On June 12th a group of organisations based in West Sussex hosted a Care & Support Summit to explore new ways for people to get good lives.

Chaired by Dame Philippa Russell, the keynote speaker, Ralph Broad, shared approaches which puts people at the front end of service design and delivery and results in really good outcomes, which include the elephant in the room – cost savings. The asset based community development and local area co-ordination approaches offer a real alternative to a race to the bottom – this morning on Radio 4 we heard concerns about domicilary care & the dreaded 15 minute support window.

Research by Dr Farhang Tahzib showed the link between loneliness, poor health & huge costs

It’s time to do things differently. For more information on local area co-ordination see http://inclusiveneighbourhoods.co.uk/

Who’s ready for a big conversation?

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Massive economic benefits of social care

June 10, 2013

An indepth, independent study by Deloitte highlights for every £1 spent on services like support in the community, housing & communication, benefits worth an average of £1.30 are accrued to carers & local/central government. Experts analysed 4 distinct services used by disabled people who need a lower level of care, which is often just a ...

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From the British Welfare State to another American State

June 9, 2013

The on-going welfare reforms have created an atmosphere of fear and despair within the British disabled community, that includes sufferers of chronic ill health and those with mental health difficulties.

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Guardian Obituary to Carl Poll

June 8, 2013

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The hidden agenda – a research summary by Mo Stewart

June 8, 2013

The hidden agenda a research summary by Mo Stewart The Work Capability Assessment (WCA) is exclusively conducted on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) by the corporate giant Atos Origin IT Ltd Medical Services, better known as Atos Healthcare. This ‘non-medical assessment’ was introduced in 2008 by the Labour government, and was ...

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A mother’s story

June 5, 2013

What is it like to be in a position where you need support from the state? A mother tells us of her daughter’s experience. About 2 years ago I was contacted by letter to say that 2 people were coming round to our home to inverview us regarding my daughter receiving DLA.  This turned out to ...

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Parent challenges Work Capacity Assessment – please sign the 38 degrees petition

May 30, 2013

Following the judges decision that the present Work Capability Assessment substantially disadvantages people who have mental health problems, autism and learning disabilities I have started a petition at 38 degrees.org calling upon the Department of Work and Pensions  to scrap the assessment until it has been revised and made fit for purpose. The petition can ...

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In Memory of Carl Poll – one of the founder members of the Campaign for a Fair Society

May 27, 2013

Sadly Carl Poll died on 23rd May 2013. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Carl’s life was a life spent relentlessly in the pursuit of human rights and social justice. After a lifetime of activism one of his final achievements was his input into the Campaign for a Fair Society. Carl ...

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2 words: showing Britain cares

May 20, 2013

Showing support for social care. See http://www.britaincares.co.uk/

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