Care Workforce social care workers' app launched
A new app for the adult social care workforce in England has been launched to support staff through the COVID-19 pandemic. The Care Workforce app will act as a single digital hub for social care workers to access relevant updates, guidance, support and discounts from their phone.
Read the full story at ARC England >

Uber Medic scheme extended: 25% off journeys for care staff
All care staff (we well as care employers) can now sign up get 25% off Uber trips for work or otherwise in a scheme organised by the Care Provider Alliance and Uber. The scheme was originally for employers but now all care staff can sign up as individuals.
Sign up to Uber Medic scheme >

Eight councils have triggered Care Act duty moratorium in month since emergency law came into force
Authorities in Midlands and North East using Coronavirus Act provisions to halt assessments and reviews and prioritise care and support.
Read the full story at Community Care >

Care providers using NHSmail more than doubles in six weeks
The number of care providers using NHSmail has more than doubled in the last six weeks to help support staff during the Covid-19 pandemic.

NHSmail gives staff in care homes and domiciliary care the ability to safely share residents’ data and queries with doctors, nurses and GPs involved in their resident’s direct care. It also connects them to pharmacists, dentists and anyone else in health and care who also has secure email.
Read the full story on Digital Health >

Care home leaders slam government’s COVID-19 strategy
The government has come under fire for its lack of planning and slow response to protecting care homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The criticism comes with the latest estimates suggesting care homes now account for around a sixth of deaths in England and Wales.
Read the full story at Care Home Professional >

Our friends Misfits Theatre are asking for your help. They are a theatre and social group for people with learning difficulties and they need to raise to nearly £3,000 a month to ensure they can continue to supporting our members during lockdown. Just £15 will provide a week of tailored online resources and activities that are free, accessible and delivered by people who members know and trust.

Being creative is what keeps Misfits’ members going – it’s what gets them out of bed in the morning. It's what drives them to challenge society’s expectations and to keep up the motivation to keep pushing boundaries.

• Donate at: https://www.nowdonate.com/checkout/the-misfits-theatre-company-uk
• Watch Misfits Member Beth read her poem 'Respect' >

CQC Emergency Support Framework webinars
CQC have launched their Emergency Support Framework, forming a key part of their regulatory approach during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. 

To support providers to understand how the framework will operate and to gather initial feedback on how it’s working they will be running a series of webinars over the next two weeks. Each will be led by a CQC deputy chief inspector and there will be a presentation and a short time for Q&A.  

Guidance on supporting coronavirus patients in mental health, learning disability and autism or dementia settings
We wanted to draw your attention to the following recently published guidance setting out key principles for providing care to individuals who are in mental health, learning disability and autism and dementia settings who have suspected/confirmed Covid-19 or who have existing co-morbidities that make them clinically extremely vulnerable if they contract Covid-19.
Read the full guidance document on NHS.co.uk >

The COVIDA study, a major new national survey for all health and social care staff, needs your input
A team of NHS clinicians and academics have just launched a major new online survey to measure the psychological impact of the COVID outbreak on health care professionals, including those working in care and nursing homes. The survey takes approximately 10-15 mins and can be found here: https://roehamptonpsych.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9zbERsUm1YjDCYd

Gallagher's free 'Exiting Lockdown' webinar 14^th May
Gallagher Insurance have collaborated with insurance, risk management and legal industry professionals to provide guidance on considerations for a ‘phased return to the work place strategy’.
Register for Gallagher's Exiting Lockdown webinar > 

The secret to writing a flexible #nobedtimes rota
The Stay Up Late team talked to Rob, Chris and Agnes from the Brighton based support provider Grace Eyre about how to write flexible rotas that allow people with learning disabilities to stay up late and lead a life based around how they want to live their life.  
Read the full blog at Stay Up Late >