Tigh a’Chomainn is deeply disappointed with the recent decision by the UK Government to exclude social care workers from the proposed new fast-track Health and Care visa. We believe the decision will significantly weaken the leading role that the UK has had in providing life changing possibilities to individuals with disabilities and complex support needs.
Camphill was founded over 80 years ago by refugees and migrants. Our organisation has gone on to lead a revolution in social care. The last four months have shown the real value of our international Communities. Our chair of trustees Alison Thomson has made the following statement:
“The international volunteers that support our Camphill Community and many others across the UK provide a unique and very valuable support network to the vulnerable adults that we support. Over the last few months they have shown their true colours through their dedication and commitment to our Community. Despite pressures to return home they remained in the country and have played a key part in ensuring the good health and wellbeing of everyone at Tigh a’Chomainn Camphill.
Their efficacy speaks for itself – to date we have had no cases of Covid-19, and our care metrics indicate that despite the immense uncertainty people supported by Tigh a’Chomainn Camphill remained well and in good spirits. Good care must include health and social care. We call on the government at Westminster to reverse its decision and include all health and care workers in the health care visa scheme.”
Tigh a’Chomainn Camphill supports the statement made by Camphill Scotland regarding this matter.
Emma Walker, Director, Camphill Scotland said:
“This is a devastating blow to the care sector and the people who depend upon it most. The points-based immigration system places Camphill communities and care providers across the UK in a vulnerable position. Many questions remain unanswered but one thing is certain, and that’s the detrimental impact this decision will have on care provision.
For Camphill communities and other organisations who have international voluntarism embedded into their working practice, it’s a double-whammy. Cost of care will increase and the connections between our international volunteers and those that they work with will be lost.
Despite statements to the contrary, it is clear that the incredible commitment and work shown by our carers during the coronavirus pandemic has gone unnoticed by those who have made this decision. Clapping for carers each week is deeply insulting if the next act of government is to announce the curtain call.”
Emma Walker, director, Camphill Scotland
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For further background on the response by TaC to the Corona virus pandemic please see: