Shadow health secretary Andy Burnham has warned that our failing social care system is placing the NHS "on the brink". A&E statistics reflect the fact that social care is not being delivered he argues. This tends to support the Five Year Forward view.

http://www.theguardian.com/healthcare-network/2014/nov/28/andy-burnham-collapse-social-care-threatens-nhs

To find out about our range of disability and mental health awareness e-learning courses and packages, please follow this link: http://goo.gl/lHKd01

To find out about our range of disability and mental health awareness e-learning courses and packages, please follow this link: http://goo.gl/lHKd01

Carers UK and Embrace-learning have joined forces to provide you with all the information you need to know about the new Care Act:

A dedicated website: http://thecareact.co.uk and an e-learning course, The Care Act Unpacked. You can view a free demo here: http://thecareact.co.uk/the_course.php

With the introduction of personal care budgets, it is now possible for social businesses to flourish. The wasteful local authority-run community care systems - where for every £3 spent £1 was used for deciding what the other £2 should be spent - has run its course.

http://www.careindustrynews.co.uk/2014/11/social-businesses-can-be-a-catalyst-for-innovation-in-the-social-care-sector/

A look at four common misconceptions about mental health issues. Although there has been a general improvement in drama/soap opera portrayals of mental illness, there are still inappropriate messages being sent. Most recently on The X Factor.

http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2014/nov/26/myths-mental-health-problems-young-people

A report by Sir Stephen Bubbs into the serious shortcomings in support for those with learning difficulties has been published. It recommends a charter of rights, more community-based support, and the closure of inappropriate facilities.

Sir Stephen said: "We urge immediate action, to close all Winterbourne-style institutions and ramp up community provision."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-30195857