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In this month's edition...
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Experts by Experience programme
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has awarded contracts to two organisations – Choice Support, and Clinks member Remploy – to run its extended Experts by Experience programme across England from 1st February 2016. Experts by Experience are people who have experience of using care services and who take part in inspections of health and social care services and visits to monitor the use of the Mental Health Act. During inspections, they spend time talking to people who use the service and observe the environment. CQC currently work with around 500 Experts by Experience. Find out more here
CBE for mental health charity leader
Mind’s Chief Executive Paul Farmer has been recognised in the Queen’s New Year Honours list. Mind’s Chair Ryan Campbell said: “We are incredibly proud of Paul receiving a CBE for his services to mental health. Paul has worked tirelessly during his decade as Chief Executive of Mind and in previous roles at Rethink Mental Illness and Samaritans to campaign for better services and support for people with mental health problems". Paul is Chair of the NHS England Mental Health Taskforce - bringing together health and care leaders and experts in the field, including people using services, to lead a programme of work to create a mental health Five Year Forward View for NHS England. Find out more here
London health devolution agreement
Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne has signed a devolution agreement which aims to address inequalities in health outcomes and reshape healthcare provision across London, in line with the aspirations of the NHS Five Year Forward View. The deal was signed by London’s health and civic leaders which will allow the city to begin the process of taking control of its own affairs. The agreement will begin with five devolution pilots to be launched across London focused on different topics. Find out more here
Public participation in health commissioning
NHS England is seeking comments from patients and the public, including the voluntary and community sector, on the draft 'Framework for Patient and Public Participation in Primary Care Commissioning' - a document which intends to clearly describe how the NHS involves patients, carers, service users and the public in primary care commissioning. NHS England is responsible for commissioning primary care, specialised services, health in justice, health services for the armed forces, and some public health services. They are developing frameworks for participation in each of these areas. The deadline for responses is 12th February. Give your views here
Inspections of substance misuse services
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has announced inspections of specialist substance misuse services between January and May, which include some voluntary sector organisations. The CQC is the independent regulator for health and adult social care services in England; they inspect hospitals, GPs, care homes and a wide range of other services, including services for people with mental health issues, and specialist services for people who have problems with drugs and alcohol. The CQC are also asking for people to feed in their experiences of using these services. Find out more here
Using health technology in custody
Oxehealth, a company that turns cameras into health monitors, is trialling its 'non-contact vital signs monitoring software' in secure rooms at Metropolitan Police Service’s (MPS) Wood Green Custody Centre, to help improve the safety of detainees. Individuals who enter detention and appear healthy may have prior medical conditions or have ingested an intoxicant, unknown to detention officers, which significantly increases the risk of a medical emergency or injury occurring whist in custody. Using the software it is possible to spot early warning signs of health problems and react quickly in the event of a serious incident that may have otherwise led to a fatality. Find out more here
Support for people with brain injury in the Criminal Justice System
The Disabilities Trust Foundation has launched a video which highlights how the impact of traumatic brain injury can bring people into contact with the Criminal Justice System, and the difference effective rehabilitation can make. The video features a young man they have supported from custody back into the community. Without the specialist rehabilitation provided, Byron says ‘I’d still be in custody… and worse off’. The Disabilities Trust has also developed a free Brain Injury Screening Index and guidelines to help practitioners in any setting establish whether someone has sustained a brain injury, and give an indication of the level of severity. Watch the video here
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Offenders with a learning disability
'Offenders with a Learning Disability: Who Cares and Why Bother?' is an Academy for Justice Commissioning evening seminar [10th February, London, free] that will share the lessons learnt from a recent project, joint funded by NOMS and Calderstones NHS Foundation Trust. Evidence tells us that offenders with a learning disability represent a major challenge to those working in prison and community settings. The seminar will highlight how this challenge presents major opportunities. Opportunities which will not only benefit offenders with a learning disability, but may have a significant impact on service delivery and efficiency. Find out more and book here
Stakeholder meeting for a men’s online mental health platform
The Men’s Health Forum are hosting a stakeholder meeting [25th February, London, free] for their Beat Stress, Feel Better project. The project aims to develop an online mental health platform for men in their middle years aged 35 to 50. They are reaching out to organisations they feel would be key stakeholders in the project and are hosting a gathering to share further information about the project. There will be speakers from the Bupa UK Foundation, a trustee of the Men’s Health Forum, a user of their Man MOT service and the project managers detailing the aims and objectives of the project. Find out more and book here
Improving the health outcomes of homeless people
Westminster Briefing's event 'Homelessness & Health: Strengthening Partnerships & Improving Care' [25th February, London, from £150] aims to give delegates up-to-date knowledge and practical guidance to improve services and the health outcomes of homeless people. The morning session will focus on the current challenges organisations face in improving the health of homeless people and how best to provide care and support for those in need. The afternoon session will focus on examples of innovative best practice and integrated working to improve the health of homeless people, with practical guidance to take away. Find out more and book here
Learning disability and autism awareness
Keyring is providing free Learning Disability and Autism Awareness training to front line staff in the Criminal Justice System. The training usually takes one day, is delivered in your organisation's premises, and explores three areas: firstly what is meant by a Learning Disability or Autistic Spectrum Condition, what it would mean for the person and what additional barriers or problems it might cause if they become involved in the Criminal Justice System; secondly, communication problems and how to minimise their impact; and thirdly issues specific to the group / organisation being trained. To discuss your training requirements, contact hugh.asher@keyring.org
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Grants for health charities
The Hospital Saturday Fund is offering grants to registered health charities such as hospitals, hospices, medical organisations who are in need of grants for medical projects, care, research or support of medical training. The fund has two grant categories: standard grants of up to £2,000, or large grants of up to £10,000. Large grant applications should be towards specific projects, research or equipment rather than running costs. The next deadline for applications is 10th May. Find out more and apply here
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Looked after children who are HIV positive
‘Looking after HIV: Considering the needs of HIV positive looked after children’ is an NCB report that considers how the needs of HIV positive children are understood and responded to by the professionals involved with their care as looked after children. A number of cases were considered in the research, reflecting HIV positive children and young people looked after in foster care placements and residential children's homes. Through the case examples, the report explores areas of professional awareness and understanding about HIV, policy and practice guidance, and consideration of risks of harm to young people, including risks of onward transmission of HIV. Download the report here
Emergency care for homeless people
Two new reports from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine focus on the health needs of homeless people, including rough sleepers and members of the street community. The two 'Inclusion Health Clinical Audit' reports find that whilst care for homeless people in A&E is good overall, there are many ways in which care could be improved. Care could be improved by providing more written information during an A&E visit, and signposting homeless people for help and support in the community. Find out more and download the reports here
Implementing the autism strategy
The government has published a progress report showing what has been achieved since the publication of ‘Think Autism’, which updated the cross-government autism strategy in April 2014. It also sets 31 new actions to continue to help local areas implement the autism strategy. The report outlines work to help people with autism live as full and independent lives as possible, including: reforms to the Special Educational Needs and Disability system; support with employment opportunities; better awareness of autism within the Criminal Justice System; use of information and data by local authorities and their partners. Download the report here
Young people’s brain development
'Supporting young people with neurodevelopmental impairment' is a Centre for Crime and Justice Studies report which discusses the over-representation of young people with clinical disorders in the youth justice system. It draws on a range of research and aims to explore the factors that contribute to the criminalisation of young people with neurodevelopmental impairments. Its key recommendation is that preventive practice in educational and family settings should be prioritised to prevent youth justice interventions. Download the report here
Substance misuse in prison
'Changing patterns of substance misuse in adult prisons and service responses' is a HM Inspectorate of Prisons thematic inspection report to examine changing patterns of substance misuse in adult prisons, assess the effectiveness of current policy and operational responses, and suggest how they might be improved. When work on this inspection began, there had been a recognised shift away from the use of opiates and Class A drugs towards the misuse of medication in prisons. During the course of this work, patterns of substance misuse in prison changed again and the use of new psychoactive substances was highlighted as a ‘major problem’. Download the report here
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Meeting the needs of people in the Criminal Justice System with learning disabilities
The Offender Health Collaborative has produced a 'Liaison and diversion manager and practitioner resource' on learning disability which outlines the main areas to be aware of for meeting the needs of people with learning disabilities in contact with the Criminal Justice System. The paper includes background information about people with learning disabilities, along with case studies, advice on how to meet their needs, and signposting to other resources. Although it is primarily aimed at staff working in liaison and diversion services much of the information is applicable more widely. Download the resource from the Clinks website, under the 'Learning disability and difficulties' section, here
Alcohol consumption guidelines
The Department of Health has published new guidelines on the health risks from alcohol. The guidelines, produced by the UK Chief Medical Officers, warn that drinking any level of alcohol increases the risk of a range of cancers. Dame Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer for England, said: "Drinking any level of alcohol regularly carries a health risk for anyone, but if men and women limit their intake to no more than 14 units a week it keeps the risk of illness like cancer and liver disease low." Download the guidelines here
Guide to the Psychoactive Substances Bill
UK Drugwatch has published 'A simple (ish) guide to the Psychoactive Substances Bill' describing the bill and its implications. This short and informal guide explains existing laws around substance misuse, and provides information on the possession, importation, supply and production, and penalties of the Psychoactive Substances Bill. Download the guide here
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Offenders’ health and wellbeing
In the second of her two-part Clinks guest blog series, Linda Bryant, Director of Criminal Justice Services at Together for Mental Wellbeing proposes four steps anyone can take if they are concerned about the health or wellbeing of an offender. She introduces the Together report 'A common sense approach to working with defendants with mental health and wellbeing needs', and says "We’re all part of the puzzle and together we can help vulnerable people put the pieces of their lives back together and stay away from crime." Read the blog here
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About Clinks Offender Health Bulletin
This regular bulletin provides Clinks members with the latest news for voluntary sector organisations involved in the health and care of offenders. It currently has 2,724 subscribers.
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Designed, composed and circulated by Ben Watson, Clinks.