Leaving Home, Moving on
An information day for carers
What happens when we can no longer care for our autistic or learning disabled family members ourselves?
This event offered a starting point for carers who want to plan ahead for a safe, happy future for their loved ones.
This event took place on
May 16th at 9.30am-2pm
Woolwich Town Hall Rooms 4,5&6
Wellington Street, Woolwich, London, SE18 6PW
Presentations (free tickets must be booked in advance)
A series of presentations exploring the main themes
9.45 to 10.50am
Emotional Adjustments
Dr Joel Parker, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and family carers Hasan Kouider and Nakkita de Silva.
About Joel
Joel is a psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with people with a learning disability and their families. When working in direct care roles in day services, he was struck by the central importance of families in the care of vulnerable individuals with complex needs and. He tries to put developing collaborative relationships with carers at the heart of the work that he and the psychology team offers. Joel has also been involved in developing Oxleas’ Carers' Engagement Forum over the past 4 years, which offers a space for carers and professionals to creatively share ideas on improving services.
11-11.50am
Making a Plan
Berylin Moore, Head of Practice Development and Principal Social Worker, Health and Adult Services, Royal Borough of Greenwich, Mental Health and Learning Disability Services, RBG and Julie Burns, Wellbeing Worker at the Carers Centre.
About Berylin
”I am Berylin Moore – I am the strategic lead for practice development and the principal social worker in adult social care. I lead on learning and development and quality assurance of practice. I have safeguarding in my portfolio as well as a change programme team supporting innovation and practice development across the service. The Principal Social Worker is a statutory role in legislation which focuses on ensuring excellent social work and social care practice, and is responsible for ensuring the workforce have access to continuous development to provide excellent social work to our residents.”
About Julie
”With over 26 years of experience in the support and advocacy sector, I currently work as the Wellbeing Worker at the Greenwich Carers Centre, where I coordinate and support a wide range of activities, workshops, and events designed to enhance the wellbeing of unpaid carers.
Prior to this role, I worked closely with the Learning Disability People's Parliament in Greenwich, helping individuals with learning disabilities gather and share lived experiences to ensure their voices are heard and their rights championed across the borough.
Earlier in my career, I supported parent carers through the 2014 SEND reforms as an Independent Supporter with Contact a Family (now Contact) in Lewisham. In this role, I provided direct guidance and advocacy to families navigating the complexities of the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system. Throughout my career, I’ve remained passionate about empowering individuals, promoting inclusion, and helping communities access the support and resources they deserve.”
12-12.50pm
Living Options
Rikki Garcia, Head of Integrated Commissioning and System Development (Adults with Learning Disabilities, Complex Needs and Mental Health) Integrated Commissioning Unit, Adults, Mental Health and Learning Disability Services, RBG.
About Rikki
Rikki has many years experience in the voluntary and public sector, leading organsational transformation and improving service quality in adult and children’s social care, housing and stakeholder engagement. He is also Chair of the Healthwatch Bexley Advisory Board.
“I’ll be talking about living options for people with physical and/or learning disabilities in the borough, how some of the processes work and what some of the commissioning plans are for the future. I’ll be joined by Shelley Hackett, Commissioning Lead for Learning Disabilities.”
1-2pm
Understanding the Care Act
Monica Kreel, Community care and public law solicitor, TV Edwards Solicitors.
About Monica
Monica is an Associate Solicitor in the Social Welfare Department. She acts for clients across a wide range of community care, public law, discrimination, human rights and Court of Protection cases.
Her community care work includes obtaining and challenging reductions in care packages for disabled people, including destitute migrants who may be entitled to accommodation from the local authority under the Care Act 2014 (rather than the Home Office). She also has experience of NHS continuing care disputes, mental health aftercare and care packages for people leaving immigration detention.
In the area of mental capacity law, Monica represents clients in applications to the Court of Protection to challenge welfare decisions of local authorities and unlawful deprivations of liberty. Monica also has experience in helping migrants who lack mental capacity to request a specific order for an immigration representative to be appointed by the Court of Protection so that there is someone to progress their Home Office application on their behalf. Monica is an Accredited Legal Representative which means she can be appointed by the Court of Protection to act for protected parties without a litigation friend.
Monica’s community care work includes representing adults experiencing serious abuse or neglect, to ensure that proper investigations are carried out. She has also obtained financial compensation for people under the Human Rights Act 1998 and Equality Act 2010 where they have been abused in care homes or denied urgently needed services.
With her comprehensive knowledge of discrimination law, human rights and public law principles, Monica is able to challenge policies or decisions made by social services or the NHS. She has issued many successful judicial review challenges, obtaining emergency injunctions where necessary.
Monica has over 30 years’ experience advocating for the rights of disabled people as a caseworker, policy officer and investigator at local and national organisations including the Royal National Institute for Blind People, the Disability Rights Commission and the Equality and Human Rights Commission. She played a key role in implementing and enforcing the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and the Equality Act 2010. She qualified as a solicitor in 2014.
Monica is also experienced in delivering training to external organisations. She has recently spoken at a conference on mental capacity and migrants’ rights.
She can undertake Legal Aid work and private work.
Tickets
Book your free seat for all four presentations email: carerssocialgreenwich@gmail.com
Walk-ins may be available for individual presentations on the day on a first-come, first-served basis.
Refreshments
Kindly provided by students from Brighter Futures Specialist College
Access
Click here for a useful illustrated access guide to the Town Hall
https://www.accessable.co.uk/venues/woolwich-town-hall
Information Marketplace
Drop in for free, chat to the experts.
Open all day from 9.30am to 2pm
Information Area - Who’s Who
Brighter Futures College & Day Centre
Brighter Futures College & Day Centre offer specialist post-18 education and daytime provision for young adults with learning disabilities, supporting the transition to adulthood with a focus on independence, work experience, and life skills. Through our vocational hubs — including a café, print studio, and community partners — we equip learners with real-world confidence and purpose. At our table, we’re here to talk about meaningful next steps after school, how we support families with EHCPs, and how our pathways can ease the move from home into supported or semi-independent living.
https://brighterfuturesspecialistcollege.co.uk/contact-us/
Grant Saw Solicitors: Jeremy Brooks
Jeremy Brooks is a solicitor with Grant Saw Solicitors who have offices in Greenwich and Blackheath. He specialises in drawing up powers of attorney and applying for deputyship for clients, as well as writing Wills and helping people manage estates after a loved one has died. He has long experience in advising generally on how to look after your money and ensuring that vulnerable people have others in place who can assist them with this.
https://grantsaw.com/
IMPACT Centre: Oli Smithson
My name is Oli Smithson, and I work for the IMPACT Centre, a group of universities working on social care. I am running a 1-year project in Greenwich to gather feedback and stories from parents, carers and people with learning disabilities to improve day services. My table will offer a chance to learn about IMPACT and discuss how day services could support people to get ready for life transitions.
Contact: o.smithson@sheffield.ac.uk
The Greenwich Community Learning Disability Team (CLDT) provide care and support to adults with learning disabilities whose needs cannot be met by universal services. We also support those people who care for adults using the service. https://www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/info/200276/people_with_disabilities/350/trees
Our Greenwich, Our Carers is a comprehensive guide designed specifically for carers in the borough. This guide was coproduced with carers and aims to provide carers with resources, support, and information to help carers navigate their vital roles. If you would like to find out more and be supported to access the digital version please visit Ewy (Evie) and Caleb from Royal Greenwich inside the information area in rooms 5 and 6. They are also available to talk
about the Joint Adults Carers Strategy, and how you can get involved in some of the co-production opportunities available. https://www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/media/2051/download?inline=1
Sanctuary Supported Living: Jose Sajimon
Moving into supported accommodation for the first time marks a significant step towards independence, and at Sanctuary Supported Living we believe that with the right environment and tailored support, many people are surprised by how much they can achieve. Recognising that leaving home can be a daunting experience for everyone involved, we prioritise making the settling-in process as smooth and comfortable as possible. We understand that everyone is unique, and we provide bespoke support to make sure everyone feels at home, safe and supported thrive as they journey on their pathway for independence. www.sanctuary-supported-living.co.uk
Peter and Friends: Steve Hardy
Peter and friends' is a series of publications. It is a unique and inclusive approach to publishing. It is an opportunity for people with learning disabilities and autistic individuals, their families, carers, those from charities, private sector, NHS and Social Services. Everybody regardless of their status - a place to be heard on the same platform. A place for all to share their experiences and stories. A place to become a published author. https://www.stevehardyldn.com/peter-and-friends-series
The Digital Health and Care Technology Service: Caleb Assirati
This service is designed to help residents stay safe, well, and independent at home with the support of simple digital tools. The service has simple, practical technology that supports residents in everyday life, including:
● Smart home monitoring – discreet sensors and devices such as video doorbells and motion detectors to provide reassurance, detect falls, and spot changes in routine.
● Remote health monitoring – using easy-to-use devices like tablets to keep in touch with health professionals and manage long-term conditions from home.
● Personalised digital tools – voice assistants to set reminders for medication, daily tasks, and appointments.
● Early support and prevention – using smart technology to identify potential health concerns sooner, so the right help can be provided quickly.
Caleb Assirati from Royal Borough of Greenwich Commissioning Team will be available to showcase the devices that are available to residents now.
Shared Lives: Sacha Wheatley
Shared Lives is an organisation which helps people with learning difficulties move in with an individual carer or a carer and their family. They will support your loved one to live independently in their home. They will have their own room that is clean and comfortable. Their carer will treat them as part of their family, help them to take part in the community, help them to make choices, respect their privacy, support them to look after their health and money and help them to be as independent as possible. Before they move in, they will meet the carer and their family, look at
their new home and decide if it’s the right place for them. Speak to Sacha to find out about Shared Lives in Greenwich.
https://sharedlivesplus.org.uk/is-shared-lives-for-me
Healthwatch: Kiki Bourcha, Engagement Manager
Healthwatch Greenwich is the independent champion for people using publicly funded health and social care services in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. We gather feedback from residents to ensure NHS leaders and decision-makers hear the community’s voice and use it to improve care. We also provide clear, reliable information and advice to help individuals navigate the health and social care system, including signposting to appropriate services. Our work includes outreach in libraries and at local events, attending community groups, and conducting 'Enter and View' visits. We focus on amplifying voices that are often unheard to help make care better for everyone. If you’d like to share your experience with us, we’re always open for a chat. https://healthwatchgreenwich.co.uk/
Woolwich Job Centre: Ruth Ivie
Ruth Ivie is a Disability Employment Adviser working at Woolwich Job Centre, which is part of the Department for work and pension, Work and Health Services. A disability employment advisor (DEA) offers support and advice to people with disabilities and their families. In particular, they help people with disabilities get access to job-related resources, services, and accommodations. Disability employment advisors specialise in advocating for job seekers with disabilities, helping them to find meaningful work. Every job centre in the UK has a DEA, and you can request an appointment for specialist advice and coaching.What’s more, they offer guidance for family and caregivers as people make the transition into full-time employment. https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work
Time to Talk: Reshma Jerkin
Time to Talk is part of a national programme called NHS Talking Therapies. It is for people with mild problems of anxiety or depression who are motivated to work to change the problem. Our team of therapists are based in Eltham but can see patients at other centres throughout the Royal Borough of Greenwich. It offers free psychological treatment as recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines for anxiety and depression. This is mainly cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and counselling. We can help you learn ways to help yourself so that you feel more able to cope with your problems. Greenwich Time to Talk offers support for people over 16 and we have no upper age limit. We also provide a specific service for 16 and 17 year olds. Our services are only for people who live in the borough of Greenwich. Guided self-help, cognitive behavioural therapy and sometimes medication may help you to manage anxiety or stress better. Depending on your circumstances, you may benefit from one of these types of treatment or a combination.
https://gateway.mayden.co.uk/referral-v2/dec9c353-60f4-47d6-a4fa-2a4b16bc8a76