In this report Lyn Romeo, Chief Social Worker for Adults, sets out progress in improving social work with adults. The report looks at issues for social work with adults, including ensuring social work’s role and values are recognised in the implementation of the Care Act; working with ADASS, the LGA and principal social workers to create the conditions for excellent social work practice; and improving the education and training of social workers by introducing national assessment criteria for social workers at the end of their first year in employment. Report Source: The King’s Fund Health Management and Policy alert 31 October...

This report, jointly produced by the Local Government Association and the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, warns that services for elderly and disabled residents are in crisis after new analysis reveals a £4.3 funding gap by the end of this decade. It highlights the need for integration of health and social care as a priority in order to prevent the care system from collapsing. Report Source: The Kings Fund Health Management and Policy Alert 31 October...

Run by Age UK Dudley,the Springboard Project offers a range of activities, events and social activities to keep the over 50s healthy and active. Activity Programmes Weekly activities include Exercise, Dance, IT, iPads & Tablets, Tai-Chi, Art, Drama, Choir, Photography, Book Club, Family History, Men’s Morning, Knitting & Crafts, Table Tennis, Zumba and more. Courses starting week of 26 th January 2015: Sign up now for Beginners I.T. Beginners Plus I.T., Digital Photography for Beginners, IPad &Tablets, various Art Courses. Day Trips and Theatre Outings Holistic & Beauty Therapies A variety of massage, reiki, nail, facial and other treatments, available to anyone attending a Springboard activity. Both men & women are welcome. Where we are: Springboard Activity Centre is located at Units 44-47 Waterfront East, Level Street, Brierley Hill. DY5 1XJ. Easily accessible by car from the entrance beside The Brewers Wharf pub. Take the first turning on the right along the canal side. The centre can be found at the top of this Cul-de-Sac. There is also an additional large, free car park – entrance on Waterfront Way. Ring & Ride drop off point & Disabled Spaces Bus service from Merry Hill – X96 Contact: Springboard Activity Centre Tel: 01384 571830 Email: springboard@ageukdudley.org.    ...

The Department of Health has commissioned partner organisation Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) to investigate whether direct payments to people living in residential care can increase their choice and control. There are 14 local authority trailblazer sites taking part in the programme. SCIE’s role will involve giving support to the sites, organising learning events and working with the Department of Health to disseminate the findings Read more about the residential care trailblazer programme Source:The personal budgets & personal health budgets edition, Think Local Act Personal e-bulletin 29 Oct...

Springboard… to health and wellbeing Talks, Tasters & Workshops from Age UK Dudley Dementia Awareness Wednesday 14th January 1:30pm – 2:30pm Dementia may affect all of us at some time in our lives. Gain awareness and knowledge on this subject. A representative from the Alzheimers Society will be here to talk about spotting the signs and how to access advice and information. Free Session, please book ahead at reception or call 01384 571830 Where we are: Springboard Activity Centre is located at Units 44-47 Waterfront East, Level Street, Brierley Hill. DY5 1XJ. Easily accessible by car from the entrance beside The Brewers Wharf pub. Take the first turning on the right along the canal side. The centre can be found at the top of this Cul-de-Sac. There is also an additional large, free car park – entrance on Waterfront Way. Ring & Ride drop off point & Disabled Spaces Bus service from Merry Hill – X96 How to Book : Please come and join in on one or more of our fun-filled sessions. Places can be booked for any of the taster sessions at the Springboard Activity Centre on 01384 571830 by speaking to a member of the team. Or by emailing :- springboard@ageukdudley.org.uk Please follow us on Twitter@SpringboardAUKD Newsflash – We are now on Facebook. Search for “Springboard Centre” and become a...