Although we are all experiencing difficulties when trying to shop for essential foods and groceries, give a little consideration to disabled people dependent on PAs and support workers for shopping. Most support packages only allow for around an hour to carry out a weekly shop. This is inadequate at the best of times. During the past few weeks the cruel inconsideration of shoppers vacuuming clean entire supermarket shelves has caused real suffering to disabled people, many of whom depend on specialist diets.
Fortunately, in the past couple of weeks most of the large supermarkets have set aside opening hours specifically aimed towards elderly and disabled people (or in their quaint terminology 'the vulnerable').
However, some supermarkets have turned away direct payment PAs trying to access the stores as essential workers. Last week I flagged this up to my line manager. I then suggested that a letter (a passport if you like) could be given to all PAs who shop for clients. A letter giving PAs essential worker status, explaining that the bearer of the letter is shopping on behalf of a disabled person.
I am pleased to say that Lambeth Council agreed to the proposal and has sent the 'passport' out to all DP users.
Fortunately, in the past couple of weeks most of the large supermarkets have set aside opening hours specifically aimed towards elderly and disabled people (or in their quaint terminology 'the vulnerable').
However, some supermarkets have turned away direct payment PAs trying to access the stores as essential workers. Last week I flagged this up to my line manager. I then suggested that a letter (a passport if you like) could be given to all PAs who shop for clients. A letter giving PAs essential worker status, explaining that the bearer of the letter is shopping on behalf of a disabled person.
I am pleased to say that Lambeth Council agreed to the proposal and has sent the 'passport' out to all DP users.
