Category Archives: Carers

Challenging times for affordable housing providers in North Devon

February 9, 2012   Carers, ukcuts

New reforms set to hit social housing groups

Thursday, February 09, 2012

North Devon Journal

Joel Cooper

A HUGE raft of Government reforms and a growing waiting list means challenging times for affordable housing providers in North Devon, a housing manager has warned.

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    HARD TIMES: Nigel Barnard.

Nigel Barnard, managing director of Tarka Housing in Bideford, says a combination of funding cuts, welfare reforms and the localism bill could have a big knock-on effect for those living in social housing over the next six months.

Tarka Housing was formed in 2007 when it successfully bid to take over Torridge District Council’s housing service.

The firm controls around 1,800 homes in the Torridge district and also boasts an in-house team which carries out ground maintenance, gas servicing, repairs and decoration.

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End the Care Crisis: Lobby 6th March 2012 in Westminster

February 9, 2012   Carers, family

 

Response to Select Committee care report

 

The Care & Support Alliance has responded to a report from the cross-party Health Select Committee, into social care:

I”The Health Select Committee’s report adds weight to growing evidence from the 60 charities of the Care & Support Alliance that social care funding pressures are leading to a diminished quality of life for disabled adults and older people and increased demand for NHS services.

MPs from all parties share our view with that cutting back on care is not only risking the dignity and independence of older and disabled people, but is ultimately robbing Peter to pay Paul – with the NHS picking up the knock on costs of poor quality care provision, namely distressing and avoidable hospital admissions for the most vulnerable members of society. This cross-party report clearly states that current funding levels are ‘not sufficient to maintain adequate levels of services’ and at a time when we need extra funding to meet rapidly growing demand, Directors of Social Services say that social care budgets fell by £1 billion last year.

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Dog helps children with their reading

February 9, 2012   Carers, learning difficulties

Grace the dog helps ‘reluctant readers’ at Antingham and Southrepps Primary School

by Alex Hurrell , Reporter Thursday, February 2, 2012
6:44 PM

  Pupils at Antingham and Southrepps Primary School are being helped to read by stroking a dog. Lewis McCrohon (9) pictured with Grace. PHOTO: ANTONY KELLY

A wet nose and waggy tail set one ‘staff’ member apart at a north Norfolk primary school.

 

But what Grace lacks in official teacher training she more than makes up for in dogged patience and a soft furry coat.

The retriever-border collie cross has taken up residence in the head’s office every Thursday to help children with their reading.

“There’s no magic involved. It just seems to work,” said Grace’s owner Janice Kingman, head teacher at Antingham and Southrepps Primary School, near North Walsham.

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