Latest News

Everyone is now in an National Lockdown and in Tier 5. Please find the link to Mencap’s easyread Tier 5 information.

https://www.mencap.org.uk/sites/default/files/2021-01/Jan%20lockdown%20SS%20-%20Final%20Version.pdf

 

From Saturday, the Government put Hertfordshire into Tier 4.
A tier is a level. Tier 4 is the highest level of risk.  There are different rules for each tier.  This information will help you to keep safe and well. Click on the link below to find our what you can and cannot do in this Tier 4.

https://www.mencap.org.uk/sites/default/files/2020-12/Tier%204%20guidance.pdf?utm_campaign=1648799_Newsletter%20-%20Tier%204%20%28limited%20audience%29%20211220&utm_medium=email&utm_source=dotmailer&dm_i=4P14,ZC7Z,2UYW4U,4F4WG,1

 

Mencap have created an easy read document about the Coronavirus vaccine. You can click the link to find out more. https://www.mencap.org.uk/sites/default/files/2020-12/Vaccines%20ER%20Final%20Version%208-12-20%20%282%29.pdf

 

Hear me now is a communication App for tablets and phones. It has recently changed its name from My Health Guide App because it can do so much more. You can download it from Google play or the App Store. It is a portable communication tool for people with learning disabilities.

You can create ‘boxes’ to store important information in. This could be things like:  someone’s communication needs, a daily diary, memories, health needs, likes and dislikes and step by step instructions. You can easily add and update daily information, create step by step instructions and ‘how to’ videos onto the app for playback when needed. The app can also readback text, which makes it helpful to someone who cannot read. App users can safely share their boxes with people they trust. It helps professionals, carers and support staff to talk to each other.  It puts the person at the center of this process, giving them a voice and helping them to be heard.

If you think this APP will benefit the people you support, as Bishop’s Stortford Learning Disability Forum members you can contact Toni Vyse on bsldforum1@gmail.com and ask for a token before the end of January 2021, this will ensure you get a free trial for a year.

For those you have already got the App and want more information about the free training  you can contact Kern at Maldaba on his email pathfinders@maldaba.co.uk

The website also has some good information and how to videos to remind and help you learn. https://www.hearmenowapp.com/

Hertfordshire County Council is currently developing its Diversity and Inclusion Strategy for Services, Communities and Partnerships and we are gathering views of our stakeholders.

A short survey has been developed and can be found here https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/about-the-council/consultations/equality-strategy-2016-20/diversity-and-inclusion-survey.aspx#

An Easy Read version is attached and is also available on Hertfordshire County Council’s website.  
https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/media-library/documents/about-the-council/consultations/diversity-and-inclusion-survey-easy-read.pdf

If you have any questions regarding this please liaise with Charulata Joshi – Equalities and Diversity OfficerCharulata.Joshi@hertfordshire.gov.uk

Nominations are open for the 2021 Rumble awards. You can nominate a person with learning disabilities or differences who lives  in Hertfordshire for the following awards:

The brave heart award

The good spirit award

The healthy living award

the leading light award

You can find out more and download a nomination form at

http://pioneerapproaches.co.uk/?page_id=531

Co-Production board

Here is a YouTube link for a short video summary of the recent Strategic Co-production Board meeting. You can click on this click and watch the video now.