Monthly Archives: January 2012

There is a need for better training for social workers

Equality in social care practice: still a long way to go

After improvements in local government training and recruitment, why aren’t there more BME social workers?

Like many readers, my heart leapt when I saw that Stephen Lawrence’s killers had been found guilty. The family’s campaign for justice, and the McPherson Inquiry they prompted, have changed forever how we treat racism.

We should welcome that progress. But a serious look at social work suggests we still have a long way to go before we have a level playing field for black and minority social workers – let alone service users.

Council chiefs add to pressure on ministers for elderly care reform

Elderly people should have to pay no more than £50,000 for care in old age, council chiefs say today as they add to the pressure on ministers to reform the system.

By , Social Affairs Editor

7:00AM GMT 20 Jan 2012

In a letter to The Daily Telegraph, social services directors representing 41 local authorities warn that the “dignity” of older people will be put at risk unless the “unfair” regime is changed.

They admit that social care is expensive and costs are rising as people live longer, but say this should be a “spur to take action” rather than a reason to hesitate, as the funding needs are only increasing.

The three leaders of regional adult social services, representing the south, east and midlands of England, say that the Government should implement “as soon as possible” the recommendations of last year’s commission led by the economist Andrew Dilnot.

Extra money to keep people warm and well in Norfolk

Requests for support from the fund can be made via Age UK

By KIM BRISCOE, Health correspondent Thursday, January 19, 2012
3.23 PM

 

Norfolk has successfully bid for £320,000 of extra funding from central Government to help its vulnerable residents stay warm and well over the next few months.

A partnership of organisations in Norfolk including local government, health and the voluntary sector, put in a bid for £324,300 from the Department of Health in December and found out that it had been successful just before Christmas.