Callaway Care and Support

06/07/2026

https://smartdirectory.careengland.org.uk/images/White-Papers/Preventing-Choking-Deaths-Among-People-with-Learning-Disabilities.pdf

I wanted to share something that I'm incredibly proud to have been part of.

Last week, I had the privilege of attending the launch event at the House of Commons for the official launch of the *Preventing Choking Deaths Among People with Learning Disabilities* Guidance and Toolkit.

It was wonderful to see so many people from across health and social care come together with one shared goal, improving safety for people with learning disabilities. The event was opened by Greg Stafford MP, and it was inspiring to meet so many like-minded professionals who are committed to making a real difference.

What began as an idea to address the lack of practical, consistent guidance has grown into a national resource. Developed through collaboration with providers, clinicians, sector leaders and health and social care professionals, the aim has always been simple, to help reduce avoidable choking deaths and improve safety.

One of the most moving parts of the event was hearing from two people with lived experience, who spoke openly about the risks of choking and why they believe this guidance will make a real difference to people's lives.

I'm delighted to share that the Guidance and Toolkit are now available on the Care England website.

📘 Guidance Document
https://smartdirectory.careengland.org.uk/images/White-Papers/Preventing-Choking-Deaths-Among-People-with-Learning-Disabilities.pdf

📂 Toolkit Navigation Guide
https://smartdirectory.careengland.org.uk/images/Choking/Toolkit-Navigation-Guide.pdf

🧰 Download the Full Toolkit
https://smartdirectory.careengland.org.uk/choking-toolkit-download

The Toolkit has been designed as a practical resource that organisations can use in a proportionate way, selecting the tools that are most appropriate for each person's needs and level of risk. It is there to support professional judgement and promote safer practice.

Choking deaths are often preventable. By recognising risks early, asking the right questions and putting the right safeguards in place, we can help save lives.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this important piece of work, everyone who attended the launch, Greg Stafford MP for opening the event, Tim Coolican, Head of Regulatory at Anthony Collins, for his support, and Anthony Collins for sponsoring the launch.

I hope these resources help providers, health professionals and families continue improving safety for people with learning disabilities.

Please feel free to share this post so these resources can reach as many people as possible.

20/02/2026

We are pleased to share our latest article published in Complex Care Management Magazine, exploring a growing tension in adult social care, when sponsorship rules collide with the operational reality of delivering safe, consistent care.

For many providers, international recruitment has not been a shortcut. It has been a lifeline. Yet recent changes to sponsorship thresholds and immigration policy are creating unintended consequences for a sector already managing workforce shortages, rising costs and increasing complexity of need.

In this piece, we reflect on what happens when national policy decisions don't fully account for the lived reality of regulated care services. We consider the impact on providers, on the workforce, and most importantly, on the people who rely on stable, skilled support every day.

If you work in social care, commissioning, workforce planning or policy, we would genuinely value your thoughts.

You can read the full article here:

When sponsorship rules collide with care reality Feb 19 Written By Dirk Kind Donna Thompson, managing director of Callaway Care and Support, explores how employment sponsorship, workforce stability, and immigration policy are impacting the complex care sectorSee the full article on Complex Care Mana...

15/01/2026

Meet the residents at Rowland House.

The residents of Rowland House would like to introduce themselves.