Our Response to New Reforms to Transform Social Care
We welcome the government’s new investment and reforms aimed at transforming social care, particularly the focus on supporting disabled and elderly people to live independently in their communities. Social care is vital for so many of us and the announcement of the Casey Commission is an important step in the creation of a National Care Service. However, it is essential that there is parity in these plans for all who require Social care support and it is crucial that mental health social care is fully integrated into these plans.
Kathy Roberts, CEO of the Association of Mental Health Providers, says:
“Mental health services can often be overlooked in broader care discussions, despite the essential role of Mental Health Social Care and the growing need for support in the UK. We urge the independent commission led by Baroness Casey to include mental health in its recommendations, and to ensure that mental health services receive equal consideration in terms of funding, workforce development, and integration with NHS care.
As a not-for-profit which supports the VCSE mental health sector, we also believe that incorporating mental health into the vision for a National Care Service is essential for the provision of comprehensive and co-ordinated care. Addressing the unique challenges faced by mental health services will help ensure that millions of people receive essential support. The sector’s workforce is highly skilled and meets a range of needs which is why we are pleased to hear that input from the VCSE sector will be sought by the Commission to help rebuild the adult social care system and meet the current and future needs of our population.”