Dear Member,
We hope this finds you well, hopefully some glimmers of Spring just around the corner!
We wanted to update you with the lobbying and influencing activity we are doing in the background on behalf of our members. We have experienced a busy few weeks and sure it’s the same for you too, not helped by the uncertainty and late planning with provider engagement meetings. The RCPA and board members have been pressing Somerset Council and system senior leads including the ICB, since the Autumn statement; this is around early comms and meetings to discuss the existential crisis facing the sector and how we can better work together to mitigate the challenges. Look and listen out for an interview today on Heart radio with our Chair, Richard Brice! More details to follow! We also recently held our quarterly board meeting with our Directors who are also care providers facing these challenges, where such discussions were top of the agenda. Also, you will be aware that we are joining the #ProvidersUnite event in London on 25th Feb-watch out for us https://www.facebook.com/rcpaltd/; hopefully we’ll get some media exposure! We have also met with three MPs recently and thanks to those members who are contacting MPs in Yeovil and Glastonbury/ Somerton constituencies. We have also made the MPs aware of the event so if they are attending Parliament that day, hopefully they will see us. If you need any support to arrange meetings or with comms, please get in touch.
We will circulate updates around this activity as soon as we know more.
Some other items that may be of interest..
OMMT Tier 1 training
We have been asking for and working with SfT around free access for ASC providers on this training. There are some free places available from SfT via the OMMT Hub; to emphasise that the funding for these will run out by April, after that the training will be charged for. Just for awareness this training is 1-2 hrs duration and is online via TEAMs, so an interactive session and no need to travel anywhere! We have met with and invited OMMT Hub to our next members’ meeting on 18th Feb to explain what members need and which tier of training – a 15 minute talk which will explain all that you need for your service training and compliance. More details will follow. In the meantime, there is some information around OMMT, resources section on our website.
LARCH info
Please find attached flyer around a training offer – practical skills.
Events
RCPA MNM Tuesday 18th February via TEAMs 2-3pm.
Please contact admin@rcpa.org.uk for the link. In addition to OMMT info, we have invited interim CQC area manager, Justine Button, to discuss the SAF updates and progress and field any questions you may have.
Navigating Care and Costs: Your Online Social Care Roadshow
Somerset Council is holding a series of online webinars in early 2025 to help individuals plan care and support needs for themselves or those they care for.
These informative sessions aim to provide valuable insights and practical advice on navigating the complexities of care planning.
To register your attendance, follow the links below.
Tuesday 4 February, 6.30pm – 8pm, Financial Assessments for Care Funding
Wednesday 12 February, 6.30pm – 7.15pm, Navigating Direct Payments
Wednesday 12 February, 7.15pm– 8pm, Supporting the Armed Forces community in Somerset
Thursday 27 February, 6.30pm – 7.15pm, Personalised Community Support for Carers in Somerset
Thursday 27 February, 7.15pm – 8pm, Understanding how Adult Social Care works
Digital News
Cyber Security webinars
As part of the wider project funded by the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology and Innovate UK’s Cyber Local funding. Digital Care Hub and the South West Cyber Resilience Centre are hosting cyber security webinars to simulate cyber incidents that could affect social care providers. Participants will collectively step into the decision-maker’s shoes using Zoom polls, choosing how to respond at every turn. Each choice will shape the outcome, revealing the real-life consequences of your action
The webinars are open to all adult social care providers and free to attend.
Cyber Simulation: Phishing Attack in the South West; Thursday February 6th 14:00 – 15:00 – Click here to register
Cyber Simulation: Ransomware Attack in the South West; Wednesday February 19th 14:00 – 15:00 – Click here to register