WMCA Newsletter

June 2, 2026

Hi Anne

2 June 2026

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This week:-

Nominate Your Outstanding Activity Co‑ordinator for 2026
BBC Caring Matters Week – Catch Up On Demand
Empowering Residents with Android Accessibility Tools

📢 Nominate Your Outstanding Activity Co‑ordinator for 2026!

Nominations are now open for the Excellence in Care Awards 2026, and this week we’re shining a spotlight on the Activity Co‑ordinators who bring creativity, purpose and joy into residents’ daily lives.

For inspiration, watch the short video below featuring Holly Holroyd — last year’s winner of the Activity Co‑ordinator category from The Forbury Residential Home. In the video, Holly shares how excited she was to be nominated, even more thrilled to be shortlisted, and how she couldn’t believe it when her name was announced as the winner — and what the recognition has meant to her. She also shows how a needs‑led, varied and meaningful activity programme can transform residents’ daily experiences.

If you know an Activity Co‑ordinator who goes above and beyond to design engaging, uplifting activities, now is the perfect time to recognise them and nominate them for an award.

Nominate a colleague today through the WMCA Care Awards 2026 .

Let’s celebrate all those in adult social care who work to make care vibrant, personal and full of life.

BBC Caring Matters Week – Catch Up On Demand

The BBC recently dedicated a full week to exploring the world of care through "Caring Matters Week" — highlighting the experiences of people who give and receive care, from families and unpaid carers to professional care workers and those drawing on care services.

The week featured documentaries, interviews, special editions of well‑known programmes and powerful real‑life stories, all aimed at improving understanding of care and celebrating the people who make it happen every day.

Although the week has now ended, all content is still available to catch up:

BBC iPlayer – TV programmes and documentaries
BBC Sounds – radio stories, interviews and discussions
BBC Online – articles, clips and additional resources

Click below to explore the stories, insights and guidance shared throughout the week.

Caring Matters

📱 Empowering Residents with Android Accessibility Tools

Android devices include helpful accessibility features that support residents with sight, hearing, or mobility needs.

Key Features:

Select to Speak — Reads text aloud.
High‑Contrast Display — Makes screens easier to read.
Voice Access — Full voice‑controlled navigation.
Lookout — Describes surroundings using the camera.
Audio Descriptions — Adds spoken detail to TV and video.
Switch Access — Lets users control devices with external switches.

Most tools can be turned on in Accessibility settings. They work across Android phones, tablets, and TVs, helping residents use technology in the way that suits them best.

Learn more at Google’s Accessibility Guide or wmca.care/digital . Similar features exist on Windows and Mac.

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Need Help completing the DSPT?

West Midlands Care Association is your local Better Security Better Care support organisation, offering free online resources, workshops and one-to-one support to help CQC registered providers complete the DSPT.