An update for members from Sam Clark – Chief Executive at Learning Disability England.
In the last week, I went to two of the Casey Commission’s evidence sessions to speak up for members.
This was unusual for Learning Disability England. Normally, members would take part themselves, but the Commission said only one person could attend.
The Rep Body Co-chairs and I agreed that I would go and represent all three voice groups.
It was good to see some members and partners there. People came from many different places – councils, housing associations, support providers, and membership groups for care workers, nurses and OTs.
We worked in small groups talking about case studies the Commission had collected.
Many Learning Disability England members will recognise these stories: a system that feels broken, where people are not listened to and do not have control.
Some stories showed serious service failures that many people with a learning disability will sadly find familiar.
But there were also positive stories, including a lovely example shared by Sense about someone building a good life with truly person-centred support.
The two sessions I joined focused on the experiences of support workers and the role of housing, but we talked about lots of other issues too.
I shared members’ priorities for Good Lives and the changes people want to see to make sure Social Care support helps people build a Good Life.
What I heard people tell the Commission
People said that to make social care work better, we need:
A rights-based approach to support, where “person-centred” really means putting the person at the centre. This includes making sure support workers have their rights respected too, with fair pay and good working conditions.
Stronger and better-enforced laws for social care, housing and employment.
A proper housing strategy that includes supported housing and long-term affordable homes. People should have a home that makes sense to them, not just a “placement.”
Commissioning that sets a shared vision and works with local people and organisations to create the support that is needed.
A better understanding of unmet need. Many people are not getting the support they need – or are choosing not to ask for it because of money worries or other reasons. This affects their lives, their families, and other services.
Ways of working that build trust and good relationships between people and organisations and join up different services around people.
People also talked a lot about changing the culture around social care and recognising its role in building good lives, connecting communities and people.
What Happens Next?
The Casey Commission is now checking what they have heard with people who draw on care. Learning Disability England will host a session with the Commission and some members on 9th December.
If you would like to find out more, please contact Rachael at rachael.hall@ldengland.org.uk
The Commission will publish its first report for the government in March next year.
You can share your ideas on their website.
If you share anything, you can also tell us at Learning Disability England so we can include it in our work on Good Support with the Commission and in our wider work on Social Care.
We can be a stronger louder voice together.