Making it Real in Dudley’s weekly update is now out; a round-up of all activity including local and national news. View last weeks update: 31 March 2014...

Sally Percival, Chair of TLAP’s National Co-production Advisory Group, worked with colleagues to produce a one-page profile on coproduction. It summarises the benefits of co-production and the ways you can support it, plus a top ten tips sheet which should help anyone involved with implementing co-production with their colleagues. Read...

Would-be bogus callers are being warned off the streets in Brierley Hill in a joint operation between the police and trading standards officers at Dudley Council. Dudley police have seen an increase in the number of calls they have received from members of the Hawbush community, in relation to bogus callers and rogue traders cold calling at houses in the area. Signs are going up in the area warning rogue traders they will be reported if they cold call in the new No Rogue Trader Zone. Leaflets and door stickers have already been delivered to 300 houses by police advising residents to be aware of the tricksters and signs have been mounted on lampposts in the neighbourhood. read...

The Care and Support Alliance has recently published a report: Facilitating the voice of disabled people and carers in the design of new eligibility systems proposed under the Care Bill: Feedback from carers and social care users on the draft eligibility criteria Author: Richard Brady January This report outlines the prominent themes and key findings from the research. Key Findings High quality social care is vital for the well-being of disabled adults of all ages with care needs. Explicit references to well-being in the regulations are essential in reflecting the importance of well-being in the Care Bill. More clarity is needed on what is meant by ‘significant risk’, such as through illustrative examples in statutory guidance and training materials for assessors. Lack of additional clarity regarding the meaning of significant risk is highly likely to result in different interpretations being used across the country, increasing the disparity of provision. Definitions of personal care and household activities are broadly accurate, however key activities which impact on an adult’s mental well-being, such as communication and social interaction, are missing. Mobility around the home is not accurately reflected in the regulations and should be made clearer. Regulations should make reference to completing a task reliably, safely and consistently. This should also be taken into account in assessments. Explicit reference to fluctuating needs in the regulations is positive. However, the language used is too vague – clear guidance for assessors is required. The eligibility criteria need to consider how they can support the policy intention to intervene earlier, in order to prevent, reduce or delay needs from developing. Social care user feedback on their experience of the assessment process is generally good. However local authorities need to provide better information about sources of alternative support when a person’s needs are deemed ineligible. There is widespread concern about how the regulations will be interpreted, highlighting the need for clear guidance and training for assessors. The need for specialist training for assessors should be taken into consideration when assessments are to be conducted with people with complex conditions or requiring specialist support. Feedback on carers section is inconclusive – further research is required, including with child carers. Read the...

Age UK Dudley’s Healthy Footsteps for aged 50 plus people is now available. This popular walking programme offers a variety of walks in the borough for all levels of fitness. This popular walking programme offers a variety of walks for many ability levels. We have weekend walks on this page; regular weekly walks on Mondays and alternate weeks on Tuesdays (The Dell) and Wednesdays (various). Wednesday (Coseley /Sedgley) walks and Monday (Mary Stevens Park) walks at the beginning of each month cater for new walkers and those with mobility problems and time constraints. Weekend walks generally cater for those who can manage up to 4 miles or more. Walks have been given grades of ease / difficulty on all days: A = Hard, B = moderate, C = Easy All you need is appropriate clothing and footwear and it is advisable to bring a drink. If walkers bring dogs, please ensure they are kept under control and do not get under walkers feet. Please dispose of dog waste appropriately. Download Healthy Footsteps for 50 Plus Prog – Apr –...