Throughout the pandemic, Apasen Opportunity Zone has been putting its best effort to engage learners by providing virtual, outreach and Day Care services. OZ has developed a detailed service-specific action plan to collectively and collaboratively work with local authority and families to ensure the best and quality services. Following the Government decisions on easing restrictions, OZ has started its outreach services for learners in and outside Tower Hamlets.
Day Care Services:
On 12th of April, the Day Care has resumed its services with 12 learners in two bubble system under the Government guidance by getting confirmation from CLDS, CCG and Public Health. In Bubble 1, Group of 6 learners are coming on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays whereas in Bubble 2 group of 6 learners have been attending on Thursdays and Fridays. Learners and families are so excited to join again in Day Care activities after a year. Specific plans for day care activities have been set out according to learners’ interest and choices following robust risk assessment.
Outreach Services: During the time of huge uncertainty, people with learning disabilities were getting bored and anxious since they have been staying at home for a long period of time. Despite the ongoing COVID-19 related challenges, OZ has been doing tremendous work with its clients providing different activities materials and virtual activities.
Currently, over 15 learners are receiving outreach services. The engagement plans have been implemented through different outreach activities such as going to the local park, playing football, having exercise in local playground/park to make them keep fit and active.
Online Session: Learners who stayed at home are also participating in the online sessions, such as Music, Gym, Employment and Makaton sessions through the group video calls and facetime.
Parents Meeting Virtual Zoom meeting: OZ arranged a virtual Zoom meeting with parents on 7th April 2021 to provide updated information about Day Care re-opening and Covid-19 guidance. Apasen OZ has conducted the session with specified information given to the parents, making them aware of the new Government and CLDs guidelines and answered all the questions they had.
Parents shared their thoughts and views about recent changes of Government guidelines in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. Parents have also expressed their appreciation about the way OZ has been supporting its learners right from the beginning of this pandemic.
Vaccination:
1st dose of COVID-19 vaccination jabs were given to 70 learners and 12 learners have been vaccinated with their 2nd dose. On the other hand, 38 OZ members of staff have been vaccinated with 1st dose whereas 26 completed with their 2nd dose.
Your Say Your Day:
Apasen learners joined a virtual meeting titled “Your Say Your Day” organised by Tower Hamlets Council on 31st March 2021. LBTH council members and other Day Care service users also joined the online event. Council officials received important feedback from learners about existing Day Care provisions as well as future changes of Day Care plan. Apasen learners spontaneously shared their thoughts and concerns about existing and future changes of Day Care services.
Welfare check:
OZ Key Workers are continuously making curtesy calls to families to obtain updated information as part of learners’ welfare check. Learners seem to be supportive in sharing necessary information with their key worker(s).