We're here to help
WHEN you or your Camphill community needs help and support with the many complex issues that affect people with learning disabilities, their families and their supporting Camphill communities, the Camphill England & Wales Social Work Advisory Team is here to help.
Meet the team
Based in the north, south east and south west of England, our team members - Helen Fergusson, Natalie Denison, Phil Gibson and Jacquie Spencer - are all qualified social workers registered with the General Social Care Council. Associate team member Julie Woods is the Camphill Families & Friends national person-centred planning co-ordinator who has considerable experience of working with Camphill as a co-worker. All have completed CRB checks.
The work of the team is co-ordinated by three Camphill co-workers: Andy Paton from The Croft Community is the project director and northern area co-ordinator, Nick Shin from Camphill St Albans is the south east area co-ordinator and Philip Curwen from Gannicox Community is the south west area co-ordinator.
Our role
The team will work and liaise with Camphill co-workers, staff and community members with special needs, Social Services, the Commission for Social Care Inspection, Supporting People teams, advocacy groups and services, families and others who are involved with the services provided by Camphill.
Members of the team have a range of experience and skills and, while regionally based, their specialist skills will be available to all. In addition to advisory work, the team's role will also focus on development and training needs of Camphill communities.
Included in the team's work is support with:
- Difficulties around funding and cross-county boundaries.
- Assessments and reviews.
- Adult protection and support.
- ‘Keeping Safe' awareness.
- Conferences for community members and families.
- Developing policies and procedures.
- Moving-on planning.
- Making choices and next steps.
- Risk assessments.
- Person-centred planning.
- Support for parents and families.
Our team will also work closely with Camphill Families & Friends to offer regional workshops on a range of subjects of particular interest. Topics may include:
- Supporting People and funding issues for the future.
- Ordinary Residence and what it may mean for people who wish to move.
- Individualised Budgets/Direct Payments.
- Mental Capacity Act and Risk Assessment.
- Keeping Safe.
If you feel there is a need for workshops on other topics, please get in touch with your suggestions.
