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Positive stories and developments in UK care and support — from the people, organisations, and policies making a difference.

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Carers

New carer's passport scheme launches across NHS trusts

A growing number of NHS trusts are rolling out carer's passports, giving unpaid carers formal recognition and access to support when accompanying loved ones in hospital.

✓Recognition for unpaid carers
The GuardianRead article
Mental Health

Record numbers accessing mental health support through NHS talking therapies

NHS England reports that more people than ever are completing talking therapy courses, with waiting times falling in many areas following investment in the IAPT programme.

✓Improved access to therapy
BBC NewsRead article
Benefits & PIP

PIP claimants win landmark tribunal ruling on mobility assessments

A tribunal ruling has clarified assessment criteria for PIP mobility components, potentially benefiting thousands of claimants who were previously awarded lower rates.

✓Fairer assessments for claimants
The IndependentRead article
Social Care

Community care hubs cut hospital admissions by a third in pilot areas

A two-year pilot of integrated community care hubs in six local authorities has reduced avoidable hospital admissions by 34%, with residents reporting greater independence.

✓Fewer hospital admissions
The TimesRead article
Housing

Disabled people's housing fund extended for another three years

The government has confirmed a three-year extension to the Disabled Facilities Grant, enabling more people to adapt their homes and maintain independent living.

✓More funding for home adaptations
Disability News ServiceRead article
Carers

Carers UK report shows growing public support for paid carer's leave

A new Carers UK survey finds that 78% of the public support the introduction of paid carer's leave, as employers increasingly recognise the value of retaining experienced staff.

✓Growing support for carer's leave
Carers UKRead article
NHS & Health

Age UK launches free digital skills programme for over-70s

Age UK's new digital inclusion initiative will offer free tablet loans and one-to-one support to help older people access online services, including NHS appointments and benefits claims.

✓Digital inclusion for older people
Social Care

Social care workforce reaches highest staffing levels in five years

Skills for Care data shows the social care workforce has grown by 4% over the past year, with retention rates improving following the introduction of the care worker career pathway.

✓Stronger care workforce
Community CareRead article
Mental Health

Mind's workplace mental health programme reaches one million employees

Mind's Workplace Wellbeing Index has now supported over one million employees across 200 organisations, helping businesses create mentally healthy workplaces.

✓Workplace mental health milestone
Social Care

Staffordshire Connects: local care and support services directory

Staffordshire Connects provides a comprehensive local directory of care and support services across Staffordshire — helping residents find community groups, specialist support, and local providers in their area.

✓Local support made easy to find
Staffordshire ConnectsRead article

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