Latest News: Information
New £30m Fund to Install Changing Places toilets in Existing Buildings across England
05 March 2021 / Posted in: Information, Support
Local authorities will soon be invited to ‘opt in’ to receive a proportion of the £30m funding, based on need, to install facilities in their communities. The move follows changes to statutory guidance that came into effect from January 2021 that made the provision of Changing Places toilets compulsory in certain new buildings.
We've Launched a Podcast!
01 March 2021 / Posted in: Information, Support
We're excited to have launched our brand-new SMA UK podcast, with people affected by SMA sharing their personal experiences, tips and advice on all things 'Living With SMA'. The first episode - 'Mental Health and Wellbeing during COVID-19' – is available to listen to now. Follow and subscribe today!
March: Back to School Information
01 March 2021 / Posted in: Information, Support
Following the publishing of the Government's route out of lockdown, it was announced that children would start to return to school from the 8th March (apart from those who are clinically extremely vulnerable). We hope the information here may help with any questions you have.
Virtual Event - Respiratory Management of Neuromuscular Patients in the Era of New Treatments
26 February 2021 / Posted in: Information, Support
This one day virtual symposium, for professionals and parents / families of children, is taking place on 28th May with keynote speaker Professor Anita Simonds (consultant in respiratory and sleep medicine). Places are limited so book your tickets asap.
Survey for Unpaid Caregivers of those who have SMA
24 February 2021 / Posted in: Information, Support
This global study aims to collect data on health care resource use, out-of-pocket costs and time costs for the families of those who have SMA in various countries in the world. Everyone who fully completes the survey will receive a gift card as a thank you for taking part.
Sibs Survey - Impact of Lockdown on Siblings of a Disabled Brother or Sister
19 February 2021 / Posted in: Information, Support
The UK charity Sibs is interested in finding out more about the impact this latest lockdown and the Covid-19 pandemic is having on siblings up to the age of 18, who have a brother or sister who is disabled, has SEND or a long-term health condition.
Weekly Covid Testing Available for Personal Assistants in England
17 February 2021 / Posted in: Information, Support
NHS Test and Trace is making weekly COVID-19 testing available to PAs working in adult social care in England. PAs will be eligible for testing if they are required to come within 2 metres of an adult (over the age of 18) in order to provide care and support.
Fancy a £50 Voucher to Spend in Contact’s Online Fledglings Shop?
15 February 2021 / Posted in: Information, Support
Contact has gift cards worth £50 each for families in England to spend in the charity’s Fledglings shop. This offer is open to eligible families who might need some extra support during the Covid-19 pandemic and could benefit from Fledglings’ sensory toys, clothes and essential equipment.
Priority Group 6 Vaccine Rollout - Write to your GP
15 February 2021 / Posted in: Information, Support
If you are in priority group 6 and haven’t been contacted yet, you may want to write to your GP to make sure they know who from your home needs vaccinating and that you are keen for your vaccinations as soon as possible. This means there is a record of your request.
ThinkBIGGER! - ITV Production Training Scheme
11 February 2021 / Posted in: Information, Support
Want to get into TV? ThinkBIGGER! has joined forces with ITV to launch their brand-new Production Training Scheme which aims to attract candidates from backgrounds that are currently underrepresented in the industry, including those from lower-socio economic backgrounds, those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, and disabled people. Applications are open until 19th Feb.
