A message from the Minister for Care
“The vital role our care sector plays in supporting some of the most vulnerable in our society has never been clearer than over the past weeks and months. This pandemic has shone a light on the brilliant skills, commitment and dedication of you, our care workers. As a government, our number one priority for adult social care is to keep you safe, as you continue to care for others.
“This week, I was extremely pleased we announced an additional £600m to support care homes. This funding will support the implementation of our care home support package, a series of measures to improve infection control and support care homes, including through more clinical support. I have written to local authorities and care providers in England asking them to make sure the measures are adopted.
“Earlier this week, we launched a new online testing portal, which will help care homes arrange deliveries of coronavirus test kits. At the moment, the service is prioritising care homes who look after older people or people with dementia. Testing is a crucial part of our plan to track and control coronavirus outbreaks in our care homes, and I am happy we are taking steps to improve access to testing as we increase our testing capacity.
“Last week, we launched the new Care Workforce app specifically for care workers, as part of our continued work to support the workforce. This gives access to the most up-to-date guidance on staying safe, as well as helping you connect with colleagues across the country and giving you access to discounts like your NHS colleagues. I am delighted we launched this important new tool under the new CARE brand. I hope it will help unite everyone working in care. You can download the app now and I urge everyone working in adult social care to do so.
“We have also worked with Samaritans and Hospice UK to extend the use of their mental health and wellbeing helplines to all social care workers. This adds to the new guidance on health and wellbeing for the adult social care workforce, published earlier this week. The guidance sets out a few ways to help you look after your mental, physical and financial wellbeing. As we approach Mental Health Awareness Week, it is essential you look after your health during this unusual and very challenging time.
“As we begin to make progress on tackling this pandemic, please know that all of you on the frontline have our full backing, appreciation and thanks.”
- Helen Whately, Minister for Care