Social Return's approach to managing the risks and challenges for clients, staff and their families during the COVID-19 outbreak

We would like to update you from the team here at Social Return in light of the COVID-19 outbreak in the UK, the government and NHS guidance for us all and the additional need to protect those particularly vulnerable.

In relation to our clients we have undertaken risk assessments on an individual basis, including seeking information on the policies and procedures from the individuals and services working with each of our clients. We are mindful of the need for support for some of our clients and families to respond to and cope with the current situation, particularly as it develops and the advice is updated. In terms of client visits, we are evaluating on a case by case basis if there is a need for essential contact in a physical form, inevitably there is often more than one way to achieve the outcome required. This is resulting in less face to face visits, but more in the way of remote contact by text, phone and video calls. 

Our approach ensures the highest level of safety for our clients, staff and their families and we have the flexibility from skilled experienced individuals to cover any time of sickness or isolation within the team. This ensures that there will be no pause or misstep for clients. We are also able to take on new referrals at this challenging time and work creatively to assess and support clients and families.

The Social Return team are working from home - our case managers often do some home working and so we are well set up for this. Timing-wise we were very ready for this in every way, not because we had a crystal ball but because we have been gearing up for expansion over a wider geographical area. We use a range of platforms and resources to ensure we can access tools integral to our way of working, we have a remote system of staff support, supervision, shared information and a bit of virtual office-fun to ensure the team continue to enjoy the challenges their jobs bring and that they feel enabled, supported and part of something.

I hope the information here is reassuring and as positive as it can be under the unusual circumstances we find ourselves in as a nation, indeed as a world. I thought I would share with you something that was said in an internal meeting here earlier this week - a team member said, "What we do is to work in many unique challenging situations, supporting people through difficult times and balancing their needs - and this is exactly that." 

Do please keep in contact with us, all our contact details remain the same and you should expect the same swift responses and creative thinking that you are used to from us. If you have any particular concerns do let us know and don't hesitate to call me personally if I can be of any assistance.

With kind wishes and healthy thoughts.
​

Vicki Gilman
Managing Director
​Social Reurn Case Management