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This morning we welcomed new faces to the Collective – a family who have relocated to Hastings during the pandemic to build a life together in the pursuit of person-centred care. We discussed the sentiment that ‘if what you want doesn’t exist, create it’ particularly relationship to housing and care and how the systems of support can work for and against this.  We hope to host an event in the future focusing on housing and support and bring together people who have created different models for people with complex support needs.

New beginnings

We shared delight at the spring views from our windows. Spring bulbs planted in autumn have now bloomed, a symbol of hope for things to come.

We discussed some of the local day services that are currently closed due to the pandemic including Parchment Trust at The Bridge Community Centre. We are looking forward to seeing The Bridge re-open with a café run by Parchment Trust and the activation of this important community hub.

Vaccination update

Some family carers and individuals who have received their first Covid vaccination are concerned that they have not been notified when their second vaccination will be scheduled.

The following information has been taken from the Sussex Health and Care website.

https://www.sussexhealthandcare.uk/keepsussexsafe/sussex-covid-19-vaccination-programme/faqs-about-the-covid-19-vaccine/

At the current time, the way in which you booked your first dose appointment will determine whether you have your second vaccination appointment booked or not.

People who have booked through the national booking service to arrange an appointment at a vaccination centre (Brighton Centre, Welcome House in Eastbourne, Crawley Hospital or Westgate in Chichester) or a pharmacy led service, will have arranged their second appointment at the same time.

If you had your first dose at your GP led local vaccination service, appointments were not made at the time of booking your first and you will be contacted when you are approaching the 12 week mark after your first jab to book your second. Please do not contact your GP practice to ask for your appointment.

If you would like further assistance, please visit the FAQ above or alternatively call the Vaccination helpline: 08004334545

Next Support Collective In Conversation event, Thursday 29th April, 11am – 12.30pm

On Thursday 29th April we will be hosting a slightly different online meet-up in the form of a live conversation between Support Collective members about what it means to them to be part of the collective and their experiences during the pandemic. There will be an opportunity to share questions to the members in a live Q&A. We will also be screening films from our new series introducing different members of the Support Collective and their journey in putting together person-centred care, the current challenges and hopes for the future. The films provide intimate portraits of care which give a window into the less-visible lives of people with complex needs and their circles of support.

To join the Zoom, register here or email Esther for a link, [email protected]

Coping with trauma and loss

We all experience trauma and grief in different ways. Sometimes people make an assumption that a person with complex support needs cannot comprehend or experience these emotions. An important process is denied. Today we discussed some of the support available when coping with a bereavement or traumatic event.

Mencap guide to dealing with bereavement: https://www.mencap.org.uk/advice-and-support/dealing-bereavement

Feelings you might have when someone dies – an easy read booklet exploring feelings using words and pictures – https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/help/support/publications/all/easy-read-feelings-when-someone-dies

Respond Family Support service – this service supports family members of people with learning disabilities, autism or both who have experienced loss, harm or institutional abuse.

https://respond.org.uk/family-support-service/

Image: Eden Kotting

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