South West NHF/Sitra/VPIG Annual Conference – 21 May 2008

This year’s event is being held at the Bridgwater Exchange. Our theme this year is “Innovation and Excellence.” Plenary sessions and workshops will focus on issues and examples of innovative practice from around the housing, care and support sector. The Regional Housing Strategy Vulnerable People Implementation Group (VPIG)‘s research on the impact of floating support and changing access routes on move-on from supported housing, and on the development of move-on strategies, will be presented. Conference booking forms are available here.

Freedom to Live

Livability have launched a campaign to improve disabled young peoples opportunities and choices as they move from childhood to adulthood.  The campaign follows their report Freedom to Live which identified that 40% of disabled young people aged 16 – 24 live in accommodation that does not meet their needs.

The vast majority of disabled young people have little or no choice over where they live, who they live with and how they spend their time. They are denied the freedom to live their life.

Report and campaign available from www.livability.org.uk

New Training Guide Out Now Welcome to our listing of Open Programme training for April to September 2008. Our courses are delivered by expert trainers and designed to offer you practical tips and guidance to enhance your experience and expertise at work. Each course comes with comprehensive course materials. Lunch is provided on all our courses, along with refreshments throughout the day. Click the image to download a copy of this guide.

NJC salary negotiations 2008 - 09

The unions have submitted a claim for 6% or 50 pence per hour, whichever is the greater. A response from the employers is expected in the coming weeks. Please check back for updates.

Review of the Quality Assessment Framework

Sitra and the NHF are leading on a review of the Quality Assessment Framework for the CLG. For further information and an opportunity to influence this work please click here

New book out now: "Supported Housing and the Law" Author: Sue Baxter and Helen Carr Supported Housing and the Law is the first book designed to equip the providers of supported housing, their advisers, and service users with an accessible and user-friendly introduction to the complex legal and regulatory framework which governs supported housing. Complex issues are helpfully illustrated with case studies, frequently asked questions and summaries of key points. Click here to read the first chapter. To order copies please click to be redirected to the LAG website. OR Receive a FREE copy when you attend the ‘Introduction to Law in Supported Housing’ training course. Click here for more details.