Anti-social behaviour consultation

Local people are being urged to have their say on plans which set out how to protect Wiltshire communities from anti social behaviour.

The Wiltshire and Swindon Community Safety Partnership has produced a draft strategy to outline how organisations across the county will work together with communities, victims, perpetrators and partners to reduce the impact of anti-social behaviour and tackle its root causes.  As many individuals and groups as possible are being encouraged to comment on the strategy to ensure that it reflects the views of local communities. 

You can view and comment on the draft strategy at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/asbstrategyconsultation  

The consultation closes on 31 December 2012.

Paper copies can also be obtained by contacting Wiltshire Council on 01225 716610 or from Swindon Borough Council on 01793 466047.

Avon and Wiltshire mental health trust appoints new chief executive

A mental health trust which was criticised over staffing levels during a recent restructuring has appointed a new chief executive.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) aired concerns over Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health NHS Trust in the summer.

It said it had "serious concerns" about the number of people failing to get treatment during the restructure.

Iain Tulley will join the trust from Devon Partnership NHS Trust in mid-November.

Full Article on BBC News

EVENT: Free screening of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel for Seniors 55+ in Melksham

Melksham & District Senior’s 55+ Forum invite Local Senior’s to a free screening of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel!

2pm on Monday 12th November at Melksham Assembly Hall

Doors open at 1.30pm, refreshments will be available.

The Screening is part of the Melksham & District Seniors Film Club – entrance will be free on the door.

For further information please contact Brian Warwick on 01225 792959 or Melksham Assembly Hall on 01225 709887

Care of vulnerable children in Wiltshire 'must improve'

Wiltshire Council has been told it must improve its care for children at risk of harm or face having the government step in to take over.

Ofsted inspectors said in April the service's monitoring of the safety of vulnerable children was inadequate.

Despite council assurances that things were getting better, the Department of Education has now issued an urgent improvement notice.

The council said it was committed to making the improvements.

Full Article on BBC News

Grandparents who become full-time carers plead: "We can't do it all for love"

One night earlier this year Stephen Merchant, 55, was contacted by his local council's children's services department. Twelve hours later, he was the full-time carer for his grandson, Charlie, who will be three years old on Wednesday. "Life changes in a phone call," says Merchant, who comes from Northampton.

He had to give up his job as a driver. "My employers offered a baby seat in the lorry," he jokes, "but Charlie comes first." Charlie was taken from Merchant's son and girlfriend when it was found that the baby had fractures. "I was the only one in the family who could change lifestyles at the time," he says. The two now live on around £250 a week, or £12,000 a year. "I'm not flush, but I can survive. The family help. I've got bags of clothes for Charlie that will keep him in trousers until he's five. He's happy at nursery. Charlie's great. He's part and parcel of my life now."

Merchant's income fell considerably when he became a full-time carer. Once he becomes a pensioner and Charlie is a teenager, the financial squeeze will become even tighter. Merchant, like most grandparents and relatives in his position, receives almost no practical or financial support.

Full Article on Guardian Society

EVENT: Pathfinder - A new approach to delivering services for Children & Young People 0-25yrs with SEN and Disabilities and their families

Monday 19 November 2012
9.30am - 2.30pm

Corn Exchange, Devizes SN10 1HS
Refreshments and lunch will be provided.

In September 2011, Wiltshire was granted Green Paper ‘pathfinder’ status; a great opportunity to design and test out a new way of delivering services with the aim of meeting more fully, the needs of children, young people and their families.

Come to this event and find out more about the new ideas and how these are being tested locally, including workshops on the single assessment and plan, personal budgets and the person centred thinking behind it all.

Carolyn Godfrey-Corporate Director of Children Services, is opening the event and Susan Tanner-Pathfinder Project Lead, will be giving an update on progress made in Wiltshire over the last 12 months, the latest news from the Department of Education and what the next steps are.

Go to theit online booking form by clicking on link below
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Pathfinder_19Nov012
Alternatively call them on 01672 569300 or email: office@wiltspcc.co.uk

SURVEY: Stop the DLA Takeaway: fairness for families when their child is in hospital

Contact a Family and The Children’s Trust, Tadworth’s campaign 'Stop the DLA Takeaway' highlights that disabled children who spend long periods in hospital are at risk of having their Disability Living Allowance removed. Current regulations mean DLA is removed from a child if their hospital stay is over 84 days. The days do not have to be consecutive so hundreds of severely disabled and sick children, who are regularly in and out of hospital, are affected.

The government argues that when a child spends longer than 84 days in hospital ‘a patient's needs are fully met free of charge'. Contact a Family and The Children’s Trust want to find out if this is true or not.

If you are the parent or carer of a child who has spent a long time in hospital please take five minutes to fill out their short survey.