Long Term Conditions Alliance for Scotland (LTCAS)

[barkingmad]

Hi everyone,

We wanted as many people as possible to know about the Long Term Alliance's Annual Conference, so that you can have an opportunity to attend.

LTCAS Annual Conference and AGM, 23 February 2010, Perth Concert Hall

View from the centre: How can we achieve person-centredness for people with long term conditions?

The concept of person-centred policy and practice has been gathering pace within health, disability and social care agendas. Join LTCAS to explore how we can make person-centredness a reality for people living with Long Term Conditions.


This one day conference will explore:

- The reality of person centredness
- How we can turn policy into practice
- Developing good practice, including projects funded through the Self Management Fund

There will be a range of workshops taking place on the day designed to share information, highlight good practice and to encourage people from different sectors to engage in conversations.

Speakers include:

- Nicola Sturgeon MSP, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing

- Jill Vickerman, Deputy Director, Healthcare Planning Scottish Government

- Dr. David Reilly, Clinical Lead, Integrative Care, Scottish Government

This conference has be designed to be of interest to a wide range of people working within the voluntary sector, health, social care and government

To book your place, please complete and return the conference booking form to [url]events@ltcas.org.uk[/url]. This form is available to download from http://www.ltcas.org.ukor call 0141 404 0231

Alternatively, you can request a booking form from the HMSA office. We are members of LTCAS so prices for HMSA members are £10 for the day.

[barkingmad]

LTCAS Parliamentary Reception – Wednesday 6 October 2010

Long Term Conditions Alliance Scotland would like to invite you to our reception on Wednesday 6 October kindly hosted by Mary Mulligan MSP. This Parliamentary reception will explore:

‘The Foundations, Developments and Future of Self Management in Scotland.’

This reception is being held in Self Management Week, 4 – 8 October. Self Management Week will highlight support for self management across voluntary, health and social care sectors throughout the country.

LTCAS have over 200 voluntary and community members from all over Scotland, and work in strategic partnership with the Scottish Government to inform and progress the long term conditions agenda. This event will be attended by representatives from the 81 funded Self Management projects, LTCAS member organisations, NHS, Social Care and Government.

The reception will commence at 5.30pm for a 6pm start. There will be plenty opportunity for discussion and networking.

Please RSVP to event@ltcas.org.uk by Thursday 16 September, with any access or dietary requirements.

We do hope that you can join us,

Best wishes

Justine

If anyone would like to attend please could they email me on admin@hypermobility.org

Thanks
Donna

[barkingmad]

Tell us your thoughts, share your experiences - the good the bad and the ugly!

Two joint Scottish Government/Long Term Conditions Alliance Scotland events to help identify the emotional and psychological support needs of people with long term conditions
• Wednesday 15 September 2010, Drumossie Hotel, Inverness
• Tuesday 19 October 2010, Glasgow Hilton
These two open space events are being held because people with long term conditions and the voluntary sector organisations that support them are telling LTCAS that the emotional and psychological support needs of people with long term conditions are not well enough supported.

Self Management Week Events

Self Management Week (4 - 8 October 2010) aims to raise awareness of self management as a tool for the two million people living with long term conditions in Scotland.

The week will include events and publicity which will showcase examples of good practice. During Self Management Week, LTCAS will host a series of events across Scotland. We are also encouraging and supporting other organisations to host their own events.

These events include a Self Management Week Showcase Event at the LTCAS Hub in Glasgow and a Parliamentary Reception for LTCAS members as well as events run by external orgnisations such as Pfizer UK Foundation, and organisations running self management projects including Thistle Foundation and Castlemilk Stress Centre.

Read More



Multiple Conditions Conference - Falkirk Wheel 9 November 2010

The number of people living with more than one long term condition us growing. Living with multiple conditions presents significant challenges for individuals and services are not often designed to provide person-centred, integrated support. People are often having to manage the combination of their conditions whilst navigating separate silos of support/services for each.

This LTCAS event will raise awareness of issues affecting people living with long term conditions, explore challenges for services and aim to identify solutions. Book online now!

For those of you who are in Scotland the HMSA is a member of LTCAS. Should you wish to use their facilities or plan to attend the events please let us know.

[gila]

this sparked 'a rumble and a ramble' in my head... and I know I'm going ot... but I dont know where else to 'get rid' of the r and r...

basically I agree that self management is a good idea and that emotional and psychological support play an important part in this... BUT..

imo atm the big prob with having HMS/EDS is the difficulty of accessing appropriate, helpful PHYSIOLOGICAL support (though I'm sure we are not the only ones and that there are plenty of other little understood/known conditions in the same boat as us)

which to me means we all too often are lacking THE most important tools for self management-

and I am somewhat worried that the current strong drive for self management (and organisations like LTCAS "only" picking up on the lack of psychological support) in our case then will mean that
'self management' will wrongly/'unintentionally' equal "you just have to get on with it without any physiological help/guidance"

I was one of the 'lucky ones' and got 'psychological self management help' in the form of a general chronic pain management course quite soon after dx-
but what I actually wanted, and with hindsight I reckon def also needed/needed more, was physiological input/help-
I reckon I would have improved much much quicker had I had an "automatic" 'full' knowledgable physio check and treatment (incl. also posture check, muscle working check, unhelpful posture advice), gait check and podiatry input, OT and orthotics advice etc etc
rather than over years having to puzzle together knowledge and treatment options myself through using the forum and reading books and articles on hms

my biggest HMS dream is still to have "officially and generally recognized check/treatment guidelines" like you do have with MS, diabetes and others

sorry for the rant/moan!
xxg

[barkingmad]

Hi Gila,

Am confused! But I sort of understand.

It is true that there is a lack of services for people who need cognitive therapies etc. And the only way to correct that is to ring fence the money which will only happen if people campaign and keep the lack of services in the public domain.

This 'self management' is just like the bits of technique and intervention that a standard pain management programme or the expert patients programme would incorporate and no one is suggesting that you get diagnosed with a long term condition today and become self- managing tomorrow! Its about making sure there is enough funds in the social and health care budgets to allow people to remain independent....usually it takes a few years before any of us would even get to this stage with any long term condition but when you have reached that stage LTCAS wants to make sure that the resources are there for the Scottish people. People have the right to chose how their needs are met, whether its from Social Services providing a carer, or you 'employing a PA', its up to the individual to decide was is best for them and to be given access to meeting that need.

Both are separate topics that 'members of LTCAS' agreed was a priority within their individual organisations and then asked LTCAS to get involved.

I think you may be jumping way ahead a tad. LTCAS is like National Voices etc...they are the good guys!

[gila]

sorry donna!
I didnt mean to say, nor did I think, that LTCAS are 'bad guys' in any way, nor that the push for emotional and psychological support isnt necessary

just that in my case it "was", or well... sure felt like, "dxed today- self managing tomorrow"- and as so many of us are still struggling with getting the right physiological info/ help and are still being told "you just need to get on with it'...
(which of course in a way we do- BUT is so much easier with the right physiological help)...

and as here in england 'patient expert programs' (do they have them in scotland?), which can be v helpful with the emotional/psych side, are "sprouting up like weeds", but docs who know which kind of referrals could be helpful/physios who understand hms etc arent sprouting quite as quickly (but THANKS to the hmsa they ARE sprouting!!!!loads has been getting so much better!)...

I was being a bit 'paranoid' that in the 'general system', and with the lack of a 'widely recognized treatment plan', and the 'austerity measures' (p e p are of course much much cheaper for the NHS than individual physio/ot etc) it could for us become more 't over a' -

and I know and endlessly appreciate that the hmsa IS doing all it can to get info about right treatment out there!!!
I was just being a 'paranoid ramble-on er'
sorry!
xxg

[barkingmad]

The launch of our new Self Management Awareness Raising Campaign is going well – and we are getting some great feedback about our campaign website www.myconditionmylife.org

We’ve developed a web button to make it easy for you to link your own website to ours - you’ll find the link and web code here – please do help us to spread the word!

The campaign has already featured on STV news and in various newspapers around the country so far – and more media coverage is planned for Scotland’s first ever Self Management Week, next week 4th – 8th October.

Hope to see you at one of our events next week, and if you are hosting your own event best of luck - do let us know how it goes!

Best wishes

Kevin


Kevin Geddes
Director of Self Management
Long Term Conditions Alliance Scotland (LTCAS)
349 Bath Street
Glasgow G2 4AA

Tel: 0141 404 0231
Fax: 0141 246 0348
Mobile: 07545 425 605

Charity No. SC 037475
Company No. 307731

www.ltcas.org.uk

[barkingmad]

Hi Gila,

No worries, I wasnt sure if you were aware that was all. And of course we do work hard to spread the message about HMS you are right. However we need the support of bigger organisations such as LTCAS and NAtional Voices to push for all people with chronic problems. It is these organisations which we are members of who have the political contacts and the funds to try and raise awareness and protect the services we need. We need a huge push on protecting social care for us all...as well as health care. And working closely with the organisations means we can be more effective and that it leaves us iwth more time to concentrate on our specific needs...does that make sense?

[gila]

yes yes yes it all made sense!

maybe actually erase my 'paranoid ramblings' they are pretty pointless
xxg

[barkingmad]

9 November
Living with Multiple Conditions: Issues Challenges and Solutions
Falkirk Wheel, Falkirk

We have now managed to secure the following keynote speakers and plans for this event taking shape. If you have not already done so, please register for this exciting event!

• (Chair) Audrey Birt, Director, Breakthrough Breast Cancer
• Dr Aileen Keel, Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Scottish Government
• Mike Martin, Director, Joint Improvement Team
• Professor Sally Wyke, Director, Alliance for Self Care and Research

LTCAS Multiple Conditions conference aims to raise awareness of issues affecting people living with long term conditions, explore challenges for services and aim to identify solutions. This event will focus on: the many people who live with multiple conditions but whose needs may not be considered 'complex'. It will explore challenges to self management and the need for services to provide joined-up, quality support.

The number of people living with more than one condition is growing. Living with multiple conditions presents significant challenges for individuals and services are often not designed to provide person-centred, integrated support. People often having to manage a combination of their conditions whilst navigating separate silos of support/services for each.

There is significant opportunity to examine the issue within the context of the new Healthcare Quality Strategy for Scotland. This framework calls on the health service to focus on quality as the driver for delivering services in a time of financial constraints. Many of the challenges faced by people with long term conditions are magnified for those with more than one condition. IF high quality can be delivered for this group this could act as a pathfinder for improvements for all people with long term conditions.

For progress to be made it is essential that action is taken collaboratively. This must include the NHS, Scottish Government, voluntary sector and most importantly, people who live with, multiple conditions.

The event starts at 09.30 for registration and closes at 16.00

Complete and return the attached booking form to register for this event.

I would be grateful if you could circulate this information

Best wishes
Justine
Justine Duncan
Events and Fundraising Officer
Long Term Conditions Alliance Scotland (LTCAS)
349 Bath Street
Glasgow G2 4AA
Tel: 0141 404 0231 FAX: 0141 246 0348
Charity No. SC 037475
Company No. 307731
www.ltcas.org.uk

[barkingmad]

Please complete the survey below for LTCAS in prep for their Self Management Day in Nov.

http://instantreach.biz/RFZBMRISAK/5UMGQRXZHH/le/QRHOABAYOB

[barkingmad]

Dear Member/Associate

I would like to invite you to LTCAS members’ networking event on Thursday 9 December 2010 at LTCAS offices and Hub. This will begin at 10am, followed by Christmas lunch at 12.30pm. The event is open to all members and associates. We would love to see as many of you at this event to celebrate a busy and successful 2010!

The networking event will be run in conjunction with the Scottish Government. The Government are keen to work with and hear the views of our member and associate organisations.

Background
A number of key programmes have been in place for the past 18 months. As some of these structures conclude (e.g. Long Term Conditions Collaborative) and the Quality Strategy comes online, it would be an opportune point for LTCAS members and associates to discuss progress to date and engage in discussion with key civil servants about what comes next.

What is the benefit to our members?
• LTCAS members become more informed about in progress towards implementation of Long Term Conditions Action Plan
• LTCAS members have opportunities to become more engaged in plans for Better Together Long Term Conditions Module and Quality Strategy
• A dialogue is stimulated between LTCAS members and key civil servants, particularly with regard to sustaining work on long term conditions and self management
• Members get the chance to network with civil servants and other LTCAS members and associate organisations

To confirm attendance, please e-mail event@ltcas.org.uk and include any access or dietary requirements. After the event there will be a Christmas lunch– this is open to all members and associates. If you can’t make it along for the full event, please do come along for lunch or just mince pie and coffee at 12.30pm. I would be grateful if you could let me know if you intend to stay for lunch so we can arrange catering.

Please circulate this invitation round to others within your organisation.
Best wishes
Justine

[barkingmad]

We are delighted to announce the launch of the Interim Evaluation Report for the Self Management Fund – see attached. This report was enthusiastically launched today at the Self Management Showcase event by the Cabinet Secretary. The report contains the ‘story so far’ for the Self Management Fund, and contains a wealth of information, facts , figures and case studies to illustrate the impact and difference the fund has made. We hope that your enjoy reading the report.

Please do circulate the report to others who may be interested. The report can also be downloaded from our website

http://www.ltcas.org.uk/self_basics.html

Self Management Week continues with more events and promotion for the My Condition My Terms My Life campaign http://www.myconditionmylife.org/ best of luck with any events and promotion you are doing, and if you are attending our Parliamentary Reception tomorrow evening I look forward to welcoming you there.

Best wishes

Kevin

Kevin Geddes
Director of Self Management
Long Term Conditions Alliance Scotland (LTCAS)
349 Bath Street
Glasgow G2 4AA

Tel: 0141 404 0231
Fax: 0141 246 0348
Mobile: 07545 425 605

[barkingmad]

Hi everyone,

please take a moment to read the information below. It would be great if some of you could respond to LTCAS.

Thanks
Donna

Dear LTCAS member

You may well be aware of the changes being made to welfare benefits, including a pilot in Aberdeen to reassess people who currently receive Incapacity Benefit or Employment Support Allowance. People who are found to be capable of work will be moved to Job Seekers Allowance which, for some people, will mean a reduction of around £25 a week in their benefit.

We have already written to MPs to highlight concerns about the impact of the reforms on many people who live with long term conditions. In particular it is not clear that the 'fit for work' assessments take into account the fluctuating nature of some conditions, or of conditions which are less visible. We also raised the need to do more to tackle the barriers people face because of lack of understanding or flexibility from employers or prospective employers.

We would like to know whether the people you represent have been affected by the welfare reforms, or if you have any concerns about how they might be affected in the coming months.

Although welfare reform is dealt with by the UK Government, we are due to have discussions with Scottish Government colleagues who are keen to look at how they can respond to issues caused by the reforms. We have also been invited to provide information to Annabelle Goldie, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, who has said she will raise our members' concerns with Ian Duncan Smith, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.

If you have views, concerns or examples that you are able to share with us (please email them to me at shelley.gray@ltcas.org.uk) that would be very much appreciated.

Many thanks

Shelley

[barkingmad]

Apologies for a couple of errors in last week's 'Events and Training Update' that you may have noticed:

The Members' Networking Event and Christmas Lunch will take place on Thursday 9 December not Wednesday 9 November as adverstised.

The Living With Multiple Conditions: Issues, Challenges and Solutions conference at the Falkirk Wheel will take place on Thursday 3 February 2011, not Tuesday as advertised.

For further information about either of these events, please see the LTCAS website, email event@ltcas.org.uk or call 0141 404 0231.

Service to help support people to stay in or return to work more quickly when they develop a health condition or impairment

Working Health Services Scotland will provide personalised and timely back-to-work support for people off sick or moving toward absence from work due to a health condition. The service will enable them to make an earlier return to work than they otherwise would or remain at work, avoiding absence. Support comprises health, employability and wider social support service elements. The telephone based case management approach will through assessment, identify health issues and will ensure that clients are helped to access the most appropriate forms of support in a timely fashion.

Working Health Services is committed to engendering a culture that recognises and supports the fact that for most people work is good for health and returning to work at the appropriate time is part of the recovery process.


Working Health Services aims to bring together employees, employers, healthcare professionals and wider social services, such as housing, debt and skills advice, the service will help an individual on a period of sickness absence, including those with mental health conditions, return to work more quickly.


The service will offer:

A case manager for one to one telephone support
An initial assessment of overall health and well being
Identification of health issues/barriers to work
Tailor made interventions to suit needs
Prompt access to locally delivered interventions e.g. physiotherapy, occupational therapy, counselling
Regular case management contact and reviews to monitor and encourage progress
Advice, support and mentoring as required
Help to find useful resources in local area
On completion of Programme, the case manager will make contact to review progress and discuss return to work plans.
To access the service, call the national advice line, 0800 019 2211 which will act as a gateway for clients across the country. Initial contact details will be taken and forwarded to the local Working Health Services Team. For more information download the leaflet.