Sandwell Peoples Parliament
MP's have recently been focussing on housing, which is and has always been an important issue for people with learning disabilities. Mencap have recently published a report called 'Housing for people with a learning disability'. The report warns that local authorities are moving backwards in supporting people within their communities. It shows that aspirations towards providing independent living options for people with a learning disability are at risk because of government cuts and reforms to the welfare system. The research highlights that around 22,000 people with a learning disability live out-of-area, this number is very worrying given the recent scandal at the Winterbourne View assessment and treatment centre.
On March 14th 2013 MP's will launch their White Paper and Maxine will chair her first Peoples Parliament meeting in the Council Chambers at Oldbury Council House. The meeting starts at 10.30am and finishes at 12.30pm.
For further information contact Lucy Dunstan, Project Development Officer on 0121 553 7174.
We made a film of the Getting Ready event which was run before the Big Health Day.
The Parliament focused on Health Facilitation, Health Books for young people and the Acute Liaison Nurse who works at Sandwell General Hospital supporting people with learning disabilities before, during and after their stay in hospital to make it a more positive experience.
Siraaj Nadat, who talked about Death by Indifference 74 Deaths and counting, a progress report 5 years on from Mencap's Death By indifference Report, opened the session. Death by Indifference reported the appalling deaths of six people with a learning disability – deaths that the six families involved and Mencap believe were the result of failings in the NHS. Siraaj focused on the Confidential Enquiry into the premature deaths of people with learning disabilities, the work of which he monitors and evaluates. He also talked about bridging the gap between people with learning disabilities and healthcare professionals, highlighting the importance of Health Facilitation and Acute Liaison:
"It is vital that you develop your learning and understanding and listen to the views of people with learning disabilities within Sandwell. You are all responsible for people's lives and that means you are accountable." (Siraaj Nadat)
It was inspiring to see MPs challenging professionals about their work and holding them to account. The MPs showed real professionalism and really took control of their Parliament, posing questions that needed answers. A wonderful sight to see!
The MPs highlighted the serious breakdown in services around transition for people with learning disabilities. Gilbert Pommel (Interim Commissioner for Learning Disability) was there
Jan Britton (CEO Sandwell Council) concluded the Parliament.
Sandwell People's Parliament will continue to work on the health agenda throughout 2012 to improve the health inequalities of people with learning disabilities.
Sandwell People's Parliament is made up of MPs who have learning disabilities. It is a way local people can have a powerful voice to change policy and help change services in Sandwell.
This year we are working on health.