SIAA E-Bulletin - Friday 16th October
The Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance (SIAA) weekly e-bulletin
This week’s bulletin contains SIAA news, SIAA training, general news, events and recruitment.
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SIAA NEWS
Last Day for Commenting on Evaluation Framework for Independent Advocacy
The deadline for this consultation on the Evaluation Framework is today. To read the draft document click here. If you have any feedback please complete the Feedback Form and return it to Muriel Mowat at mmowat@siaa.org.uk.
SIAA TRAINING
Introduction
to Elder Abuse
Free one day training for
independent advocates working with older people - providing a general
introduction to elder abuse. The date for this training is 28th October
in Glasgow. For more information and to book a place please e-mail enquiry@siaa.org.uk or telephone 0131 260
5380.
Misuse of
anti-psychotic medication ***LIMITED NUMBER OF PLACES
LEFT***
A free workshop for advocates working with older people, exploring issues
around the misuse of anti-psychotic medication. This one day event will be
facilitated by an expert in the field on Thursday 26th November in Glasgow. To book a place please e-mail enquiry@siaa.org.uk or download
a booking form from our website at www.siaa.org.uk
Elder Abuse:
the Scottish Legal Context
Free one day training for
independent advocates working with older people - providing an opportunity to
explore key pieces of legislation, and how they can be used when advocating for
a person experiencing elder abuse. The date for this training is 18th
November in Glasgow. For more information and to book a place please e-mail enquiry@siaa.org.uk or telephone 0131 260
5380.
GENERAL NEWS
Scrutiny Bodies Project: Health and Care
The Public Services Reform Bill, which contains the provisions to establish the two new improvement and scrutiny bodies for healthcare and for social care and social work, was introduced to the Scottish Parliament on 28 May 2009. Since then the Finance (lead), Health and Education Committees have been gathering evidence from stakeholders on the proposals to create the new scrutiny bodies. For more information please see the Scottish Government website.
Legal Aid at Children’s Hearings
Following a legal challenge on behalf of a parent with a learning disability there has been a change to legal aid regulations. These changes now allow parents with a learning disability to ask for state funded legal representation when appearing at Children’s Hearings. This change was prompted by a case brought before the Court of Session which issued its ruling last week. The full judgment is available by clicking here. This ruling has an impact on many people with a learning disability with regard to their rights to receive legal aid in the future and it could also impact on other people who may have appeared at earlier Children’s Hearings without any legal representation.
Elderly Suffering Record Level of Abuse
Scotland’s elderly are suffering record levels of neglect and abuse, with hundreds of complaints against care services, according to new figures obtained by The Herald. The increase has been blamed on factors including increasing numbers of the elderly, increased awareness of the problem, and the fact older people are staying longer in their own homes. To read the full article please click here.
Gender Issues Network on Alcohol, Alcohol and Ageing – Report Launch Event
This research looks at the impact of the changing relationship for older women around alcohol consumption and contains recommendations which promote positive choices for living healthily and more independently for as long as possible. The launch event will be held on Wednesday 28th October 09 at 10am-3pm at Teachers Building, St Enoch Square, Glasgow. This is a free event aimed at all who work in settings where alcohol issues forms part of their remit. To book a place please telephone Rachel Brooks on 0141 572 6590, e-mail gina@alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk or see their website.
New charter to improve care for Alzheimer’s sufferers
Scotland’s 69,000 dementia sufferers, many of whom have been “disadvantaged, disenfranchised and disowned”, could have their rights better recognised with the launch of a charter on treatment and care. Irene Oldfather MSP, Convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Alzheimer’s Disease, announced the Charter of Rights for people with dementia and their carers at Holyrood yesterday. To read the full article please click here.
EVENTS
Changing Hearts, Opening Minds
It's been 40 years since the first Scottish LGBT equality group was founded. Reaching complete legal equality for LGBT people in Scotland is now a goal within their reach. This year the Equality Network, with LGBT Youth Scotland and Stonewall Scotland, is running a national conference in Dundee on Saturday 14th November 09 from 10am-4pm. The keynote speaker is Shona Robison, Minister for Public Health and Sport and more information and an Agenda can be found on their website.
Positive Action in Housing - Equality Legislation & Human Rights: Tuesday 17th November (9.30 am-12.30 pm)
This half day course will give you an overview of equality and human rights legislation and what it means in practice for your organisation’s staff, committee and service users. You will explore what contributes to potential unlawful discrimination and how to ensure your organisation complies with the equality legislation. This course is aimed at public and statutory organizations, Housing practitioners and community voluntary groups. To book your place send your details to zandra@paih.org or call 0141 353 2220.
Positive Action in Housing - Mental Health Awareness: Wednesday 25th November (9.30 am - 4.30 pm)
This course will look at the range of issues or events that can have a negative impact on our mental health and wellbeing. It will have a particular focus on the additional pressures faced by migrant workers, refugees and asylum seekers. It will give you an overview of the signs and symptoms of the most common forms of mental illness and will help you to develop approaches that will help you to provide appropriate services and support to people with mental health difficulties. To book your place send your details to zandra@paih.org or call 0141 353 2220.
RECRUITMENT
Fife Employment Access Trust (FEAT)
FEAT delivers individualised employment advice, support, training and assistance to people who have experienced mental health problems and who want to find work or explore opportunities for education or training. They are currently seeking to employ a:
Full-Time Employment Advisor - 35 hours per week, £23,220 per annum plus contributory pension, fixed term until 2012 and is linked to funding.
Part-Time Employment Advisor
21 hours per week - £23,220 per annum, pro rata, temporary until 31st March 2010
Application packs are available from Pat Rose on 01592 749880 or can be downloaded from their website.
CONTACT US
Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance, Melrose House, 69a George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2JG. Telephone: 0131 260 5380. Fax: 0131 260 5381. Email: enquiry@siaa.org.uk Website: www.siaa.org.uk
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