By the More Than a Provider CEOs
Today, thousands are converging in Westminster to advocate for social care, a cornerstone of our communities. Even if we haven't personally relied on social care, we all know someone whose life is enriched by it. Today’s collective call to action underscores the profound impact social care has on individuals and families and highlights the dedication of over 1.5 million care and support workers across the UK.
As part of the More Than a Provider group, our mission is to work alongside people who draw on care and support, allies and partners to enable disabled people to lead ‘gloriously ordinary lives’. This vision, championed by the Social Care Future Movement, is core to what we stand for and gets to the heart of the powerful impact properly resourced social care can have in people’s lives. Our organisations understand the transformative power of good social care and are committed to enhancing its value for the future. Social care is about empowering people to live the lives they choose, and these choices should drive national and local discussions on sustainable social care.
We believe that reform requires a departure from the status quo. True reform involves rethinking how social care is funded, designed, and delivered. It means making a shift from a service driven ‘time and task’ model of care to opportunities that release individual and community assets. It is about prioritising our collective resources to achieve meaningful outcomes, and a focus on wellbeing and the fair allocation of statutory funds in line with the Care Act 2014. Most importantly, reform should empower individuals to direct their care, personalising support to meet their unique needs and choices.
Consider Jonathan's story. Once dependent on 24/7 support, Jonathan's journey to independence was facilitated by a tailored support plan. Today, he lives independently, in a place he calls home, works a job he loves, and only draws on 15 hours of support per week. His success story exemplifies the potential of personalised support.
As we strive for a better future for social care, we must focus on maintaining continuous and accessible support for those who depend on it. For too long, autistic people and individuals with learning disabilities have faced inequities and barriers. Their rights and choices have been limited in a society that has yet to fully embrace inclusion.
In this moment of unity, we believe that the voices of those we support should lead the conversation. Their insights are crucial for innovative and effective social care reform. By listening to them, we can uncover the best solutions to the challenges we face.
Our call to action is clear: in a civilised society, we must uphold human rights, comply with the safeguards that the law provides for and trust that the most effective answers will come from those with lived experience and the communities where they live. Let's commit to listening, learning and working together to shape a brighter future for social care.
