Your Day, Your Say - screen reader accessible Day Opportunities report

Purpose of Report

This report provides an overview of the consultation, analysis, and key findings from our consultation in relation to the future delivery of day opportunities in Sefton. Proposed recommendations will be outlined within the Cabinet Member report which will seek to approve the findings and next steps.

Principally the aim to Co-Produce and Design outcomes with our communities has been and remains a core focus throughout the Consultation.

Introduction

‘Day Opportunities’ includes day centres and other services in the community which support adults with Learning Disabilities, Autism, Physical Disability or Sensory Impairment, older people including those with dementia and Mental ill health.

A review of the effectiveness of the current day opportunities offer was felt to be needed based upon the significant impact of the Covid 19 Pandemic upon the ability to attend day services and also the shifting demographic where people, particularly younger people were seeking more personalised approaches to support. However within this approach gaps were observed in the range of activities and access to community universal provision being limited. In addition the ambition for people to access volunteering or job opportunities required a closer focus.

Details of these changes can be observed in Appendix 6 – Sefton Day Service Profile.

The Sefton model for day services approved in 2015 by Cabinet focused on the need for:

• Individuals to utilise their strengths, choices, assets and goals through person centred planning.
• Focus on the outcomes that service users and carers wish to achieve.
• Provide support that enables the person to access a range of opportunities in the wider and their own community as an active and equal citizen.
• Maximise the opportunity to use personal budgets or direct payments to access support or activities of the persons choice.
• Make the most of a vibrant borough, ensuring access to the wide range of opportunities in Sefton

Whilst the model was still relevant the impacts noted above required further input and crucial feedback from our citizens and people who use services.

In addition a number of independent day services were developing outside of the overall strategy for day services and to ensure council could extend its vision and enable greater flexibility the development of a new flexible purchasing system was required.

On the 24th June 2021 Cabinet agreed the approach to undertake a formal consultation and the approach to re-procure day opportunities going forward.

A commitment was made that throughout these processes there would be a strong focus on the principles of co-production and co-design and so from the early stages of development a number of representative groups, voluntary, community and faith sector agencies and local advocacy organisations came together with commissioners to shape the consultation. Details were also presented to the Consultation and Engagement Panel in July 2021 for their advice and approval.

This formal consultation of Day Opportunities ran from the 11th of October 2021 and ended on the 9th of January 2022 (13 weeks).

Methodology and Approach

An initial Equality Impact Assessment was produced prior to the consultation and focussed on the approach being taken to the consultation. The EIA is a live document and has been periodically reviewed and updated. The EIA is enclosed in Appendix 9.

The approach to the consultation incorporated three stages:

Stage 1 – A Task Group was established to focus on the co-production, communication, and consultation. This included the development of the co-produced methodology, including the stakeholder map, communication plan, questionnaire, presentation, and toolkit all of which can be found in Appendix 1 – Stakeholder Map, Appendix 2 – Communication Plan, and Appendix 3
– Consultation Communication/Documents.

The aim of the Task Group was to ensure:

• The voices of people, parents’ carers and family members who access day services or who may access service in the future are heard.
• Regular engagement sessions are held with the National Autistic Society (NAS) Parent Carer Group, Sefton Parent Carer Forum, Healthwatch, People First Merseyside, and Sefton Advocacy.
• That the learning from the pandemic and changing demographic is reflected in the future approach.

Advocacy groups gave advice and supported the translation of various consultation documents into an accessible Easy Read format.

Stage 2 – The live consultation period, a timetable of events can be found within Appendix 3.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic remote consultation meetings were offered, a consultation toolkit that provided a range of ideas and options was also available, and an online voice over was developed to support the accessible presentation.
Careful thought was given to the planning of live consultation meetings to mitigate risk.

Stage 3 – Evaluation of responses and co-produced report and findings. The report and findings were co-produced with reference group(s) volunteers to include people that attend day centres, young people, family members and carers. Reference group members received the required support of advocacy and voluntary organisations to engage in the process.

Consultation Methodology

The consultation opened on Monday 9th October 2021 and ran until Sunday 9th January 2022 (13 weeks). Following good practise of at least 12 weeks it was agreed to run the consultation for a 13-week period to allow for the Christmas break. The questionnaire was available for completion from the Monday 9th October 2021 - Sunday 16th January 2022.

Regular forum meetings were held with day centre providers, headteachers and those involved in transitions throughout the life of the consultation. Letters were posted out directly to current users of day opportunities and those who attended prior to the pandemic, Sefton Carers Centre emailed all carers that had consented to receive correspondence by email, all consultation material was uploaded to the Sefton Directory, and the questionnaire was uploaded to the consultation Hub Your Sefton Your Say.

In order to ensure the consultation was promoted as widely as possible publicity was circulated as follows:

Service users and carers

• Sefton Directory.
• Your Sefton, Your Say.
• Sefton Carers Centre database Sefton Carers Centre newsletter Champion Newspaper: Carers Rights Day.
• Libraries and Leisure Centres Publicised by advocacy groups & Voluntary sector organisations Dedicated email.
• Telephone line.

Stakeholders

• Provider Forum Meetings Schools and Colleges Head Teachers Forum Meetings
• Briefing advocacy groups, voluntary sector, and third-party organisations
• Partnership Boards

Staff

• Briefing Note
• Adult Social Care Newsletter

Unions

• Briefing Note

Due to the Covid Pandemic it was agreed there was a need for only a number of small user specific and carer specific meetings to mitigate risk in relation to the restrictions in place at the time of the consultation.

The main method for consultation with stakeholders was through small consultation meetings and an easy read questionnaire.

During the consultation we consulted with 248 people, in addition day centre staff held small group/friendship group discussions to support those who attended day centres to engage in the consultation and complete questionnaires, 275 people attended these discussions.

In total 277 questionnaires were returned, questionnaire responses can be found in Appendix 8 - Questionnaire Analysis.

The meetings were facilitated by a core group of council officers from Adult Social Care, day centre staff, and support from advocacy organisations to ensure the methods used were flexible and could be tailored to the specific audiences where required. At all meetings notes were taken, frequently asked questions and comments from these meetings can be found in Appendix 4 & 5.

Consultation Events

The data below gives an overview of Consultation Events, meetings, Forums and attendees.

• Day centre (face to face): 148 attendees across 18 meetings.
• Day centre (virtual): 33 attendees across 2 meetings.
• Schools and colleges (face to face): 5 attendees across 1 meeting.
• Carers (face to face and virtual): 23 attendees across 4 meetings.
• Older people (face to face and virtual): 38 attendees across 3 meetings.
• Drop-ins (libraries and leisure centres): 1 attendee across 8 meetings.
• Small group/friendship group: 275 attendees across 65 meetings.
• Provider forum: 3 meetings.
• Schools and colleges/transitions forum: 3 meetings.

The consultation focused on the following three questions:

• If the pandemic has changed the way you would like to be supported to access day opportunities?
• What Day Opportunities would you like to see in the future?
• Has your caring role changed since the start of the pandemic?

People could respond to the consultation in the following ways:

• At a consultation meeting.
• Small group discussion.
• Returning a questionnaire.
• By email.
• By telephone.
• Via a member of staff.

Key Themes - Outcomes of the Consultation

The following key headlines were identified from consultation meetings, returned questionnaires, and activity sheets.

The Day Centres

• Some people attending day centres see the centre as a club where they can socialise, form, and maintain relationships, and meet friends this was apparent in those clients with Learning Disabilities and Older People.
• Some people attending day centres enjoyed the many activities on offer including dance and music, arts and crafts, gardening and caring for animals.

The impact of COVID

• Some people felt isolated during COVID, were not able to maintain friendships, have contact with boyfriends and girlfriends all of which affected their Mental Health.
• Some people are happy that they have been able to return to a day centre, where they feel safe, can see their friends, and continue with the activities offered by the service.
• Had an impact on carers mental and physical health.

What people would like to do in the future

• Some people with Learning Disabilities wanted to be as physically active as possible, taking part in a wide range of sport and leisure activities.
• Some younger people wanted more access to further education, qualifications, volunteering and training as a means to securing meaningful employment.
• Some younger people still in the education system aged 16 – 18 years of age wanted to see an improvement in the transitions process, greater involvement from social workers particularly young people that were considered to have low or moderate needs.
• Most people were satisfied with current activities, others wanted to do more activities in the community, but people said they would need support to do this.
• The majority of people wanted to carry out activities Mondays – Fridays during the day, others would like the opportunity to do activities in the evening during the summer when the nights are light and they felt safe. There were some people that said they would like to be involved in activities during the weekend.

Transport

• Concerns in relation to the additional cost of transport on top of what is already paid to attend a day centre.
• Support and training to access transport independently.
• Greater access to transport to facilitate trips out.

Accessibility

• Concerns were raised in relation to accessing community facilities in Sefton and the surrounding areas.
• People felt that there are insufficient changing and toilet facilities when accessing the community for people with a disability.

Carers

• Wanted to ensure that their needs as carers are recognised.
• Carers of young people wanted to see more activities available in the community.
• Carers of young people felt there was a need for more training and volunteering which could lead to meaningful employment.
• One size does not fit all some carers want to see activities that could be accessed for shorter periods of time, flexibility around start time particularly for those people who due to their condition are not early risers.

Conclusion

It was recognised that people value day opportunities however there is a need to address some of the barriers adults face in participating fully in community-based activities and also the range of provision available to support greater participation in the community and undertake volunteering and access opportunities for employment.

The use of co-production as the core element of the approach was responded to well and was felt supportive of identifying views and needs of both carers and people who use services.

The resulting creation of a dedicated reference group to take forward the co-production approach was welcomed and well supported.

Transitions were also recognised as a challenging time for young people and their carers and therefore early engagement and involvement of young people as part of the co-design of services or wider opportunities was welcomed.

Next Steps

The themes identified throughout the consultation period, as summarised above, can be used to co-produce the service specification to ensure future service provision takes into consideration what people have told us. These will be presented to Adult Social Care Cabinet Member alongside recommendations for future work.

If approved the service offer will be managed in a number of phases. These phases will also be co-produced with people who use services, carers and young people as part of the reference group established alongside the continued support of commissioners, advocacy and voluntary organisations.

Below is a list of stakeholders, the methods we used to consult with them, and the aim of our consultations.

External stakeholders

People First

Method of consultation: Meetings and consultation events.

Aim of consultations: To communicate and consult with, and understand the impact of any proposal. It also gave them the opportunity to give feedback.

Sefton Carers Centre

Method of consultation: Meetings and consultation events.

Aim of consultations: To communicate and consult with, and understand the impact of any proposal. It also gave them the opportunity to give feedback.

Sefton Parent Carers Forum

Method of consultation: Meetings and consultation events.

Aim of consultations: To communicate and consult with, and understand the impact of any proposal. It also gave them the opportunity to give feedback.

CCG/Mental Health joint operational meeting

Method of consultation: Meetings and briefing note.

Aim of consultations: To communicate with the group.

External Providers Forum (including New Directions)

Method of consultation: Meetings and consultation events.

Aim of consultations: To communicate and consult with, and understand the impact of any proposal. It also gave them the opportunity to give feedback.

General public

Method of consultation: Website, poster and drop-in sessions.

Aim of consultations: To provide them the opportunity to give feedback.

Healthwatch Sefton

Method of consultation: Briefing note, presentation, and poster advertising links and information on drop-in sessions.

Aim of consultations: To communicate with the group.

Sefton CVS

Method of consultation: Meetings, briefing note, and presentation.

Aim of consultations: To communicate and consult with, and understand the impact of any proposal. It also gave them the opportunity to give feedback.

Activates

Method of consultation: Briefing note, presentation, and poster advertising links and information on drop-in sessions.

Aim of consultations: To communicate with the group.

Mencap Liverpool

Method of consultation: Briefing note, presentation, and poster advertising links and information on drop-in sessions.

Aim of consultations: To communicate with the group.

Alzheimer's Society

Method of consultation: Briefing note, presentation, and poster advertising links and information on drop-in sessions.

Aim of consultations: To communicate with the group.

YMCA

Method of consultation: Briefing note.

Aim of consultations: YMCA Liverpool confirmed the only group they work with in Sefton is a nursery group.

Age Concern Liverpool and Sefton

Method of consultation: Meetings and consultation events.

Aim of consultations: To communicate and consult with, and understand the impact of any proposal. It also gave them the opportunity to give feedback.

Sefton Partnership of Older Citizens (SPOC)

Method of consultation: Briefing note and verbal update given 25.11.2021.

Aim of consultations: To communicate with the group and give a consultation progress update.

Service users

Method of consultation: Consultation events.

Aim of consultations: To communicate and consult with, and understand the impact of any proposal. It also gave them the opportunity to give feedback.

Sefton Advocacy

Method of consultation: Meetings and briefing note.

Aim of consultations: To communicate and consult with, and understand the impact of any proposal. It also gave them the opportunity to give feedback.

Schools and colleges

Method of consultation: Briefing note, presentation, parent/carer letter, and poster advertising links and information about drop-in sessions.

Aim of consultations: To communicate and consult with, and understand the impact of any proposal. It also gave them the opportunity to give feedback.

Sefton CVS Young Advisory Group

Method of consultation: Briefing note, presentation, parent/carer letter, and poster advertising links and information about drop-in sessions.

Aim of consultations: An opportunity for young people to get involved with the consultation and possibly support consultation events.

Simply Soccer Group

Method of consultation: Poster advertising links and information about drop-in sessions.

Aim of consultations: To communicate with the group.

St John & St James Orrell Trust

Method of consultation: Poster advertising links and information about drop-in sessions.

Aim of consultations: To communicate with the group.

Sefton OPERA

Method of consultation: Briefing note and presentation.

Aim of consultations: To communicate with the group.

Active Minds

Method of consultation: Briefing note, presentation, letter, and poster advertising links and information about drop-in sessions.

Aim of consultations: To communicate with the group.

Memory Café

Method of consultation: Poster advertising links and information about drop-in sessions.

Aim of consultations: To communicate with the group.

Internal stakeholders

Cabinet Members/MPs

Method of consultation: Briefing note/email.

Aim of consultation: To be assured Members will be consulted on the documentation and approach.

Adult Social Care Senior Management Team

Method of consultation: Briefing note and presentation.

Aim of consultation: To be assured management/teams will be communicated to on the consultation progress.

Sefton Parent Carer Forum

Method of consultation: Briefing note.

Aim of consultation: To be assured carers will be consulted on the documentation and approach.

Demand Management Group/DMT

Method of consultation: Briefing note and presentation.

Aim of consultation: To be assured management/teams will be communicated to on the consultation progress.

Transforming Care Partnership Board

Method of consultation: Briefing note and presentation.

Aim of consultation: To be assured that the board will be communicated to on the consultation progress.

Internal Day Centre Staff

Method of consultation: Briefing note.

Aim of consultation: Ongoing communication on the consultation progress.

Contact Centre

Method of consultation: Briefing note.

Aim of consultation: Ongoing communication on the consultation progress.

Head of Education Excellence

Method of consultation: Meeting and briefing note.

Aim of consultation: Ongoing communication on the consultation progress.

SEND Improvement Board

Method of consultation: Briefing note.

Aim of consultation: To be assured that the board will be communicated to on the consultation progress.

Social work teams

Method of consultation: Meeting and briefing note, presentation, and poster advertising links and information about drop-in sessions.

Aim of consultation: Communication and impact on service.

Adult Forum

Method of consultation: Briefing note and presentation.

Aim of consultation: To be assured that the forum will be communicated to on the consultation progress.

Adult Social Care staff

Method of consultation: Briefing note, presentation, and poster advertising links and information about drop-in sessions.

Aim of consultation: Ongoing communication.

Children's Social Care

Method of consultation: Briefing note, presentation, and poster advertising links and information about drop-in sessions.

Aim of consultation: Ongoing communication.

Children with Disabilities team

Method of consultation: Briefing note, presentation, and poster advertising links and information about drop-in sessions.

Aim of consultation: Ongoing communication.

Press officer

Method of consultation: Briefing note, presentations, letters, and poster advertising links and information about drop-in sessions.

Aim of consultation: All communications and consultation documentation will be uploaded onto the Sefton Directory (internal and external).

Trade Unions

Method of consultation: Briefing note.

Aim of consultation: Ongoing communication.

Specialist Transport Unit

Method of consultation: Briefing note, presentation, and poster advertising links and information about drop-in sessions.

Aim of consultation: Ongoing communication.

Strategic Commissioning Board

Method of consultation: Briefing note.

Aim of consultation: To be assured that the board will be communicated to on the consultation progress.

Introduction

The vision for Sefton Council Adult Social Care is to promote independence and to support people to live the lives that they choose in the community as far as possible.

Our Day Opportunities vision therefore seeks to enable, facilitate and support people with a range of different outcomes in meeting their needs, sometimes this may take the form of building-based provision whilst at other times, this support is facilitated within the community.

The numbers of people accessing traditional models of support have been declining with particularly younger people choosing to use a Direct Payment to access the support of their choice. The numbers of people choosing a community-based option is similarly increasing.

The numbers of people accessing support has both in building bases and in the community also reduced due to the impact of the Covid 19 pandemic. We anticipate that numbers may increase as restrictions reduce or are removed, however we need to assess whether these changes will have any longer-term impact on the delivery approach to day services. It may be the case that service users have found alternative provision during the pandemic that better suits their needs or wish to explore new opportunities.

The consultation and engagement will be used to inform our dialogue with providers and ensure we have a diverse and robust market, which will respond to the needs of people who require some level of support during the day and in order to meet changing aspirations and explore new ways of meeting needs.

We are seeking to co-design a new specification with Providers and Stakeholders, to ensure people who use or may wish to access support have an opportunity to contribute to the design of services.

This Communication and Engagement Plan sets out the key messages for this project that will guide our internal and external communications.

Aims

The overriding aim of our communications and engagement plan is to ensure that our key messages are communicated to stakeholders clearly and that a process of engagement takes place with the relevant stakeholders to inform the co-design of Day Service provision in the future.

Our objectives

• To ensure that stakeholders are aware of the consultation.
• To reassure stakeholders about what the consultation will mean for them.
• To allow time and suitable space for stakeholders to give opinions in a way they feel comfortable with.
• To provide all information in accessible formats.

Key Messages

The following key messages will form the basis of all our communications:

• The Adult Social Care Vision seeks to allow service users to lead the life they want to lead in the community and our Day Opportunities offer needs to reflect this vision.
• We would like to develop a range of services that offers and facilitates people having greater independence around accessing the community and universal provision alongside greater choice, and a wide range of activities and flexibility.
• Where building-based support is relevant for those with the most complex needs we would also seek to ensure these offer a range of supportive and flexible approaches to meet people’s needs and aspirations.
• No-one will be expected to change the support they receive if they continue to meet the assessed need, we are seeking to enhance opportunities and be able to respond effectively to the changes we are seeing currently in our market.
• COVID has shaped how we live and will continue to shape future services, we want to capture how COVID has changed the way people wish to access support during the day.
• The feedback will help shape an outcome-based service offer, future market development and how we can enable greater opportunities for people to connect with their communities.
• We will be asking people about how they wish to spend their day and also ensuring that people are supported to make choices about access to work, volunteering and training opportunities.
• Service users and their families will be supported throughout the consultation and we will engage advocacy support to strengthen our approach and develop our understanding.
• All information will be in accessible formats so that people engage in a meaningful way.
• The existing providers of current service provision will be engaged individually and collectively via the established provider forum so they can support the approach.

Branding

All communications and engagement will carry the same core messages and branding so as to have a consistent approach.

The communications will have the #YourDayYourSay branding to emphasise the themes for co-production and a person-centred approach.

We will produce a toolkit/facilitators pack for engagement sessions that carry this branding and all our key messages in accessible formats.

Stakeholders

Stakeholder mapping has been carried out to identify which groups we will communicate with.

Direct (project is likely to have an actual or perceived impact)

• People who currently use, and families and carers of those people who use day services.
• Day services providers.
• Adult Social Care staff.
• Cabinet Member or Adult Social Care/Relevant members.
• Advocacy Groups, such as:
  • Sefton Partnership of Older Citizens (SPOC).
  • National Autistic Society Parent Carer Group (NAS).
  • Sefton Parent Carer Forum.
  • Dementia Friendly Sefton.
  • Preparation for Adulthood Group.
  • Sefton Carers Centre.
  • People First Merseyside.

Indirect (project is unlikely to directly impact or be perceived to directly impact but need to be communicated with)

• General public.
• General staff.
• All relevant teams across the Council.
• External partners/partnerships, such as:
  • Sefton Mental Health.
  • Sefton Mind.
  • Adults Forum.
  • CCG.
  • Transitions Steering Group.
  • Symbol (CVS) Young People.
  • YMCA.
  • VCFS.
  • CWD.
  • Transforming Care Partnership Board.
  • All Age Autism Pathway.

Channels

The below channels have been identified as suitable for the communication of our key messages.

Internal:

• Dedicated Cabinet Member(s).
• One Council Brief.
• Intranet.
• Yammer.

External:

• Consultation events.
• Direct communication.
• Your Sefton, Your Say.
• Partner briefings.
• Sefton Council website.
• My Sefton news site.

Risks and mitigating key messages

Below is a list of potential risks and mitigation measure to manage those risks.

Risk: Concern among service users/families that provision will be taken away.

Key message: Reassurance that people will not have provision removed if they continue to meet the assessed need.

Risk: Unrealistic expectations of current and future service users and carers resulting from the impact of COVID-19 and the consultation.

Key message: Clear Scope. This is a consultation to see what people would like to see in future and whether the pandemic has changed that. This will provide assurance around our strategic approach to day opportunities in Sefton.

Agreed statements

A spokesperson for Sefton Council said:

"Members are being asked to approve an approach to the commissioning of day services in Sefton in light of a change in the way individuals have used our day services during the COVID-19 pandemic and a desire to meet the changing needs of individuals who use these services.

“This is not about reducing services but about developing more flexible models of support. The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way people access day services and, in some cases, people who needed adult social care were supported to access alternative types of services which worked better from themselves and their families.

“Sefton Council want to build on this and build a service that incorporates greater independence, greater choice, a wider range of activities and more flexibility, whilst maintaining more traditional, building based support for those with the most complex needs. We will be working with people who use services and their carers in developing this approach.”

Easy Read service user letter

We want to tell you about the consultation and proposed co-design of day opportunities and day services and how you can be involved.

Sefton Council wants to speak with people who use day services.
This consultation will be from Monday 11th October 2021 till Sunday 9th January 2022.
This is nothing to worry about.

The way people have been using day opportunities has been changing for some time.
The impact of COVID meant people had the chance to access support in different ways.

Many people want different things from a day opportunity.

The information you give will help the Council to make sure that day services are of a good quality.

It will help us to understand more about how the COVID Pandemic has changed people’s experiences of day services.

Services need to meet the requirements of the Care Act 2014.

The Care Act is a law about care and support for adults in England.

Officers from the Council who are responsible for arranging services will be arranging the Your Day Your Say consultation.

The consultation will involve co-design sessions. The feedback that people give will be put into a report which will help with future plans.

What are Day Opportunities?

Day opportunities offers day support for people with a range of different needs.
Sometimes this is in a building, or at other times people are supported in the community.

We would like you to get involved in the Your Day Your Say consultation.
This consultation will be your opportunity to tell us about the way in which you would like to spend your time during the day and your experience of day opportunities in Sefton.

Sefton Council would like to co-design the approach to day opportunities and day services with people who use services.

How can I give my ideas?

Through a questionnaire - Paper copies will be given out from your day services with a freepost return envelope.

You can also request a paper copy by phone or email.

On line via our consultation website Your Sefton Your Say.

Look for the Your Day Your Say consultation in the list.

Group or individual virtual meetings.

Please ask your day centre for more details.

Or telephone conversation. Call or email to arrange how you would like to feedback.

If you need any more information or help to have your say, please contact us by:
Phone - 0151 934 2888
Email - yourdayyoursay@sefton.gov.uk

Deborah Butcher
Executive Director for Adult Social Care and Health

Service user letter

Dear Service User,

Re: Day Opportunities Consultation

We are writing to make you aware of the day opportunities consultation in Sefton and how you can be involved. The consultation starts on Monday the 11th of October 2021 and ends on Sunday the 9th of January 2022.

There is no reason for you to worry about the consultation, the purpose of which is to help the Council to make sure that the day opportunity services in Sefton are of a good quality, are meeting the requirements of the Care Act 2014 and to understand more about the impact of the COVID Pandemic on the experiences of people accessing day opportunity services in the borough.

The consultation will be used to shape services with local organisations, people who use services now and who may use services in the future and parent/carers of people who access services now or may do in the future.

The consultation with people and their families is called ‘Your Day, Your Say’. The feedback that people provide will be put into a report that will help with future planning. We would like you to get involved in the ‘Your Day, Your Say’ consultation and the information you choose to share with us can be done so in several ways;

• On line via our consultation website Your Sefton Your Say.
• A paper copy of the questionnaire will be available from your day service and on request.
• Group or Individual virtual meetings (please refer to your day centre for more details).
• Drop in sessions at a range of local venues across the borough.
• Individual telephone or email conversations.
• Day Opportunities Service User Reference Group.

You may want to share this letter with a family member or an advocate to make sure that you have every opportunity to respond to the consultation.

Should you require any information on the ways you can get involved please e-mail yourdayyoursay@sefton.gov.uk or telephone 0151 934 2888.

Yours faithfully, Deborah Butcher
Executive Director Adult Social Care and Health

Parent carer letter

Dear Carer,

Re: Day Opportunities Consultation

We are writing to inform you about the Day Opportunities consultation in Sefton and how you can be involved. The consultation starts on Monday the 11th of October and ends on Sunday the 9th of January 2022.

The purpose of the consultation is to make sure that current services are of a good quality, are meeting the requirements of the Care Act 2014 and to understand more about the impact of the COVID Pandemic on the experiences of people accessing day opportunity services in the borough of Sefton.

The consultation will be used to shape services with local organisations, people who use services now and who may use services in the future and parents/carers/advocates of people who access services now or who may do so in the future.

The consultation with people and their families is called ‘Your Day, Your Say’. The feedback provided will be put into a report that will help with future planning.

We would like you to get involved in the ‘Your Day, Your Say’ consultation and the information you choose to share with us can be done so in several ways;

• On line via our consultation website Your Sefton Your Say.
• A paper copy of the questionnaire will be available from the day service the person you care for and/or relative attends.
• Group or Individual virtual meetings (please refer to your day centre for more details).
• Individual telephone or email conversations.
• Day Opportunities Service User Reference Group.

Should you require any information on the ways you can get involved please e-mail yourdayyoursay@sefton.gov.uk or telephone 0151 934 2888.

Yours faithfully, Deborah Butcher
Executive Director Adult Social Care and Health

Provider letter

Dear Provider,

Re: Day Opportunities Consultation Update

We are writing to update you on the consultation of day opportunities and day services that we are undertaking with people who use day services, parent/carers, those who may access day opportunities in the future and other key stakeholders.

The consultation will begin on the 11th of October 2021 and will end on Sunday 9th January 2022.

The purpose of the consultation is to make sure that current services are of a good quality, are meeting the requirements of the Care Act 2014 and to understand more about the impact of the COVID Pandemic on the experiences of people accessing day opportunity services in the borough of Sefton. The information provided will be used to shape services with local organisations.

Officers from the Council who are responsible for arranging services will be undertaking Your Day Your Say consultation events with people and their families. The feedback that people provide will be put into a report that will help us with future planning.

There are various opportunities available to ensure that people can respond to this consultation including options for older people, people with a learning disability or autism and people who may have a physical disability. The consultation will capture people’s views and experiences in the following ways;

• On line via our consultation website Your Sefton Your Say.
• A paper copy of the questionnaire will be available from day services or on request.
• Group or Individual virtual meetings.
• Drop in sessions within local communities.
• Individual telephone or email conversations.
• Day Opportunities Service User Reference Group.

People can use the following email address stating clearly their request or use the telephone number below to speak to someone.

We will meet with all providers throughout the life of the consultation.

Can we please ask, that if requested, you do support anyone wishing to contribute to the consultation.

If you require any further information or wish to discuss the content of this letter please contact Rebecca Bond Rebecca.Bond@sefton.gov.uk or Joanne Christensen Joanne.Christensen@sefton.gov.uk.

Yours faithfully, Carol Cater
Service Manager - Commissioning

Breakdown of consultation sessions

Day services:

• Choices Day Centre (virtual) - 20th October 2021: 1.30 to 3.00 pm.
• Choices Day Centre (virtual) - 21st October 2021: 1.30 to 3.00 pm.
• 121 in the Community (face to face) - 21st October 2021: 11.00am to 1.00 pm.
• 121 in the Community (face to face) - 22nd October 2021: 11.00am to 1.00 pm.
• Waterloo Park Day Centre (face to face) - 1st November 2021: 9.30am - 12.30pm.
• Mornington Road Day Centre (face to face) - 9th November 2021: 10.15 – 12.15pm.
• Waterloo Park Day Centre (face to face) - 10th November 2021: 9.30 – 12.30pm.
• Bridge Inn Farm (face to face) - 12th November 2021: 1.00 – 3.00pm.
• Bridge Inn Farm (face to face) - 15th November 2021: 1.00 – 3.00pm.
• Dunningsbridge Day Centre (face to face) - 15th November 2021: 10.30 – 12.30pm.
• Fernley Day Centre (face to face) - 17th November 2021: 2.00 – 3.00pm.
• Fernley Day Centre (face to face) - 18th November 2021: 10.00 – 12.00pm.
• David Brown Centre (face to face) - 22nd November 2021: 11.00 – 1.00pm.
• Fernley Day Service (face to face) - 23rd November 2021: 10.00 – 11.30am.
• Dunningsbridge Day Centre (face to face) - 25th November 2021: 10.30 – 12.30pm.
• Autism Initiatives Cedar House (face to face) - 30th November 2021: 10.00 – 12.00pm.
• Brookdale Day Centre (face to face) - 8th December 2021: 10.30 – 11.30am.
• Manna Day Centre (face to face) - 14th December 2021: 2.00 – 4.00pm.
• Learning Rooms Southport (face to face) - 17th December 2021: 10.30 – 12.30pm.
• Willows Day Centre (face to face) - 13th December 2021: 1.30 – 3.30pm.
• Dunningsbridge (face to face) - 12th December 2021: 10.30 – 12.30pm.

Schools:

• Rowan Park School (face to face) - 7th January 2022: 10.00 -12.30pm.

Carers sessions:

• Sefton Parent Carer Meeting (virtual) - 12th October 2021: 2.30 – 3.30pm.
• Sefton Parent Carer Forum (virtual) - 15th October 2021
• Carers Voice Forum (virtual) - 23rd November 2021: 10.30 – 11.30am.
• Carers Rights Day Crosby (face to face) - 25th November 2021: 10.00 – 12.00pm.
• Sefton Carers – Life Rooms Southport (face to face) - 7th December 2021:
  10.00 – 12.00pm.
• Carers Voice Forum (virtual) - 9th December 2021: 11.00 – 12.00pm.

Forums:

• Sefton Older People's Forum (virtual) - 18th November 2021: 2.00 - 3.30pm.

Day services:

• Bootle Leisure Centre (face to face) - 27th October 2021: 5.00 – 8.00pm.
• Bootle Library (face to face) - 28th October 2021: 10.30 – 4.00pm.
• Meadows Library (face to face) - 3rd November 2021: 10.30 – 4.00pm.
• Dunes Leisure Centre (face to face) - 23rd November 2021: 5.00 – 8.00pm.
• Age Concern Crosby (face to face) - 4th November 2021: 1.30 – 3.00pm.
• Age Concern Crosby (face to face) - 9th December 2021: 1.30 – 3.00pm.
• Day Care Provider Meeting (virtual) - 13th October 2021: 3.00 – 5.00pm.
• Day Care Provider Meeting (virtual) - 3rd November 2021: 3.00 – 5.00pm.
• Day Care Provider Meeting (virtual) - 1st December 2021: 3.00 – 5.00pm.
• Schools and Colleges Meeting (virtual) - 7th October 2021: 3.30 – 5.00pm.
• Schools and Colleges Meeting (virtual) - 10th November 2021: 4.00 – 5.00pm.
• Schools and Colleges Meeting (virtual) - 1st December 2021: 3.00 – 5.00pm.

Additional Day Centre Friendship Group engagement sessions held by providers:

• Waterloo Park held 2 sessions, attended by 5 people.
• Bowersdale held 5 sessions, attended by 4 people.
• Mornington Road held 8 sessions, attended by 2 people.
• Dunningsbridge held 7 sessions, attended by 2 people.
• Brookdale Day Centre held 1 session, attended by 6 people.
• 121 in the Community held 5 sessions, attended by 3 people.
• Waterloo Day Centre held 2 sessions, attended by 2 people.
• David Brown Centre held 6 sessions, attended by 2 people.
• Willows Day Centre held 9 sessions, attended by 9 people.
• Bridge Inn Farm held 1 session, attended by 3 people.

Consultation and engagement toolkit

Toolkit Instructions.

Thank you for agreeing to run a Day Opportunities Consultation session.

This toolkit will help you talk to people about the day opportunities or services they have now and what they would like to do in the future.

The toolkit includes background information and different ways for people to share their ideas with us.

The Toolkit includes:

• Toolkit instructions to help people who are delivering feedback sessions.
• A copy of the questionnaire (there will be other copies available at the day service).
• An activity called ‘Pick-a-card’.
• Worksheet ‘What’s important for me to do in the day’.
• A Feedback form which is to record people’s comments and details of the session. Please complete this and send back to us in the freepost envelope or email a scan or photograph and email to yourdayyoursay@sefton.gov.uk

Being sent separately as an email:

• Presentation to be shown to the group before the consultation session.

You should provide your own:

• Pens.
• Ideas.

You do not need to do all the activities in the pack. It might be that you are talking to one person or a small group and it would work better if you completed the questionnaire together.

You may prefer to do the ‘pick-a-card’ activity game, where people choose the activities they want to do in the future and talk about them with you. The instructions on how this game works is included in the pack. Please write people’s ideas on the feedback form in this pack.

If there is more than one group, you will need someone to help with delivering the session with the other groups. You may also need someone to help with making notes of the feedback and ideas.

Tips for people delivering the sessions:

• Look at the consultation website.

You will be asked to support a small group – we would like you to:

• Help people in the group to understand the questions.
• Ask people for their views.
• Help to keep the group discussion going smoothly and on track.
• Make a note of how many attended the session on the feedback form.
• Record what people have said in response.
• Support people to fully take part in the consultation session.
• Make a note of any questions from people and add to feedback sheet.
• Tell people that they can ask other questions and record them on the feedback form.

Encourage those taking part to complete the consultation questionnaire and offer a freepost envelope.

Please put the feedback given in the sessions onto the feedback form. Any questions people have in the sessions will be added to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the website.

You will be given a small group table to support. You will deliver the session and make a note of the questions and comments raised by people taking part.

Please remember that you are asking people for their views and ideas.

Please do not tell them your ideas or what you think should happen.

Question 1

Question: The Age Band 16-64, is quite a big age range, will you be splitting that down a bit more because having a Service that does engage with younger people and also older people, we know that those two groups do want different things out of a Day Service. Young people want things around sport and going out with their peers and older people are more focused on things like where they are going to live, and Carers have worries around when they get older and wish to look at independent living for example. Have they thought about narrowing the band down?

Response: Further to the question raised at the service provider consultation meeting in regard to the 18 to 64 age banding please see below which has been modelled by the Business Intelligence Team, although please note the difference in data between the two due to a difference in the snapshot in time.

Adults 18–64. – 463, this is 68%.
Age 65-74. – 55, this is 8%.
Age 75-84. – 83, this is 12%
Age 85-94. – 67, this is 9%
Age 95+. - 14, this is 2%

Total 682.

Adults 18-29. - 57 female, 96 male. A total of 153.
30-39. - 42 female, 72 male. A total of 114.
40-49. - 22 female, 46 male. A total of 68.
50-59. - 42 female, 39 male. A total of 81.
60-69. - 23 female, 34 male. A total of 57.
70-79. - 37 female, 34 male. A total of 71.
80-84. - 29 female, 21 male. A total of 50.
85+. - 46 female, 32 male. A total of 78.

Question 2

Question: One point that I feel is important to mention is the staff had a little meeting after and asked me why part of the discussion was not based around how the clients feel about the current support they receive.

I suppose on the basis of two questions really are they happy with the support they receive from Sefton and in relation to choices do they enjoy their club and would they like to change anything.

I did mention to the staff that my take on these proposed meetings are that they are based on new opportunities that may be available to them or they would like to be available.

However, the girls are very proud of the service that we all provide and pointed out a lot of the activities that are mentioned in the new opportunities we do provide.

Response: Thank you for taking the time to feedback to us and for the support you are providing to ensure that the voice of service users and carers are heard about what our future services should look like and how the COVID Pandemic has impacted on the experience of day opportunities in Sefton.

In relation to current services and your specific question, we are intending to introduce monitoring visits across all the day opportunity service we commission which will enable staff and service users to tell us about the services and evidence the impact of such services on the outcomes for service users and carers.

Question 3

Question: Will everyone need to take a direct payment going forward?

Response: It is not our intention for all service users to access a Direct Payment, this is a choice made by the service user and not by the Council.

Question 4

Question: Are any of the day centres going to close?

Response: That is not the intention, at this stage we are looking to understand how COVID impacted on people’s attendance at day centre as we are aware that some people did other things during that time, and we also want to understand what day opportunities people would like to be able to access going forward.

Question 5

Question: Do we have any contact with solicitors for people to get in touch with about issues?

Response: The Council does not hold details of legal firms or is able to refer any individual cases where a legal view may be needed, by a carer. The Council does support local advocacy organisations who may be able to help such as Sefton Advocacy or the Council for Voluntary Services CVS or the Carers Centre who may be able to help with finding local legal firms who support vulnerable groups.

Question 6

Question: When is the plan to get the day services back to normal?

Response: Currently day services should still be adhering to government guidance with regards to safe measures around social distancing and infection control. This guidance outlines that support groups can still meet face to face but only where they have a risk assessment in place which considers the environment, washing facilities etc. and where the location is sufficient with only up to 15 persons able to access a session where the risk assessment would support this number.

We are not aware of when this may change and certainly the increase in covid cases and new variants would support a cautious approach to managing services at this time which is supported by our Public Health team. Where carers have any specific issues or need additional support to manage their situation contact can be made to the Council for support through the Contact Centre.

Question 7

Question: Do people with dementia have a social worker?

Response: Any individuals who require a Care Act assessment, including those with Dementia, will have an allocated social for the period of assessment. Where social care needs subsequently identified the individual will remain open to that social worker whilst a support plan is formulated in terms of how assessed needs are to be met, etc.

Once any services are in place, and the support plan has been reviewed the individual’s case will be closed to the allocated social worker although the case will remain open to Adult Social Care, being allocated when the annual review is next due or before if circumstances change and social work intervention is required.

Question 8

Question: Mencap supports young people but how much do they get from the Council?

Response: Details of what payments are made to providers are on the Council’s transparency pages.

Additional comments made by service users at consultation meetings

1. Love the staff at the day centre. The food is very good.
2. People are wonderful couldn't wish for anything better.
3. The staff at day centre are 110%.
4. Look forward to going to day centre and meeting people.
5. Enjoys the meals and company at the day centre.
6. The staff are great, and the meals are alright too.
7. If I wasn’t happy coming here, I wouldn’t come.
8. My days changed from 4 to 3.
9. Services are better now.
10. My days changed from 5 days to 2 days would like to go back to 5 days.
11. I have had my days changed but this is better as I can see other friends.
12. I could not go to respite.
13. I am getting out more.
14. Evening sessions in the summer but not in the winter.
15. I wasn't able to use the shower at home.
16. Days at the centre where reduced.
17. Continue to use STU (Sefton Transport Unit) to do trips out if the budget allows - subsided transport would help.
18. Longer days in nice weather.
19. I had to pay for a ramp to access the garden.
20. It took 18 months for me to come back. The social worker said I didn’t deserve to go to the day centre.
21. Used to go to Park Lodge but now closed.
22. Day centre is important to me.
23. Accessibility is a barrier in Southport.
24. The centre has one bus with wheelchair access, covid has reduced the numbers who can use it.
25. I needed a stand aid this took a long time.
26. I dropped to two days, don’t do anything else.
27. Lots of groups have been put on hold because of covid.
28. Staff delivered meals to us at home.
29. Glad to be back.
30. It was important to get back to the centre as I am now able to use the shower I can't at home.
31. Coming to the centre is important to me.
32. Staff really listen - you can tell them anything.
33. Coming to the centre gives my carer some respite.
34. We received activity packs from staff.
35. People feared the virus.
36. Difficult finding places in the community to go/visit as toilet facilities not always accessible - find this a barrier to accessing the community.
37. Felt sad when returned to centre.
38. I go to the local church as outreach with support worker.
39. I would like the business to be safe.
40. I live on my own and did some outreach work at St John's.
41. I go to the day centre and use to go to Midstream in Skelmersdale.
42. Happy to go to my day centre.
43. At the weekend I go shopping but need to be back before dark as my support worker tells me I can't go out because it is not safe.
44. I get on a bus to Southport to meet friends.
45. Missed the staff when I came back, they are not the same.
46. My brother/sister came to see me and take me out for half an hour.
47. Felt like what was the use of getting up - effected my mental health.
48. I missed my friends and staff at the centre.
49. I don’t like change; I get upset when things change.
50. I have got no confidence to get on the bus, but would like to with support.
51. Staff came with a cup of hot chocolate.
52. I go on Twitter; I know about easy read and keep up with the BBC news.
53. I am going on a cruise in September.
54. I am having my jab tomorrow.
55. I used to have someone take me to Yoga of a night but that has stopped.
56. I am going to Flamingo Land to see my brother/sister at Christmas.
57. Increase my days back to five.
58. We were not allowed to mix because of the restrictions.
59. Outreach provided by the centre.
60. I came into the centre for 4 days during lockdown.
61. I came back on 16th December for 3 days.
62. I have come back for 2 days.
63. We talk about information, and I would like a talking session to be set up.
64. I like our History Group - learning historical information and reminisce sessions.
65. I like taking pictures of activities taking place in the centre, to put on the New Directions website.
66. We could have a gym group/health eating or gym room at the centre.
67. There is a lovely atmosphere, happy as I have ever been.
68. I like it here, there is never a crossword-but they do crosswords!
69. I come here to give my husband/wife a break. I make great demands on him/her. I have dementia, I forget things and it gives me lots of pain.
70. Everyone is kind here; the staff work hard and are selfless.
71. This is a happy place; the manager is very sweet and doesn't miss anything he/she works hard.
72. It's nice to keep in touch with people and be social. Lot of people are lonely so it's good to mix and not feel alone.
73. It's all because of Boris he shut us down.
74. Love coming here.
75. During lockdown I wanted to smash things.
76. Friday I am the Bingo caller.
77. We are getting a kitchen done at the centre so we can do more baking. This morning we made flapjacks.
78. I like volunteering in the gardens and café. This has stopped because of covid.
79. We all did a 10-week boxing course, and we all got our white belts.
80. When we help the homeless, we go out and take drinks and clothes to them.
81. My Christmas wish would be for Covid to end.
82. I like being part of the events team, who co-ordinates the events.
83. Helping at the café.
84. I tried to join the community radio in Maghull, but no one responded.

Comments made by carers at consultation meetings

1. Son/daughter used his/her Direct Payment to access many of his/her day activities, however during the Pandemic when everything closed, he/she was at home my own caring role increased greatly.
   When my son/daughter moved to a Supported Living all of his/her Direct Payments ceased. The Day Centres where he/she used to go opened back up and he/she had to pay entirely from his/her PIP and ESA to support him/her in day activities but on a much more limited scale not what he/she was doing before because they cannot afford it and everything has to be budgeted.
   Since moving into Supported Living there seems to be no effort to provide any kind of sports activities.
   Although they provide 5 hours per week one to one there doesn’t seem to be a plan in the place to keep people physically active, by walking or swimming maybe exercise or music instead of going to a Daycentre all day from 10-4pm.
   There are some facilities like that in Sefton for example Sailing, Swimming.
   Our group tried to see what they could do to keep people physically active with an activity of their choice, not anything too expensive but one or two hours of activity that will help to freshen their minds which at the moment doesn’t seem to be available.
   As Parents they shouldn’t have to tell the Providers what to do. I feel that small activities are required inside existing facilities instead of creating bricks and mortar centres so she is looking at “how can we make these people active”?
   Mental Health is a very big thing if they are isolated, lonely, constantly watching television it does have an effect on them, my son/daughter is having problems, he/she is very isolated, showing aggression since he/she has moved into this place. Would like to see some kind of provision, not necessarily a whole day provision but some activity and socialising.
   The facilities are there but that they just have to be approached on how they manage them, that there are so many Providers, Special Needs Schools etc there would be no shortage of clients for these places.
   Sometimes even in a day centre they can be isolated as this is what is happening with my son/daughter who expects that as a group they will go out and do things. However, he/she doesn’t and just does their projects from morning until afternoon and then comes home. As he/she is not living at home they are isolated, and that kind of social interaction is not there.
   For example, in London he/she was part of a Special Olympics Group and they had swimming, horse riding, athletics on different days of the month and they used to take part in competitions which would bind them together. You don’t have to be a very good athlete to just participate, now he/she is completely missing these activities and has become very isolated.
2. My son/daughter lives in Supported Living and is well supported with a one to one so has no problem with going out to do things, the problem is that the things aren’t there for him/her to do.
   Before lockdown my son/daughter was at college, he/she was due to get four days per week of Day Opportunities then lockdown happened, so when college finished overnight which was very stressful for him/her because he/she didn’t understand why. At College he/she met and interacted with people.
   My son/daughter is nonverbal, and this is something that he/she is really missing so at the moment instead of four days he/she has only got two which are excellent but that is two days out of seven so for the other five days although he/she is lucky because he/she has the one to one and is taken out for walks which he/she enjoys it’s the physical activity side that’s needed.
   I asked the Aiming High Team as I understood that they were the people who was supposed to deal with the 20-25 age group because the Local Offer is supposed to go up to 25 Unfortunately, they weren’t able to find any information, the Aiming High Team didn’t know anything about it they just said that they stop at 19.
   All the things that my son/daughter used to have like the gym and swimming he/she used to be able to access but now he/she has to pay for both themselves and their carers, so it costs twice as much which I feel is discriminatory against their disability. Even with the Active Leisure Card he/she only gets a 90p discount for him/herself and his/her Carer and it still costs £ 9.60 to go swimming. He/she is on the Government Fixed Figure for his/her income, so everything gets paid out of that. The gym fees he/she was told would be £12 for one gym session
   My son/daughter would like to do sports, but he/she can’t access an ordinary club, as he/she need support to do that. In previous Day Services they would go to places like trampolining and swimming, and he/she wouldn’t have had to pay for them as an individual which he/she is now because he/she only has the two days at the day centre.
   My son/daughter also wants to do some Volunteering work, he/she used to do a lot of volunteering at college such as litter picking, sweeping leaves, working in parks etc but I have not been able to find anything like that for him/her to do. Five days per week he/she can only go swimming or trampolining when he/she can afford it.
   The socialisation part of it is completely missing and he/she is very isolated, although he/she has Carers and family and that is it apart from the two days at the day centre. He/she is not interacting with anyone, and this is what is really missing and what he/she needs.
   My son/daughter wants to give something back in volunteering work and actually doing something that he/she can take pride in and whether it is planting flowers in Formby or something similar and he/she can go past and say, “I helped to do that”.
   So rather than just sitting doing craftwork for a whole morning which he/she couldn’t do because he/she needs to be outside so more of those opportunities are needed.
3. The physical side and the social engagement are quite a theme and perhaps if not full days of activities, but shorter sessions and more availability.
4. I was looking for my son/daughter who has Autism/Asperger’s for something that is continuous. Often you find something for him/her to do for example the Brighter Living had short cookery courses which were for just six weeks.
   I have to go with my son/daughter for the first couple of times until I can leave him/her depending on who the subject teacher, if he/she takes to them and they get to know him/her. Just as he/she is getting into it and getting to know the other participants it finishes.
   I am looking for something for him/her that he/she can go to that would be ongoing or an educational term that would be an ongoing thing.
   There was a Computer Course that my son/daughter found themselves which was at the Technical College, and it turned out that there weren’t enough participants to run the course. That course was for 30 weeks, and he/she was so disappointed that this wasn’t going to run.
   He/she doesn’t particularly want or couldn’t cope with Day Opportunities 10-4pm as he/she is more of an afternoon person anyway so something between 2pm and 4pm on an ongoing basis that was structured would be ideal.
   My son/daughter is very much interested in science and was doing a degree in Astro Physics which later switched to an Animation degree.
   Currently he/she is stuck in his/her office room on the computer all day, so I am desperate to find some activities for him/her albeit for a couple of hours in an afternoon. A lot of people with disabilities like my son’s/daughters don’t seem to be morning people and their sleep patterns are different so to get him/her anywhere in the mornings would not be easy at all.
5. I feel that for whatever reason a person is going to use Day Opportunities they need to be at a time that suits the individuals who will be taking part and not those people who are running them. There is a tendency in whatever walk of life to arrange things around the people providing rather than what they should be which is around the people attending whatever Day Opportunity that may be.
   It might be better to have shorter opportunities but more frequent because just a couple of hours out of somebody’s day it doesn’t matter whether it is your own day or someone that you are caring for if you don’t do anything with your day, that day becomes so long.
   The communication of the opportunities that are available is important because there are lots of people who are hidden Carers, they don’t necessarily know about the opportunities available so therefore the person that they have care and responsibilities for doesn’t know so that person doesn’t access the opportunities available. It is very important how it is marketed and how they are communicated and reviewed.
   We can all review what we do in the future based on the Pandemic and this should be an ongoing review.
   Everybody whether they have used Day Opportunities before or not we all had to reassess how we managed our lives. Based on those learning experiences for example, we know that throughout the Pandemic things moved and it was a moving picture for examples groups of six, bubbles etc. We should be learning from that and working towards if we had this type of situation again.
   What could we then introduce and introduce things gradually so that we are prepared, and we have got plans as to how we would reintroduce things.
   There were opportunities once of the rule of six came in and those people who work within the Provider Sector should continue to be thinking about what activities can be provided possibly outdoor opportunities. Providers need to consider as things progress, and it should be an ongoing process like having an Action Plan which is ongoing, and you review it and don’t just let it sit and go stale.
   So much can be learned from the Pandemic for the Providers of Day Opportunities.
6. Sefton Council have an initiative developing certain projects in the Communities and the Parks in order to “build a better future” and asking people to put their ideas forward regarding Climate Change etc.
   Would it be an idea if for example in Bootle’s Derby Park to have an area to promote gardening and to link it in with Climate Change and improving the climate, get the community involved so Service Users could come in and bring a gardener so that they could teach gardening skills.
   If they set up a Gardening project in Derby Park it could be for 12 months, they could link in with the Southport Flower Show and showcase their work.
   They could take the produce to the Day Centres and do some cooking, also they could do “Art in the Park” painting the flowers etc and it would all be based outside. People in Care Homes could be involved and brought to the park, the whole Community would be included.
   They could link in with Sefton Council Climate Change issues, better Air Quality etc, Derby Park gets negative reviews, vandalised etc but it would be a perfect way to turn it around and start making these Green Spaces for everybody.
   They could get Schools, College and Universities involved and have the children in the schools etc to come and interact with the Service Users with Autism and Asperger’s and learn about it.
7. My son/daughter did attend something very similar in London called London Wildlife Project which was very good. It was a whole day run from morning until afternoon and they would do a lot of gardening, but they also did cooking with the produce and they really loved it and through the cooking and gardening they formed a bond with others.
   What I see with all of the Day Centres is they find for example if someone is good at drawing or painting, they will just do a painting project but there is no
   interaction. My son/daughter is very good at art and horse-riding, and he/she volunteers at a Riding School each week.
   The London Wildlife project they had a lot of special events such as a Summer BBQ.
   There doesn’t see this type of provision at my son/daughters Supported Living facility, they have just kept them isolated and there is no effort and therefore they don’t feel that it is their home.
   It must be a conjoined approach it doesn’t have to cost extra but everybody needs to work together. It is very expensive to run all the programmes and the Service Users cannot afford them on their limited budgets.
   I pay a lot for activities for my son/daughter otherwise he/she will not want to stay in his Supported Accommodation and will develop Mental Health Issues.
   I also want to reiterate the importance of continuity and the Services not ending after six months when my son/daughter would be asking why he/she is not going there anymore and where are their friends, so continuity is very important.
8. There was a garden in a Church in London called The Memory Garden where Service Users would go and collect whatever was there and create sculptures and have lunch while they were there.
   This was a very low-key activity but also very good to get the Service Users out and improve their Mental Health and Social Skills.
9. My son/daughter is 27 and has Autism and Bi-Polar and he/she needs the motivation to do things, he/she does go out in the community with one-to-one staff and chooses things that he/she wants to do.
   I think that a project such as has been suggested would need to be an ongoing and regular thing as my son/daughter is also more of an afternoon person. That would give him/her something to look forward to and the feeling of achievement. It would be something that he/she would want to go to all the time, but also the fact that he/she is accessing the community.
   Some of the activities are expensive and they do only have their benefits for going to the gym. I do think they should be some sort of discount card for them to access the facilities.
   A full gym membership is not suitable for my son/daughter because due to his/her mental health he/she can’t go all the time. To have some kind of discount card to enable him/her to go for one session when he/she wants to.
   In the past when he/she has signed up for example for one month, he/she has become unwell and not gone continuously. I feel in a way they are being taken advantage of because once you have signed up you have signed up.
   My son/daughter loves to go swimming and swimming sessions could be cheaper although perhaps they could do sessions for different groups of people as sometimes, he/she feels intimidated when he/she goes to the gym even though he/she is with Support Staff if he/she is not feeling too good.
10. My son/daughter’s activities don’t necessarily need to be outside although he/she does enjoy planting things at home. However, we need to take into account that in Southport the Northern part of the Borough that it is only difficult if he/she is going out of Southport to go somewhere for 2 or 3 hours either he/she would have to be taken there.
    If it was somewhere very local that I could take him/her to until he/she was familiar. He/she would be able to know where he/she was going and able to go on their own. But the traveling aspect from Southport to Bootle or even Crosby takes so much time up for him/her and the Carer to get to Bootle or Crosby and the fact that they are going out of their comfort zone.
    My son/daughter 2 or 3 years ago was able to go to the Dunes Leisure Centre on a GP referral. He/she got a number of sessions free and could bring a Buddy to those sessions.
    They had just got into a routine for approximately 6 weeks and were told that they could go on their own. The one-to-one introductory session was fine but after that they were very much left on their own my son/daughter would tend to sit back and not participate unless there is someone to encourage him/her to do some more.
    The disappointing thing was that after the six weeks they were told that they could subscribe to get a pass.
    I was really surprised at the cost and to try to encourage people that were possibly overweight, unfit maybe unemployed to take physical activity and the cost which has already been mentioned of the individual sessions to go to.
    I found this shocking especially at the time when the pools appeared to be more or less empty during the day and yet they were pensioners sessions 3 or 4 times a week where they only paid £1 to swim. You had a lot of well-off middle-class 60+ using it, whereas the unemployed and people with difficulties were paying the full price.
    The cost of trying to keep fit for certain groups is so high whereas if you were a pensioner no matter what your income was you could go for £1.
    I tried to get through to speak to somebody at Sefton Leisure but was unable to reach the correct person.
11. I have written to my MP about cost of Gyms, what I found when my son/daughter became an Adult was that it was like he/she was falling off a cliff.
    The number of things that were provided for them as a child, all the Special Needs Clubs, things like the bracelet that he/she got from Aiming High which meant he/she could use the gym for free.
    I don’t understand why for the people who are severely disabled that can’t access these things normally and have to have a Carer with them.
    I don’t see why that sort of arrangement cannot carry on, just because they have reached the age of 18 they don’t suddenly change, the needs he/she had at 17 are exactly the same as the needs he/she has now they haven’t changed, he hasn’t changed and he isn’t going to change just because suddenly he/she has officially become an Adult.
    I am certainly not suggesting that he/she shouldn’t have choice and I not saying treat him/her like a child. I am saying that his/her needs are the same so there needs to be the clubs that he/she had through college and through School and Aiming High.
    I would love to have something like Aiming High to carry on past age 19 because these are still young fit people that want to do those sorts of physical activities and socialisation and they just don’t have the opportunities because they can’t access the normal mainstream.
    I don’t understand why it says that the Local Offer goes up to age 25 because I haven’t seen any provision post Aiming High which is 19 and thinks that this is a big issue and added that obviously even after the age of 25 they don’t suddenly become independent.
12. When you are working with people with the likes of Dementia you have the Alzheimer’s Society who do so much and there are so many ideas that could be taken from things that they provide.
    Again, it is provided to the people who know it is available, so it is about the communication and the marketing of these thing.
    They work with the Private Sector to provide things in respect of Day Opportunities for people who have Dementia so for example they will run suitable films at the Plaza Cinema in Crosby. I feel that some of the things they do are worth looking at.
13. My son/daughter has a review every year. It has taken 18 months for me to speak to a social worker. My son/daughter lost his/her social worker and lost 2 days care.
14. I couldn’t have continued caring role if my son/daughter didn’t go to a day service. The Day centre means that someone is looking after him/her – keeps the carers sane.
15. Direct Payment seems to be the same amount, but the costs of care have gone up.
16. The Direct Payment do give choice and control but costs £45 + per day – cost implication for carers.
17. Son/daughter supported by Options (Charity) for swimming, the training and staff are excellent.
18. Young people with LD need to know how to use technology. There is no-one at the day centre with expertise to teach technology/speech technology.
19. Son/daughter had five days, got three days back – want five days again – need to have a reassessment.
20. Need to support day centre and Mencap – support people to have a Direct Payments.
21. Public money is being wasted – as a parent I need to help people understand. Having to tell the same information to different people all the time. Staff working from home doesn’t help.
22. Need to know information about the cost/changes.
23. Need face – face contact and a named social worker. Social workers don’t know my son/daughter, I didn’t get a copy of review meeting and when I did, 90% of the conversation was missing.
24. Staff working from home but didn’t call back there is no feedback. Not the same service waiting for the Contact Centre.
25. Need a direct line
26. I contact social worker and people on the switchboard, email social worker and they say that they will reply within a certain time – but don’t.

Question asked - has your caring role increased since the start of the pandemic?

1. My son/daughter goes to day service which costs money but needs a support worker and there is a cost for that too.
2. My son/daughter does not have cognitive ability to use technology. Tried during first three months of lockdown – doesn’t understand – distressed him/her because he/she wasn’t with the parent.
3. It’s been chaos!
4. Stressful – seen no-one and the Memory Clinic have been shut.
5. Feel isolated
6. Affected services.
7. Never get a GP appointment. There are only 4 appointments a day at Hightown.
8. People who are helping us don’t seem to understand the needs.
9. It is difficult to raise a concern and escalate a concern.
10. 111 is a waste of money.
11. Do not mix dementia with young people.
12. My husband/wife goes to a day centre for 4 days – the service is excellent. I’m
    39.
13. Carers need more information.
14. Carers lumbered with other responsibilities others should have, i.e. family
15. The process of getting a social worker, getting assessed and accessing support in Sefton was very difficult. The process was confusing and hard and took a long time. It was hard to get a social worker, and this was frustrating as in Lancashire where my son/daughter previously lived there was a different system, that appears easier and more efficient.
    People with autism had a social worker attached to them from an autism specific social work team who understood people’s needs and what is available my son/daughter used to have access to a named social worker to call on for help and support.
    When my son/daughter moved into the area, a social worker was not allocated for quite a while. I had to keep ringing up and spoke to different people. When a social worker was allocated, they did a telephone assessment that lasted 1 ½ hours. They were not able to do the meeting on teams and they never met so it was difficult at an already difficult time.
    I understand that this was due to the circumstances of the time and is very happy that the day care and respite was sorted out but just acknowledged it was a difficult process.
    Whilst the social worker was supportive professional, it was a ‘12-week intervention’ and then cases are closed.
    I was undergoing a big change and did not know what would help, what they needed, what to ask for- I didn’t understand the process and was in a time of shock and crisis.
    That did not feel the most supportive thing and I felt that I could have been given more information. It is not a reflection on the social worker, but maybe the way teams are currently working. Having a team who understand and specialise would be beneficial to help people navigate the system.
    The process was all very new to me, and I was not familiar with the terms and abbreviations and found it confusing. I was offered a direct payment and didn’t fully understand what this meant or what a direct payment was. The paperwork was ‘challenging’ and words used by staff was ‘confusing’. I am intelligent and educated but it was very difficult to navigate. My sons/daughters’ father had previously managed all the paperwork and so it was all completely new to me. Thankfully a worker from the carers centre, became involved and helped explain the terms and processes, who was lovely, helpful and very supportive.
    I feel that an autism specific team with a dedicated social worker would have made things easier. Continuity is important and having to explain and reexplain the same information to different workers is frustrating.
    The 5-year government plan re-autism stresses the need for continuity workers need to be able to answer questions and know about what is out there.
    The staff at Green Sefton have been fantastic, they know my son/daughter well and know how to best support him/her. They kept in touch during his/her bereavement and while he/she was in hospital following surgery. They also kept in touch during the pandemic I ‘cannot speak highly enough of them’ - ‘the staff are superb; I can’t fault them’.
    My son/daughter is challenged by staff at The Rangers/Green Sefton’. He/she is kept active, has routine and the dynamics are really good. He/she loves ‘going to work’ and loves the uniform. It gives him/her a sense of purpose, connection with likeminded others and has helped his/her skills and development.
    The staff try and help people develop their independence and know each person who attends as an individual.
    There is great banter between everyone, but it is appropriate and helps people understand limits and boundaries and what is allowed / appropriate to say and what is not. This is important and gives the people who attend life skills.
    My son/daughter would not want to go anywhere else and likes the continuity and sense of purpose.
16. When I have been supporting my family with their son/daughter I has found that people’s perceptions of children with ASD or ADHD, if they are not involved with someone who has got a disability where it is not obvious is that these children are being naughty.
    I feel that because the interaction is only with other children with ASD and similar issues they are not breaking down those perceptions so rather than it being a Service for child with ADHD It could be a Service for families.
    I used to take my Grandson/granddaughter to a Children’s Centre when he/she was a baby, and the best part of that time was sitting in the café talking to other Mums. They don’t need to go and talk about ASD they need to go and let the children have a nice time, get other people to get to know children with ASD and ADHD etc and although they may have their differences, they are still children, they are still individuals, and it doesn’t have to have about their disability all the time.
    It is a matter of finding out about those Services in the Community as I found it difficult to find things about multi-generational Services for my own mother.
17. Having an adult son/daughter with a physical disability, I found that all his/her life he/she has been pigeonholed by society as a disabled person. Where in reality he/she mixes mostly with his/her able-bodied peers, and he/she doesn’t necessarily want to mix in a disabled world.
    Why they have to be in a Specialist Provision and only mix with people just like them and for this reason I believe, until we all mix together as a community, we are not going to break down those barriers.
    I previously worked for a company and found that people are disabled by the society that we live in. I feel that parents don’t disable their children because they see their children’s strengths but once you go out into the community you are reminded of your difference and until we break down those barriers that is not going to change.
18. The Consultation is a good idea not only to see what people in Sefton are saying and what they want but in linking up at the early beginnings to make disability the norm.
    There was a recent TV Documentary Programme featuring Paddy McGuiness who has 3 children with ASD, visited an amazing College School which is mainstream, but they educated the pupils constantly around Autism and that there will be pupils in their class who were Autistic and what to expect and it was just the expected norm in that school.
    Sharing the Outcome from the Consultation with Education and all the other Services within Sefton is really important, and it is also important that they grasp what people are saying at the other end and how we need to start.
    For our Parent Carers from the very first point that they touch base with them they want to join in. They want to be able to take their child out and as they get older as teenagers. The feedback we get is that they want to be independent in the Community, although they have their needs, they don’t want their Parents with them they want to be able to go out. Parents want their children to be able to go out and not be vulnerable and to be safe.
    I feel that the inclusion is really very important from the beginning. There is an Organisation in Liverpool called Daisy Inclusive UK who promote through Sport what they call “Reverse Inclusion” ( where activities are designed with disability in mind and then non-disabled people included) so it starts off with it being an open group with pockets of funding or they encourage people to get pockets of funding to be able to do this in the community but it is for everyone but will fit for disability or needs. It would be a good Organisation for Sefton to contact.
    When I worked for another authority, there was a child of 10 with Cerebral Palsy who was attending one of the mainstream schools and was the only disabled child in the school. The school wanted to look at his/her strengths rather than what he/she couldn’t do, this made him/her very aware that he/she couldn’t do things that his/her peers could do.
    What they decided to do was have one of their staff who had quite complex Cerebral Palsy go in to the school and within one day at the school he/she took in some wheelchairs and he/she put the children in wheelchairs and they started having wheelchair races and the little boy/girl became so popular because he/she was winning all the wheelchair races where he/she had never won anything before he/she was always the last one to the class because he/she was walking with his/her frame.
    Afterwards they said that this one visit changed the whole mindset of the school and the children, and this made him/her the most popular child in the school, it was just a matter of turning it into a positive.
19. An organisation called The Good Help trainers, have been doing some training around focussing on what people can do and the person being the expert in their life and their abilities.
    As far as bringing people together if their children only mix with children who have got Special Needs, they don’t learn from other children.
    Learning is a two-way thing in what is acceptable behaviour in an environment for both groups of children. There are lots of things that could be provided in a Hub where you have got opportunities for volunteers, respite for Carers, children mixing with other people. Unfortunately, it is always limited by funding and in my experience applications for funding are always to fix a specific need instead of looking at something holistically, prevention.
    I spend a large amount of time sorting things out for my father/mother as a Carer going from place to place. Whereas if that was all available in the one place where I could access the different Services in the one visit while I was there it would save so much running around.
    They have got Community Services in a place where people can access them when they need them without them going from house to house.
    It is a case of using the funding creatively and I believe that you can hit your targets while still delivering what people need.
20. I mostly engage with Children’s Services Social Workers but occasionally have to do joint pieces of work with Adult Social Care and from a workplace point of view because social workers are so busy, they don’t know what is out there to offer families. It is a case of knowing what is out there, keeping in touch with what is going on because sometimes with those Assessments for both Children and Adults because of resources they are sometimes led by resources where ideally, they would be Service led around to need.
    Sometimes it is quite a rigid response to what they can be offered in the Community or as a Day Service, it is about creative thinking which can sometimes be supported by what their knowledge is, it’s not always about turning to funding.
    I feel that Professionals need time within their work process to find out these things as I has often had conversations with Social Workers where they didn’t know that particular Services existed.

Additional comments made by staff at consultation meetings

1. Shorter sessions would suit some people.
2. People’s mental health declined, and they felt down.
3. People was scared to let staff into the house.
4. OPERA visit the centre.
5. Day centre recruited volunteers to help support visits.
6. Personal care was affected for those who use the facilities at the centre.
7. Provided support via telephone calls and provided support or sign posted people to other services.
8. People’s mental health declined, and they felt down.
9. Schools and colleges come in to join in with the workshops.
10. We have good links with the community, we upcycle things to sell to Park Lodge.
11. They link in with Dementia Friendly Groups.
12. Prior to lockdown we used to go to one of the local schools and pupils from year 8/9 would read stories.
13. We have a young man/woman who volunteers at the Oxfam shop once a week.
14. Accessibility to beach is sometimes difficult, sand is brought into the centre so they can feel different textures.
15. Most people stayed at home, some had to come into school as they were unable to cope at home.
16. The transitions process - young people 17/18 in the session did not have a social worker.
17. Social work assessments were how people were found to be eligible for support services. What if they are not eligible but still in need?
18. The group and the staff would be happy to be involved in the coproduction of the day opportunities service specification. They would also be involved in any other developments of services in the future.

Question asked - what do you enjoy about attending the centre?

1. Likes the company.
2. Likes the break from boredom and being home alone.
3. Likes having a chat with people I know.

Question asked - what's your favourite thing during the day?

1. Enjoys the food.
2. The food is good.
3. Enjoys the food.
4. Enjoys the food.

Question asked - what would you do if you did not attend the day centre?

1. If I didn't attend the centre, I would stay in bed.
2. I would be on my own and probably doing some cleaning.
3. I would sit alone watching TV hour after hour.

Question asked - what do you enjoy about the centre?

1. The centre is caring, and the staff are friendly.
2. I am kept amused.
3. It’s friendly here and there’s company.
4. My husband/wife has a chance to rest, and I broaden my outlook and keep my mind active.

Question asked - is there anything you would like to do?

1. All four people in the session said nothing.

Question asked - is there anything you would like to do in the future?

1. All four people in the session said maybe some trips out.

Question asked - would you change anything?

1. They should get a cat.
2. All four people in the session said that we value our time here and would be lost without it and so would our loved ones who need a break. During the pandemic we were very board, and it was very stressful on our families.

Questionnaire comments made by service users or parents/carers

I am responding on behalf of someone else interested:

1. Completed on behalf of my wife as her carer/husband.
2. For my son.
3. Voluntary worker (CAB).
4. Parents of someone who goes to a day centre in Sefton.
5. I am the service user's widowed mother/father, and, at the moment, his/her only constant Carer is me. XXX, my son/daughter, has profound learning difficulties and cannot communicate verbally. He/she also has a "rolling gate" and hypertonia of the limbs which affects his/her mobility, and I am desperately trying to keep him/her mobile but worry that I could be causing him/her harm but not to do so, would likely to render him/her unable to walk. He/she has epilepsy (mainly controlled) and danger of chocking. Everything including rubber gloves etc. he/her puts in his/her mouth. He/she has 1-1 care day 2-1.

Activity during the pandemic:

1. Some FaceTime contact with friends and family Spent time in hot tub
   Took dogs for walks in evenings so we didn’t meet as many people.
2. Couldn’t do much as he/she is blind and into sport so was mainly on the phone and zoom calls to friends and did some exercise but lost the motivation to keep this going Listen to audiobooks.
3. During lockdown I stayed at home with my Mum & Dad. When the day centre opened up I was able to go back there.
4. I am a keyworker so was a work.
5. My granddaughter/grandson stayed home with me and I had home visits from the day centre which gave her a break.
6. XXXXX enjoyed walks within his/her local community.
   a lot of the activities he/she did was indoors stipulated above.
7. Very little contact from the day centre just an odd phone call on a Friday just to tick a box and write everything down that’s said without warning for safeguarding prospects which is understandable but it would have been better to be told this before starting to write things down false promises all the time from the manager saying that she/he will ring more often and never rang a semi-automatic offer to help with shopping but didn’t mean it felt like I had been forgotten we had to rely on my 76 year old grandparent to get our shopping and we have had to use the food bank we have never been told about the support on offer to families who are struggling in the pandemic for example the day centre staff coming out to the house or trips out for an hour to give people a break we were only just told this by the social worker saying that is how it was put to our team.
8. All usual activities were initially shut due to lockdown which caused anxiety and stress. My son/daughter could not understand why his/her Day Service and activities had to cease nor why respite or swimming for example was terminated. Apart from walking with me each day I had to occupy my son/daughter by continually and repeatedly doing household jobs and cooking/baking for his specialist diet.
9. My son/daughter is not able to communicate so the Zoom/Internet & telephone questions aren't applicable really.
10. My husband/wife has underlying health conditions including Alzheimer’s Disease. He/she spent the first three months of the year very unwell so was unable to participate in many activities, then ended up in hospital for 3 weeks. My husband/wife had to learn to drink out of a cup, use a knife and fork and climb stairs again when he/she came out of hospital. The activities at home have focussed on coordination skills.
11. A week’s holiday in cottage with bubble friends. Cookery at home.
    shopping on line. Doorstep chats. Zoom
12. Drives with my husband/wife. Visit grandchildren/family.
13. When locked down I did nothing except watch tv and eat. I was frightened of going outside even when not locked down. I missed my friends at my day centre. I cried a lot. I hated not being out with my friends from day centre. I felt very lonely even though I had my mum/dad. I didn’t see my nan for a year and seen my boyfriend/girlfriend 4 times in a year.
14. Went for a little drive in the car with my dad/mum.
15. With the help of my mum/dad, I delivered lunches to elderly people who couldn't leave the house.
16. I really struggled during lockdown and without my day centre, I was very stressed and upset.
17. Did not do any other activities apart from stay at home and watch TV.
18. We are Jehovah Witnesses so we still carried out our work via ZOOM. My wife/husband would set it up as I am unable to use it.
19. Enjoyed being with family.
20. Went for a little drive in the car with my dad/mum.
21. I did not do any other activities at home during the pandemic.
22. I really struggled during the pandemic, because I did not like being away from my day service. I missed my routine, the activities we do and my friends.
23. Enjoyed being with family Online shopping with.
24. I listened to classical music on my mum/dad’s mobile phone.
25. I struggled without my day service during lockdown. I missed my normal routine and the activities the day service offered.
26. Restrictions meant seeing family was limited.
27. Kept in family bubble with son/daughter and family. Daughter and other son by telephone. Spent lots of time in garden and around house. Sometimes went to son's but due to dad/mum’s care issues was difficult.
28. Stayed at home - I read.
    Went outdoors for exercise - with my son/daughter.
29. I was unwell and shielding.
30. No, as I was shielding by choice.
31. I was shielding through choice.
32. No - watched Netflix - learnt how to get it on.
33. None.
34. Go out everyday in electric wheelchair to get out of wife/husband’s way. So she/he could do housework. I'd go to the shops to get the shopping.
35. Went to the shops a couple of times with my son/daughter.
36. My mum and dad took me out in the car with my lunch to Burbo Bank to watch the ships and we found some demolition sites I liked to watch but I found the lockdowns very hard and got very depressed.
37. Did gardening, went outdoors and met people indoors in bubble with my carer. The day centre was closed. I had no choice. I had to stay at home with a carer.
38. Did a lot of gardening. did a lot of telephone calls locally and internationally. Did a lot of ZOOM on weekdays.
39. Needed staff with me in the garden. Met up with carers only in bubble. Day centre closed. I had no choice, could not do anything wheelchair bound and in the house. Reliant on carers coming in.
40. Walks - had someone to walk with. Met just with carers bubble indoors. Day centre closed. My son/daughter was off school, had carers in and had to school and teach my son/daughter.
41. I need someone with me at all times. Day centre closed. I am wheelchair bound and I have no choice to stary at home and I was isolated. I can't exercise at all.
42. House isolation.
43. No.
44. n/A.
45. Went to my sister/brother some weekends. Went out sometimes in the car. Just did knotting and colouring in. Went in my wheelchair to the park with my sister/brother.
46. Usual help for partner with daily duties.
47. I am part of a group called SAFE (Southport Access for Everyone) and campaign for better access facilities across the borough. We have recently been successful in getting changing places facilities at the Atkinson Centre, the New Market Hall and the day centre. This has made going out in Southport so much easier for me and my carers and also other disabled people.
48. No. I have square eyes.
49. no.
50. Bike rides and snooker, darts, football and basketball.
51. Basketball, bike riding snooker.
52. No.
53. Hockey.
54. Stayed at home with my brother/sister. Sometimes I went to my Uncle/Aunt XXX or XXX for the day and helped in their garden.
55. At home used laptop to do hobbies, met with my sister/brother in the bubble indoors and mum and sister outdoors.
56. XXX walked her/his dog everyday.
    Lives and socialised with her/his brother/sister Had some outreach from day centre.
    Spoke to XXXX sometimes.
57. Met with brother/sister indoors. Didn't got to Day Centre as shielding. In contact with Day centre by telephone.
    I stayed at home with my mum/dad as we were shielding together.
58. Was unable to go out due to pandemic. Elderly parent was vulnerable.
59. Done word search.
    Went to the shops with sister/brother on Thursday Did chair exercises
    XXX used to bring tea over, seen XXX too kept in touch on phone with sister/brother XXX and she/he tried to teach me ZOOM.
60. I did more crafts at times but got fed up. I needed company of friends; I was so lonely.
61. Done some gardening with my uncle/aunt XXX (XXX is the nephew/neice).
62. Staff from the centre took me out some afternoons on the mini-bus. I would get an ice-cream or a cup of tea. I have looked forward to this all the time I was stuck in the house.
63. My day centre (XXX) provided outreach. On a few afternoons each week, I went out for a drive on the minibus, this was good for me and my dad/mum. Staff would also provide me with materials to work on my cross stich.
64. Outdoor walks and day service was outreach.
65. My day centre was closed because of the pandemic but they gave me outreach 3 times per week for 2 hours. I went out in the minibus for my safety. I am a wheelchair user, so access is difficult.
66. NO.
67. NONE.
68. Day centre was outreach.
69. Lego - done this alot.
70. We put on 'Golden Oldies' records and CD@s on and sang our heads off. Now and again my husband/wife (who goes to a day centre now) danced away to the music. He/she can remember verse after verse from years ago. He/she smiled so much I could have cried. He/she loves to dance to music.
71. Attended day centre when it reopened.
    I stayed at home and looked forward to my visits from the ladies from day.
72. Day centre - Mar - Oct day centre closed.
73. Did go back to day centre when it was allowed but now only go 2 days instead of 3.
74. Read newspapers. Did crosswords. Jigsaws.
75. Spent time in garden when hot. Not able to walk far. Went to day centre 3 days per week.
    When fine we went to Formby Village, shopped and occasional meals out. We visited our children in Formby, Southport and had rides out in the car. We used to have XXX (can't read word), played locals and did lots of walking but there XXX (can't read word) are beyond us. We do a lot of gardening and XXX washes up after meals.
76. No.
77. I went on my laptop and singing and TV and tidying my room up Boccia.
78. Diamond pictures Sing on Karaoke.
79. singing and dancing and art and craft.
80. Lego games.
81. Monday night football.
82. I watched TV, listening to Spotify, doing exercise, playing games like Tomb Raider I played before. Watching Marvel films and painting all day at day centre.
83. During lockdown and when day activities were suspended my son spent a lot of time at home indoors and had support from some day activity centres by zoom. some of these were excellent, particularly the day centre in the support they
    provided during the 2021 lockdowns. He/she met up with friends by organised zoom activities and when the activities resumed.
84. My son/daughter went nowhere and had no support. Until the day service opened late 2020, Green Sefton gave no support until Oct 2021.
    I have worked full time and would have been totally lost without Carers to help out with my son/daughter.
85. Cooking, gardening, treadmill, weightlifting.
86. We did bake off competition, talent show, sports day, had a BBQ, a disco and did Take-a-ways a lot.
87. Shopping, Gardening.
88. Bought an exercise bike and did online Zumba classes rather than going to the gym. Enjoying zoom at the beginning but then lost interest. Became very sad and was much happier when day service opened again.
89. The support staff compiled a rota of activities that kept us busy and stimulated.
90. The Zoom sessions provided by the day centre during the lockdown at the beginning of 2021 were a real lifesaver. They turned what could have been a difficult time into quite an enjoyable one. My son/daughter was able to see his friends every day and get involved in sessions covering music, art, drama and dance. Without the sessions, he/she could have been quite isolated.
91. Went out for walks early mornings.
92. None.
93. No.
94. No not at all.
95. No not at all.
96. Activities were very difficult for my father/mother during lockdown, the only thing that kept any routine or feeling of normal life was the private day centre he/she attended (part funded by Sefton Council).
    It is extremely hard to engage dad/mum in activities as he/she is very much a social person and prefers the company of other people his/her own age. He/she cannot concentrate for too long on any task, hobby e.t.c.
97. Do you mean during lockdown or since restrictions were lifted? During lockdown I stayed home with my mum/dad who was furloughed. I saw my friends on zoom and went for daily walks and did Joe Wicks. When restrictions were lifted I returned to my day services.
98. Very little contact from the day centre just an odd phone call on a Friday just to tick a box and write everything down that’s said without warning for safeguarding prospects which is understandable but it would have been better to be told this before starting to write things down false promises all the
    time from the manager saying that she/he will ring more often and never rang a semi automatic offer to help with shopping but didn’t mean it felt like I had
    been forgotten we had to rely on my grandparent to get our shopping and we have had to use the food bank we have never been told about the
    support on offer to families who are struggling in the pandemic for example the day centre staff coming out to the house or trips out for an hour to give
    people a break we were only just told this by the social worker saying that is how it was put to our team.
99. The person supported had difficulties with the ever changing Covid guidelines and restrictions. It was crucial that the person supported continued to access the resource centre during the pandemic as this could have had a significant impact on the wellbeing of the individual and family network. It could have resulted in parent/carer breakdown.
100. n/a.
101. My daughter/son still attended the day centre but she/he had less days to begin with and now attends 5 days a week. This was essential to her/his mental health and well-being.
     Given her/him diagnosis we and she wouldn't have managed with out day centre help. My daughter/son has a severe learning disability and autism.
102. I have done lots of Art work - Canvases.
     Painted Tiles Colouring Books Keeping occupied Gardening Planting Seeds. Shopping.
103. Swimming.
104. Re care staff - non drivers, apart from 1 day governed by Government guidelines and laws. Had to be kept local due to lack of safe transport and difficulties re rest stops for XXX.
     2020 Summer - during my 3 mths lockdown on age grounds, I tried to keep in touch by Zoom. It was heart-breaking. XXX is used to my being at his/her front door to take him/her out for at least 3 hours to try to keep him/her happy and mobile. XXX could not understand that he/she could see me but I was not available to take him/her out and he/she kept leaving the room and going to his/her front door to find I was not there. His/her sister/brother XXX, who was always his/her best friend when he/she lived at home until his/her 20's (and still is) was also prevented from seeing him/her re government restrictions and was equally distressed at XXX deterioration; though she/he has a young child and full time job.
     After the 3 mth lockdown, I have managed to at least improve his/her confusion and prevent some of the deterioration in his/her mobility but I could be doing more harm than good at times when he/she appears to be limping or stopping to "hang on to a wall" and of course, as he/she cannot verbally communicate his/her distress, I worry he/she could have hurt his/her legs and I am prompting him/her to walk. But getting help - I've tried and failed and have to live with doing my best.
     Not easy.
     Other activities with his/her staff were severely limited and since his/her service provider sold the business it is much worse. But how bad does it need to be to get any professional help? 3 out of 4 of his/her carers, left their jobs.
105. I spoke to my brother/sister on the phone a lot to update him/her.
106. XXX enjoyed playing on her/his computer consoles.
107. I received some outreach support from staff at my day service for a couple of hours 2 days per week to give my family a break and so that I could have some social interactions outside my bubble.
108. Watched DVDs at home.
109. Made new friends Enjoyed family time.
110. Went for a drive every day x2.
111. I stayed at home with my carer coming to help me and I played with my cards, listened to my radio and watched TV.
112. Went shopping to the Strand in my wheelchair with support from carers.
113. I received some outreach support to help with personal care etc. for about 1-2 hours Monday - Friday.
     This was provided by staff that know me well from the Day Centre I attend.
114. Playing Football.
115. Watched my dvds Went out.
116. Art Colouring Singing Drama.
117. Played games and did colouring on tablet.
118. No.
119. Practiced craft.
120. Watched the TV.
121. No.
122. House work all the time Practice acting, dancing Star acts.
     Singing on my own.
     Go on my laptop and I-pad watch Tv.
     Gardening Played games.
     Watched movies & videos.
     Clap & clapping on front step for NHS On phone.
     Zoom Calls online.
123. I falling at horse riding and twist my ankle.
     Playing my laptop a time.
124. I did baking, art, singing, quiz with the day centre and my friends.
125. Videoing and video editing.
     Zoom quizzes (by my care centre).
126. Karate Laptop.
     Spending time with family and friends help mum/dad.
127. Videos, quizzes, talent contest arts and crafts baking by Zoom.
128. Talent contest hair and make up baking.
129. QUIZZES, TALENT CONTESTS, ARTS & CRAFTS BAKING (BY ZOOM).
130. Went for drive in mum/dad’s car Singing Dancing talent competition Quizzes
     baking cleaning wrote.
131. N/A.
132. OUTDOOR FILM & EDIT.
     WALKING AROUND PARKS & PIER.
     TRIP TO YORK & BLACKPOOL (DAY CENTRE).
133. Outdoor filming and editing (Day Cntr) Walks in the park (Day Cntr).
     Trips to York and Blackpool (Day Cntr).
134. Baking.
     Arts & Crafts Football.
135. Outdoor filming Editing (Day Cntr).
     Walks in park (Day Cntr) (Day Cntr).
     Trips to York and Blackpool.
136. Outdoor filming & editing (Day Cntr) Walks in park (Day Cntr).
     Trips to York & Blackpool (Day Cntr).
137. I did arts and crafts, exercising, gardening, playing my guitar, cooking, baking, reading and running.
138. Played games on laptop Played football in garden Arts & crafts in hub.

Were you able to learn any new skills?

1. Ordered a lot is take aways.
2. Video calls were new to me. I enjoyed being with my family and going for walks when the weather was nice. We sometimes would take my brother/sister’s dog, Dixie, for a walk to the park.
3. I learned how to needle felt.
4. XXX spent time with family and enjoyed contacting family using the phone.
5. Lots of zoom meetings with the Catholic Church Enjoyed being together with my family.
   FaceTime calls with my Uncle/Aunt XXX Phone calls with friends from church. Buying things from Amazon YouTube talks and masses.
   Talking on Snapchat with my nana/grandad Online concerts and pantomimes.
6. I was quite ill at home, with my wife/husband and carers once daily.
7. My son/daughter does not have hobbies, cannot make friends or even understand the concept of friendship. As he/she is non verbal and cannot read or write any activity has to be routine based and one that keeps him/her busy through physical movement.
8. No.
9. Not really applicable as my son/daughter has complex needs.
10. No everything was restricted and very difficult for me.
11. Spent time with my family bubble.
12. My husband/wife is completely reliant on me (his wife/her husband) and my family to help him/her with most things from getting dressed to giving medication. He/she has not learnt any new skills and his/her anxiety levels have increased also.
13. No.
14. Enjoyed zoom calls.
15. Nothing I didn’t really go out for 18 months.
16. As above. Would like more info on ZOOM video calls etc.
17. NO.
18. No.
19. Enjoyed spending time with mum/dad. Made video calls.
20. I like being at my day centre, although I do love being with my family I struggled to stay at home during lockdown.
21. no.
22. Tried knitting but due to visual impairment, struggled. No support with this hobby whilst at home. No online shopping or making video calls.
23. No.
24. no.
25. I did enjoy spending time with my family.
26. I learnt to buy stuff online.
    Spent lots of time with my mum and dad, sisters and nieces.
27. I struggled with being away from my day centre and found it very difficult to stay at home.
28. Enjoyed spending time with family and they also learnt some baking. No, I didn't start a new hobby. I was with my mother/father my main carer all the time.
29. Being with family was very enjoyable.
30. Enjoyed being with family Made video calls.
31. I started using lego.
    Arts and crafts - colouring books.
32. Know.
33. I learned and studies Thai-chi and kickboxing techniques.
34. Enjoyed spending time at home with friends I live with.
35. video calls - supported by mum.
36. Learned how to make video calls.
37. Video calls used for the first time.
38. Mum/dad learnt sewing and learned how to use iPad and apps.
39. Couldn't see family.
40. I did not do anything new. I enjoyed being with family.
41. I enjoyed being with family but did not learn anything.
42. Just stayed in house with my daughter/son.
43. no.
44. I enjoyed the word search provided by the day centre.
45. No.
46. No.
47. No.
48. No.
49. My dad/mum helped me to make some things with wood in the garden.
50. No, I could not.
51. No.
52. No, not able.
53. No, very depressed.
54. No, I was very depressed and isolated.
55. online shopping with support of husband/wife.
56. I enjoyed being at home with family.
57. Did not start any new hobbies. Didn't make any new friends, no online shopping.
58. Stayed sometimes with my sister/brother in our bubble. Played games on my tablet. did some gardening.
59. No.
60. new friends.
61. I learned how to use ZOOM and kept in contact with my faith group. Made new friends. Bought goods on the internet and watched YouTube talks.
62. Did online shopping.
63. No.
64. No.
65. Video calls and colouring in books.
66. ZOOM.
67. Enjoyed being with my family Video calls.
68. NO.
69. No.
70. Enjoyed with family sometimes.
71. I was shielding with my mum/dad, adhering to the government guidelines. I am unable to use the internet.
72. I liked to go shopping but was unable to go out most of the time and unable to access online shopping.
73. No.
74. No, just watched TV.
75. No, I didn't learn any new skills. I did enjoy being with my family.
76. No, I gave up of doing anything.
77. No.
78. No.
79. No.
80. NO.
81. No, I did not learn new skill. I go to my sister/brother to give my carer a rest at weekends.
82. NO.
83. NO.
84. NO.
85. NO.
86. no.
87. NO.
88. NO.
89. shopping with mum/dad.
90. Made video calls.
91. Exercise.
    Dance classes on YouTube.
92. My husband/wife just smiled when he/she saw our family on Face Time. He/she was in a daze when he/she saw his/her 10 grandchildren speaking to him/her sadly he/she couldn't talk back. He/she doesn't speak very much now since not mixing since COVID began. I chat as much as I can to help him/her.
93. No.
94. No.
95. XXX is losing concentration but still manages word search. She/he will answer the telephone but will pass the phone to me.
96. No.
97. ZOOM calls.
98. Boccia - done it at home.
99. Diamond pictures.
100. I spent lots of time online chatting.
101. Gardening.
102. Crafting.
103. I worked on my painting skills that I made.
104. no, although he went for lots of walks.
105. No new skills just lots of walking and became more withdrawn as My son/daughter is a creative of habit and has gained approximately 2 stone in the last 18 months.
106. Vaccination course (SJA).
107. ZOOM calls.
108. ZOOM calls.
109. ZOOM calls.
110. Had to do ZOOM and video calling.
111. Learnt to behave - no hitting staff. Control my anger.
112. ZOOM.
113. ZOOM calls.
114. phone calls.
115. Gardening.
116. I done online shopping.
117. Being with my family. Planting.
118. Art at home.
119. Did a lot more baking, zoom calls with my friends, even learning rooms organised regular group zoom calls and weekly challenges like model making, puppets and baking challenges which were good for a limited time.
120. No.
121. We learnt about Zoom ! Did quizzes on this medium . Learnt how to film another and send these films to other households . Also had guitar lessons in house and other enrichment activities.
122. My son/daughter played his/her guitar during the Zoom music sessions provided by the day centre and this gave him/her the confidence to start taking his/her guitar to the day centre after the lockdown. Playing regularly, there, has improved his/her ability.
123. Online shopping but wasted a lot of money.
124. No.
125. Made radio and clock.
126. No.
127. No.
128. used skills we had but possibly improved them using zoom when his/her centres were closed and gardening - growing vegatables & flowers.
129. No, dad/mum cannot engage with technology, he/she doesnt have the mental capacity.
130. Zoom sessions with day services where we did crafts, games, music and baking.
     Lots of zoom meetings with the Catholic Church Enjoyed being together with my family.
     FaceTime calls with my Uncle/Aunt XXX Phone calls with friends from church. Buying things from Amazon YouTube talks and church masses.
     Talking on Snapchat with my grandparent Online concerts and pantomimes.
131. XXX would be supported to talk with family through Zoom.
132. video call my dad/mum and brother/sister.
133. No.
134. No.
135. The person supported was able to adapt to the ever changing Covid guidelines and restrictions on activities whilst accessing the resource centre. It was crucial that the person supported continued to access the resource centre during the pandemic as this could have had a significant impact on the wellbeing of the individual.
136. No.
137. No.
138. n/a.
139. n/a.
140. No.
141. Called my friends every day Enjoyed being with.
142. Enjoyed being with family and playing games together.
143. I started the Day Centre and met new people.
144. No.
145. No.
146. I made new friends during lockdown.
147. Made new friends.
     enjoyed being with my family online shopping.
     facetime.
148. No, but new skills do not come easy due to my disabilities BUT I loved my version of my social life and the only constant has been my family, especially now as apart from one day a week, I never know who is going to look after me and I can't tell them how to help me.
149. Nothing new.
150. Went on walk every day.
151. Went shopping with family.
152. Enjoyed being with family Facetime family.
153. Made new friends With my family Online.
154. Played on I-Pad Made new friends enjoyed family time.
155. No.
156. Video calls (zoom) made new friends waved at dad.
157. Made coffee, tea and cakes.
158. No.
     Shopping Walks.
     New friends.
159. Enjoyed being with family Friends.
160. Video calls.
161. Listening to instructions Team work in house Eye conversations.
     Perform with XXXXXX at screen.
162. I using Zoom all the time Spending time with XXX.
163. Word grammar.
164. None.
165. Help cooking.
166. I did cooking during lockdown.
167. Using a video camera Using photoshop Editing a video.
168. Video call.
169. Made new friends Enjoyed being with family.
170. Video and editing.
171. Zumba.
172. Cooking.
173. Making posters Made new friends.
     Enjoyed being with my family.
174. Started new hobby.
     Enjoyed being with my family online shopping.
     facetime & Zoom.
175. Partes yoga.
     on line shopping.
     got new boyfriend out it Jigsaw puzzle.
     Zoom is new.
176. Started learning Korean.
177. Made lots of new friends.
178. No.
179. VIDEO & EDITING.
     LEARN GUITAR & XYLOPHONE BAKING.
     SINGING DRAMA.
     (DAY CENTRE ALL ABOVE).
180. Video Film Guitar Singing Dancing.
     All with day cntr.
181. Enjoyed being with family line shopping.
182. Video Boxing Film.
     Cooking kitchen.
     all with the Day Cntr.
183. Video & Editing Baking.
     Music (Tambourine) Drama.
     All with Day Cntr.
184. I have learned how to use zoom during the pandemic. I have done the same with Facetime.
     I have also done gardening and arts and crafts.
185. Called family on phone.

More information on technology

1. Did some online lessons.
2. Used all tech like zoom calls WhatsApp.
3. I send text messages to my friends and speak to them on my mobile.
4. Microsoft teams.
5. iPad.
   Computer Home phone CD /DVD player Printer.
6. mobile phone.
7. My son/daughter has an iPad that he/she uses to play clips of music and to use a basic communication app to express some needs and wants but cannot use any of the above technologies.
8. My son/daughter is not able to communicate so these questions aren't.
9. I pad, mobile phone.
10. My husband/wife is only able to use Zoom because family set it up for us. We have used it to join in sessions for Singing for the Brain with Alzheimer’s Society and for hospital appointments.
11. No.
12. I don’t really understand it but my son/daughter reads the whats app messages to me and then types out replies for me they are usually from my lovely grandchildren.
13. No.
14. I can use my phone and a kindle. I don’t like video calls I cannot concentrate.
15. No.
16. ipad. playing games on it.
17. laptop.
18. Used no technology.
19. no.
20. Used the laptop a lot.
    Used my mobile phone a lot.
21. no.
22. Used the computer.
23. Ipad, internet on phone.
24. None.
25. iPad.
26. nothing.
27. No.
28. None.
29. No, I don't use technology.
30. No.
31. No.
32. iPad, to watch music and fins out football results.
33. iPad.
34. Candy Crush on phone.
35. iPad for watching favourite videos, photographs etc.
36. No, I was upset.
37. No.
38. None, only my house phone.
39. No.
40. None at all.
41. n/A.
42. No.
43. home phone and mobile!
44. iPad, printer, computer, CD and DVD player, home phone.
45. No.
46. NO.
47. Laptop.
48. N/A.
49. N/A.
50. None.
51. No.
52. No.
53. No.
54. used my digital camera.
55. No.
56. No.
57. No.
58. NO.
59. None.
60. NO.
61. NO.
62. NO.
63. My husband/wife cannot use any technology. I set up Alexa and choose his/her favourite songs to calm him/her down at times, i.e. going to bed.
64. No.
65. No due to my dementia.
66. No.
67. No.
68. None.
69. Face Time.
70. FaceTime.
71. Facebook Instagram.
72. Phone.
73. I used my computer listening to music.
74. He/she joined zoom activities with family support at all times.
75. My son/daughter will-not use Zoom at all.
76. Facetime on iPad/Iphone.
77. I learnt how to an iPad and a tablet.
78. iPad Air 2.
79. Laptop.
80. Gaming.
81. Computer for ZOOM.
82. You Tube.
83. iPad, Spotify - Music.
84. Computer to keep contact with people.
85. iPad.
86. My daughter/son needed a lot of help to do this.
87. Facebook Messenger.
88. PC Computer.
89. chess.com, Amazon and eBay.
90. No.
91. No.
92. Alexia and Google.
93. no.
94. iPad Computer Home phone CD /DVD player Printer.
95. I-Pad for communication Apps and listening to Disney music.
96. No.
97. None.
98. My daughter/son & I spoke to family using messenger. I cannot use any applications.
99. Sky Box XBox Laptop.
100. I-Pad Laptop Tv.
     Nintendo Switch.
101. My family used Zoom - It was a disaster. I watch a screen for most of my days, I need to go out in the community and meet my day centre friends.
102. No.
103. Ipod Touch.
104. I use my computer.
105. I-Pad.
106. Facetime.
107. Tablet.
108. I-Pad Phone Laptop.
109. Faced timed.
110. XBox 360.
111. Video cameras Microphones Video editing.
112. laptop.
113. Video cameras editing equipment wireless microphone.
114. USED A VIDEO CAMERA.
     USED A WIRELESS MICROPHONE USED A VIDEO EDITING SUITE.
115. Cruise.
116. Gaming PC.
117. Messenger Facebook.
118. VIDEO CAMERAS EDITING SUITE RECORDING (AUDIO).
119. Video cameras Editing suite.
120. Speakers.
121. Video camera Editing suite.
122. Video cameras Edit videos.
123. Facetime.
124. Laptop.

Future activities - anything else

1. Swimming.
2. XXXX enjoys activities that include him/her and his/her 1-1 support.
3. Once/week is totally inadequate, he/she needs to be occupied and on the go every day.
4. Hydrotherapy and swimming but no suitable hoist facilities.
5. Visit dementia friendly establishments (not too noisy) cafes, pubs, restaurants, museums Plaza Crosby, concerts.
6. Going to shows with friends, going out for meals with my 1:1 carer. Going to the gym and the pool.
7. Go shopping with help.
8. Independently.
9. Weekly activities at the day centre.
10. Retired. Weekly activities at the day centre.
11. I am retired and I like the activities at the day centre.
12. meet up with people to do indoor exercise and art & craft/activities at activities the same as before pandemic all at the day centre.
13. Weekly activities at the day centre.
14. Activities at the day centre, activities alone at home with support at day centre, would prefer to mix activities - five days at the day centre.
15. Weekly activities at the day centre and I would want to go to art galleries etc with support from the day centre.
16. meet to do indoor exercise and art and craft - at the day centre, activities alone with support from the day centre, group activities at the day centre and sheltered acc. and needs support to go to art galleries etc.
17. weekly activities at the day centre.
18. Retired. Weekly activities at the day centre.
19. weekly activities at the day centre.
20. weekly activities at the day centre.
21. I am 71. I can't afford paying for the care to take me out. Taxi's are a problem.
22. This is why the day service is so important. Not only allows us to socialise but gives us a chance to have classes and be with friends.
23. This is where my day service is so important because we are all in the same building plus all my personal toilet needs are totally met and my physical and mental needs are met. I also meet my friends I've known for a long time that is very important more than ever now due to the pandemic.
24. Not able to - cannot use hands. Attends church.
25. Volunteering - already tied up!
26. weekly activities - at the day centre.
27. weekly activities at the day centre. activities from the community with support.
28. Cafe - with my friend XXX, I do chair based activities at the day centre, which I enjoy. Do art & craft at the centre.
29. I experienced some of the above, however this was unsuccessful in the past, as I prefer to know who and where I am going? This can cause myself anxiety however, the day service is my safe environment in which I feel secure to enable me to do some of the things I like.
30. I do art and craft in the day centre. Mixed activities in a building like a day centre. Activities the same as before - don't know - hard question.
31. Have an extra day at the centre (XXX) to learn new skills like cookery, shopping online, budgeting.
32. Needs support when visiting galleries, museums etc.
33. The family come 3 times per week and we go out for a meal and food shopping. Should meet people and do indoor exercise. not possible to do outdoor exercise.
34. Bowling.
35. wouldn't be able to do things independently.
36. Practice independent travel.
37. Dad/mum enjoys seeing friends and going to daycare.
38. The person supported requires a rigid routine which involves group activities within the community and activities just with support.
39. The person supported requires a rigid routine which involve activities just with support.
40. Swimming and 3 wheel cycling.

Other future activities ideas

1. I used to go swimming at splash world on Fridays I would like you to restart a swimming club.
2. Meet up with other blind / VI young people 18+ in a venue where we could be independent from family and have our own time Not all disabilities can mix It’s hard to mix and not knock someone over with other disabilities or walk into a wheel chair.
3. I have dementia and Parkinson’s, I cannot go out without my family.
4. XXXX did enjoy visiting a day centre five days per week before the pandemic unfortunately this has come to an end now. XXX does not like to mix with others but may do if its something he/she is interested in and he/she has his/her 1-1 support with him/her.
   XXX likes spending alot of time in charity shops.
5. Not well enough do do a lot; enjoy reading, crosswpords, listening to music.
6. Want to be able to go to the day centre, I loved it there and it enabled my daughter/son to have a break.
7. As my son/daughter not only has Down Syndrome, he/she is also hearing impaired, has poor speech and consequently is extremely vulnerable. He/she needs his/her activities and carers to help him/her resume meaningful activities to keep him/her as fit, healthy and positive as possible.
   Thankfully he/she is enjoying Live to Learn and his/her carers are starting to be able to be more adventurous with activities.
8. I want to go back to the way we where before Covid. I miss the close company of my friends at day centre and the staff. It’s like a family but without it being my family. My friends understand me they go thru what I go thru. Video sessions are no good for me I cannot concentrate. I want to go back to before.
9. Meeting my old friends at the day centre.
10. I enjoy my current routine and only want to do activities with my day centre.
11. Volunteering - would like to get involved at a playgroup again and oxfam. Would like to work with animals. Would like to go swimming. Would like more support with knitting and embroidery. Would like to learn how to type letters.
12. Meeting my old friends at the day centre.
13. Would like to get involved with volunteering more. This is impossible without support due to physical disability.
14. I am very happy with my current routine at my day centre and am happy with the activities I am currently doing.
15. Holidays with my day service.
16. go shopping.
17. I am interested in joining a group where I can practice art. I would love to go target-shooting!
18. I am very happy with my current routine at the day centre.
19. I enjoy the activities my day service offers me, and I do not want that to change, or do anything else.
20. Learning how to use technology (iPad) Talk to more people.
21. Need special needs sports clubs that cater for adults with SLD.
    Affordable sports such as swimming and gym - not to have to pay double the amount a non-disabled person pays because son/daughter needs a carer with him/her.
    Affordable opportunities for sports such as horse riding, sailing, rock climbing. roller skating, running , cycling, etc. for people with SLD who need a carer with them.
    Linking in with voluntary and other groups for gardening, park maintenance, grounds maintenance, litter picking, beach cleans, environment and wildlife volunteering opportunities.
    Voluntary work that improves the community and gives self esteem to the volunteer.
    Individual sessions offered that can be tailored to an individual rather than a block of one or two days.
22. Keep engaged and continue to be in communication with family.
23. XXX would benefit from 1 extra day. Too old to find a job.
24. Enjoyed all activities at the day centre.
25. What I like to do is meet friends again at the centre. I am missing that and like to do thing.
26. I want to get back to day centre as before the pandemic. Be with friends I class as family and doing my activities. I was taught to read and write at the centre and still learning.
27. Activities same as before the pandemic - at the centre. Like to come to centre and meet up with friends.
28. Work experience - you must be joking. I can't even dress myself. I can't do anything unsupported.
    Activities same as before - at the centre. want my days back. Can't access art galleries etc because I can't be unsupported.
    Get all my day centre days back and get back to what was normal. I don't like the fact I have lost a day at the centre. At home I was totally isolated.
29. Would like to go with carer to visit art galleries, cinema, museums. Cannot go out alone.
30. Would like to do karaoke - weekly. Would like more involvement with art activities - weekly. Would like to be part of a walking group - weekly. Would like to cook.
31. I would like to get back to the day centre.
32. I like to do my drama and to be with my friends at the day centre.
33. I like to continue with my drama.
34. Shopping.
35. Enjoy my drama.
36. XXX stated she/he prefers a mix and match but feels let down by her/his community support.
37. I want to continue coming to the centre. I want more days.
38. Work outside in the garden/greenhouse at the day centre.
39. Have more time with friends in the centre. 
40. No.
41. Due to my illness, I only attend the day centre and appointments. My family visit me at home for tea and cake.
42. I am unable to do any activities.
    Not capable to use technology and access online activities.
43. Go to Aqua fitness class or swimming but I would need support as I have dementia, a stoma bag and wear a hearing aid (without which I cannot hear anything).
44. Would like to meet more people at home - we the family and neighbours also the carers twice per day. We always had a good social life.
45. Trip to Tatton park.
46. Play in darts league.
47. Learn to play the drums Rock climbing.
48. Hairdressing Work.
49. work sports.
50. Kayaking or Bocha.
51. No.
52. Art classes.
53. XXX enjoys his/her current activities and accesses sport and leisure with his/her carers.
54. My son/daughter needs structural very much and has seriously struggled during the last 18 months.
55. Rowing.
56. Going to Scotland with my family.
57. Don't want to do activities at home at all and up to once a month in the community with support and weekly group activities in a building.
58. Don't want to do activities at home alone but weekly in the community with support and want to mix some activities home/community up to once a month with group activities in a building weekly.
59. Don't want to do activities at home at all but weekly in the community with support and weekly group activities in a building.
60. Don't want to do activities at home at all but want to do them in the community (with support) weekly and in a group in a building weekly.
61. Archery.
62. Activities in the community and some group activities in a building at least.
63. Sheep shearing.
64. As my son/daughter has a personal budget funded by Lancashire council he/she has the freedom to have a variety of day services and supported work experience.
65. Get back to work slowly in the new year.
66. No.
    My son/daughter has severe learning difficulties, I dont think some of these questions apply.
    He/she loves company/doing activities with others, but not in big groups as he/she gets anxious if places are very busy or noisy, he/she has physical difficulties needs close support.
67. going out for lunch.
68. Do my activities in the day centre.
69. XXX needs to keep mobile. Swimming was available at Day Centre which helped him/her and also 1-1 centre and he/she was happy just being with his/her peers travelling to and from venue.
    He/she loves to be out of the house enjoying himself with his/her peers. I take him/her to "special disco weekly" he/she loves it and he/she gets to exercise his/her limbs without effort.
70. Enjoy going to drama twice a week at the day centre.
    At the moment doing nothing out of the centre, I don't understand why any service users are not going out on the bus for walks, feeding the ducks or going to local amenities.
    Other day care providers are getting out and about in the community.
71. I would like to go to the gym and do exercises.
72. Would feel too scared to go out on my own independently. I would like to do art, football and drama.
73. Would like to continue my drama sessions which I enjoy and get a lot from going to the day centre.
74. Would like to have my football sessions back at the day centre. Would like to continue my two days at the day centre.
75. Doing disability awareness day Get more clients in the day centre Help people with Support family friends Support staff
    XXXX day centre.
76. I wanted visit in art galleries cinema and museums.
77. Going on a holiday to bail with XXX and mum/dad.
78. Southport fair in summer Another.
79. Go on day outs. trips, weekend away holidays.
80. *Already independent*.
81. N/A.
82. I want to keep on singing, dancing, drumming, band practice, see my friends, swimming, arts and crafts, go to the disco, see new places, shopping and guitar practice.
83. Gardening.
    Play with animals - no dogs.

Is there anything else that you would like to tell us about how the pandemic affected you or about what you would like to do in the future?

1. I am very that I missed most of my last year in college I think it would be good for people like me to be able to gain the work experience we have missed out on it’s difficult enough under ordinary circumstances.
2. As a blind person everything stopped for a lot longer for me as in my support worker wasn’t allowed to guild me, so all support stopped. We had 2 weeks between both lock downs which I could go out Even though we were both wearing face mask no guilding or going into cars or buses. The only activity allowed was going for a walk, but we had 6 hours You can’t walk for 6 hours. It really affected how I was feeling.
3. I would like to carry on going to the day centre because I love being there, meeting my friends and doing the activities that we do.
4. It made me realise how essential day services are and how carer burnout happens very quickly when day centres are removed.
5. I have health issues and it has stopped me going into the community with my family. I would like to start doing it again where possible.
6. stopping the day centre effected XXX he/she would like to know the opportunities that are available to him/her now.
7. Very anxious about staying alive or if something happened to my dad/mum or grandparents and left on my own.
   Quite lonely at times.
   I would like to return the day centre but I’m scared as I need personal care which means close contact with other people I also don’t want to be left doing nothing in the day centre as often happened before it felt like I was in God’s waiting room.
   I am 26 and feel like my life is fading away.
   Although I care about all the staff and people at the day centre and know they mean well. And want to return, it often feels like that I am a child in a nursery Better disabled Changing places Toilets in the day centre.
   Better sound system with improved microphones for feel good music sessions in the day centre.
   Improved hoist in the small disabled toilet in the day centre battery always flat after one sequence of going up and down.
   A second bus for trips out other group have to walk to the Atkinson for arts and crafts session as first bus gets priority for going to Liverpool, Preston, or bigger trips to a garden centre zoo or swimming or wheels for all other group left out with nothing to drive and come back to the centre worn out carrying all their heavy bags and suitcases with paint etc in on their back.
   More height adjustable tables for disabled people to use during important sessions and meetings and lunchtimes not enough to go round.
   Better meals at lunchtime Bring back spoons at lunchtime.
   Some members of staff shout all the time at people and down the corridor to bring items from the other rooms not enough staff I do not see my key worker very often anymore.
   No warning given about the Fire Alarm test or drill very loud keep changing the time without notice very little consideration for the people who use the service manager always laughing about not telling everyone or a notice being displayed in the hall and sometimes done over lunchtime.
   Staff meetings are always in a morning some people are very often left without a drink or help to take their coat off very little people manning the entrance door used to be a rota.
   Music system for dining hall still not arrived or ordered.
   Carer meetings need to be re-established and run properly by the manager and informed by letter and websites and Facebook.
   Better massage chairs needed for sensory room as always broken and people fell out without pressing any buttons.
   Some more jigsaws and games.
   Staff training for trampoline is very slow.
   Some people miss the pool table and pottery workshop.
   Lift to the outside garden area can’t take heavy wheelchairs and is always breaking down.
   New garden area is beautiful.
   Some people would like to see a drama performance building.
   Lots of waiting around in the morning and before going back home this can sometimes mean shorter sessions than usual.
   Service user focus group meetings stopped because staff haven’t got time Better disabled access to the lodge on rotten row and with toilets for everyone to use
   the need for defibrillators at all day centre sites and staff training should be given on how to use this.
   showering areas in the bathrooms need to be looked at because the drainage is not very good and the water goes everywhere the floor is uneven in parts and the water even goes down the corridor in to the day centres hallway.
   staff talk about service users outside the toilet door and can be heard word for word which is totally unprofessional in all day centres and some day centre. transport providers block the ramp for wheelchairs getting out and block car park entrances some drivers have an attitude when asking the calmly to just move the bus a few yards to be able to get into and out in my wheelchair accessible van some day centre staff need to learn phone manners instead of telling people off or screaming down the phone.
   Physhio bed should be used properly and staff need to stop saying don’t touch him/her because you haven’t been trained in this the manager needs to organise proper training for this.
   When going to the toilet the staff say now don’t touch him/her because of Flu and COVID how else am I going to be and put on and go to the toilet without the a more suitable day centre just for wheelchair users and disabled people to be reintroduced considered for Southport area like Ainsdale and Formby used to be because COVID has taught us a lesson that putting everyone in one building is not very good enough because staff are too busy with more service users than they can cope with and cant care for everyone properly we will also need a changing places toilet in any future building plans with a geribert merna care toilet and so on.
   Staff talk about inappropriate subjects very often during relaxation sessions this needs to be kept in the staff room for example boyfriends/girlfriends. husband/wives and sex videos and problems at home the service users come as a priority they need to be looked after with great service and care.
   Better entrance security because even though the staff do everything to monitor this people that shouldn’t be in the day centre walk in everything needs to be extra safe after a couple of break ins and people do take notice of when staff aren’t on reception some people in the past have even parked their cars in the day centre car park and gone into town shopping to find their car locked up on return or a man with his horsebox or young girls going out to the night party till late signs have now been put up but this is an ongoing problem.
8. Now have long covid, breathing difficulties.
9. It is vitally important that my son/daughter continues to access his/her Day Provision, continue to receive his/her Direct Payment and that Respite be reinstated as before the pandemic.
10. The pandemic has reduced the amount of day care (2 weekdays rather than 5 pre-pandemic) but the total lack of respite care is of greater concern, when caring for someone with complex needs.
    Transport to/from day centre has also proved more problematic. Sefton used to provide mini-bus transport, travelling with other colleagues. however, my son/daughter now has to have an individual taxi service as Sefton transport unit (STU) do not assist people who are health funded (PHB).
11. Exercise is very important for someone who is immobile with spinal rods in their back. One of the few forms of exercise which is safe is hydrotherapy, but this is impossible to access in Sefton as there are so few facilities with hoists. Please review as this is such a beneficial activity for me that I really enjoy too.
12. I was going to start going to a lunch club in Ainsdale as they picked people up to save my son/daughter some time I don’t think they are doing that now.
13. My husband/wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in December 2019 just before the pandemic. As a family we felt let down as we had to find out ourselves about his/her condition. We were handed a book by the memory clinic and told by the doctor you will be entitled to some money off your council tax but very little else. My husband/wife and I were stuck in the house and there was little stimulation for him/her. He/she enjoys being sociable but this all stopped as he/she is considered to be in the most clinically vulnerable group too. Life has been extremely difficult for us all as a family and finding answers to certain questions has been very difficult tiring and disappointing on occasion.
    My husband/wife and I have just started a Memory Cafe at XXX church. This has been a great help.
14. My Alzheimer's deteriorated a lot being confined to home and unable to go to my day centre.
15. NO.
16. I want to do the same as before the Covid restrictions , but safely.
17. Before the pandemic I would call myself a taxi and go to town or church most days with help from my walking aid a three wheeled Walker but since lockdown no longer have the strength energy or confidence to be able to do this on my own my family are very good and do visit and take me out but it would be nice to go out with assistance from someone other than one of my son/daughter it’s embarrassing shopping for under wear when your 89.
18. Almost total of meeting groups with similar likes. Increase in loss of
    I do not like the changes the pandemic did. I do not want to lose my place at day centre I would be very isolated without it. I need to be close to my friends and the staff at day centre. I need constant motivation and prompting I cannot get that thru a video.
    I hated not being close to people being stuck in my house. No friends hardly any family. I’m autistic so this hurt me a lot.
19. Had to stay at home with dad/mum. Did not see friends. Could not go to the cinema, meals out etc.
20. I am very autistic and I feel safe in my current routine. I do not want this to change.
21. The pandemic affected my mood and not being able to see my friends has caused a drift. Worried if certain groups don't start up again.
22. It has made me more introverted and affected my mobility.
23. Had to stay at home with dad/mum. Did not see friends. Could not go to the cinema, meals out etc.
24. When lockdown began in March 2020, I was REALLY worried. I couldn't go out and see people! I was really struggling.
25. I do not know of any activities in Sefton, other than my day service.
26. Pandemic stopped interaction with friends, cancelled visits from carers due to covid. Gym closures was upsetting.
27. I do not understand money and would maybe like to learn about it.
28. The pandemic allowed me time to think and I feel a lot better in myself now.
    As well as this, I do not know of any activities available for me in Sefton. There is no information easily accessible to me.
29. made me depressed.
30. I do not know of any activities in Sefton.
31. I would like to get a job/volunteer.
32. Son/daughter was at college in March 2020, left overnight and didn't return. Went from 5 full days a week of structured, full time activity organised in many different ways, with lots of different activities and interaction with his/her peers on a daily basis to (eventually), two days at a very good placement which suits his/her needs very well. However, the other 5 days are more aimless and less structured and he/she has no interaction or involvement with people his/her own age. Spends much longer now at home playing on his devices than he/she did pre-pandemic. There are very limited opportunities in the community for him/her, given his SLD and autism, to engage in any indoor activities he/she is able to access for example swimming/gym or trampolining as they are expensive which during the winter and/or bad weather makes.
33. During pandemic I missed contact with people.
34. No, although I did miss coming to the Day Centre.
35. Dad/mum doesn't communicate and dad/mum cannot read/write but helped by family and carers.
36. I missed the day centre. I am glad to be back.
37. Once the centre closed, became more anxious, missed people from the centre who were close to me. I felt lonely and bored. Missed friends and activities. I would like more time at the centre.
38. I would just like to get out more.
39. No
40. Missed my friends at the centre. Me and my husband/wife got under each other’s feet.
41. Pandemic made me feel 'crap' - so glad to be back at the centre - it's f@#king brilliant!
42. As my day centre was closed for a lot of time due to the pandemic I was therefore unable to socialise and join in my local activities. I had a more restricted life and relied on my parents and being at home more than I was used to and was unable to understand why.
43. I would like to come back so you can do things what is already and seeing friends again even now we are not able to use all building. I lost a day and would like back.
44. Feeling down in the pandemic. Future to be back to normal.
45. Missed the day centre. Like to use all the building.
46. After the loneliness of being at home and not seeing and being with friends at the centre, doing my activities and socialising, I am happy to be back. I hope to be able to do all the sessions I enjoyed before when I can use all the building as we are in zones at the minute.
47. Want to get back to normality. Not being kept inside, socialising with friends from centre. Hoping to do all the things we did before. Missed the day centre!
48. Want to get back to normal at the day centre with all my friends and ado all the activities I can access at the centre. I am very happy to be back at the centre even now with all the zones.
49. No day centre, no respite.
50. The pandemic affected a little. It stopped me seeing my family and partner. Made me feel lonely. Lost my ability to go outside and feel safe from covid.
51. I want day in the centre. I was staying in a lot more. XXXX would like another day at day centre or back to Park Lodge.
52. I got very down and upset not being able to do my drama and see my friends.
53. I was very anxious about staying alive and about my dad and nan and what would happen if they became ill and died.
54. I attend two days a week. I would like another day.
55. It affected my routines. My mental health hit rock bottom - my depression caused me to feel very low and I often had panic attacks. I had suicidal.
56. I miss coming to my friends at drama.
57. Carry on drama.
58. To carry on.
59. Bored.
60. missed all my friends at art and drama.
61. missed my friends, felt lonely. Glad I came back to drama.
62. It makes me feel scared.
63. I didn't go to the centre.
64. Lonely, sad, worried, upset. see my friends.
65. XXXX stated he/she can't use public transport alone and specialised transport is not available at the weekend. Support at times lets him/her down and doesn't follow through his/her wishes.
66. Through the pandemic I put on weight because got no reason to move about as much and wasn't doing much exercise. Got bored easily just watching TV.
67. I felt terrible lonely and missed attending the day centre.
68. lonely, isolated.
69. Got very depressed. I just like company of other people.
70. I'd like to learn to use the petrol lawn mower at the centre.
71. I was stuck in my house a lot of the time.
72. I still feel frightened by covid.
73. NO.
74. NO.
75. NO.
76. Needs support accessing transport.
77. Safety concerns and accessing transport - needs support.
78. Evening activities once a month.
    Needs support on roads and accessing transport and information and advice Felt depressed when off due to nothing to do.
79. It hit my husband/wife very hard and myself. one lockdown over 70's were not even allowed into local shops because of COVID. We had to ask our neighbours to get the basic fresh milk and bread for us and a paper. I had to order the groceries online.
80. More days at my day centre.
81. I'd like to go back to 3 days a week to my day centre.
82. Lack of social contact was difficult. I was diagnosed with dementia during the pandemic and not socialising seemed to magnify the symptoms.
83. We miss visits to the garden centre. Would like to go to Vue Cinema.
84. I used to be able to get the bus to town, but I am no longer able to do so as I have dementia can no longer remember where to get on/off the bus.
85. Sefton.
86. It meant I was stuck at home a lot and I found it really hard to go back to activities. I became lazy and didn’t want to do anything.
87. Couldn't see parents.
88. He/she found the lack of structure in the first lockdown difficult, and all the care reverted to his/her parents. Once zoom activities restarted and he/she was able to see his/her friends virtually or in person he/she was happier although he/she required carer support to enable him/her to do this as he/she has very limited ability to access technology.
89. Really think all support services should continue to maintain structured for vulnerable young adults, all other essential services had to continue as usual , the change in my son/daughter is unbelievable and not for the better he/she has really struggled over the last 18 months, it’s very sad to watch.
90. Lack of Sefton keeping in touch.
91. Sefton keeping in touch.
92. Day trips out.
93. Skiing, watch rugby.
94. Go into supported living, go on holiday with friends, go to concert with friend and day trips.
95. Water skiing and rock climbing.
96. Go to football matches with friends.
97. XXX (can't understand two words) bad on my mental health.
98. Sefton didn't keep in touch.
99. Don't tell us anything.
100. To do more gardening.
101. My learning of English and Maths.
102. Learn to play the piano.
103. Didn't cope at all when pandemic started but coping better now.
104. No.
105. As with a lot of things his/her centres used to do they have cancelled for safety or things are more restricted. My son/daughter doesn't really understand the reason for this, but it obviously affects the fun he/she has.
106. I would like to be able to continue to go to my day care and this be continuous with no changes.
107. Very anxious about staying alive or if something happened to my dad/mum or grandparents and left on my own.
     Quite lonely at times.
     I would like to return the day centre but I’m scared as I need personal care which means close contact with other people I also don’t want to be left doing
     nothing in the day centre as often happened before it felt like I was in God’s waiting room.
     I am 26 and feel like my life is fading away.
     Although I care about all the staff and people at the day centre and know they mean well. And want to return, it often feels like that I am a child in a
     nursery.
     Better disabled Changing places Toilets in the day centre.
     Better sound system with improved microphones for feel good music sessions in the day centre.
     Improved hoist in the small disabled toilet in the day centre battery always flat after one sequence of going up and down.
     A second bus for trips out other group have to walk to the Atkinson for arts and crafts session as first bus gets priority for going to Liverpool Preston
     Blackpool or bigger trips to a garden centre zoo or swimming or wheels for all other group left out with nothing to drive and come back to the centre
     worn out carrying all their heavy bags and suitcases with paint etc in on their back More height adjustable tables for disabled people to use during important sessions and meetings and lunchtimes not enough to go round.
     Better meals at lunchtime Bring back spoons at lunchtime.
     Some members of staff shout all the time at people and down the corridor to bring items from the other rooms not enough staff I do not see my key
     worker very often anymore.
     No warning given about the Fire Alarm test or drill very loud keep changing the time without notice very little consideration for the people who use the
     service manager always laughing about not telling everyone or a notice being displayed in the hall and sometimes done over lunchtime.
     Staff meetings are always in a morning some people are very often left without a drink or help to take their coat off very little people manning the
     entrance door used to be a rota.
     Music system for dining hall still not arrived or ordered.
     Carer meetings need to be re established and run properly by the manager and informed by letter and websites and Facebook.
     Better massage chairs needed for sensory room as always broken and people fell out without pressing any buttons.
     Some more jigsaws and games.
     Staff training for trampoline is very slow.
     Some people miss the pool table and pottery workshop.
     Lift to the outside garden area can’t take heavy wheelchairs and is always breaking down.
     New garden area is beautiful. Lots of waiting around in the morning and before going back home this can sometimes mean shorter sessions than usual
     Service user focus group meetings stopped because staff haven’t got time Better disabled access to new leaf Park lodge on rotten row and with toilets for everyone to use.
     the need for defibrillators at all day centre sites and staff training should be given on how to use this.
     showering areas in the bathrooms need to be looked at because the drainage is not very good and the water goes everywhere the floor is uneven in parts
     and the water even goes down the corridor in to the day centres hallway
     staff talk about service users outside the toilet door and can be heard word for word which is totally unprofessional in all day centres and some day.
     centre transport providers block the ramp for wheelchairs getting out and block car park entrances some drivers have an attitude when asking the calmly
     to just move the bus a few yards to be able to get into and out in my wheelchair accessible van.
     some day centre staff need to learn phone manners instead of telling people off or screaming down the phone.
     Physhio bed should be used properly and staff need to stop saying don’t touch him because you haven’t been trained in this the manager needs to
     organise proper training for this.
     When going to the toilet the staff say now don’t touch him because of Flu and COVID how else am I going to be and put on and go to the toilet without the staff touching me and using a slidesheet and hoist.
     a more suitable day centre just for wheelchair users and disabled people to be reintroduced considered for Southport area like Ainsdale and Formby
     used to be because COVID has taught us a lesson that putting everyone in one building is not very good enough because staff are too busy with more
     service users than they can cope with and cant care for everyone properly we will also need a changing places toilet in any future building plans with a
     geribert merna care toilet and so on.
     Staff talk about inappropriate subjects very often during relaxation sessions this needs to be kept in the staff room for example boyfriends husbands and
     sex videos and problems at home the service users come as a priority they need to be looked after with great service and care.
     Staff Sometimes very often call service users Children.
     Staff Members say and pass comment on why do men come in work clothes.
108. No.
109. No.
110. the person supported continued to access the service during the pandemic.
111. Would like to have seen family more.
112. It was essential for the person supported and their family for the provision of the resource centre to be in place through the pandemic for the wellbeing of the individual.
113. Don't know just bored at home, glad to get back better than looking at four walls :- (.
114. I was lonely and I would like to maintain social skills.
115. The activities in the Willows are enough for me.
116. Get more social situations and see people.
117. Nothing else.
118. Anxious & worried.
119. My carers are unable to take me to morning (pre-noon) activities due to my lack of a reliable sleeping pattern and I could give up the morning hours at day care but I really need to be able to look forward to leaving the TV and enjoying friendship, exercise and keeping cheerful.
     I can't explain my distress and agency/bank staff can easily mistakenly think I'm okay because I am unable to communicate my needs.
120. The pandemic stopped me from going out into the community and seeing my brother/sister which I found difficult.
121. I missed going to art and drama, missed my friends.
122. More isolated and staying indoors when he/she likes to be out on the bus or walking.
     Staying inside and not mixing in the community makes him/her lose the ability and much more stressed when getting back to it.
123. I was fed up and bored being at home when the centre was closed. I missed seeing my friends at the centre.
124. I would be worried if my services at drama stopped as I want to continue this in the future.
125. Angry upset about pandemic.
126. See family more.
127. Not speaking to my girlfriend and my friends. I missed my friends and family.
     Thought about my grandparents.
128. I missed seeing my friends at drama and the staff. I have missed doing the shows.
129. The pandemic stopped me accessing my day service, I no longer attend football. I would like to do this again.
130. Missing my dad/mum friends from high school and friends from dance club scared.
     terrifying nervous.
     Leaving my old XXXX.
131. I think about our future.
132. Miss my family.
133. I would like to try and start working here more.
134. Pandemic made me feel terrible, unhappy. Angry. Anxious.
135. Going on holiday with family.
136. Upset, bored and didn't sleep well.
137. Seeing more people activins.
138. N/A :-(.
139. Felt trapped and anxious.
140. Nervous and Anxious.
141. It stopped me from going swimming.
142. To go out more to places and see friends.

Carer role increased during pandemic

1. No daytime activity or college.
   No outdoor activities during lockdown and they are very slow to start up again.
2. During lockdown not getting any help made everything rest on me with 2 young people to try and keep motivated.
3. Our son/daughter has been diagnosed with a serious illness and has returned home to live with us, his/her parents. He/she previously lived in supported living. This almost coincided with the pandemic and has been a major change to all of our loves.
4. I started caring for a loved one mid-pandemic. They have since died.
5. Until the day centre resumed, it was 24 hours a day, every day. I had no break. It was extremely testing on my mental health.
6. The day care support reduced during the pandemic, so I had to arrange both alternative support and provide more support myself.
7. XXXX did not need 1-1 support when he/she accessed the day centre five days per week.
   he/she now currently receives support from Accomplish 24 hrs a day with 7 sleepovers a week.
8. Due to the pandemic we have been looking after XXXX at Home.
9. I had one to one in the home as I lived out of Sefton at the time and I still needed to go to work. So it started just in the mornings then got to full time being supported.
10. Husband/wife now has long covid plus other complex health issues.
11. In the early days of the pandemic, as I am a single parent my son/daughter was with me 24/7. He/she needs 1:1 support at all times and cannot be left alone and is exceptionally persistent and demanding. He/she does not occupy him/herself and follows me at all times. Respite has been a major problem and has had to be accessed on an emergency basis due to risk of Carer breakdown. Due to my son/daughter’s language and communication difficulties he/she cannot understand why he/she hasn’t been able to access respite on a regular basis and this leads to heightened behavioural difficulties.
12. As my son/daughter only attends day centre 2 days per week, rather than the 5 previously.
    Additionally no respite has been offered since the start of the pandemic, previously I would have received up-to 28 days per year.
13. National shortage of carers means I have to do more night care and I have severe back pain issues as a result.
14. With advancing age my father/mother needs me to do a lot of things for him/her.
15. My husband/wife symptoms have deteriorated since the beginning of the pandemic. He/she received a 12-week care package after his/her stay in hospital, but this cause my husband/wife and I more stress. We had 12 Carers in the space of 5/6 weeks and our given time could never be guaranteed. By the time some Carers had come I had done all the jobs for my husband/wife. His/her time was meant to be between 8.30-9.00 but some mornings it was 07.00am and others it was 8.45am. The demands on myself have increased.
16. Due to the day centre being closed my caring role changed to 24/7.
17. As my dad/mum’s day centre had to close for a time, I felt my dad/mum’s health and mindset deteriorated.
18. Yes. Initially when there was no access to day care there was pressure to set up activities at home and set up timetables. It is hard trying to be upbeat all the time when you are a single carer and if I was under the weather then activities did not happen.
    Zoom calls with Live to Learn were a fantastic support and helped to keep motivation going.
    No access to the gym and pool meant my son/daughter was less inclined to exercise the same at home. This had implications for fitness.
19. Before mum/dad used to do all their own shopping now we do it for them also attended hospital and doctors’ appointments on their own they can no longer do this also they did all their own cleaning now needs help doing this.
20. Rely on family and care centre alongside my care. Care centre is new to us and hope it will take up more time during days.
21. My daughter/son could not go to her/his day centre. My grandchild was off school. I help care for both of they they have Autism I also had to help my cousin who lives next door who has severe arthritis. My caring responsibility.
22. My son/daughter only goes to the day centre 3 days a week instead of five previously.
23. Having to test each individual as they return with the possibility of a positive case resulting in isolation/lockdown. Sadly, having to advise to restrict from certain places due to risk of possible infection.
24. Because my husband/wife has deteriorated and because all activity stopped I had to take on more.
25. My son/daughter only goes to the day centre 3 days a week instead of five previously.
26. Son/daughter lives in supported living.
27. My mother/father's dementia support needs have increased.
28. Absolutely! The lockdown meant total isolation for me and mum/dad. It affected her/his mental health and physical disability. More support was needed by myself.
29. Conditions and needs worsened for mum and dad with more hospital appointments and care around house - managing home.
30. N/A.
31. No day services – day centre gave us more time together.
32. I was shielding, which did not help XXX as we could not go out.
33. It has been extremely difficult for all the family during the lockdowns. I am disabled and XXXX wanted to be going out every day.
34. The person I care for was unable to attend the day centre so required being at home which restricted every one's roles in the family and time was used for caring without the break of them having their days at the centre.
35. very little respite facilities.
36. Used to go in 3 days and it has been cut to 2 days.
37. With restrictions and lockdown came into being, unable to make visits anywhere. Had to conjure up more activities at home for XXXX.
38. I needed to see XXX most days as there was no day centre. XXX stayed at my house every weekend - we struggled with the stairs.
39. Yes, caring 24 hours a day has taken its toll on my general health and mental health.
40. person cared for gets bored.
41. Due to the pandemic, we have been looking after XXXX at home.
42. We stopped carers due to being sent four different carers in a week as mum/dad now has vascular dementia and this can be confusing for her/him, so I do mum/dad’s washing and dressing myself.
43. I was with my husband/wife (carer) for 24 hours a day. Our family live a 3.5 hrs drive away so could not come to visit in case they passed it on to us (Covid). In the winter months it was dreadful. NO ONE ELSE TO TALK TO FACE.
44. My husband/wife’s Alzheimer's got worse in the pandemic.
45. I used to have more support family but that reduced with the restrictions.
46. Without the day centre the only people my mum/dad saw where the carers).
47. In the first lockdown we didn't see anyone.
48. Had to care 7 days a week without a day off - also my husband/wife has become less capable.
49. During the pandemic, the person I care for was diagnosed with dementia. Then a few months later spent 4 weeks in hospital where he/she ended up having their bowel removed and a stoma made.
50. I try not to leave XXX alone to do outside jobs, banking etc on my free days.
51. Mum/dad's dementia has got worse, she/he can't go shopping in town by her/himself and relies on me to take her/him places.
52. I’m self-employed and I was unable to work for long periods because I am my young adults only carer. She/he was off college for long periods. My income suffered. I was ineligible for any furlough support.
53. In March 2020 our son/daughter left his/her supported living accommodation and moved home temporarily so we took on a caring role 24/7. Otherwise, he/she would not have been able to have any visitors or social contact outside of his/her flat.
    He/she has since moved into an extension to our home, so we are providing care on a part time basis.
54. When the care centres were shut down, we had to provide care for our son/daughter.
    This added extra pressure on our family as both parents work full time (essential workers).
    The day centre helped with online activities through Zoom, but he/she fretted from the lack of social contact with his/her peers. The mental strain was very hard on him/her.
55. Absolutely no support from the care services due to the pandemic however I work in healthcare and have still had to work as normal and working longer hours.
56. When day service providers were closed and XXXX had to be shielded it was extremely difficult. XXX became depressed. The initial excitement with zoom calls didn’t last and the lack of contact with his/her friends really affected his/her and he/she became sad.
57. Providing when day activities were suspended due to COVID 19 restrictions.
58. With home learning for our youngest, it was super difficult to manage balance with the use of technology (Zoom, Microsoft Classrooms). It was so hard to manage everyone's needs on my own.
59. My son/daughter is living in a supported tenancy and in lockdown could not come for his/her usual overnight stays. We had contact outdoors.
60. My daughter/son spent a lot more time at home as centres/clubs closed. I obviously had to be inventive finding ways to keep her/him entertained and happy.
61. Dad/mum became very agitated with being unable to meet with his/her friends. Which I usually take him/her to see and pick him/her up. For a short period, the day-care was closed too and his/her depression, paranoia increased. there was significant decline in his/her dementia, as routine helps him/her feel safe and structure. He/she became very depressed, claustrophobic and agitated. He/she was classed as extremely vulnerable so I could not even take him/her to the shops etc. This led to very difficult situations, as he/she lives with me, so any chores became extremely difficult as I had no time away, or available time to be able to carry on with chores.
62. I couldn't go to work so was a full carer. I am a single parent so there was no one else to share the care.
63. Due to the pandemic, we have been looking after XXXX at Home.
64. Limited respite / certain services stopped.
65. Son/daughters day service was closed and he/she could not access until September 2021 so he/she was at home with me full time.
66. We have to be a lot more careful and consider were and when to go to places. We have had less respite.
67. Day Services have been closed so I have had to look after my son/daughter during the pandemic.
68. Some time I bring my brother/sister In.
69. My son/daughter came to live with us.
70. More pressure and time spent caring.
71. Motivation - independence.
72. Yes due to less social opportunity for my parents our role increased dramatically.
73. I am XXX mum/dad and at the moment, his/her only consistent carer, apart from one day a week, in terms of understanding his/her needs and dangers. The loss of his/her day care has had a major effect on XXX as he/she loves people, noise, music, swimming - anywhere where people are enjoying themselves including pubs, coffee shops etc.
74. My caring role increased to 7 days per week at the start of the pandemic, lasting 12 months due to day centre closure.
75. When day services stopped for 12 months it put a lot of pressure on us as a family as we all work and had to adjust to giving extra support to our sister/brother as she/he was unable to access her/his usual daily.
76. During the pandemic I attended to all of my son/daughter’s needs for 12 months whilst Day Services was closed. We chose to keep ourselves safe by not allowing others to visit.
77. Had no break, all services shut down, was also very concerned about my son/daughter catching Covid if attending the centre.
78. My son/daughter’s usually attends Day Service 5 days a week.
    When pandemic started, he/she had to remain at home all day due to his/her health conditions, my son/daughter’s needs full support with eating and personal care routine.
79. As a carer my son/daughter was receiving 5 days service at Day Centre. When pandemic started my son/daughter was at home with me. Increasing my time spent caring for him/her at home for 12 months.
80. I don’t know about role pandemic.
81. My care for XXXX has increased as per making sure washes his/her hands and has his/her mask on - and also stays in doors at times of isolation.

Carer wellbeing - has your caring role affected your own health, either physically or mentally?

1. Trying to keep safe and having to go shopping and hoping not to bring the virus home. Having to try and keep the motivation going. The second lockdown was the worst.
2. It very quickly caused emotional burn out.
3. I was unable to exercise - I couldn’t go out as grandad/grandmother would try to leave the house, I can’t do it indoors as he/she doesn’t like any banging (running machine etc).
4. I have worried constantly over arranging the additional support required and the impact it has had on my own work commitments.
   Not having the continuity of the day centre made a huge difference to my son/daughter’s and my own lives.
   The whole country had to isolate but it highlighted the total isolation my son/daughter would be in without day centre support. He/she has no friends and the only unpaid people in his/her life are his/her immediate family. Every other person is paid to be with him/her. With the day centre at least, he/she has a chance to be with his/her peers although his/her complex behaviours mean contact with others is limited.
   At the day centre he/she has the chance to do fun activities with both committed, caring, trained, reliable staff and other users.
5. We have had extra support from my dad/mum who is 76.
6. Treated for anxiety and depression due to isolation.
7. I have some medical conditions that have been exasperated by the demands of my caring role and I have struggled with my mental health particularly due to the increase in the isolation that I have always experienced over the last 25 years. I am currently on medication for depression.
8. Less time for leisure activities and for socialising.
9. See above. The law says my daughter/son needs 2 carers at all times for hoisting and moving and handling yet I as he/his mum/dad have to do this alone when carers aren’t available. 21 years of doing so means I have a chronic back condition which regularly flares and goes into spasm. I have to push through extreme pain to care for my daughter/son.
10. I feel absolutely shattered.
11. Having a husband/wife who has dementia is devastating. I know it’s a terminal illness for one thing and this is often overlooked. I know his/her condition will get worse over time, but nobody can tell us anything about when things might happen. His/her symptoms fluctuate on a daily basis as does his/her mental capacity. It is often distressing for my husband/wife and myself. It is an emotional rollercoaster.
12. I'm more tired and stressed. Feel unable to cope at times.
13. It is hard as a lone carer so when you feel the need for a break it wasn't available. Consequently getting tired , getting low moods, has to be hidden to appear as upbeat, as possible.
    I needed cancer treatment and had to find a friend to Bubble with to look after my son/daughter when I needed to attend hospital.
    I didn’t think it had affected me but my friends noticed that it had.
14. I have been diagnosed with bowel cancer and now live with a stoma now I’m not saying this was caused by mum/dad’s situation, but it certainly hasn’t helped. I find myself being concerned about mum/dad when I should be thinking about my own health.
15. Mentally a big strain on my mental health trying to arrange activities he/she can find interesting. Fell sometimes I let him/her down. Sometimes lack.
16. I am presently being investigated for spinal issues & cancer. I felt overwhelmed with little or no help. It made me ill with the stress.
17. I now suffer more from angina attacks than previously.
18. I get stressed more easily. Some days I wish my husband/wife and I could just go to sleep and wake up to the paradise hope we have.
19. I now suffer more from angina attacks than previously.
20. I feel stressed a lot more.
21. Mental and physical health affected (as everyone's has been) by not being able to see son/daughter, check on his/her welfare, only be able to see him/her through a video call with a nonverbal person, knowing that son/daughter didn't understand and possible blamed us for not seeing him/her or having him/her visit us at home. Knowing how the loss of all his/her usual routines and interaction with peers overnight must have affected him/her and not being able to explain it to him/her.
22. Increased stress, anxiety, depression. I felt at times I had no physical strength. It was unbearable at every level, and I am a string minded person and was tested to the full.
23. Son/daughter ensures plenty of food assists with food and meal prep - cooking. Carers also prep and heat food.
24. Increased isolation.
25. As well as dealing with my needs, I had to do more cooking. I had my own carers coming in.
26. I am physically and mentally exhausted after the last 18 months. It has been very difficult and of course we couldn't have any respite.
27. I don't feel my mental or physical health has affected me other than the frustration of losing the freedom of doing tasks, jobs and hobbies temporarily during the pandemic.
28. Feeling more tired and down at times.
29. Yes, it's caused me more stress and anxiety which leaves me with severe fatigue at times.
30. This is not solely because of our son/daughter. My wife/husband and XXX mum/dad were terminally ill for approx. 10 months.
31. Yes, I have rheumatoid, so my illness is affected by stress. I was looking after my 90-year-old mother/father too – she/he died recently (July).
32. Over the last 12 months I am under four different hospitals.
33. concentration affected!
34. We have had extra support from my mum/dad who is 76 years old.
35. I suffer from osteoporosis in my spine. (Vertebrae collapsed) so doing everything for my husband/wife who has Alzheimer's has taken its toll, especially when it was bad weather, and I had to take my husband/wife out every day to calm him/her down when he/she got anxious and to exercise.
36. I am physically exhausted and feel run down and being able to cope like I used to.
37. There are no options for a break or time for personal activities/care. I have to plan everything around when he/she attends the day centre.
38. As above, only time I was able to shop/walk dog/exercise where when carers came - depression set in as I were so isolated - I gave up jobs in 1st lockdown and unable to restart.
39. It’s exhausting looking after someone with Alzheimer's.
40. More demands on my time and I do everything and I'm not getting any younger - I'm 87.
41. I had retired just before I started to be a carer to hopefully spend more time with my wife/husband and grown up children (who live away). being the main carer, this has affected these plans.
42. Very tired and some balance XXX (can't read word), but I am 87!
43. I no longer have any time for myself as I care for my mum/dad when I am not in work but off work with stress.
44. Very little time for myself. Long periods confined at home.
45. Extra pressure trying to do our day jobs and care for our son/daughter.
46. No willing to discuss.
47. Life was quite stressful and I worried about XXXX mental well-being. As well as working in a school which was also difficult home life was hard too. Grateful that when we all got covid we weren’t that poorly.
48. Less opportunity to take exercise.
49. Total sleep disruption... my only alone time was when everyone else was sleeping and now my sleep rhythm is shattered.
    Weight gain and depression that I'm still battling.
    Difficulty maintaining my own social activities and friendships. Im just too tired and isolated.
50. We get tired!
51. During lockdown, my caring role became exhausting and more demanding. Lack of sleep and further stress caused me to approach my doctor, I am now taking Sertraline to help relieve the anxiety caused. Due to the anxiety my physical health suffered, as I have upper back problems/pain which increase with stress and lack of sleep.
52. We have had extra support from my mum/dad who is 76.
53. It has been more stressful not having day service to look after my son/daughter.
54. I am a lot more anxious.
55. I have found it very tiring mentally and physically caring for my son/daughter.
56. Extra stress.
57. Exhausting!
    Without the centre I couldn't cope.
58. It was hard during the full lockdowns as there was little to no respite and it was 24/7 care.
59. As only one person (for one day a week) has a car and "to date" it is unsafe to use taxi's, and his/her other carers during the pandemic didn't drive, I have felt I needed to replace the day care and take responsibility of trying to replace day care until I can speak with social services.
    I have for almost two years, restricted myself to being almost exclusively XXX outside reliable activity person.
    At 73, this is hopefully making me fitter physically but I am feeling the strain as in between 3 hours activity in UK weather means I am tired mentally as well as physically and the cost of keeping him/her occupied is high.
    P.S. XXX has only his/her benefits and I have increasingly met his/her activities almost exclusively out of my own savings. Day care and the "special disco" we attend costs at least half the price for the same refreshments and it's getting worse.
60. Get more worried about my daughter/son catching Covid but also very concerned about her/him being isolated and then not wanting to go anywhere or trying new things.
61. It was quite stressful not being able to get out and about to the shops as I am a single parent with 2 children who have additional needs. I felt socially isolated at times.
62. I caring role own health.
63. mentally I am very concerned about XXXX getting the virus and keeping as healthy as possible.

Comments about future day opportunities

1. More access to learning and developing skills for employability.
2. Somewhere young blind people 18+ could meet up Even if he/she would like to meet up with friends for a meal and a drink family or support workers has to take him/her. It would be great for just venue once a month to meet with other blind/VI people he/she could meet and have an independent night out.
3. More opportunities for evening activities would be helpful to us all. Our daughter/son does visit a day service in Southport one evening a week, which she/he loves. Another evening or 2 would be good.
4. There needs to be more information shared of what help we are entitled to. I have been a carer for nearly 3 years, and I don’t know what is available to me.
5. The existing day centre service provision needs to be developed and improved. We all want an inclusive society but until there are real meaningful 'community based activities' the need for day centre provision is essential.
   If my son/daughter did not attend a day centre I would have to arrange alternative support with paid workers via direct payments (if funding was agreed). If any workers called in sick I would have to arrange cover or provide the necessary support myself meaning I could not go to work.
   Working from home would be impossible whilst providing support to my son/daughter due to his/her complex challenging behaviours.
6. XXXX would like to know the options available to him/her.
7. Not Really.
8. Never had information on day care, or whether it is available to us
9. Easier together advice quickly.
10. Other than getting respite support services back to pre-pandemic levels, no.
11. More exercise and wellbeing for wheelchair users who can’t access gym equipment etc eg hydrotherapy, adapted bikes etc.
12. Maybe a day centre with lunch but have transport to pick him/her up.
13. Courses for Carers.
    Dementia friendly services for those with dementia Sitting services at home that do not cost a fortune.
    1-1 services with a skilled and trained support worker.
    Transport for carer and person with dementia that are already funded. My husband/wife attends a day centre once a week. Day care is not cheap to add transport costs on top then limits other activities that I can afford for my husband/wife and I to do together. I know getting out the house on a daily basis (so long as my husband/wife is well enough) is an essential part.
14. Maybe respite.
15. Social services and my son/daughter’s social worker XXX has been an excellent support.
    Live to Learn has been great for my son/daughter’s with Zoom classes the a resumption of the day access and activities.
    My son/daughter’s carer made sure there was regular contact through doorstep chats, texting, zoom calls and eventually trips out.
16. Better access to day care would be a start with people to help relatives navigate through the issues associated with old age and dementia it seems like you can’t get what you may be entitled to if you don’t shout and stamp your feet and when you do that your labelled as troublesome.
17. Increasing pressure on family and day care centre to maintain her/his interest. Notice her/his deterioration her/his dementia - needs much energy.
    Broaden activities/days out/family days at care centres - Monday - Friday. Weekend groups - same type different venues. cafe/theatre (word missing here as cannot understand writing).
18. If anything happens to me my daughter/son is unable to live independently. She/he would need to go into assisted living. There should be a department that deals with these situations. Someone who can help and manage getting that vulnerable person into a place of safety.
19. My son/daughter used to get to a day service for Respite 28 nights a year. He/she has not been for 19 months now.
20. More activities, more options, more arts and crafts, more computers. Projects to bring home to complete with help from staff.
21. The day centre my husband/wife goes to has been a lifesaver and been real respite for me and knowing I have the option of increasing the days he/she goes helps me mentally. I feel that I am not on my own.
    There needs to be more transportation available. I am not a driver so consequently it’s having to arrange for taxis or family members to take my husband/wife to the centre.
22. My daughter/son used to go to a day service for respite 28 nights a year. She/he has not been for 19 months now.
23. It is probable that my father/mother will need to go into residential care as his/her condition worsens and my mother/father is unable to meet his/her needs in their home.
24. Yes! To have mum/dad back in the day centre for the 5 days weekly. This not only gave mum/dad a routine, it helped keep her/him mental state of mind more stable having interaction with people. Also, activities i.e. classes, music, cooking and so much more....
    She/he is very happy at the centre and is cared for by all staff. Having mum/dad at the centre not only helps mum/dad, it also helps me in many ways. 5 days is needed for mum/dad.
25. Home physio for dad/mum.
26. Can someone let me know what is available please.
27. No idea, don't know what's available.
28. We had problems getting shopping at first. We just want to get back to normal.
29. More choices for respite to suit each person's needs so the parents feel more relaxed knowing their child is comfortable and is enjoying their stay.
30. More access to going out for days on the day centre bus, visiting new and different places.
31. More day centre days to attend. More respite facilities. Woodwork department to be created. Technology teaching to be introduced.
32. Went into respite this year because I wasn't coping well.
33. Physiotherapy may help XXX.
34. I may need respite care so I can go on holiday without being worried about XXXX (he/she does have carers but only 1.5 hours a day).
    Respite access to social worker needs to be easier to access.
    XXX cannot leave his/her flat - very limited mobility - without help. May be an easy college course for people with Learning Difficulties and are disabled. Need transport/bus to get to places.
35. To be able to talk to social worker, who shows some compassion.
36. Courses in internet for further consideration.
37. Not really, although physiotherapy and a hydrotherapy swimming pool would benefit greatly.
38. I think a 'signing for the brain' classes over the Sefton borough would be popular and beneficial benefit for 'Alzheimer's' and their carers. They all closed down as covid began and have not started up again.
39. I don't know what more could be done BUT there is very little support from Sefton Council for myself and my grandad/grandmother. The day centre has been our only support during the pandemic, and we would be lost without them.
40. More days at the day centre as my dad/mum’s always comes back content as not just seeing me and all the activities they do with him/her. Weekend opening at the day centre would be brilliant.
41. More access to the fantastic day centres for people who need them.
42. Respite.
    More days at the day centre Shower, stairlift fitted soon Easier access.
43. It would be good if the person I care for could have days out to indoor and outdoor places with people who don't always have dementia, as the person I care for still can have a conversation but has great difficulty with short term memory.
    He/she would also need to have someone with him/her who is able to keep an eye on him/her stoma bag and change it when needed. I think he/she would enjoy chair yoga and aqua fitness classes as well as days out to parks.
44. I frequently ask XXX the following: What did you have for a meal?
    Do you always sit at the same table and with the same people? Is XXX communicating with the staff?
    XXX is not able to answer these questions and I would like some.
45. I feel there is not enough care hrs. My dad/mum enjoys the day centre but misses going into town in the day, misses going to a cafe or pub for a coffee - just getting outdoors.
46. Massive lack of day service / activities. No real centralised information for accessing these. Most day centres are privately (charitable) bodies. Not entirely sure how quality is monitored. No ofsted kind of inspection reports available as far as I am aware. Without these independently run centres there would be virtually no suitable provision. These rely on client payments which often come via direct payments. The approved daily rate for day centre provision is £45.00. I feel strongly that this needs reviewing.
47. The direct payments provide some flexibility and works well at present.
48. Unsure - would need more information on what is available and funding.
49. More day support groups like the cafe.
    They have been fantastic and in particular XXX who runs it he/she has gone above and beyond his/her job to try and help.
50. outdoor activities.
51. Our day service is excellent as they also organise regular evening meet ups. As I’ve said before as XXXX has a personal budget we buy services which gives him/her freedom.
    I also think there should be a proper complaints procedure for day services, and they should be regulated. Service users that live outside of Sefton but use Sefton day services should not be discriminated against. Currently they are, it is ludicrous that parents are expected to ‘commission’ these places.
52. I have to help our son/daughter access everything, so I don’t know how I'd manage.
53. Subsidies to the costs of certain activities would be of benefit, particularly for carers. For instance, bowling, cinema etc.
54. I'm sure there is something, but we don’t know about them. At the moment centres have opened up and he/she is happy.
55. I think a buddy service would be a fabulous idea, as dad/mum loves being out and about but prefers the company of men/women. I care for all his/her needs but find it difficult with engaging him/her in activities.
    Respite was practically non-existent during lockdown. which weighed heavily on our family situation. More help and consistency and continuity with respite and his/her social care contact would save a lot of stress.
    My husband/wife and I have no personal time together and it can cause issues within the marriage.
    The type of illness...Alzheimers is a very complicated and ever-changing situation and dramatic changes can happen overnight.
    It is difficult to convey the help needed whenever contact with social care is like contacting for the first time. There is no continuity, the rules constantly change and criteria’s change, it generally leaves me and as I am aware through groups in a tailspin of not knowing where to turn.
56. Back to the full care package we had before the pandemic. Full time day services to resume.
57. Not really.
58. I would love extra activities or services at weekends as well as the fantastic day centre my daughter/son goes to during the week.
59. More respite services.
60. Someone to take our daughter/son out to access more activities.
61. Weekend day care.
62. I am overwhelmed and very grateful for the care compassion and support afforded to my dad/mum and I.
    We were both in crisis before we came to the day centre. They are truly a family of professionals who are passionate about those they care for. My dad/mum is treated with true respect. Great leadership encompasses standards of excellence. They don't just look after my dad/mum - they look after me too.
    Thankyou everyone!
63. Need more days at a day centre.
64. XXX needs consistency of carer and consistency of care to even hope to enjoy some of his/her day and without that, he/she is in real trouble both physically (re mobility) and mentally (his/her love of being around people doing activities, loud noise, music, dancing, eating out etc.) and we presently have not got even near that level following a change of service provider and the current Covid effect on general social/welfare services. To get back to his/her previous service (minus some morning hours at day care) would be a dream come true, but matters have taken a very worrying turn at the moment which is unsafe and it would make a big difference if we could at lease see "a light at the end of the tunnel" especially as I meet people from his/her day centre in similar circumstances who have already returned.
65. Needs to be encouraged to do new things and not give up at the first hurdle. Needs to mix with people of similar/age.
    Respite services could be developed because at the moment it is pretty much none existing, may get 1 or 2 nights every 3 months if lucky.
    Don't know of any other services available.
    Never have a get together with staff/carer to see how things are going and how my daughter/son is encouraged to participate in activities and learning new skills. I don't want a baby sitting service, I think it’s very important to encourage users for their own benefit in the future. Most people would be quite happy to sit and do nothing, which is good for no one.
66. Making people happy Being with girl/boyfriend getting married
    start a family Anniversary First wedding dance.
67. Support for care in my future with XXX.

Activity sheet comments made by service users

1. Everything about the day centre is excellent.
2. Nice coming to club, I would like to come more days.
3. I don't leave the house much, so I enjoy coming to meet my friends.
4. Enjoy my time at the day centre, love the entertainment.
5. I would like to learn on a computer course in the day centre.
6. I really enjoy my days at the day centre, everyone is lovely at the club.
7. The staff at the day centre are fantastic.
8. I really enjoyed the presentation, the staff at the day centre are excellent.
9. I struggled and was offered a service from the centre, but my mum/dad was afraid, so I didn't get it.
10. The assessments were ridiculous the way they were handled. How social workers assessed people they didn't know and turned their lives upside down with their comments.
11. It was 1979 when I saw an unidentified flying object, I was amazed what it was.
12. Wasn't able to get outside the house for a change of scenery.
13. My friends are here and give me company. I was slow but they help.
14. Would like more options session wise, to be kept busy.
15. Felt anxious and worried because their carer sometimes would not show up due to Covid. Feel better now the carer is back.
16. Gym was locked down, so I wasn't able to stay active.
17. Just keep our daycentre services open and appreciate what these services do to enhance people’s lives.
18. Outings in the community daily.
19. I benefit from my sessions and have fun.
20. I love my sessions pamper, Art, Outings, Storytelling, Gardening. Sensory - they all make me happy.
21. I love that I have friends here and they help me to communicate more than if I was at home all the time.
22. I would like to go out more in the community as I really benefit from this as I love fresh air, people and nature.
23. I really enjoyed my 1-1 time, and I am getting in the green zone and doing my physio. I love the music class too.
24. I need 1-1 support 5 days a week at the centre, and I have extra support when I go out in the community. The centre is very important to me.
25. Would like to go out and have dinner with staff.
26. Still at home and attending the centre 5 days a week.
27. Intensive interactions.
28. I struggle and was offered a service from the centre - but my mum/dad was afraid, so I didn't get it.
29. Going to hydro/swimming once it is safe to do so again.
30. I still want to attend the centre 4 days a week as I sometimes have health issues, and this can mean on odd days I cannot attend because of this.
31. I would like to go back to respite soon to give my family and me a break over a 3 day or weekend periods.
32. Activity Games - ball games, beanbags, Story Telling, Dancing to music, Books, Computer screen.
33. Respite is important to help me with my behaviour and Autism.
34. Using interactive computer and mat in sensory room.
35. I would like to go back to going to hydro when it is Covid safe as I feel it really benefits me and my health.

Additional Day Centre Small/Friendship Group Engagement Sessions Held by Providers

1. Planned dates to capture the majority of service users who attend our service with Sefton Council.
2. Prior to the sessions we were able to share the literature with service users.
3. We completed group and 1-1 sessions with service users the week leading up to consultations.
4. We held 17, 1-1 sessions. that each lasted around 20 minutes and facilitated service users to give their opinion on questions prior to consultation. This ensured staff could advocate on their behalf at the consultation if necessary or the service user could use notes taken to prompt their answers.
5. We also ran 4 group sessions lasting approx. 2 hours prior to the consultation, 2 with 9 service users and 2 with 8 service users.
6. Directly after the consultations we spent the afternoon completing questionnaires with service users who attended, it took a further 2 x 1-hour sessions to ensure they were completed and returned. We did this with both groups who attended the consultation.
7. Each questionnaire took around 4 hours to complete as they were used as a tool for discussion, reflection and future planning. 17 questionnaires were completed onsite. In addition, a few chose to take them home and complete with family or carers.
8. Only 2 service users were not present at the consultations, we did our own sessions with these, completing the activity sheets and then questionnaires. We did an hour- long session for activity sheets and 2 hours with questionnaires with these service users.
9. Once all questionnaires were completed, we did 2 x2 hour long sessions with 8 and 10 service users to look at what the Centre is getting right, what could be improved and what we don't currently offer but would be beneficial too. We used these sessions as a positive tool to review and evaluate our service.
10. The team delivered the session over a weeklong period to capture all service users attending.
11. The sessions were delivered in groups of around 7-10 service users and those service users who chose to participate in completing the booklet/activity sheets were supported by staff were needed.
12. Majority of the service users that completed the booklets done so independently. We reached around 13-15 service users.
13. The Council did not take part in delivery of the sessions this was all done in house due to the Covid restrictions in place.
14. We used activity sheets with approx 75% of our clients, we felt the activities were beneficial to the support needs of our clients. We worked in twos and one group of three whilst doing this.
15. During every activity session being delivered, during the fortnight and week before Sefton`s visit we used part of the session to discuss the visit and what could be discussed and the possible questions that could be asked and the reasons why Sefton were coming in. There were between three to 12 people in these sessions.
16. We again took time out of existing activities being delivered to discuss the visit and seek feedback. The majority was positive; however, we had a few individuals were nervous about change.
17. We held 3 group sessions for the consultation questionnaire with Maximum of 6 Service Users in each Session.
    We also held between 4 and 5 individual sessions for Service users who didn’t attend the group meetings.
18. We held 3 group sessions to discuss the Activity sheets with Maximum of 6 Service Users in each Sessions.
    We also held between 4 and 5 individual sessions for Service users who didn’t attend the group meetings.
19. Direct questions where not discussed but everyone was informed why the consultation was happening.
20. We held a pre-meeting with all three of the groups that participated in the consultation. We introduced the paperwork at the pre meeting to help ease any anxiety around the consultation meeting. At the pre meeting, there were approx. 8 people in each so a total of 24/25 people attended both the pre meeting and the consultation itself. We also introduced the activity sheets to allow people to understand what will be asked of them in the consultation meeting.
21. There were individual sessions for those who requested more information, and that time was provided with a member of staff to go over any questions that the person might have needed answering. This happened approx. 3 or 4 times.
22. I the Centre Manager, went to visit another site who had their consultation first to see how the process rolled out. This proved very helpful as I could then reassure staff and service users how the session would play out here.
23. Informal session held with Zone 2 services users in December to discuss the questionnaire as part of the consultation process.
24. information referring to your consultation exercise went into our December Newsletter to parents / Carers.
25. In addition, we have had small group discussions with service users post the consultation exercise and they were pleased to be involved and enjoyed the process. They liked very much that it was done in a safe space alongside their friends and people who support them every day.
26. We held meetings after both sessions with Sefton Council with a group of 12 on each occasion.
27. We held a pre-meeting with all three of the groups that participated in the consultation. We introduced the paperwork at the pre meeting to help ease any anxiety around the consultation meeting. At the pre meeting, there were approx. 7/8 people in each so a total of 21/24 people attended both the pre meeting and the consultation itself. We also introduced the activity sheets to allow people to understand what will be asked of them in the consultation meeting.
28. There were individual sessions for those who requested more information, and that time was provided with a member of staff to go over any questions that the person might have needed answering. This happened approx. 3 or 4 times.
29. I the Centre Manager, went to visit another site to see how the consultation sessions worked. This proved very helpful as I could then reassure staff and service users how the session would play out here.
30. We completed 1-1 sessions with approx. 8/9 service users following the three consultation sessions held by Sefton Council staff.
31. XXX one of our staff, who also attended the meetings you did sat and supported the guys when they filled out the questionnaire. There were the ones who attended the meetings so about 28 plus a few more, so about 35 approx.

The number of older people (people aged over 65 years) and the number of adults (people between the ages of 18 and 65 years) accessing day services has declined.

There were 648 people attending some type of day service pre COVID.

At the end of January 2022 there were a 108 older people and 323 adults currently attending some type of day care a total of 431 people.

Of the day care clients, 246, or 57% were male, and 184, or 43% were female.

The majority of clients are given support for learning disability needs, with 20.5% given physical support for personal care. 

There are currently 191 people using Direct Payments to fund access to day services.

Consultation Feedback – New Directions Day Services 17 December 2021

During a recent meeting in relation to the day services consultation in Sefton, New Directions agreed to provide some feedback on the process.

Feedback has been provided centred around two core themes:

• What worked well.
• What could be improved for future consultations.

What worked well?

• Audience was the right size, allowing everyone that wanted to speak an opportunity to contribute and provide feedback.
• A person-centred approach was taken and people felt at ease.
• The team who came out were very approachable and easy to talk to.
• They listened to individuals and acted upon what they were saying.
• Sefton staff and the People First Advocate presented the information in a way that was understandable to all. Sessions continued after Sefton staff left with some services carrying it on throughout the day. This also allowed time for staff to get their feelings across on some of the challenges they faced during lockdown. Everyone supported each other and this exercise brought people together.
• Some managers attended sessions in other services prior to the consultation meetings taking place in their own service, allowing an insight on what was involved.
• High numbers of questionnaires were returned, demonstrating a good level of engagement.
• Some of the people we support are getting an increase in day provision following the consultation. Other issues such as queries over respite are currently being investigated.
• A flexible approach was taken e.g., the consultation at one of our services required a different approach compared to other day services due to the composition of the people we support, the majority of whom are at the advanced stages of dementia.
• Regular meetings took place with New Directions’ Managers to keep them informed of progress throughout.
• Information was discussed with all day services’ providers attending the call (via Teams) and best practice was shared, along with insightful ideas and suggestions.
• The people we support were briefed in advance of sessions taking place to ensure they understood the purpose.
• During the sessions Sefton staff were professional, compassionate and understanding. They demonstrated good knowledge of our services and the people we support.
• Nothing was too much trouble and Sefton staff were quick to respond to queries and requests.

The activity ran from 11/10/2021 to 16/01/2022. The questionnaire was available in hard copy, online and at all consultation events and drop-ins.

Those participating in the consultation had a choice of completing the questionnaire online, at the end of a consultation event, or support from a member of day Centre staff, a carer / family member.

Questionnaires could be returned by freepost envelope, electronically or dropped off at a Day Centre.

277 questionnaires were completed.

It should be noted that the number of respondents quoted subsequently may not be equal to the number of people completing the questionnaire due to multiple responses to questions being entered to questions by some respondents.

The questionnaire contained 3 separate sections:

• Section A – is for people who use day services, their families, carers and anyone who is interested. This is to tell us about the activities they did during the pandemic and what activities they would like to do in the future.
• Section B – is for family carers of people who use day services to share their ideas as carers.
• Section C – this was an optional section which asked questions relating to Equalities Information.

A Privacy Notice was attached to the questionnaire, this notice explained the following:

• what personal information we collect in the questionnaire.
• why we collect it.
• what we will do with the information.

Section A

I am filling this form in as (please tick all the boxes that apply).

There were 242 responses to this question. A high number of those who responded categorised themselves as “I live in Sefton” followed by “I live in Sefton and go to a day centre or service in Sefton. There were 25 respondents who categorised themselves as “I care for someone who goes to a day centre or service in Sefton” however the number of responses to Section B suggests there was a higher number.

As people were able to select more than one option the figures in the table below do not tally with the total number of individual respondents who returned a questionnaire.

There were 6 respondents who answered on behalf of someone else. The respondents mentioned that they were completing the survey on behalf of someone else who used a day service. This includes parents and carers, partners or relatives of service users and voluntary workers.

Are you completing this questionnaire on behalf of someone else?

There were 266 responses.

There were 124 respondents who mentioned that they were completing the survey on behalf of someone else because either they needed assistance or were unable to complete it themselves. This includes parents and carers, partners or relatives of service users and support workers at Day Centres/services.

During the pandemic (since March 2020), how often did you do each of the following?

Stayed home and watched TV.

There were 263 responses.

When asked during the pandemic how often did you do each of the following? A high percentage of those who completed the questionnaire responded that they stayed at home and watched TV a lot of times (66.06%).

Stayed at home doing my hobbies (e.g. reading, painting, gaming).

There were 256 responses.

A high percentage of those who completed the questionnaire responded when asked if they stayed at home doing my hobbies (e.g. reading, painting, gaming) A lot of times (33.94%) whilst a higher percentage of those who completed the questionnaire Sometimes (37.91%).

Stayed at home spending time in the garden.

There were 252 responses.

A high percentage of those who completed the questionnaire when asked if they stayed at home spending time in the garden responded Sometimes (44.77%).

Went outdoors for walks and exercise.

There were 260 responses.

A high percentage of those who completed the questionnaire when asked if they went outdoors for walks and exercise responded Sometimes (42.60%).

Did exercise in my home.

There were 247 responses.

A high percentage of those who completed the questionnaire when asked if they Did exercise in my home responded Not at all (44.40%) followed by sometimes (31.41%).

Met up with people in my 'bubble' indoors.

There were 254 responses.

A high percentage of those who completed the questionnaire when asked if they Met up with people in my 'bubble' indoors responded Sometimes (36.10%) this was not dissimilar to the percentage who Met up with people in my 'bubble' indoors Not at all (35.74%).

Met up with people in my 'bubble' outdoors.

There were 252 responses.

A high percentage of those who completed the questionnaire when asked if they met up with people in my 'bubble' outdoors responded not at all (43.32%) followed by sometimes (37.91%).

Went to my day service/day centre.

There were 251 responses.

A high percentage of those who completed the questionnaire Went to my day service / day centre Not at all (42.96%).

Kept in contact through the telephone.

There were 254 responses.

A high percentage of those who completed the questionnaire when asked if they kept in contact through the telephone responded a lot of times (34.66%) closely followed by sometimes (33.21%).

Kept in contact through the internet.

There were 249 responses.

A high percentage of those who completed the questionnaire when asked if they kept in contact through the internet (e.g. ZOOM) responded Not at all (46.21%) followed by Sometimes (22.38%).

Activity during the pandemic.

There were 138 comments received. Some people said they didn’t do any activities in the pandemic. The summary of the activities mentioned is centered around the following themes.

Activities at home:

• Shielding.
• Enjoyed being with family and friends.
• Indoor type activities such as reading, jigsaws, arts, and crafts, colouring, Lego and word searches.
• Watching TV, DVD’s, and Netflix.
• Gardening.
• Cooking and baking.
• Cleaning and housework.

Activities outside the home:

• Exercise and sports including football, swimming, bike rides, hockey, going to the gym, snooker, and basketball.
• Walks with family and carers.
• Drives and trips out with family and Day Centres.

Using technology:

• Used ZOOM to keep in touch with family and friends, do activities such as quizzes, baking and talent contests.
• For online shopping.
• Laptops for online gaming, video editing and social media use.

Day Centres:

• Some people continued to access the day centre and others were closed.
• Some people accessed the outreach support offered and some people said they were not offered support.
• There was appreciated of the activities offered by the Day Centre, including trips out, drama, online quizzes and talent shows.

Mental health:

• Some people struggled during the pandemic, some reported stress, anxiety and depression and others were lonely.

Were you able to learn any new skills?

There were 187 comments received. Over a third of those who commented (66) (35.29%) said that they didn’t learn any new skills. The summary of the new skills mentioned is centred around the following themes.

Using technology:

• Used ZOOM and video calls to keep in touch with friends and family, accessed websites to play the guitar.
• For online shopping.
• For filming, editing and photoshop.
• For making telephone calls.

Being with family and friends:

• Some respondents enjoyed being with their family and spending time with them.
• Some respondents made new friends during the pandemic.

Activities:

• Baking, cooking, gardening, and playing games.
• Exercises including Thai Chi, Kickboxing, Yoga and Joe Wickes.
• Some respondents went on walks.

Activities at the Day Centre:

• Arts and craft activities such as woodwork, painting using watercolors and canvasses, drawing, and making puppets.
• Dancing, singing drama and playing musical instruments.

Mental health:

• Some respondents reported that they were depressed, anxious and felt isolated.

Have you used any technology during the pandemic?

There were 154 responses.

A high percentage of those who completed the questionnaire did not answer (44.40%) followed by those who said that they used Zoom (34.66) closely followed by those who said that they used What’s App calls and messages (33.94%) however there were 124 comments received. Just under a third of those who commented (44) people (35.48%) said that they didn’t use any technology.

The summary of the information received about technology is centred around the following themes:

• iPads and computers and laptops were used by some respondents for different reasons, including, for communication and expressing needs, talking to friends, playing music, joining activity sessions, shopping, and making hospital appointments.
• ZOOM, Facebook, and Facebook Messenger and What’s App to communicate with people.
• Video camera’s for filming and editing.
• Home devices such as CD/DVD players and Alexa and Google Home.

Are there any activities that you would like to do in the future?

Meeting friends for a cuppa or something to eat in a local café, restaurant, or pub.

There were 252 responses.

A high percentage of those who completed the questionnaire would like to meet friends for a cuppa or something to eat in a local café, restaurant, or pub at least weekly (38.63%) followed by up to once a month (31.41%).

Meet up with other people to do indoor exercise.

There were 252 responses.

A high percentage of those who completed the questionnaire when asked if they would like to meet up with other people to do indoor exercise responded at least weekly (39.71%) followed by not at all (32.85%).

Meet up with other people to do outdoor exercise.

There were 249 responses.

A high percentage of those who completed the questionnaire when asked if they would like Meet up with other people to do outdoor exercise responded Not at all (44.04%).

Meet up with other people to do art and craft activities.

There were 243 responses.

A high percentage of those who completed the questionnaire when asked if they would like to meet up to do art and craft activities responded at least weekly (33.57%) followed by not at all (31.77%).

Doing volunteering.

There were 239 responses.

A high percentage of those who completed the questionnaire when asked if they would like doing volunteering responded not at all (55.23%).

Doing work experience/getting a job.

There were 241 responses.

A high percentage of those who completed the questionnaire when asked if they would like doing work/ experience/getting a job responded not at all (59.93%).

Would prefer to do activities alone at home or in the community (with support).

There were 241 responses.

A high percentage of those who completed the questionnaire when asked if they would prefer to do activities alone at home or in the community (with support) responded at least weekly (35.02%) followed by not at all (29.96%).

Would prefer to mix some activities in my own home or in the community and some group activities in a building.

There were 239 responses.

A high percentage of those who completed the questionnaire when asked if they would prefer to mix some activities in my own home or in the community and some group activities in a building responded at least weekly (40.07%).

Doing activities, the same as before the pandemic.

There were 250 responses.

A high percentage of those who completed the questionnaire when asked if they wanted to continue doing activities, the same as before the pandemic responded at least weekly (70.04%).

Want to independently visit art galleries, cinemas, museums, etc.

There were 245 responses.

A high percentage of those who completed the questionnaire when asked if they Want to independently visit art galleries, cinemas, museums etc responded Not at all (62.45%).

Anything else and future ideas.

There were 125 comments received. The summary of the comments is centered around the following themes.

Day Centre:

• Being at the day centre to be with friends and happy doing the current group activities, such as drama, cooking and art and craft.
• Some respondents would like to see the activity programme broaden and for activities to be meaningful.
• Some respondents asked for more days at the Day Centre.
• A few respondents said that they prefer to have a routine.

Activities in the community:

• Some interest in continuing or starting activities in the community, but some people said they would need support to do this.
• The activities included, shopping, going to cafés and pubs, having lunch and socialising, museums, concerts, going to the cinema and shows.
• Some respondents expressed an interest in days out and holidays with the Day Centre to see new places.
• Some respondents also said they would be interested to do exercise either at the Day centre or in the community and go to the Gym or do swimming, but some people would need a hoist to be able to do this.
• A small number of respondents said they would be interested in volunteering and linking up with community activities and work placements.

When would you like to carry out the activities?

There were 250 responses.

A high percentage of those who completed the questionnaire when asked when they would like to carry out activities responded weekdays (Monday - Friday) (83.39%) followed by mornings (50.90%) followed by afternoons (49.82%).

Is technology something you would like to use in the future?

There were 255 responses.

A high percentage of those who completed the questionnaire when asked if they would like to use technology in the future responded yes (40.43%).

Would you like support to access online activities?

There were 251 responses.

37.55% of those who completed the questionnaire selected no to the question would you like support to access online activities.

Is there anything stopping you using activities in Sefton?

Fear of catching COVID.

There were 243 responses.

In relation to Potential barriers – Fear of catching COVID? The majority of those that completed the questionnaire selected the option Not at all or a little, (27.08%) selected a lot.

Mobility issues.

There were 243 responses.

A high percentage of those who completed the questionnaire (40.79%) selected not at all in relation to the potential barrier – mobility issues.

Safety concerns.

There were 233 responses.

In relation to Potential barriers – Safety concerns there was a difference of (3.97%) between those who selected a little (32.49%) and those who selected a lot (28.52%).

Wider health issues.

There were 232 responses.

A high percentage of those who completed the questionnaire (39.35%) selected not at all in relation to the potential barrier – wider health issues, whilst the percentage of those who selected a little (21.66%) and a lot (22.74%) were very close in numbers.

Difficulty accessing transport.

There were 237 responses.

In relation to Potential barriers – difficulty accessing transport there was a difference of (2.17%) between those who selected a lot (32.49%) and those who selected not at all (30.32%).

Lack of information and advice.

There were 231 responses.

33.21% of those who completed the questionnaire selected the option not at all in relation to the Potential barriers – Lack of information and advice however the numbers did not differ significantly in comparison to those who selected the option not at all and a little.

Worries about cost.

There were 232 responses.

In relation to Potential barriers – worries about cost there was a difference of (1.81%) between those who selected not at all (31.41%) and those who selected a little (29.60%).

Communication issues including language differences.

There were 235 responses.

A high percentage of those who completed the questionnaire (38.27%) selected not at all in relation to the potential barrier – Communication Issues including language differences.

Is there anything else that you would like to tell us about how the pandemic affected you or about what you would like to do in the future?

There were 143 comments received. The summary of the comments mentioned in connection to how the pandemic affected the respondent and what they would like to do in the future is centred around the following themes.

The effects of the pandemic:

• Some respondents said they were ‘stuck at home’ or stayed at home’ and were bored because there was no structure and the pandemic stopped them from doing things.
• Some respondents realised how essential day services were and some carers reported ‘carer burnout’ which happened very quickly when the Day Centres are removed and no respite available.
• Some people with autism welcome structure and routine, which was affected by the pandemic.
• A high number of people reported that the pandemic affected the way they were feeling and their health and mental wellbeing; that they struggled, were anxious, depressed, angry, lonely, and isolated. Others reported that their mobility and confidence were affected.
• A small number reported that Sefton didn’t keep in touch during the pandemic.

Day centre:

• A high number of people said that they missed the day centre, the activities and their friends and were glad to be back with friends.
• Some people commented that they wanted to use all the Day Centre/building which has restrictions in place due to the pandemic.
• Some people said they wanted more days at the Centre, get back to normal and didn’t want things to change.

Activities in the community:

• A small number of respondents wanted to go back into the community, some wanted to access transport but would need support and feel that they need to be aware of what community activities and support is available. A small number of people would like to access work placements.

Section B

Has your caring role increased since the start of the pandemic?

There were 108 responses.

A high percentage of those who completed Section B of the questionnaire did not answer the carer questions however we have to remind ourselves when reading section B this questionnaire was not only completed by carers.

A high percentage of those people who completed the questionnaire (35.38%) answered yes to the question: Has your caring role increased since the start of the pandemic?

There were 108 comments received.

The summary of the comments mentioned about the Carer role increasing is centred around the following themes:

• Due to people shielding and activities being reduced the caring role significantly increased and became 24/7 for many carers as they didn’t have the respite needed to support them.
• This had a detrimental effect on their physical and mental health and that of the person they care for.
• A few carers reported that they felt lonely and isolated as they didn’t see anyone.

Has your caring role affected your own health, either physically or mentally?

There were 108 responses.

There were 81 comments received.

The summary of the comments mentioned about Carer wellbeing is centred around the following themes:

• Carers reported that due to the extra demands placed on them because of their caring role and other commitments, they were more tired and exhausted, affecting some carers sleep patterns.
• Some carers said that they had low moods and/or depression and felt stressed more, affecting their physical and mental health.
• The increased caring role had an impact on their own medical conditions.
• Some carers felt isolated for themselves and the people they care for and was hard to keep motivated.
• Some carers repot that due to the extra demands they were not able to think about their own needs, for example, exercising, hobbies and work.
• A couple of carers expressed concerns of the financial implications of keeping a loved one occupied.

Are there any other services that you feel could be developed to support the person you care for in the future?

There were 98 responses.

There were 67 comments received. The summary of the future day opportunities mentioned is centred around the following themes.

Information and advice:

• People reported that they would like more information and advice about what is available and some support to help navigate what’s available for them and their carers.

Support:

• Some respondents expressed a need for more respite as this has been reduced and for the direct payment amount to be reviewed.
• A few respondents expressed concern over transport and transport costs and that there is an impact when they must pay for transport themselves.
• People would like more dementia friendly services and support for people with Alzheimer’s and their families.
• A few people said that they would welcome access to a physiotherapist and access to a hydrotherapy poll.
• A couple of people reported that they would like support from social care – easier access to a social worker and access to quality reports.

Day Centre:

• There was praise for the Day Centres, carers and support received during the pandemic.
• Some people said that would like more days at the day centre and to be able to access weekend/evening activities.
• Some people said that they would like more choice and for the activities to be more meaningful, to learn new skills, attend courses and to go out on trips to see places.

Section C

How old are you?

There were 241 responses.

Two people were under 18. The most popular age range (56 respondents) was 18-29. here were 47 people who were aged 30-39 and 33 aged 40-49. Another 33 people were aged between 50 and 59, while 20 people were 60-69. There were 22 people who were aged 70-79, 11 who were 80-84 and another 11 who were 85+.

Are you (sex).

There were 242 responses. Five people preferred not to say, while 129 were male and 108 were female.

People who are planning to, started to or have changed their sec are protected by the Equalities Act. Are you planning to, started to or have changed your sex? This is called gender reassignment.

There were 216 responses. 

One person answered yes, 190 said no and 25 preferred not to say.

If you answered yes to the gender reassignment question, do you currently live as the sex you were given when you were born?

There were 78 responses.

Three people answered no, 58 said yes and 17 preferred not to say.

If you do not live as the sex you were given at birth, are you?

There were 30 responses to this part of the question. All 30 responded with prefer not to say.

How would you describe your sexual orientation?

There were 211 responses.

143 respondents identified as heterosexual/straight, 4 as gay, 3 as bisexual, 2 as identifying differently and 59 preferred not to say.

Do you have any of the following?

There were 226 responses.

Initially this question was not configured as a multi check question but was updated on the 18th of November 2021. We received 26 responses to this question prior to it being reconfigured.

Of the 277 overall responses 38.99% said they had a learning disability, 36.82% replied they had a learning difficulty, 20.94% said they had Autism/Asperger’s, closely followed by 19.85% who reported they had a physical impairment.

This was further broken down as follows:

Of those that responded 18.05% state that they had a visual impairment this was the same as those who report that they have a long-term illness that affects your daily life and 15.16% who report they have a mental health condition, the next highest group were those that had a hearing impairment/deaf 12.27%.

If you have cancer, diabetes or HIV this is seen as a disability under the Equalities Law. Do you think of yourself as disabled?

There were 197 responses.

82 people responded with yes, 74 with no and 41 people preferred not to say.

What is your religion or belief?

There were 218 responses.

The majority of responses (132) described themselves as Christian, while 30 people responded with no belief and 48 preferred not to say.

Race and ethnicity - do you identify as.

There were 204 responses.

The majority (116) identified as English, and 66 as British. Of the responses, 12 preferred not to say.

Details of proposal

Day Care Centres offer support during the day for those who are assessed as requiring it following a Care Act assessment. The day service is usually provided in a building base or in the community and is run by trained staff for those people with complex physical disabilities, learning disabilities and/or autism, or mental health challenges who also have social care needs.

The purpose of a Day Centre is to enable people to maintain their independence for longer and to live a fuller life, enabling them to socialise with others and meet people who may be in a similar situation and subsequently building stronger social networks and more resilient communities.

Day Care also provides respite for parent/carers and allows those with caring responsibilities for older parents to pursue their own interest outside of their caring role.

The proposal is to consult with service users and carers who currently access day care or who may require access to day opportunities going forward so commissioners can understand the changing requirements of people who want to access more community based activities as opposed to traditional models of day care, to understand changes in the market and the major impact the Covid 19 Pandemic has had on services and outcomes for people.

Feedback from the consultation will be utilised to further shape and co-design existing day opportunities to offer increased choice, have a focus on enabling access to employment, independent community activities, and influence the development of social enterprise models.

The consultation will inform the continued reshaping and co-design of building base and community base day opportunities services with the continued focus on supporting people, and their families to achieve improved outcomes for them, based on their strengths and potential, whilst recognising that for some a building- based environment may be the most appropriate means of support.

Day Centres provide support for the following client groups:

• Learning Disabilities.
• Physical Disabilities.
• Older People.
• Mental health.

Demographics of day care service users

Age group - 6th April 2021

• Adults aged 18-64: 463 people total, which is 67.89% of day care service users.
• Adults aged 65-74: 55 people total, which is 8.06% of day care service users.
• Adults aged 75-84: 83 people total, which is 12.17% of day care service users.
• Adults aged 85-94: 67 people total, which is 9.82% of day care service users.
• Adults aged 95+: 14 people total, which is 2.05% of day care service users.

These add up to a total of 682 day care service users.

Age group - 11th February 2022

• Adults aged 18-64: 381 people total, which is 68.04% of day care service users.
• Adults aged 65-74: 38 people total, which is 6.78% of day care service users.
• Adults aged 75-84: 74 people total, which is 13.21% of day care service users.
• Adults aged 85-94: 59 people total, which is 10.54% of day care service users.
• Adults aged 95+: 8 people total, which is 1.43% of day care service users.

These add up to a total of 560 day care service users.

Gender - 6th April 2021

• Female adults: 185 people total, which is 27.13% of day care service users.
• Male adults: 278 people total, which is 40.76% of day care service users.
• Female older people: 117 people total, which is 17.16% of day care service users.
• Male older people: 102 people total, which is 14.96% of day care service users.

These add up to a total of 302 female service users and 380 male service users.

Gender - 11th February 2022

• Female adults: 142 people total, which is 25.36% of day care service users.
• Male adults: 239 people total, which is 42.68% of day care service users.
• Female older people: 99 people total, which is 17.68% of day care service users.
• Male older people: 80 people total, which is 14.29% of day care service users.

These add up to a total of 241 female service users and 319 male service users.

Ethnicity - 6th April 2021

• Any other ethnic group: 2 adults, or 0.29%, and 0 older people.
• Asian/Asian British - Bangladeshi: 2 adults, or 0.29%, and 0 older people.
• Asian/Asian British - Chinese: 4 adults, or 0.59%, and 0 older people.
• Black/Black British - Indian: 2 adults, or 0.29%, and 2 older people, or 0.29%.
• Black/Black British - Any other black background: 0 adults, and 1 older person, or 0.15%.
• Information not yet obtained: 21 adults, or 3.08%, and 15 older people, or 2.2%.
• Mixed - any other mixed background: 3 adults, or 0.44%, and 0 older people.
• Mixed - White and Asian: 3 adults, or 0.44%, and 0 older people.
• Mixed - White and Black African: 1 adult, or 0.15%, and 0 older people.
• White - Any other white background: 5 adults, or 0.73%, and 3 older people, or 0.44%.
• White - British/English/Welsh/Scottish/Northern Irish: 420 adults, or 61.58%, and 197 older people, or 28.89%.
• White - Irish: 0 adults, and 1 older person, or 0.15%.

Ethnicity - 11th February 2022

• Any other ethnic group: 2 adults, or 0.36%, and 1 older person, or 0.18%.
• Asian/Asian British - Bangladeshi: 1 adult, or 0.18%, and 0 older people.
• Asian/Asian British - Chinese: 3 adults, or 0.54%, and 0 older people.
• Black/Black British - Indian: 2 adults, or 0.36%, and 1 older person, or 0.18%.
• Black/Black British - Any other black background: 0 adults, and 0 older people.
• Information not yet obtained: 23 adults, or 4.11%, and 13 older people, or 2.32%.
• Mixed - any other mixed background: 3 adults, or 0.54%, and 0 older people.
• Mixed - White and Asian: 2 adults, or 0.36%, and 0 older people.
• Mixed - White and Black African: 1 adult, or 0.18%, and 0 older people.
• Mixed - White and Black Caribbean: 1 adults, or 0.18%, and 0 older people.
• Not stated: 0 adults, and 1 older person, or 0.18%.
• White - Any other white background: 5 adults, or 0.89%, and 4 older people, or 0.71%.
• White - British/English/Welsh/Scottish/Northern Irish: 338 adults, or 60.36%, and 159 older people, or 28.39%.

Primary support reason - 6th April 2021

• Learning disability support (female): 98 adults, or 17.19%, and 20 older people, or 3.51%.
• Learning disability support (male): 220 adults, or 38.6%, and 33 older people, or 5.79%.
• Mental health support (female): 37 adults, or 6.49%, and 6 older people, or 1.05%.
• Mental health support (male): 107 adults, or 18.77%, and 9 older people, or 1.58%.
• Physical support - access and mobility only: 1 male adult, or 0.18%.
• Physical support - personal care support (female): 6 adults, or 1.05%, and 2 older people, or 0.35%.
• Physical support - personal care support (male): 18 adults, or 3.16%, and 3 older people, or 0.53%.
• Social support - substance misuse support: 1 male adult, or 0.18%.
• Social support - support for social isolation/other: 2 male adults, or 0.35%.
• Support with memory and cognition: 3 male adults, or 0.53%, and 3 older males, or 0.53%).

This totals 141 female adults, 28 female older people, 352 male adults, and 48 male older people.

Primary support reason - 11th February 2022

• Learning disability support (female): 111 adults, or 19.82%, and 4 older people, or 0.71%.
• Learning disability support (male): 202 adults, or 38.07%, and 11 older people, or 1.96%.
• Mental health support (female): 2 adults, or 0.36%, and 5 older people, or 0.89%.
• Mental health support (male): 1 adult, or 0.18%, and 5 older people, or 0.89%.
• Physical support - access and mobility only (female): 1 adult, or 0.18% and 1 older person, or 0.18%.
• Physical support - access and mobility only (male): 1 adult, or 0.18%, and 2 older people, or 0.36%.
• Physical support - personal care support (female): 19 adults, or 3.39%, and 55 older people, or 9.82%.
• Physical support - personal care support (male): 24 adults, or 4.29%, and 31 older people, or 5.54%.
• Sensory support - support for dual impairment: 1 older female, or 0.18%.
• Sensory support - support for visual impairment: 1 female adult, or 0.18%, and 1 male adult, or 0.18%.
• Social support - support for social isolation/other (female): 6 adults, or 1.07% and 7 older people, or 1.25%.
• Social support - support for social isolation/other (male): 7 adults, or 1.25%, and 6 older people, or 1.07%
• Support with memory and cognition (female): 2 adults, or 0.36%, and 26 older people, or 4.64%.
• Support with memory and cognition (male): 3 adults, or 0.54%, and 25 older people, or 4.46%.

This totals 142 female adults, 99 female older people, 239 male adults, and 80 male older people.

Ramifications of proposal

• Service users and carers may continue to be impacted by government restrictions imposed due to the pandemic resulting in reduced capacity of day services or through a change in location from which the service is provided, or by how the service is provided.
• Providers may continue to be impacted by government restrictions imposed due to the pandemic resulting in reduced capacity of day services or through a change in location from which the service is provided, or by how the service is provided.
• Providers may be impacted as a result of the continued re-shaping of the day opportunity services and the tendering of services.
• The communications and engagement with clients and families may evidence additional factors that could impact on these client’s groups and carers.
• The communications with providers may evidence additional factors that could impact on these client’s groups and carers.
• There are gaps in data in relation to the intersectionality of some client groups which we recognise as an issue, but we are aware this is an issue experienced by many Local Authority areas across the North West and we will mitigate this by utilising a broad range of consultation methods as outlined in the consultation documentation to all key stakeholders.
• There are gaps in data in relation to clients with ASD which we recognise as an issue, but we are aware this is an issue experienced by many Local Authority areas across the North west and we will mitigate this by using anecdotal information to mitigate addressing the specific requirements of this client group.
• We recognise there are specific challenges and limitations in relation to consulting with older people and have developed a specific approach to this client group.

Are there any protected characteristics that will be disproportionally affected in comparison to others?

The protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 are:

• Age.
• Disability.
• Gender Reassignment.
• Marriage and Civil Partnership.
• Race.
• Religion or Belief.
• Sex.
• Sexual Orientation.
• Pregnancy and Maternity.

If the re-shaping were to be implemented and the above ramifications were to materialise then the following protected characteristics may be affected:

• Disability - Most people who attend day opportunities services have a learning disability and/or Autism or physical disability and require support to maintain independence, take part in activities and socially interact with others.
• Age – Many older people attend day opportunities services to socialise and enjoy planned activities in a group setting where they can still access some health care.

Consultation approach

A consultation approach has been co-produced with independent advocacy organisations and stakeholders to ensure that engagement methods are designed to meet the specific needs of people and ensure all views and ideas are heard.

People could respond to the consultation via a variety of methods, which include; face to face meetings, virtual meetings, online questionnaire, via email or via telephone.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic remote consultation meetings were offered, a consultation toolkit that provided a range of ideas and options was also available, and an online voice over was developed to support the accessible presentation.

Careful thought was given to the planning of live consultation meetings to mitigate risk.

All documentation used has been adapted to fit the needs of our client groups and includes; easy read, larger font, plain background, and adaptations for hearing impairments.

We engaged with people, parent carers, stakeholders and representative groups, in the way it is was most appropriate for them using facilitators with experience of the client group or staff who know and understand them well.

A dedicated section of the Sefton Council website has been set up to publish information on the consultation. This includes a running commentary of Questions and Answers to ensure that people can ask questions and see responses. The website continues to be updated and all documentation relevant to the consultation remains available.

Consultation

The consultation period commenced on the 11th of October 2021 and ran up to the 9th of January 2022. The questionnaire was available for completion from the Monday 9th October 2021 - Sunday 16th January 2022.

The consultation focused on the following three questions:

• If the pandemic has changed the way you would like to be supported to access day opportunities?
• What Day Opportunities would you like to see in the future?
• Has your caring role changed since the start of the pandemic?

Equalities and demographics from consultation

The graphs within this section are not available in a screen reader compatible format. A summary has been provided for each section, but if you would like support to access all the information, please email yourdayyoursay@sefton.gov.uk.

Age

The highest number of respondents (56) corresponds with the 19-29 age group. The next highest group of respondents (47) is the 30-39 group.

Gender

Of the 242 people that responded to this question the majority of respondents 46.57% identified as being Male and Female 38.99% preferring not to say 1.81% and 12.64% who did not answer.

When asked whether the respondent currently lives as the sex they were given at birth, 199, or 71.84% chose not to answer. Of those who did, 58, or 20.94% said that they did, and 3, or 1.08% said they did not.

Gender reassignment

Of the 216 people that responded to this question (have you changed your sex or are planning to change your sex) the majority answered no, 68.59%, and 1 respondent selected yes, 0.36%.

There were 30 responses to the question "if you do not live as the sex you were given at birth, are you: transgender, non-binary, identify differently, or prefer not to say". This does not correspond with the responses to the previous question.

Relationships

Of the 211 people who responded to this question on sexual orientation the majority of respondents (51.62%) identified as being heterosexual/straight, 23.83% did not respond to this question and 21.30% preferred not to state any sexual preference.

There were however, 1.44% of people who identified as being gay, 1.08% stated they were bisexual, and 0.72% responded "I identify differently".

Disability

Initially this question was not configured as a multi check question but was updated on the 18th of November 2021. We received 26 responses to this question prior to it being reconfigured.

Of the 277 overall responses, 38.99% said they had a learning disability, 36.82% replied they had a learning difficulty, 19.49% said they had Autism/Asperger’s, closely followed by 20.94% who reported they had a physical disability.

This was further broken down as follows: Of those that responded, 18.05% state that they had a visual impairment this was the same as those who report that they have a long-term illness that affects your daily life and 15.16% who report they have a mental health condition, the next highest group were those that had a hearing impairment/deaf 12.27%.

The highest number of responses think of themselves as disabled (82) and 74 respondents do not think of themselves as disabled. Overall there were 197 responses to this question, with 80 respondents choosing not to answer and 41 preferred not to say.

Religion or belief

Overall there were 218 responses to this question regarding religious beliefs. The greatest number of responses (47.65%) was from respondents who classified themselves as Christian of all denominations. 10.83% stated they had no religion/belief and 2.89% that classified themselves as other. This question was not answered by 21.30% and a further 17.33% preferred not to say.

Race and ethnicity

Of 204 people who responded to the question on race and ethnicity, the majority of respondents (41.88%) identified as being English, 23.83% stated that they are British. The next highest scores were Black British with 1.44% and White and Asian, Irish, and Scottish with 0.72%. There were 4.33% who preferred not to state their race and ethnicity.

Is there evidence that the Public Sector Equality Duties will be met?

The Equality Act 2010 requires that those subject to the Equality Duty must, in the exercise of their functions, have due regard to the need to:

1. Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct prohibited by the Act.
2. Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.
3. Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.

The Act explains that having due regard for advancing equality involves:

• Removing or minimising disadvantages suffered by people due to their protected characteristics.
• Taking steps to meet the needs of people from protected groups where these are different from the needs of other people.
• Encouraging people from protected groups to participate in public life or in other activities where their participation is disproportionately low.

The options proposed do not involve any change to the criteria for accessing a day opportunity, as assessed via the Councils eligibility criteria but the service offer may change.

Service users will continue to have an individual care plan which is reviewed each year in accordance with the Care Act 2014.

In assessing the care needs of service users Sefton Council is required to have regard to it’s public sector equality duty.

With respect to the above:

• Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct prohibited by the Act: day opportunity services will continue to be provided based on assessed need and to improve required outcomes. Performance monitoring of contracts regularly takes place and Social Workers and families/advocates give feedback as to the treatment of Service Users. In addition, the Council monitors data on contracts to ensure that there is fair access to all that meet the eligibility criteria.
• Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not: Day opportunities enable local people to live the lives they want to lead, retain their independence, and live a fuller life, enabling them to socialise with others and meet people who may be in a similar situation whilst making a positive contribution to the community. People should have a purpose, to do things members of the wider community would do, ensure friendships and connections whilst creating a sense of belonging which prevents social isolation. Under current eligibility assessments, Service User’s religious and cultural needs are considered and where specific needs are identified these are met, thus enabling them to participate in public life.
• Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not. Day opportunities support people with disabilities to continue live and become part of the community thus making sure that disability is accepted and understood by the wider community. Day opportunities provide services users with the opportunity to connect with others, linking into other support and making service users feel safe and secure. Day Opportunities provide respite to carers to allow them to continue in their caring role All Provider’s must evidence how they will treat Service Users with respect and dignity and deliver services in a way which is free from discrimination, bullying and harassment for Service Users and Support staff.

In addition;

• The Council will analyse all responses to the consultation and compile a report to be shared with relevant stakeholders.
• The Council will continue to work with Provider’s to ensure that they provide appropriate services to disabled people on a contract and service specification basis and monitoring of service delivery.
• The Council as the commissioning agent will remind service Provider’s, when undergoing changes to their services to treat their staff in accordance with Equality and Employment law.
• Service Users are and will continue to be assessed in a qualitative manner in accordance with national guidance and Care Act 2014.
• Under Section 47 of the National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990, individual services provided will be privy to regular review to assess if those services are meeting assessed needs.
• The draft service specification which will be further co-designed contains specific requirements relating to equalities.
• Day opportunities services are designed, costed and targeted to support disabled people, older people to remain in the community but have access to activities and friendship groups.

What actions will follow if proposal accepted by cabinet & Council? 

• We will undertake consultation or communications and following the determination of the legal requirements to consult with Day Care service users which will include obtaining client views on the impact of COVID and the reshaping of day opportunities. This information will in turn be used to ascertain any possible impacts on access to day opportunities for service users and will influence service co-design and market management.
• We will undertake consultation or communications and co-production following the determination of the legal requirements to consult with Day Care providers which will include obtaining provider views on the impact of the implementation of any decision around reshaping services and this information will in turn be used to ascertain any possible impacts on access to day opportunities for service users, or any regulatory impacts on individual Providers.
• The council recognises that people value day opportunities however there is a need to address some of the barriers adults face in participating fully in community-based activities.
• The Council needs to continue to listen to the voice of people with lived experience of day opportunities in Sefton and to co-design future services to ensure they are person centred and strength based.
• The council also needs to plan for young people transitioning into adulthood- when designing services to ensure young adults have access to a wider range of services that are suitable and supports them to be resilient, independent, and focus on the outcomes they wish to achieve.
• We will continue to explore ways in which we can improve the day opportunity sector, including;
  • Developing pathways onto education, supported employment, internships, job coaching, training and volunteering opportunities.
  • Facilitate a cultural shift based on strength-based practice and commissioning at place level linked to the integration agenda.
  • Developing innovation partnerships with stakeholders.
  • Facilitate the development of community interest companies.
  • Facilitate participation in leisure, arts, hobbies and socialising.
  • Enable friendships and local connections within the community to develop a sense of belonging.
  • Appropriate training to upskill staff support for more complex service users.
  • Identifying scope for reducing overreliance on support in services through Providers identifying flexibilities in support hours which adapt to changes in Service User’s needs and continues to promote independence.
  • Linkages to other initiatives such as greater use of Technology Enabled Care solutions for better self-management of longer-term health conditions.
  • Robust market management in relation to cost and quality.
  • Cost of Care modelling to inform appropriate unit cost.
  • Align to the implementation of the Extra Care Strategy.
  • Align to the implementation of the Supported Living Plan and Strategy.
  • Align to the implementation of the Intermediate Care Strategy/Domiciliary Care and Enablement.
  • Plan and shape the market more effectively in relation to transitions and preparation for adulthood.
• National and local factors concerning the cost of care and the demand for services will also be monitored, such as changes to the demographic profile of the borough and the demand for more specialist services.
• Risk management work will be conducted which will include analysis of the capacity within the market and the ability of the market to support more complex individuals. This analysis will also be informed by performance information on numbers of day opportunity places commissioned and the ability to meet current and future demand and complex individual needs.
• Monitoring of Safeguarding referrals and regulatory notifications will also continue.