CRITICAL funding has ensured a Warwickshire care provider can continue to operate safely during the ongoing pandemic.
Local authority funding has enabled Heart of England Mencap to employ a raft of covid-safe measures including personal protective equipment (PPE), wipe-clean furnishings, new technology and outdoor areas.
The charity supports around 200 local people with learning disabilities with residential, respite and day services in Stratford, Shipston, Studley, Warwick, Leamington and Southam.
The grant from Warwickshire County Council has allowed at risk people to isolate but remain in contact with support networks through technology, and provided specialist equipment to support hygiene measures including easy-clean furniture and new flooring to limit contamination.
New and adapted outdoor spaces will allow visitors to remain within health guidelines and funds have also supported staff to work in allocated bubbles.
And thanks to early planning, business and community donations and county council access, no PPE shortages were experienced.
Chief executive Helena Wallis said: “This has been a critical piece of work for Heart of England Mencap, to ensure all our employees remain safe while continuing their absolutely vital work caring for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities. The prompt and effective allocation of this funding has been key to ensuring our services remain safe during this ongoing crisis. At the heart of what we do is the value of keeping people safe. Like all care providers, this has been, and continues to be, a challenging time.”
