We posted last month about the consultation over the government’s Shaping the Future of Care Together Green Paper.

Royal Mencap are holding an event in Manchester on Thursday 17th September 2009 between 10.30 AM and 1 PM where you can give your views on the plans. The event will be held at Wythenshawe Forum (see map). Light refreshments will be provided.

The event is your chance to air your views on the report and hear how it may impact on you as someone with a learning disability or as a carer for someone with a learning disability.

Royal Mencap state about the green paper:

The government recognises that there is a real case for change. The demand on care and support is rising across all user groups, including people with a learning disability. People are living longer and have higher expectations on public services.

The green paper recognises the valuable contribution and the role of carers in the care and support system. It also highlights the debate around national consistency and local flexibility.

The paper doesn’t, however address the need for additional learning disability funding. The Learning Disability Coalition, of which Mencap is a member, recently submitted evidence to the Treasury that learning disability services are under-funded by £200 million per year. Over 200 MP’s have signed an Early Day Motion (EDM) to plug this funding gap.

Mencap Chief Executive Mark Goldring said: “It is highly disappointing that the government has failed to provide clearer guidance on how it will provide better services for a growing population of people with a learning disability. Many people with a learning disability are not getting the support they need and better assessment and portability are not enough without the money to respond to people’s needs”.

The event will have discussions on six key areas that are highlighted by the report:

• National Assessment
• Prevention Services
• Personalised Care and Support
• Information and Advice
• Fair Funding
• Joined Up Services

We hope you can make it across to Manchester, if you’re going to attend you need to book by emailing liz.smedley@mencap.org.uk – and also let us know if you’re going by contacting us.

Download the flyer for the event.

Tags: care report, government green paper, manchester care report event, royal mencap care feedback event, shaping the future of care, wythenshawe forum