Dear <<First Name>>
Essential social care for those that need it is finally in the media, but of course in very sad circumstances. Policy and media attention is skewed towards older people’s care homes where there has, rightly, been very significant causes for concern in some areas of provision. But we also need messages to land that there are risks in the provision of services for disabled people, including individuals with a learning disability and/or autism, at this time.
And so, in haste, there is a small window of media opportunity to present a sector snapshot of current risks facing providers supporting disabled people. We have developed a short reporting sheet to enable organisations to confidentially share data about workforce, COVID19 diagnoses, deaths and other key issues.
You are invited to support the building of our data set which will put into sharp focus the essential role of VODG member services. The Excel sheet is available here and we are inviting you to participate by completing both sets of tables for CQC regulated and non-CQC regulated services. Returns should be sent to urgent.response@vodg.org.uk and the deadline for responses is noon this Sunday 19 April. The data will be kept confidential and will be shared in an anonymous form with Professor Chris Hatton (Lancaster University) who will undertake independent analysis. Data will be aggregated and no individual service or organisation will be identifiable nor named in any reporting.
Finally, there are opportunities for organisations, managers and carers to share their stories with the media. It could be about any of the challenges that we know you are facing at the moment. If you feel able to speak with media colleagues (either ‘on’ or ‘off’ the record) please come back. Again please email urgent.response@vodg.org.uk.
Thank you for considering this note when I know all member organisations are extremely stretched.
With very good wish
Rhidian
Rhidian Hughes
Chief Executive | VODG (Voluntary Organisations Disability Group)
www.vodg.org.uk | 0793 113 1724 | rhidian.hughes@vodg.org.uk | @rhidianhughes
As VODG responds to the Coronavirus pandemic my working hours may not be the same as yours. I do not expect a response outside of your own work time.
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