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From the very first hello through to congratulations of my successful application to a new role, my time and experience with my Sanctuary consultant has been one of the highest standard of support. Without my consultants support, I wouldn’t have got to the stage of successfully attaining employment into a full time role. I work in mental health where communication is key and his level of this skill in communications was to the highest end, he liaised effortlessly between the prospective employee and employer.
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Deputy Ward Manager
I have been working with Sanctuary for years. My employment needs have always been met quickly. The quality of workers have always been good. Sanctuary are quick to send relevant CVs and arrange phone interviews. Each candidate sent for placement has been ready to ‘hit the ground running’ ensuring safety and continuity for our service users. Being an NHS provider we have set limits on price and Sanctuary work within these. Their finance system is easy to use and can be accessed at any time. Sanctuary are my first to go to employment agency.
Tracy Braddock
Regional Lead / Substance Misuse, One Recovery Bucks
The staff at Sanctuary are always polite, professional and extremely helpful, they listen to your needs and then get on to finding you the right candidate very quickly. The last 3 temps we have had have all been excellent and if we had the positions to fill permanently I would want these staff on the teams. I am happy to endorse Sanctuary and its services as my experience has been a very positive one.
Debbie Yarrow
Locality Manager
I have found Sanctuary to be fast, reliable and with a sound understanding of Substance Misuse and the qualities required in a candidate. The people they have supplied have been first class in terms of attitude, experience, knowledge and flexibility. They have sound processes around administration and respond to requests promptly and professionally.
Chris Ranson
Team Manager
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What's New in Social Care and Healthcare this Week? (26/02/24)
Hello everybody! Welcome to another week's social care and healthcare news; we've compiled five of the most interesting and noteworthy news items from recent days and created an easy-to-digest, time-efficient article you can read with a quick cup of tea! Without further ado, then, let's get into it.1. Adults in their Early Twenties Struggling with Poor Mental HealthA report has revealed a concerning trend: people in their early 20s are now more likely to be out of work due to ill health than those in their early 40s, marking a significant shift from previous patterns where older age correlated with health-related unemployment. This change is attributed to the rising poor mental health among young people, which adversely affects their educational achievements and job prospects.Official data shows that one in 20 young individuals were economically inactive due to ill health in 2023, with young people now experiencing the worst mental health conditions compared to other age groups. The Resolution Foundation's findings stress the economic impact of poor mental health, particularly on young non-graduates, and call for improved mental health support and educational attainment to prevent a "lost generation."2. Junior Doctors StrikingJunior doctors in England are on their tenth strike in a pay dispute with the government, leading to significant disruption in NHS services, particularly affecting hospital operations and check-ups.The British Medical Association (BMA) demands a 35% pay rise, a claim the government deems unreasonable. Health Secretary Victoria Atkins has urged the BMA to halt the strikes due to their considerable impact on the NHS, while BMA leaders argue for a credible offer to reverse over a decade of pay cuts.The strike, involving a substantialportion of junior doctors, exacerbates tensions in the health sector, with the BMA planning to ballot for a new six-month strike mandate as negotiations remain stalled. Public support for the doctors remains mixed, with ongoing concerns about patient care and treatment delays.3. Calls for Responsible Use of AI in Social CareExperts and representatives from over 30 organisations convened at the University of Oxford to address the responsible use of generative AI in adult social care. Highlighting the technology's potential benefits, they also expressed concerns about its rapid development and application, emphasising the need for guidelines to ensure it respects human rights and quality care standards.Dr Caroline Green stressed the urgency of developing knowledge and guidance on generative AI's ethical use in social care. The meeting concluded with a commitment to create practical guidelines and engage a broader community in the technology's responsible integration into social care services. Find out more here.4. Healthcare Workers Still Awaiting PaymentEmployers express significant concern as up to 20,000 health workers in England, including community nurses and physiotherapists employed by social enterprises, have not received a promised one-off payment of nearly £1,655. This payment, part of a deal agreed last May that also included a 5% pay rise, was extended in November to include these workers after initial exclusion.Despite assurances, there's been a lack of communication and clarity from the government on when the funds will be disbursed. Social Enterprise UK, representing these employers, has highlighted the delay as a failure to fulfil the government's commitment, affecting frontline staff who have been awaiting the bonus for nearly a year.5. Charity Furnishing Homes for Domestic Abuse SurvivorsEmily Wheeler, a social worker turned interior designer, founded Furnishing Futures to combat furniture poverty among social housing tenants, particularly focusing on domestic abuse survivors. These individuals often receive empty housing with no essential items, driving some back to abusive situations due to the lack of basic living conditions.Wheeler's charity transforms these spaces by providing furniture, white goods, and flooring, significantly impacting survivors' lives by turning empty spaces into homes. Furnishing Futures, which started in 2019, has already furnished over 80 homes and aims to expand its efforts nationally. Learn more about the story in Sky News' comprehensive article, here.Find Your Next Social Care or Healthcare Job, Now!If you've been searching for your next social care or healthcare job, then we'd love to help you out. Check out our roles, today, or contact us directly! However you wish to get in touch, we look forward to hearing from you!
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What are the Most Common Types of Therapies?
Arguably, everybody could benefit from therapy at least once in their lives. Life is complicated, and we could all use a little help occasionally. There are countless different therapeutic modalities out there, ranging from psychodynamic therapy to cognitive behavioural therapy, and more besides. In this article, we’ll look at some of the most common evidence-based therapies and their foundational principles.Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Commonly referred to as ACT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a psychotherapy based on accepting your thoughts and feelings, without judgement, and committing towards value-based actions that move you forward, rather than dwelling in the past. It shares many similarities with mindfulness practices and has the individual identifying and focusing on their core values to help them decide what is important to them. For instance, an OCD sufferer might be feeling stuck, ruminating over whether they locked the front door or not. They are entirely in their head and not present whatsoever. Within an ACT framework, the individual would accept the uncertainty over whether they locked the front door, without going back to check on it, and take a step towards a value-driven decision; in this case, it might be something like being fully present and engaged in the conversation with their significant other. The benefits of ACT are that it encourages individuals to learn to live with their thoughts rather than trying to avoid or excessively engage with them. The model encourages people to accept thoughts as precisely that – thoughts, and then continue to live life as they would want to.Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)CBT is a prevalent form of psychotherapy in which an individual is invited to explore (and change) how their thought patterns – or cognitions – affect their behaviour. CBT involves looking at our core beliefs, dysfunctional assumptionsand negative automatic thoughts. Our core beliefs inform how we interact with the world, and CBT can help challenge some of the more faulty or unhelpful beliefs. For instance, someone might have the core belief that they’re a failure. A CBT therapist would help gently challenge that assertion and break it down. By working on these negative core beliefs and faulty thinking patterns, often called cognitive distortions, individuals can see significant improvements in their anxious or depressive symptoms. The most common cognitive distortions addressed as part of CBT treatment include (but aren’t limited to): Black-and-white thinkingMagnificationEmotional reasoningDiscounting the positiveSelective abstraction (mental filtering)Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)Dialectical Behaviour Therapy is a form of therapy modelled closely around CBT; however, its focus is on those people who struggle with the intensity of their emotions. It revolves around learning to handle difficult emotions and helps individuals steer away from behaviours like self-harm, drug and alcohol problems, and eating problems. Examples of DBT techniques are the ideas of distress tolerance and emotional regulation. With these skills, individuals begin to learn that they can cope with complicated feelings and emotions. The STOP skill, for example, can be used to de-escalate intense moments. This stands for Stop, Take a step back, Observe and Proceed. In doing this, the person struggling can put some immediate distance between themselves and the difficult emotion(s) they’re experiencing. Other related DBT skills include radical acceptance, mindfulness, and wise mind.Psychodynamic TherapyThis therapy examines how past experiences (often our childhood experiences) shape who we are and how we behave today. Psychodynamic treatment is underpinned by the theories first penned by the likes of Freud and others. The therapeutic relationship, that’s to say, the connection between an individual and their therapist, is particularly important in psychodynamic therapy. This is because so much of psychodynamic therapy involves diving into past, often sensitive and traumatic, experiences.Other Forms of TherapySome other less common forms of therapy include EMDR, ecotherapy, Jungian therapy, compassion-focused therapy (CFT), and more. The important thing to note is that there’s a therapeutic modality for everybody out there, and you shouldn’t be put off if the first therapy you try isn’t the one for you.Browse Our Psychologist Roles Today!So, if you’re looking for a psychologist role where you might practise one of these therapies, then get in touch!
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What's New in Social Care and Healthcare this Week? (19/02/24)
As another week rolls around, it's time to look at the most noteworthy recent news stories from the worlds of healthcare and social care. We know you're busy; that's why we keep it short, sweet and to the point. Everything you need to know in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea. Let's crack on.1. New Drug for Parkinson's Being LaunchedNHS England announces the rollout of a groundbreaking treatment for advanced Parkinson's disease, benefitting nearly 1,000 patients. The new therapy, Produodopa, utilises a portable pump to deliver a continuous flow of medication directly into the bloodstream, providing round-the-clock symptom control.This innovative treatment, combining foslevodopa and foscarbidopa, aims to significantly reduce the current reliance on multiple daily medications and improve the quality of life for sufferers. Approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence after successful clinical trials, Produodopa offers a promising alternative to existing treatments, including deep brain stimulation.2. Overseas Dentist Applicants Could Have Exam ScrappedThe UK government is exploring a proposal to allow foreign dentists to practice in the country without undergoing a skills examination, aiming to alleviate the current NHS dentist shortage.This initiative is part of a broader £200 million NHS Dental Recovery Plan for England, including increased pay for NHS dental work, the introduction of "dental vans" in underserved areas, and £20,000 bonuses for dentists in these regions.The British Dental Association criticises the plan, arguing it fails to address the fundamental issues driving dentists away from the NHS. The proposal, which is open for a three-month consultation, seeks to enhance dental appointment availability by 2.5 million next year.3. Prisoners Face Lengthy Wait for Mental Health BedsPrisoners with severe mental illnesses in the UK face excessive delays in receiving hospital care, with an average wait of 85 days, far beyond the 28-day target. The Chief Inspector of Prisons highlighted the issue, noting instances where inmates waited up to 462 days for transfer to a hospital, exacerbating their conditions in unsuitable prison environments.The report criticises the NHS and the Ministry of Justice for the backlog, attributed to a lack of secure beds and bureaucratic delays. Despite some improvements in prison mental health units, the system's failure to promptly transfer severely ill inmates to appropriate care facilities remains a significant concern, with experts calling for urgent action to address the shortfall in mental health service provision.4. Cheshire East Council Requests Funding to Avoid Going BankruptCheshire East Council has become the latest in a string of local authorities to request additional funding, with the council seeking "exceptional financial support" from the government to avoid declaring bankruptcy, requesting an additional £17.6 million to manage significant financial pressures.These pressures include costs associated with cancelling the HS2 rail project's northern leg and increased expenditures on special educational needs (SEND).The council aims to avert the issuance of a Section 114 notice, which signals a local authority's spending exceeding its available funds. Facing a projected £13 million overspend this financial year and with £14.1 million in reserves, the council has already implemented cost-saving measures.The requested funds would help mitigate the risk of financial insolvency, allowing the council to maintain essential services and manage its restructuring efforts.5. Change Needed in Social Care Funding, Says ProfessorA professor from the University of Birmingham has outlined why he believes a change in social care funding is required. Jon Glasby, Professor of Health and Social Care and Head of School of Social Policy, discusses how the assumption that social care in the UK is funded similarly to the NHS, and hence freely available, often leads to shock when individuals learn this isn't the case, especially during crises.The funding mechanisms for adult social care, heavily means-tested and targeted towards those with severe needs and low incomes, starkly contrast with the NHS's more universally accessible model. Despite numerous reviews and proposed reforms since the late 1990s, effective implementation has faltered, mainly due to political unpopularity.The article (which can be read here) underscores the necessity of reevaluating this funding disparity, advocating for a more integrated approach that reflects the value placed on supporting disabled and older individuals within society.Final ThoughtsSo, there you have it, your weekly news roundup of everything that's been going on related to the worlds of healthcare and social care. As always, we're here to help you find your next role in these sectors – if you're interested, then get in touch!
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Why You Need to Do CPD for Social Work (Plus Examples)
Continuing professional development (CPD) is integral to being a social worker here in England. Indeed, CPD is essential to maintaining being registered with Social Work England, with the organisation requiring a minimum of two pieces of CPD per year, one of which has to include a peer reflection component.A commitment to CPD is one of Social Work England's six professional standards (Standard four: "Maintain my continuing professional development"). In this article, we'll unpack why CPD is so crucial for social workers and some examples of CPD you might conceivably undertake. Without further ado, then, let's get stuck in.Why is CPD Necessary for Social Workers?Besides ensuring you can stay registered with Social Work England, CPD helps practitioners not only maintain their practice but improve upon it, too. The reflection and learning activities that make up CPD are conducted by social workers throughout their careers and not just early on. All registered social workers in England must undertake (and record) CPD.By carrying out routine CPD, social workers can keep up with a complex and ever-changing field of work. Whether it's the latest social work theory, ethics, or legislation developments, CPD helps social workers stay updated with their practice. In doing so, they provide better overall care to service users and deliver more favourable outcomes.What's more, engaging in CPD showcases accountability and robust ethical principles. Not only does it demonstrate to service users that you're committed to them and their progress, but it also reassures colleagues and society more broadly that professional growth is at the forefront of your mind as a social worker.Examples of CPDThere are many CPD opportunities out there for social workers, ranging in style and scope. They include:Self-directed learning and reflective practice. Social workers can read the latest materials and textbooks on social work theory or engage with any other kind of relevant educational materials, to learn in a self-directed manner. Structured courses and workshops. Alongside self-directed learning, you can also participate in a structured learning course or workshop. An example of this might be a dementia awareness course, for instance, or an LGBTQ+ awareness course. Peer learning. Social workers can engage with their peers in both formal and informal learning setups. This knowledge exchange strengthens social workers' practice and fosters greater bonds between colleagues and peers. Supervision. Supervision provides a structured environment for reflective practice, allowing social workers to constructively criticise (and be constructively criticised) other colleagues and thus foster a deeper understanding of their work and how it can be improved. Teaching and training. Delivering training sessions, lectures, or workshops to peers, students, or other professionals. This contributes not only to the CPD of the social worker but also to the professional development of others.Note: this list isn't exhaustive.Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)How Do You Record Your CPD?Social Work England lets you easily record and track your ongoing CPD through their online portal. You can find a link to it here.What are the CPD Requirements for Social Work England?To stay registered with Social Work England, at least two CPD entries are required annually.What Happens if You Don't Do CPD?You must carry out the requisite CPD each year to be able to renew your status as a Registered social worker with Social Work England. If you're not registered, you can't practise in England.Browse Our Social Work Roles Today!If you're after your next social work role, look no further – we've got you covered! Here at Sanctuary Personnel, we have a wide range of social work positions on offer just waiting for you to take a look at them. So, don't delay; get in touch today!
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Shifting Gears: The Urgent Need for Primary and Community Care Focus in England's Health System
For decades, the vision of a health and care system in England centred around primary and community services rather than hospitals has been echoed across successive governments. Yet, this goal remains elusive, with the system seemingly stubbornly anchored in hospital-based care. The King's Fund's recent report, "Making Care Closer to Home a Reality," illuminates the pressing necessity for a paradigm shift towards primary and community care to ensure the system's effectiveness and sustainability in the future.What's the Context?Despite the clear benefits of a community-focused approach – including potential cost savings, reduced hospital demand, and improved patient outcomes – the transition has been hampered by many challenges.Financial investments and workforce development have disproportionately favoured the acute hospital sector, overshadowing primary and community services. This discrepancy is rooted in a cycle of invisibility where the tangible impact of community care is more challenging to quantify, leading to its neglect in policy and strategy alignment.A Comprehensive Shift NeededThe report emphasises that a mere reallocation of services is not sufficient. A comprehensive shift in leadership focus, culture, and implementation strategies is essential. This entails redefining the purpose of the health and care system, ensuring that policies support the vision of community-based care, and addressing the financial architecture that currently undermines this focus.What Were the Key Findings?Key findings highlight the necessity for aligned policies and strategies prioritising primary and community care, alongside a long-term commitment to this vision. Leaders must advocate for differential funding growth, ensuring that investments are channelled into the sectors most in need. Furthermore, the workforce must be equipped to meet the population's complex health and care needs through integrated, holistic approaches, which require significant changes in training, pay, and workforce planning. The report argues against short-term financial savings as a primary motivation for the shift and warns against the pitfalls of partial implementation and unnecessary structural reorganisations. Instead, it calls for a total change in focus, underpinned by a consistent vision and dedicated investment.The Importance of ICBsIntegrated care boards (ICBs) are identified as potential catalysts for this transformation, with a focus on population health and the growth of primary and community health and care services.However, this requires devolving responsibility to local areas to address the unique needs of their communities effectively.Final Thoughts"Making Care Closer to Home a Reality" is a clarion call for a wholesale shift in England's health and care system. By embracing primary and community care as the cornerstone of health services, we can finally realise a vision that has been in the making for over three decades. The time for change is now, demanding concerted efforts from national leaders, policymakers, and the healthcare workforce to make care closer to home a tangible reality for all.View Our Healthcare Roles TodaySo, if you're after a healthcare role in the community, then here at Sanctuary Personnel, we can help. Check out our community nursing roles, today!
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What's New in Social Care and Healthcare this Week? (12/02/24)
There's plenty of healthcare and social care news to get stuck into this week, so let's get into it immediately!1. NHS Potentially Unprepared for Rollout of Two New Alzheimer's DrugsAlzheimer's patients in England may miss out on innovative treatments, lecanemab and donanemab, due to NHS unpreparedness, as reported by Alzheimer's Research UK to BBC Panorama. These drugs, which target the early stages of Alzheimer's by slowing its progression, are under review for UK licensing but require early diagnosis for effectiveness—a challenge given the limited use of specialist scans. Despite potential side effects, these treatments mark a significant shift towards addressing Alzheimer's causes rather than just symptoms. The NHS faces a critical assessment of the drugs' cost-effectiveness and readiness for widespread rollout, amidst concerns over the current diagnostic capabilities and the high costs involved.2. Further Junior Doctor Strikes PlannedJunior doctors in England will strike from February 24 to 28 amid a pay dispute with the government. Seeking a 35% increase, their demands have been rebuffed by ministers, leading to likely disruptions in routine hospital services. The government, asserting its willingness to negotiate further, discussed an additional 3% increase on top of this year's nearly 9% raise, yet talks broke down in December without an agreement. The British Medical Association (BMA) criticises the government's failure to present an improved offer, warning of the strike's pressure on the NHS. This action marks the 10th strike since March 2023, with over 1.2 million medical appointments cancelled due to NHS strikes since December 2022.3. Shortage of EPs Having Large Impact The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman has highlighted a critical shortage of educational psychologists (EPs) affecting councils' ability to support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). A case in Surrey revealed a nine-month delay for a girl awaiting additional learning support, with a backlog of about 1,000 assessments needing EP input. The council attributes the shortfall to a national lack of qualified psychologists, exacerbating delays in the educational, health, and care plan (EHCP) process. Surrey's EP staffing is at half the required level, despite a 64% increase in referrals since 2020. Efforts to train more EPs are underway, but the resolution demands significant national action.4. Labour Changes Social Care PlansLabour has revised its social care reform strategy, focusing on short-term improvements rather than comprehensive changes. Ahead of the upcoming general election, the party announced it would work towards a fair-pay agreement for carers to address recruitment and retention challenges within the sector. While the creation of a National Care Service will not be pursued in its initial term, Labour views this as a long-term goal, requiring at least a decade to implement fully. Christina McAnea emphasised the complexity of the care sector and Labour's commitment to fair wages for care workers across England, aiming to make care jobs more appealing and alleviate the current workforce shortage.5. New Wildlife-Based Men's Mental Health Programme Launching in Wiltshire Wiltshire Council, in collaboration with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, is launching a free wellbeing programme aimed at improving the mental health of men aged 20-59 through nature-based activities. Starting on February 19 in Salisbury and later expanding to Trowbridge and Chippenham, the 12-week initiative offers hiking, woodwork, bushcraft skills, stress management, and mindfulness techniques. Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling highlights the programme's goal to equip men with tools for better mental wellbeing, promoting engagement in enjoyable activities and outdoor benefits. Damian Haasjes of Wiltshire Wildlife Trust emphasises the positive effects of connecting with nature on mental health, viewing the programme as a crucial step towards early support for men facing mental health challenges.Browse Our Healthcare and Social Care Roles Now!If you're looking for a job in healthcare or social care, we can help. Contact Sanctuary Personnel today or browse one of our thousands of roles on offer to see what's right for you. However you want to get in touch, we can't wait to hear from you.
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