Support With Confidence gives information about organisations and individuals that can provide care and support in the home and community to help people remain independent. All these providers have to pass a strict vetting process so anyone who employs them will have the confidence that their helper has been checked out to meet stringent quality and safety standards.
At the launch in Eastbourne, the first members that have joined the list of accredited providers will be welcomed to the scheme by Councillor Rupert Simmons, Chairman of the County Council. Their details will be available on the East Sussex County Council website to anyone who needs support, whether or not they are eligible for financial assistance from the Council's Adult Social Care department.
Cllr Bill Bentley, the Lead Member for Adult Social Care, said: “Support With Confidence is a key component in the new range of care options available to residents in East Sussex. This enables them to choose from an increasing number off excellent local personal assistants, companies and support workers, confident that they are getting services from somebody who has been thoroughly checked out. The Council is always happy to offer help and advice on available care and support options and this scheme enables the person receiving the care to be in control”.
The new website will give the details of providers including personal assistants, gardeners, handymen and stair lift services. There have been hundreds of enquiries to join the scheme so far and there are 40 more applicants in the pipeline covering a range of different services.
This is the culmination of work over the last few months by Adult Social Care and the Council's Trading Standards Department. Following an awareness campaign, providers have applied to become members of Support with Confidence. The scheme ensures that every member is committed to provide a high standard of customer care, has had sufficient training and has passed the vetting process before approval. Members have to undergo safety checks and there is a clear Code of Conduct so they continue to meet the standards of the job. East Sussex County Council will monitor members to ensure that once on the scheme, they continue to comply with the standards expected of them.
The Support with Confidence scheme will be officially launched at Hydro Hotel in Eastbourne on Friday 15 October, when the approved list of providers will be available on the website.
The scheme covers providers of services and activities not regulated by the Care Quality Commission inspection regime.
General information on the scheme is available now in our section:
Reference:
2976
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East Sussex County Council