Ending the care crisis – March 6th is your chance to be heard

We all know that times are tough. We know that the economy is in trouble. We know that many people are finding it harder to make ends meet. And if you’re reading this blog, then you probably also know that if you are disabled then times are even tougher, and the future even more worrying, due to spending cuts, sweeping welfare reforms and a social care system that is near breakdown.

What you may not know is what you can do about it.

Hopefully this blog will change that. On Tuesday March 6th, the Care and Support Alliance – of which we are one member – is hosting a lobby inWestminsterdesigned to make politicians listen to the voices of disabled people and their supporters and to act to end the care crisis. Even if you can’t be there in person, there are other ways you can support the campaign – writing to your MP, or encouraging friends to be there on the day – so that you can feel you are taking positive action.

To register to come along, or to find out more, please visit here.

We know that the Government is due to announce their plans to reform social care in April 2012. It is really important that we make sure MPs and ministers act now to reform our social care system ensuring a fair and sustainable care system which delivers dignity, independence and peace of mind for older and disabled people and their families. Failure to act will lead to more of the cuts, neglect and abuse in social care, at great cost to our economy, public services and society.

We need a social care system which:

- is fairly and suitably funded;

- offers high quality care;

- delivers dignity, independence and choice

- supports and offers peace of mind for disabled and older people.

If you agree, this is your chance to be heard.

Jaime Gill, head of press and public affairs