.

See guidance on how to put on and take off PPE correctly.

The type of PPE you should wear will depend on the type of care you provide. The type of mask you have been given will be clearly stated on the box.

 

Helping the NHS to improve services and treatments for patients – can you help?

08th February 2021

Healthwatch are working with NHS England to undertake some research on what patients, current users, non-users and those with long-term conditions, with specific health issues including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, mental health and genetic factors, think about getting involved with clinical research.

This research will be really valuable in helping the NHS develop new medicines and learn more about better health and care for the future.
We want to know how patients and the public feel about clinical research, how they can get involved in research, what digital access they might need and if there are any barriers in place for involvement.

You can take here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/CResearch21

Please feel free to share with anyone else you know who might like to take part!

Thank you for your support.

DAD - AGM : 4th February 2021 - postponed

07th January 2021

Please join us at the Annual General Meeting of Darlington Association on Disability

on Thursday 4th February 2021

at 10.30am

via Zoom

Please inform us if you would like to attend the AGM, by contacting Judith, by email: judith.gledhill@darlingtondisability.org or by telephone:  01325 489999 so that we can arrange a Zoom invitation.

 Copies of the audited accounts and annual report will be available for members which will sent out prior to the AGM once you have confirmed your attendance.  If you are unable to attend and would also like a copy, please contact us.

 I hope you can join us and look forward to seeing you.

Changes to Christmas Bubbles

21st December 2020

Guidance for the Christmas period - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The Government have changed the Christmas rules.

On Saturday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson came on tv to tell the country that the Christmas lockdown rules have changed. This is because the number of people getting Coronavirus is going up very fast.

A new Tier 4 London and some parts of the South East have been put into a new Tier 4. This is because lots of people there are catching Coronavirus. People in Tier 4 have to follow stricter lockdown rules.

In the North East, Yorkshire and Humber, our Tiers have not changed. People living in York and North Yorkshire are in Tier 2. Everyone else in the North East, Yorkshire and Humber is in Tier 3. Your lockdown rules stay the same.

The rules for Christmas support bubbles have changed. The Christmas Support Bubble rules used to be that from 23rd to 27th December that 3 households could spend time together.

This has changed.

We can only spend time with people that we do not live with and who are not in our support bubble on Christmas Day. The Government are saying we should stay local and not travel a long way to visit people on Christmas Day.

But it is important to follow the rules to stop people catching Coronavirus.

The Coronavirus bug is changing. The Government have said that the Coronavirus bug has changed. The new version of the Coronavirus bug is easier to catch. The Government say it isn’t more dangerous than the first one and the vaccine should still work.

 

DAD and NHS Test and Trace

03rd December 2020

International Day of Disabled People

DAD was asked by Caroline Airs, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead to deliver an online presentation to NHS Test and Trace staff in the Department of Health and Social Care. The presentation was focused on supporting people with hidden impairments in the workplace.

250 people joined this session – that’s 250 new people who now know about DAD!!

We received comments such as “thanks for the insight and raising awareness”, “thank you for this informative session and amazing presentation”, “thank you for sharing”, “really helpful, Rosemary (Senior Manager of DAD), thank you” – and some interesting chat and sharing ideas about good practice in running meetings.

'Shielding' - new guidance

30th November 2020

This new guidance has just been published with differing rules in each tier..  

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/cev-from-2-dec

 

Shielding

You are not advised to follow this revised shielding advice unless you receive a new shielding notification advising you to do so.

We may advise more restrictive formal shielding measures for the clinically extremely vulnerable in the worst affected Tier 3 areas, based on advice from the Chief Medical Officer. This will only apply to some Tier 3 areas, and the government will write to you separately to inform you if you are advised to shield.

Further support will be made available from your local council and community pharmacies to help protect you during this period of heightened risk.

Easy Read Coronavirus Info

05th November 2020

Easy read page on our website:  

Darlington Association on Disability :: Easy Read (darlingtondisability.org)

Easy Read information about Lockdown:

https://www.mencap.org.uk/sites/default/files/2020-11/November%20lockdown%20%282%29.pdf

 

Lots of Easy Read Information about Covid 19

https://www.mencap.org.uk/advice-and-support/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-help-stay-safe-and-well

 

St Teresa's Hospice - Hello, How are you

02nd October 2020

A new series of online talks for anyone caring for a loved one with a serious illness, such as heart or respiratory disease, cancer, or a neurological condition.

Starting 27th Oct 2020

Information and support from local specialists:- * Consultant in palliative medicine   * Solicitor   * Hospice social workers   * Macmillan benefits officer   * Other carers

About a range of topics:- * Your needs and wishes   * Wills and Lasting Power of Attorney   * Emotional and practical support   * Financial grants and benefits  * Self-care and well-being

To request a place or for more information please contact:

Deborah Robinson at St Teresa’s Hospice, Darlington on 01325 254321 or enquiries@darlingtonhospice.org.uk

Technical support offered.

CDCF

26th June 2020

Thanks to County Durham Community Foundation for supporting us with further funding from the #NETCoronaVirusAppeal. This will enable us to continue to keep people connected and safe through regular calls, deliveries of activities and Personal Protective Equipment and on line activities which will support disabled people and carers of all ages during the #coronavirus outbreak.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): getting tested

06th May 2020

Guidance on coronavirus testing, including who is eligible for a test, how to get tested and the different types of test available.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested

 

Personal Protective Equipment animation and resources

01st May 2020

PPE

 

What PPE to wear when providing care out of hospital

This short animation shows you what personal protective equipment to wear when providing care (including caring for extremely vulnerable and shielded people) in care homes or caring for people in their own homes.  It is based on Public Health England’s recently published guidance:-

https://vimeo.com/408471512

 

Putting on and removing PPE – a guide for care homes

This Public Health Education video includes a flowchart for care workers providing care to residents to identify whether there is a need for PPE, PPE recommendations for care home staff, and some frequently asked questions on the use of PPE in care homes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozY50PPmsvE&feature=youtu.be

 

Website for further resources

The above animation and video and further resources/links that may be of help to people providing care out of hospital are all grouped in this one website.  Under the “resources” section are other videos including how to take someone’s temperature, guides to help with your personal wellbeing, along with a training package on Covid-19 infection prevention and control.  You can also download posters on how to take off PPE and on the “useful links” tab, there are quick links to other websites for further information/support eg E-learning for Healthcare:-

https://ppecovid19.co.uk/

Update - testing for PAs and PHB holders

27th March 2020

The latest update from the Department of Health and Social Care is as follows:

 

All PAs are now able to receive a test, symptomatic or asymptomatic – as essential, frontline workers. The test is most effective in the first three days of infection (but can still be effective up to five days). So practically, any PA who is symptomatic, should get tested as soon as possible and any PA who is asymptomatic (but thinks they may have been exposed recently) can also now access testing. As before, PAs can either self-register, or be referred by their employer, with availability for both home-delivered tests, and drive-through testing.

 

All patients in the NHS, and residents in care homes can now access tests, symptomatic or asymptomatic. It has also been agreed that ‘patients’ extends to individuals with personal health budgets in place. Therefore, any personal health budget holders with concerns that they may have Covid-19 / been exposed to Covid-19, can now access these tests (via self-referral).

 

Individuals with just a personal budget in place, who don’t have either a) a personal health budget, or b) a health condition that would constitute them being a ‘patient’, are not eligible to access these tests yet… unless they are over 65 and have symptoms, or are required to go into work because they cannot work from home, and have symptoms.  

 

 

Free Online BSL training

25th March 2020

Doncaster Deaf Trust has launched a free online British Sign Language (BSL) course.

The online course, developed thanks to National Lottery Funding, will enable users to learn Level One BSL.

Alexis Johnson, executive principal of Doncaster Deaf Trust said: “We are thrilled to be able to launch this free resource for people during this unprecedented time.

Here is the link: https://www.deaf-trust.co.uk/news/doncaster-deaf-trust-launch-online-british-sign-language-course

Coronavirus

16th March 2020

Government Guidelines

-  Stay at home

-  Only go outside for food, health reasons or work (but only if you cannot work from home)

-  If you go out, stay 2 metres (6ft) away from other people at all times

-  Wash your hands as soon as you get home

- Do not meet others, even friends or family. You can spread the virus even if you don’t have symptoms.

http://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

How to contact DAD by telephone regarding Hate Crime has been expanded

30th May 2019

How to contact D.A.D by telephone regarding Hate Crime has been expanded. Follow this link for more information about Hate Crime.

Mayor's Ball

01st May 2019

DAD Young Leaders supporting and rocking the Mayor's Ball with The Mayor, Cllr Veronica Copeland. One of the final events to mark the Mayor's year in office and add to the amazing fundraising for the three charities DAD, The British Legion and The 700 Club. Many thanks to Barcays Bank for match funding the funds raised from the Ball.