Suffolk 2017 ~ Community services and social care
In Suffolk, we have an ageing population and a growing number of people with complex needs who have survived trauma or inherited disabilities. They all deserve equality of opportunity and a good quality of life.
The many who are disadvantaged by the lack of education, skills and opportunities that lead to jobs, housing and a reasonable quality of life, deserve help to learn, to become an asset to society and to have a good life.
Obesity, through lack of activity and the cost of a healthy diet, is a massive and growing issue. Improved, targeted help for individuals and communities is vital to lead to better, longer lives, with fewer challenges at a lower cost to society.
Far too many people remain in hospital ready to return home but waiting for social services to provide for their needs. These occupied beds are needed for others impact on waiting times and are costly to the NHS.
Liberal Democrats will:
- Ensure actions to encourage lifestyles that promote physical and mental health are effective and are adequately funded.
- Develop effective partnership teams, to deliver better multi-disciplinary services. Instead of paying lip service to co-operation, work with the NHS, schools, and providers of care for children and people with disabilities.
- Ensure proper investment in preventative mental health services, while working with the NHS and local charities to promote mental wellbeing.
- Campaign for adequate funding, from government, for social care for the elderly and people with disabilities.
- Ensure providers of residential and home-based care are able to provide a good quality of care to the people who use their services.
- Invest money from reserves in Suffolk Libraries, helping them to provide a wider range of services for local people e.g. mobile children's centres.
Source:
A Manifesto for Suffolk 2017: An open, tolerant, happy place to live, learn and work, by Suffolk Liberal Democrats, launched in March 2017.