£970k earmarked for learning disability services during Covid-19 pandemic

Day care provisions for people with learning disabilities in Rotherham will receive funding of £970,000 as support during the coronavirus pandemic.
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Members of Rotherham Council’s cabinet voted unanimously to grant the services the funding, from a government grant.

The council has been allocated two grants totalling £16.2 million to support adult social care services in the area.

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The government's Covid-19 social distancing guidelines has meant organisations providing day care have had to stop their community-based services for people with a learning disability or autism, though some are continuing to provide services remotely.

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The aim is to move away from more institutional council day centres, by offering a choice of provision to people with a learning disability and/or autism."

A report to the cabinet states it is ‘vital’ these organisations are kept afloat during the Covid-19 pandemic and are not stretched to the point where they will be unable to continue running in the future.

The report states the closure of day provisions would put 'significant pressure' on parent carers, with an average age of 65 and would prevent the planned closure of the Addison day centre taking place in the future.

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It would also 'seriously undermine' the council’s reputation and integrity.

The closures will also be 'significant' for residential and supported living providers who have residents that normally attend day opportunities provision for up to eight hours a day during the week.

Speak Up, a not-for-profit organisation providing a range of support services will be awarded £20,000 to continue to support people with a learning disability and autism who are lonely and socially isolated.

Some funding will be considered to help unpaid carers, who have seen their workload increase as a result of the closures.

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Coun David Roche, council adult care integration cabinet member, said: “This financial support will enable small enterprises and services offering opportunities and activities for adults with learning disabilities and autism to continue to provide essential services in what is a challenging and uncertain time.

"It will also provide some essential support to organisations for carers, recognising their importance in assisting carers through these difficult times. It is in addition to the existing support that is in place with care homes on the ground.”