We are painfully aware of the effects the pandemic has had across the world, and we are working hard to find ways to keep working towards a new ‘normal’, and supporting our amazing clients. We’re hoping to mitigate the repercussions of C-19 on a personal level as well as from a business point of view.
Some of the measures we’ve taken include:
- Taking temperatures on arrival. Clients can alternatively bring a signed form to confirm that their care giver has done it that day – please include temperature on the form
- Cleaning surfaces three times a day
- Social distancing
- Toilet cleaned at least three times a day
- Co-Farmers have assigned place at tables
- Regular hand washing
- Co-Farmers wear gloves when handling equipment
- Clients work in bubbles
- Regular handwashing for everyone on the farm
- Hand sanitiser available around the farm
- Funding on track for bubble pods for the winter
- Track and Trace systems in place
- In the case of AHT offering transport, masks are worn in the vehicle
- Bespoke risk assessment undertaken for each Co-Farmer
- Training from Public Health England for our site manager
- Staff are trained in:
– the latest C-19 measures and recommendations
– mental health and trauma based training
– emotional trauma response by psychologist Maryhan Baker
We are undertaking these measures in order to keep everybody safe and comfortable. We are being sure to communicate regularly and openly with our clients about the changes they will be noticing around the farm.
We’re proud of how we are all finding our way through this unprecedented time together, and Able Hands Together has been able to continue our important work to support our clients’ needs. Should you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to call or email farm@ablehandstogether.org.uk or 07725 734662.
Research during Covid-19 has shown that people with learning disabilities and/or Autistic people are facing disproportionate risks to equal enjoyment of their human rights to physical and mental wellbeing, choice and involvement in decision, and even to their safety and lives. For example, recent research from the British Institute of Human Rights*, directly with people with care and support needs, family, friends, community groups and frontline staff shows:
- Over 15% of people have experienced their right to life not being protected because of reduced services or prioritisation of other services. Almost 1 in 10 people had experienced the use of do not resuscitate orders without discussing this with the person or placing pressure on them.
- Almost 30% of people have experienced care being taken away impacting their dignity and right to be free from inhumane or degrading treatment.
- Over 50% of frontline health and care staff saw restrictions on people’s lives that negatively impact people’s physical and mental wellbeing.
- 50% of staff saw discriminatory decisions being made about people’s care and support.
*(BIHR is currently running human rights information sessions, working with community group partners to support people, families, friends and carers. To find out more email info@bihr.org.uk)
