Health, Fitness & Training
Using technology to train staff in empathy...
Alive, a charity dedicated to improving the quality of life of older people, has always used technology in innovative ways to push the boundaries of care.
Alive has recently developed The Empathy Suit Experience, which offers participants the opportunity to try to understand life with dementia and age-related physical impairments. The suit is made up of 13 components which work to inhibit mobility, motor skills, vision and hearing – giving the wearer a unique sense of how it may feel to be an older person living with dementia – literally ‘putting them in the shoes,’ of the people they support.
Alive has collaborated with care homes, charities, and various organisations and individuals to provide a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by those living with dementia.
With the Alzheimer’s Society they recorded a video featuring three England male football players, which has been shared across their social media platforms, reaching hundreds of thousands of people.
Isobel Jones, Alive CEO remarked, “The dementia empathy suit truly helps people gain a genuine experience of dementia and understand how daily activities can be impacted. It was eye-opening to watch the England team members struggle with everyday tasks. They began to grasp the isolation and frustration that people living with dementia might feel, and they expressed a commitment to being more
patient and understanding. We really enjoy training care staff, as they truly get to feel what it can be like and adjust their activity and care routines as a result. It’s quite an emotional experience.
Care staff have commented that this type of training should be mandatory as it gives such an insight.”
Alive has been delivering a range of training courses for over 15 years, by staff who have over 30 years of hands on experience in the care industry. As well as the empathy suit, courses cover topics such as communication, engagement and activity, horticultural therapy. These have been delivered on line and all over the UK.
Alive Activities has embraced a vision and mission to improve the lives of older people since the charity was founded 15 years ago.
As well as continuing to support the care home sector, Alive has expanded into the community too, so has a deep understanding of the care at home and care home experience delivering support groups and horticultural gardens in hospitals, care homes and community settings.
“Alive strives to engage older people living in care, train carers, connect care homes to their wider community, and work with older people still living at home to combat social isolation. Alive stand up for the rights of older people and try to give a voice to those who may otherwise not be heard. We are passionate about ensuring older people, wherever they are, and whatever they needs are, get the right level of support tailored to them”.
If you would like to book a training course, or find out more about our work, please contact us on:
Caring for People with Dementia: A Compassionate and Practical Guide
Dementia is a collective term used to describe various neurological conditions that cause cognitive decline, memory loss, and changes in behaviour and personality. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, but there are several others, including vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. As the global population ages, caring for individuals with dementia has become increasingly important, requiring patience, understanding, and practical strategies to ensure their well-being and dignity.
Understanding Dementia
Before delving into caregiving tips, it is vital to understand what dementia entails. It affects the brain’s ability to function normally, impairing memory, reasoning, language, and perception. The progression of dementia varies between individuals but generally involves stages from mild cognitive impairment to severe decline where individuals may lose the ability to communicate or perform basic daily activities.
Creating a Supportive Environment
A safe, calm, and familiar environment is essential for individuals with dementia. Minimise clutter and hazards that could cause falls or injuries. Bright lighting, clear signage, and familiar objects can help orient and comfort the person. Establishing routines provides predictability, reducing confusion and anxiety. Keep in mind that sudden changes or noisy environments can be distressing.
Communication Strategies
Communication can become challenging as dementia progresses. Use simple, clear language, and maintain eye contact. Nonverbal cues like gestures, facial expressions, and touch are powerful tools for conveying reassurance and understanding. Patience is key—allow extra time for responses and avoid correcting or arguing if misunderstandings occur. Validation therapy, which empathises with the person’s feelings, helps foster emotional connection.
Personal Care and Daily Activities
Assisting with personal hygiene, dressing, and nutrition requires sensitivity. Respect the individual’s dignity, and involve them in decisions as much as possible. Use distraction techniques if they resist care. For example, listen to their preferences and routines, and adapt activities to their abilities. In later stages, caregivers may need to assist with feeding, toileting, and mobility, always aiming to prevent discomfort or injury.
Managing Difficult Behaviours
Behavioural changes such as agitation, aggression, wandering, or repetitive actions can be challenging. These behaviours often stem from fear, frustration, or unmet needs. Identifying triggers—like hunger, pain, or environmental stress—can help in managing them. Strategies include calming techniques, maintaining routines, and ensuring safety measures like alarms or door locks if wandering is a concern. When behaviours escalate, seeking guidance from healthcare professionals is crucial.
Promoting Physical and Mental Well-being
Physical activity, tailored to the individual’s ability, can improve mood and mobility. Activities like walking, stretching, or gardening should be incorporated into daily routines. Mental stimulation through music, art, or reminiscing can also enhance quality of life. Ensuring proper nutrition, hydration, and sleep supports overall health and resilience.
Caregiver Support and Self-Care
Caring for someone with dementia can be emotionally and physically demanding. Caregivers often experience stress, fatigue, and grief. It’s important to seek support from friends, family, or caregiver groups. Respite care services provide temporary relief, allowing caregivers to rest and recharge. Taking care of one’s own mental and physical health is essential to provide the best care possible.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
As dementia progresses, decision-making capacity diminishes. Planning ahead documents like advance directives, attorney, and healthcare proxies Respect the person’s preferences and involve them in decisions about as long as they are able.
When to Seek Professional Help
Regular medical check-ups are monitor disease progression and associated health issues. Healthcare professionals can provide medications may slow symptoms or address challenges. Additionally, occupational therapists, social workers, and organisations can offer valuable guidance.
Caring for someone with dementia compassionate journey marked adaptability, and respect. Creating supportive environment, communicating effectively, maintaining routines, support are vital components of Remember that preserving the and fostering emotional connection significantly improve their quality understanding and appropriate caregivers can meet the challenges dementia with confidence and their loved ones feel safe, valued, throughout their journey.
Considerations decision-making ahead with legal directives, powers of proxies is important. preferences and rights, about their care
Help necessary to and manage Healthcare medications that address behavioural occupational support valuable resources and dementia is a marked by patience, Creating a communicating routines, and seeking of quality care. person’s dignity connection can quality of life. With appropriate strategies, challenges of love, ensuring valued, and honored
Medical Solutions
The QA4 Mobile Surgery System –it’s transformative effect
A growing number of clients, based within main operating departments, are beginning to experience the transformative effect that adopting the QA4 Mobile Surgery System into practice can bring.
More traditionally found within a day surgery or minor ops setting, the surgically versatile QA4 is now finding a new home within main theatres and the benefits for those sites is becoming self-evident.
Combining both patient transport and operating platform all but removes the need to transfer the patient – reducing the risk for both patient and staff alike – whilst reducing time before, during and after a procedure with the end result being an increase in theatre throughput.
With its powered functions – platform height, backrest, Trendelenburg & reverse Trendelenburg, traversing platform and lateral tilt – it offers a further reduction in manual handling, whilst offering superb surgical versatility. This innovative, intuitive and state-of-the-art system is suitable for a huge range of surgical specialisms: from gynaecology to vascular, from ENT to orthopaedic surgery...and a whole lot more.
The QA4 also offers the additional benefit of negating the need for multiple device type purchases – transport stretcher – operating table – bed - recliner chair – bringing about a reduction in equipping needs, logistics, training, procurement and maintenance costs.
We know that manual handling poses an inherent risk to patients and practitioners – which is why the QA4 allows patients to get onto the platform themselves, ready to be wheeled through the anaesthetic room, to the operating theatre and then onto recovery.
If you’re searching for the perfect solution for mainstream theatre and for day surgery, then look no further than the QA4 Mobile Surgery System.
Transport, Treatment, Recovery – the one-device solution.
Thinking about complete peace of mind, versatility and patient comfort? Then Think Anetic.
Innovative medical technology – practically applied.
Snow and ice in winter can be a nightmare. They make people stay indoors or drive slowly, making our lives difficult and our journeys longer. EcoGrit Snow and Ice Melt is a safe, eco-friendly and powerful ice melt solution designed to melt ice faster than rock salt without the harmful effects of Rock Salt or Urea. It is non-corrosive and non-toxic, making it an excellent option for children and pets.
The formula does not leave behind any messy residue or cause any damage to surfaces. It contains biodegradable natural ingredients that don’t harm the environment or cause long-term damage. EcoGrit is easy to apply with no fuss, making it perfect for home and business use. The product’s powerful nature makes it a reliable and convenient alternative to salt, making it an ideal choice for everyone concerned about the environment.
EcoGrit is an all-natural snow and ice melt made from food industry by-products. This rock salt alternative is a safe and non-toxic deicer. It’s also pet, child, and plant friendly and environmentally friendly.
EcoGrit melts snow and ice quickly and can last up to a week for long-lasting protection. The rock salt alternative is easy to apply, making it the perfect solution for sidewalks and driveways. You can even use it to prevent ice build-up on walkways in the winter months.
With EcoGrit, you won’t have to worry about harming your environment or health while keeping your walkway protected from the elements. You can walk safely without shovelling snow or using toxic chemicals.
The Safe Alternative To Rock Salt
• EcoGrit Ice Melt
• Safe for Children, Pets & Horses on any surface
• Non-Toxic Light-Weight Easy Application
• Protects from Snow and Ice for up to a week
• 80% less corrosive than rock salt
• Environmentally friendly (all natural ingredients, contains no urea)
• Concentrated so less product is needed
• Available in easy to carry buckets (5kg) with a scoop or 1.2kg shakers
• Also available in covered tonne bags to store outside
• No handling or storage restrictions
• Can be distributed using traditional gritting methods or can be mixed with water to create a safe sprayable deicer
Learning For All
Focusing on Special Education for Adults & Children
Care Home Essentials
Focusing On All Care Home Needs
School Open Days
Upcoming Open Days & Events
Training & Courses
Courses & Training For Education & Healthcare
Healthcare Technology
Technology Designed for Healthcare
Medical Equipment
Products Designed to Make Healthcare Easier
How digital identity will empower people and drive economic growth
By David Crack, Association of Digital Verification Professionals
The government has finally plotted out the future of digital identity in the UK in a way that makes sense for private sector, public sector, and citizens. Now let’s make it happen.
The government announcement on 14th May about how it sees the future of the digital identity market operating means the uncertainty of the last few months is over.
Investors had stopped investing and several identity service providers (IDSPs) have had to put their plans on hold waiting for this day. Those barriers have now been lifted.
IDSPs are working though what the government wallet means for them and the disruptive change it will bring to the market. Business cases are being re-examined.
The good news is that the 14 May meeting promises to mark a welcome shift in government and identity industry relations. There is understanding and recognition that the secretary of state’s decision to press ahead with announcing the Gov.uk Wallet in January was a bold and reasonable one to make with the information he had available.
There is also understanding and recognition by the secretary of state, Peter Kyle, of the unintended consequence of that decision on industry.
Learning from experience
Identity is like time – it seems simple until you realise it’s all relative. It’s that complexity that government and industry now need to wrestle with together. The consensus is that both sides can learn from the experience and build forward together with more certainty.
Let’s take a moment to consider the future this new partnership can unlock. The government’s digital wallet and credentials can be likened to the role of the Bank of England in the financial system – it acts as the identity provider of last resort.
Relying parties, such as retailers, can’t directly access what’s inside someone’s wallet - instead, they must go through a registered digital verification service (DVS). Think of these organisations as the retail banks of the identity ecosystem, with the Office for Digital Identity and Attributes (OfDIA) playing a role similar to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Of course, unlike the Bank of England or the FCA, neither the government wallet nor OfDIA are independent – but perhaps that’s a question for the next generation to solve.
The point is this: the banking system offers a useful role model for how the identity and personal data market could evolve – where a person’s data, like their money, is something they own, store securely, and choose to share through trusted intermediaries.
And here’s the other exciting thing about that analogy. The UK is the global powerhouse in financial and regulatory technology (fintech and regtech) – streets ahead of what’s brewing in Silicon Valley. We sometimes forget that. This is not just hype - it’s rooted in the real-world muscle of London, still the financial capital of the world. It’s this deep, practical, and highly specialised expertise – built in the crucible of high-trust, high-stakes finance – that’s now being unlocked for something new: a sovereign identity and personal data market.
Data economy
While the big tech giants have the global reach to roll out platforms at scale, it’s the UK that holds the keys to making the data economy actually work – in a way that fits with western democratic values. Not big tech surveillance. Not top-down state control. But something more balanced. More human. More trusted.
That’s the real prize this new government partnership holds – not just for the digital identity sector, but for the future of the UK economy. A chance to lead the world once again –this time, in building the data layer of democracy.
Now comes the hard part. For the past two decades, working in digital identity in the UK was often a lonely road – misunderstood, underfunded, and sometimes even ridiculed. Yet a small group of pioneers kept the flag flying, laying the groundwork that has now led to the creation of OfDIA – a regulatory framework that finally unlocks the innovative potential of the private sector.
With the starting gun fired, identity is now going mainstream. A new wave of ideas – powered by trusted digital credentials – is about to flood the market. But identity alone won’t be enough to survive, let alone thrive. What matters now is value.
Take banking. Customer-owned personal data stores –shared voluntarily, under their control – are a far richer source of information than anything a credit reference agency can offer. If banks became certified under the Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework (DIATF) and the government added a domestic PEP (politically exposed persons) flag to the wallet, they could cut compliance costs by millions.
The same goes for major recruiters, NHS trusts, and universities. With DBS certificates, HM Revenue& Customs data, qualifications, and right-to-work credentials in the wallet, time-to-hire and onboarding costs could be dramatically reduced – if these institutions become DVS certified.
Ambitious goals
This isn’t evolution. It’s disruption. Supply chains will shift. Whole new categories of value-added identity services will emerge. Startups will rush in. Competition will intensify. And current identity providers? They’ll need to level up – fast –or risk being left behind.
Meanwhile, in the short term, the tasks ahead are a bit messy and incomplete – but necessary.
First, the government has set an ambitious goal - to introduce the public to digital ID through age verification for alcohol sales by Christmas. It’s a bold target, and one we should support – but with less than six months to go, it’s a tall order. Proof of concepts will be ready, but full-scale rollout? Unlikely. Still, the urgency is welcome.
Even if we miss the mark, it pushes the whole system forward and identity providers will have to forge new collaborations and ways of working they have not had to consider before.
More importantly, this initiative can serve a greater purpose – unlocking regulatory resistance to digital identity across the wider economy.
Right now, regulators aren’t aligned, and until they are, in-house compliance teams have no choice but to block innovation. But once the rules change, the brakes come off. Compliance professionals can become allies of change, working with technologists to enable business, not hold it back.
And when that alignment happens – regulators, compliance, and tech all pulling in the same direction – the stage is set for the real magic. For the entrepreneurs, the builders, the investors - with government setting the guardrails and the market delivering the innovation - the future won’t just be an upgrade, it’ll be a transformation.
Communication, education, and outreach programmes can transform every community – even those post-industrial regions that have been left behind. There should be no reason why people have to leave their hometowns to seek work and opportunity. We can find new and diverse ways of working once we know who we all are.
Watershed moment
In conclusion, 14 May could well be remembered as a watershed moment – not just for government and the identity industry, but for the future of the UK economy. And that’s before we even begin to explore the power of person-centric, controlled artificial intelligence (AI) – AI that serves individual creators, not big tech monopolies.
So, hats off to Peter Kyle for his bold decisions and refreshing honesty. This is a moment that demands goodwill and open collaboration. Government and industry must move as one –the stakes are too high for division. This isn’t just about digital identity. It’s about sovereignty. It’s about dignity and rebuilding trust in an age of data.
If we get this right in the UK, we won’t just be rebuilding the country and creating economic growth. We’ll empower people. We’ll unlock opportunity. And we’ll show the world how democracy can evolve – and thrive – in the digital era.
The game is now well and truly on. And everything’s to play for. Let’s rise to meet it.
David Crack is chair of the Association of Digital Verification Professionals, a trade body representing companies involved in the electronic validation of documents and digital identities.
Fostering & Adoption
The Benefits of Fostering a Child in the UK
Fostering is a compassionate and impactful way to support vulnerable children by providing them with a safe, stable, and nurturing environment. In the UK, fostering plays a crucial role in child welfare services by offering children an alternative to institutional care and enabling them to thrive in family settings. The benefits of fostering extend beyond the individual child to foster families, communities, and society as a whole. There are many advantages to fostering a child.
Providing a Stable and Nurturing Environment
One of the primary benefits of fostering is offering children a safe and stable home. Many children in the UK come from backgrounds of abuse, neglect, or family breakdown, which can severely impact their emotional and physical well-being. Foster homes provide a consistent routine and emotional support, essential for healing and development. Foster carers can create a nurturing environment where children feel valued, loved, and secure—building the foundation for healthy growth and future relationships.
Supporting Child Development and Well-Being
Fostering enables children to develop emotionally, socially, and academically. Foster carers often become significant positive influences in children’s lives, helping them rebuild selfesteem and resilience. Through tailored care, foster families can address individual needs—whether a child’s special educational requirements or emotional support—facilitating overall well-being. For many children, the stability and care provided by fostering dramatically improve their mental health and future prospects.
Offering Opportunities for Positive Relationships
Foster care introduces children to positive relationships and healthy familial dynamics. Foster carers serve as role models and provide a template for trust, communication, and empathy. These relationships can have lasting impacts, especially for children who have experienced trauma or loss. Moreover, fostering promotes a sense of belonging and acceptance, which is vital for a child’s social development.
Making a Significant Difference in a Child’s Life
Fostering is a profoundly selfless act with tangible benefits that can transform children’s lives. Foster carers have the opportunity to become mentors and stable parental figures, helping children overcome past adversities. Many children benefit from the individualised attention and care that foster families provide, which institutional settings often lack. The positive influence of fostering extends into young adulthood, equipping children with the confidence and skills to lead successful lives.
Enhancing Community and Society
Fostering contributes to the well-being of local communities by creating a more compassionate and inclusive environment. Foster families often become integral parts of their communities, fostering social cohesion and mutual support. Additionally, fostering can reduce the long-term societal costs associated with institutional care, such as healthcare, education, and social services. By investing in foster care, society promotes a more supportive network that benefits everyone.
Personal Growth and Fulfillment for Foster Carers
Fostering is not only beneficial for children but also for the foster carers themselves. Many carers report a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and personal growth through their involvement in fostering. Opening their homes and hearts to children in need can build empathy, patience, and resilience. Foster care can also strengthen family bonds and provide a meaningful way to contribute to the community.
Promoting Inclusion and Diversity
The UK is a diverse society, and fostering reflects this diversity by welcoming children from various cultural, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Foster families often learn about different traditions and customs, promoting understanding and acceptance. Fostering helps build a more inclusive society by embracing cultural differences and ensuring all children feel valued and respected.
Building Future Resilience and Independence
Fostering aims to prepare children for independent living once they reach adulthood. Foster carers often work closely with support services to equip children with life skills, educational guidance, and emotional resilience. This preparation increases the likelihood that young adults will succeed in their personal and professional lives, breaking cycles of disadvantage.
Fostering a child in the UK offers numerous benefits that ripple across individual, family, community, and societal levels. It provides vulnerable children with the stability and support necessary for healthy development, while fostering personal growth in caregivers. The act of fostering embodies compassion and social responsibility, contributing to a more inclusive and caring society. As communities continue to embrace fostering, it enhances the collective well-being and ensures that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
How to Adopt a Child in the UK
Adopting a child is a deeply meaningful decision that transforms the lives of both the child and the adoptive family. In the UK, adoption is a regulated process designed to prioritise the child’s welfare while ensuring that prospective parents are suitable and fully prepared for the responsibilities ahead. Outlined below are some of the key steps involved in adopting a child in the UK, the eligibility criteria, the assessment process, and the support available to adoptive families.
Understanding Adoption in the UK
Adoption in the UK is a legal process that transfers parental rights and responsibilities from birth parents or guardians to the adoptive parents. It is a lifelong commitment that aims to provide a stable, loving, and permanent family environment for children who cannot live with their birth families. The process is managed by local authorities, adoption agencies, and independent practitioners, with oversight from the Department for Education.
Eligibility Criteria
Before beginning the adoption journey, prospective parents must meet certain eligibility criteria. Generally, individuals or couples aged 21 or over are eligible to adopt. There are no upper age limits, but applicants must demonstrate their ability to meet a child’s needs, including emotional and physical care. Marital status, sexual orientation, and gender do not disqualify applicants; the primary concern is suitability and stability.
Applicants must also pass background checks, including criminal record checks through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). A history of domestic violence, neglect, or abuse may impact eligibility. Moreover, prospective parents should possess the motivation, commitment, and resilience necessary to handle the challenges of adoption.
The Adoption Process
Initial Enquiry and Application
Prospective adopters typically start by making an initial enquiry to their local authority or an independent adoption agency. This step involves gathering information about the process and requirements. If they decide to proceed, they complete a thorough application form that collects details about their personal, family, health, and financial background.
Information Sessions and Preparation
After submitting the application, applicants are invited to attend information sessions or an “adoption preparation course.” These sessions help prospective parents understand the realities of adoption, including emotional, behavioural, and developmental aspects of adopted children.
Homestudy Assessment
The core of the adoption process is the homestudy—a comprehensive assessment of the applicant’s suitability. Conducted by a trained social worker, this involves interviews, home visits, references, health checks, and background checks. The social worker evaluates the applicants’ motivations, parenting capacity, and overall readiness.
Approval and Matching
Once the home study is approved by a panel of independent experts, applicants are entered into a national matching system. They are then introduced to children needing homes, based on compatibility and the child’s needs. Matches are carefully considered, and adoptive parents are supported throughout the decision-making process.
Legal Process and Placement
When a suitable match is found, placement begins. The child lives with the adoptive family under a placement agreement while the local authority prepares a legal application for adoption. The court then conducts a final hearing to grant an Adoption Order, legally transferring parental rights to the adoptive parents.
Post-Adoption Support
Adoption is a lifelong journey, and ongoing support is vital. Post-placement support includes counseling, support groups, and access to specialised services to help families navigate challenges. Local authorities are required to provide postadoption services to ensure the well-being of both the child and the family.
Adopting a child in the UK is a thorough process that emphasises the child’s best interests and the suitability of prospective parents. Although it involves rigorous assessments and legal procedures, the reward of providing a loving and secure home to a child in need makes it a profoundly meaningful endeavor. For those considering adoption, patience, commitment, and a willingness to learn are essential. With the right preparation and support, adoptive families can create lifelong bonds and make a positive difference in a child’s life.
