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"Without advocacy I'd probably be dead": research into the impact of independent advocacy on the lives of people experiencing learning disabilities
- Author:
- VAJTA ENGSTROM Karin
- Publisher:
- Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- ii, 27
The aim of this report is to investigate the impact of independent advocacy from the view of people with learning disabilities. The study is based on qualitative data from 12 interviews conducted at 5 different advocacy organisations across Scotland. In addition, interviews with a family member as well as two advocacy workers and two advocacy coordinators took place in order to contextualise the findings further. The findings are drawn from the interviews with people with learning disabilities and comprise the following themes: independent advocacy as a unique and irreplaceable support; soft outcomes as key ‘side effects’ of advocacy – feeling listened to, increase confidence, wellbeing and self-esteem; and the relationship with the advocates as network of support. The study highlights that despite these benefits, access is still an issue and independent advocacy support is not always as available as it should be. (Edited publisher abstract)
Mothers caring for children and young people with developmental disabilities: intent to work, patterns of participation in paid employment and the experience of workplace flexibility
- Authors:
- CRETTENDEN Angela, WRIGHT AnneMarie, SKINNER Natalie
- Journal article citation:
- Community Work and Family, 17(3), 2014, pp.244-267.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
The Juggling Work and Care study was a South Australian cross-sectional mail-out and online survey for carers of children and young adults with developmental disabilities aged 0–25 years, which investigated work participation, work-life balance and psychological well-being. The study shows that mothers who were in a couple relationship and primary caregivers for their child (n = 287) were less likely to be in paid employment and worked fewer hours than mothers in the general population, regardless of age of child. Work participation was shown to be strongly related to the severity of child disability. Impacts of caring for mothers were significant. Over a quarter of mothers who had intended to work after the birth of their child had not done so. As well, many mothers who had returned to work reported reduced job opportunities and career progression. Of concern, 9 out of 10 mothers were unaware of their right to request a change in working arrangements to assist them to care. Changes in workplace support for carers, for example, awareness of legislation and flexible leave entitlements, as well as increased community supports such as appropriate and accessible (child)care, could improve the financial and social circumstances of families and result in significant benefits to Australia's economy. (Edited publisher abstract)
Learning disabilities health charter for social care providers: self assessment tool
- Authors:
- TURNER Sue, ROBINSON Carol
- Publisher:
- Public Health England
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 13
- Place of publication:
- London
This self assessment tool has been developed to support the implementation of the Health Charter, to help social care providers assess who well they progressing in delivering the Charter for people with learning disabilities. Each of the statements have a number of questions which an organisation can score themselves against. Issues covered in the charter include: mental capacity law; listening to and involving family carers; providing training to staff on health and wellbeing issues; providing accessible information to people with a learning disability; providing support to attend appointments; promote access to screening tests; and facilitating annual health checks. Organisations can then use their self assessment to make changes to practice. (Edited publisher abstract)
Improving the health and wellbeing of people with learning disabilities: guidance for social care providers and commissioners (to support implementation of the health charter)
- Authors:
- TURNER Sue, ROBINSON Carol
- Publisher:
- Public Health England
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 29
- Place of publication:
- London
People with learning disabilities have poorer health than the general population, much of which is avoidable. This means that people with learning disabilities experience health inequalities. A Health Charter, consisting of a series of pledges, has been developed to help support social care providers to improve the health and well-being of people with learning disabilities. This guidance document explains each of the Health Charter's 11 statements, outlines why they are important, and provides case examples and links to useful resources for each. Issues covered in the charter include: mental capacity law; listening to and involving family carers; providing training to staff on health and wellbeing issues; providing accessible information to people with a learning disability; providing support to attend appointments; promote access to screening tests; and facilitating annual health checks.
Health charter for social care providers
- Author:
- PUBLIC HEALTH ENGLAND
- Publisher:
- Public Health England
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 3
- Place of publication:
- London
People with learning disabilities generally have poorer health and die younger than the general population. This Health Charter consists of a series of pledges to give adult social care providers and staff a clear framework for improving their practice and the health and wellbeing of people with learning disabilities. The charter includes the need to: ensuring support is available to advocate on behalf an an individual if required; promote access to screening tests; facilitate annual health checks; ensure that each person who wants one has an health action plan and hospital passport. (Edited publisher abstract)
Feeling down: improving the mental health of people with learning disabilities.
- Author:
- BURKE Christine-Koulla
- Publisher:
- Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 36
- Place of publication:
- London
This report is aims to raise awareness among policy makers, commissioners and health and social care services and promote positive mental health of people with learning disabilities. It draws on a literature review, a national survey and focus groups, and real life case studies. The report begins by providing the context of the mental health needs of people with learning disabilities, drawing on the findings of a literature review. It then presents the results from a national survey and focus groups which look at the experiences of people with learning disabilities, their families, friends and staff when accessing support for their mental well-being. The final sections of the report provide recommendations for improving the mental health of people with learning disabilities. The report found that people with learning disabilities experience high levels of mental health problems. It also found that access to mental health services, assessment and treatment for this group needs to be improved. (Edited publisher abstract)
An inpatient Healthy Living Group
- Authors:
- ROSE Lexy, BREEN Olivia, WEBB Zillah
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Mental Health and Intellectual Disabilities, 8(2), 2014, pp.128-137.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the usefulness of a Healthy Living Group (HLG) for individuals with learning disabilities and mental health problems in an inpatient setting. Design/methodology/approach: Seven sessions were developed. Each session focussed on a different aspect of healthy living, and used psychoeducation and practical skill building to enable individuals to create personalised healthy living plans. Quantitative post-intervention measures and a qualitative focus group were used to determine group participants’ learning and enjoyment. Findings: Principles about healthy living were successfully taught in an enjoyable way to individuals with learning disabilities. Factors that enhanced learning and those that created barriers to developing healthy living plans are explored. Practical implications: Individuals with learning disabilities and mental health problems can be supported to develop personalised healthy living plans. Recommendations for further adaptations to the group structure are made, in order to enable others to run successful groups. Originality/value: The HLG is the first of its kind to be developed for individuals with learning disabilities. (Edited publisher abstract)
Joint health and social care self-assessment framework 2013: detailed report and thematic analysis
- Author:
- PUBLIC HEALTH ENGLAND
- Publisher:
- Public Health England
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 92
- Place of publication:
- London
The Joint Health and Social Care Learning Disability Self-Assessment Framework is a new annual local self-review process, originating in the commitments set out in ‘Transforming Care: a national response to Winterbourne View Hospital’ (2012). It included a check on key local numbers about health and social care for people with learning disabilities and a chance to contribute personal accounts of the experiences of people with learning disabilities using services. This report presents the findings of self-assessment ratings (Green, Amber, Red) made by Partnership Board areas against 27 indicators, with nine indicators each in three domains, including staying healthy, being safe and living well. Overall, self-assessment ratings for the nine staying healthy indicators suggest that high standards are possible to achieve (ten per cent - 56 per cent of Boards rated themselves as Green across indicators). For all these nine indicators there was substantial variation within and across regions. For most being safe indicators, Boards most commonly rated themselves to be some way towards achieving high standards but with more work to do (38 per cent - 67 per cent of Boards rated themselves as Amber across indicators). Self-assessment ratings for the nine living well indicators suggest that substantial numbers of Boards rated themselves as meeting high standards (25 per cent - 58 per cent of Boards rated themselves as Green across indicators). (Edited publisher abstract)