My brother has severe autism. He is currently considered to be in "crisis" due to his mental well-being deteriorating due to the affects of the lock down. He is non verbal, meaning he cannot communicate using his words. Therefore, during times of increased anxiety, he resorts to physical gestures towards others and most occasionally, self harm. 

In a document released by the NPCC (National Police Chief's Council), examples have been given which are considered "reasonable examples" in which Regulation 6 of The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) do not apply and these people do not need to adhere to the lockdown rules. These examples apply to those who may be suffering from domestic violence, family breakdowns or to those with learning disabilities. 

An example of this is that you are allowed to move to a friends house of multiple occupants, to allow a "cooling off" period following difficulties at home. 

The carers, who have sacraficed so much to care for these residents with autism, have been pleaing with those who sit in head office, to start looking at situations involving individual residents. They are tired. They are overworked and are getting minimum wage. After many arguments, the head offices (in particular The Active Care Group) are refusing to look at anybodies individual struggles. Instead using the blanket rule of no. 

It is shocking to think that even after being told by multiple staff members, carers and also being provided evidence that a particular resident is a harm to themselves and others, they are refusing to make acceptions, which therefore, I feel, is breaking safeguarding as this is deliberately putting somebody under increased stress, anxiety and harm. 

WE MUST BRING LIGHT TO THE LACK OF CARE BEING PROVIDED IN OUR CARE HOMES BY THOSE IN HEAD OFFICE. These are the people who sit behind a desk and do not spend one second with these residents. 

When trying to contact the Operations Director, we are greeted by her assistant who says she is unavailable because "she doesn't have a phone." Surely an Operations Director with no phone, no way of being contacted, is a concern. 

THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED.