SUPPORT NEEDED: VODG is calling on the #health and #socialcare workforce to share their views on how we can reduce the reliance on psychotropic medications

The essential role of the health and care workforce in reducing reliance on psychotropic medications – ‘STOMP’ and ‘STAMP’

STOMP (Stopping Over Medication of People with a learning disability, autism or both) and STAMP (Supporting Treatment and Appropriate Medication in Paediatrics) are national projects, launched by NHS England and involving many different organisations, aiming to stop the overuse of psychotropic medicines. 

It is estimated that on an average day in England between 30,000 and 35,000 people with a learning disability, autism or both are taking prescribed psychotropic medication without appropriate clinical justification. 

This is a medication which results in alterations to perception, mood or consciousness. Long-term use of these medicines puts people at unnecessary risk of a wide range of side effects including weight gain, organ failure and even premature death.

We have launched a questionnaire to hear from colleagues across the health and care sector, including family carers, about your experiences of using STOMP and STAMP within your job roles and how awareness and understanding of STOMP and STAMP could be improved. 

Understanding the views of health and care professionals with experience in supporting people is essential to identifying opportunities and building solutions to prevent the overuse and inappropriate use of psychotropic medications.

The questionnaire is open now until Friday 16 December 2022.

This project is a collaboration between VODG, the National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi)Learning Disability England (LDE) and Skills for Care and is funded by Health Education England. 

Find out more on our project page here: www.vodg.org.uk/resource/stomp-and-stamp-the-essential-role-of-the-health-and-care-workforce-in-reducing-the-reliance-on-psychotropic-medication.html   If you have questions about the survey or would prefer to talk through your views with a researcher, please email research.policy@vodg.org.uk

Fancy and job in Learning Disability Nursing? or want to come back to Learning Disability Nursing?

Image credited to NDTi

Did you know there are Learning Disability Nursing Apprenticeships?

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Have you been a Learning Disability Nurse and have left the profession but would like to rejoin?

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KSS Hearing and Audiology Research Project needs your help.

In August Marianne Day, Shanice Thomas and Siobhan Brennan from University of Manchester presented their practice and research knowledge on the issues of hearing and audiology in people with learning disabilities and autistic people at a Community online event – please see the film below:-

The team are now looking for people with learning disabilities and autistic people in Kent Surrey and Sussex to participate in their research study to expose the barriers to access to good hearing for these communities, and outline some recommendations for adjustments to practice to improve this situation.

If you know of anyone that might like to contribute please contact Marianne via email Marianne.day@manchester.ac.uk.

 

 

Healthy Safe and Fulfilled Community Event Series

April sees the first of three online Community events which are all linked our shared purpose for people with learning disabilities and their allies to live Healthy Safe and Fulfilled lives.


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This first event will be on 28th April from 12:30 until 2pm with Lisa Hopkins, Scott Watkin and Emily Stewart from Seeability. They will be sharing their model for investing in and mentoring people with learning disabilities to be leaders in their organisation and communities.

Click here to book a place for this event.

Further online Community events are scheduled:-

  • 26th May – A Person Centred Workforce Workshop with Carrie Jackson
  • 23rd June – Lifeswap -an interactive model for challenging stereotypes and reducing stigma- Ronnie Treston & Becky​ Leonard‑Dixon

More details to be announced.