Workforce update for 
 services that support people 
 with a learning disability 
 and/or autistic people 

Welcome to this workforce development update for adult social care services that support people with a learning disability and/or autistic people. It shares the latest news, resources, events and funding opportunities from Skills for Care and partners.

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 News from Skills for Care 

The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training in Learning Disability and Autism
The final evaluation for the trial of this training is expected very soon and will be presented at a free stakeholder forum on Wednesday 25 May 2022 (previously scheduled for Thursday 28 April).

This event will be a celebration of how far we have come and our evaluation partners NDTi will provide an overview of the final evaluation report - which will help to shape the rollout of the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training in Learning Disability and Autism.

This event is open to everyone including people who use health and care services, and families and carers.

⇨ Register for the next stakeholder event*
⇨ Find out more about the training

*Registrations will close for this event on Wednesday 11 May 2022. If you have already registered for the April event, there is no need to register again.


 

Resources to support social care workers in discussing sexuality and relationships
Skills for Care, in collaboration with Supported Loving, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), has conducted a learning materials review to provide social care staff in England with information on resources to best support people who draw on care and support with matters of sexuality and intimate relationships.

The review has now been completed and published on our website, alongside:
  • a supporting personal relationships guide
  • a learning materials review database, cataloguing resources collated within the review
  • an information video with Jim Thomas, Head of Workforce Capacity and Transformation at Skills for Care
  • a podcast covering sexual safety through empowerment from the CQC.

⇨ Find out more and download the resources
 Guidance from the Government, 
 NHS and key stakeholders 

‘See No Evil’ - film, drama and discussion activities
Blue Apple is a theatrical company, based in Winchester, that supports performers with learning disabilities to develop and present high quality productions for the widest possible audiences.

They have produced a short film and drama and discussion activities called 'See No Evil' which aims to raise awareness about bullying, prejudicial language and county lines drugs gangs.

The part-animated video features four of Blue Apple’s actors who all have learning disabilities, as well as real-life police officers. The workshop includes drama and discussion activities, co-facilitated by members of Blue Apple.

⇨ Find the resources on the Blue Apple website (free membership required).
BILD: An updated definition of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) for the UK
In February the International Journal of Positive Behaviour Support (IJPBS) published ‘Positive Behavioural Support in the UK: A State of the Nation Report’. It addresses key issues and PBS developments since 2013.

A new definition for PBS was co-produced with people with learning disabilities, autistic people, families and sector professionals. It draws on recent research evidence and recent best practice approaches, including trauma informed approaches. The definition includes a new tiered model of PBS and is centred around quality of life, a focus on prevention and the importance of ‘capable environments’. The definition rejects restrictive and abusive practices such as stopping people from doing what they want or forcing them to do something they don’t.

⇨ Read the report

Learning Disability England (LDE) and Inclusion Europe’s resources about the war in Ukraine
Lots of people are worried about the people in Ukraine and what is happening there. LDE have made a news webpage to share easy read resources to talk about what is happening with staff, people using services and their carers.

⇨ Visit the webpage

Inclusion Europe is doing work to help people with learning disabilities in Ukraine get the things they need. They have a list of different ways people can help on their website.

⇨ See the Inclusion Europe appeal and how you can help

Profound and Multiple Learning Disability (PMLD) Link
PMLD Link was established to make a difference to the lives of children and adults with PMLD. People with PMLD have profound intellectual and multiple disabilities, very severe communication problems, often extreme physical and/or sensory disabilities and complex health needs.

The latest edition of the PMLD Link Journal is available now.
⇨ Access the journal by subscribing on PMLD

Resource - ‘Digital inclusion. Using digital technology positively and safely’
This resource has been co-produced by Research in Practice with a team of women who have learning disabilities, learning difficulties and/or autism. This practice tool draws from lived experience and research of accessing and using digital technologies and the internet. It includes four practical tools for direct use with people who have care and support needs.

⇨ Sign up and download the resource for £10

Article - ‘Springboard and safety net: What lies ahead for advocacy in 2022?’
In this article VoiceAbility Chief Executive, Jonathan Senker, shares his reflections on the opportunities for advocates to step up and create greater impact collectively in supporting people’s voices and strengthen rights.

⇨ Read the article
 Events and opportunities 

Meet the ambassadors challenging misconceptions around what living with a learning disability looks like
Mencap have produced a short film of ambassadors challenging stereotypes about what living with a learning disability looks like. Meet the cover model, the athlete, the activist and many more. Why not use the film for a discussion with people who you support about what is possible or even make your own myth-busting film?

⇨ Find the film on the Mencap website

Join in on social media using #Mencapmythbusters.

Human Rights Act Reform - consultation
The Government is asking people about what they think about plans to change the Human Rights Act laws in England. After much campaigning by self-advocates, the Government has now published an easy read and an audio version to enable more people to be involved with the consultation and the deadline for taking part has been extended to Tuesday 19 April 2022.

⇨ Find out more about how to take part
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