Campaign for the Learning Disabled (CLD) has been founded by Rosa Monckton and Julia Hewerdine. It’s website went live on 29th October.
CLD is now seeking signatures to its change.org petition to minister Norman Lamb, seeking a Select Committee enquiry into residential home closures.
“The CLD is a voice for people with Learning Disabilities. It aims to be a potent voluntary lobbying group in the sector, taking key messages and campaigns to politicians, opinion formers, stakeholders and the general public.
The CLD mission is to ensure that the funding, services and laws are managed and protected with the interests of the Learning Disabled at their heart. Its current primary goal is to attain a Select Committee inquiring into a number of residential home closures that will leave thousands in vulnerable living conditions”.
The CLD aims to become a focal point for those affected by and campaigning against ongoing care home closures. Several local groups campaigning against specific closures have pledged their support to this campaign and its petition.
Website: http://www.campaignforlearningdisabled.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/campaignforlearningdisabled
Change.org Petition: http://www.change.org/p/rt-hon-norman-lamb-mp-for-the-immediate-halt-of-home-closures-for-people-with-learning-disabilities-2
Background information on closures (taken from CLD website):
- Scope, HfT and Guinness Partnership and others advertise closures as necessary to comply with government policy driven by the perceived human right for everyone to live independently in the community.
- Meetings with care home managers elicit the response that living in the community is what the majority want. The decisions have in many cases been made before asking those affected and without assessing whether residents have the mental capacity to make such decisions.
- 10th July 2014 there was a House of Commons debate on the subject of Residential Home Closures raised by Gavin Shuker MP, where Health Secretary Norman Lamb MP reiterated the Care Act 2014 independent living message.
- Residential care homes run by trusted national charities are being closed and, in some cases, the land sold to developers. Some charities and care providers are being disingenuous in their interpretation of government policy, it is necessary to comply with the Care Act 2014, which states everybody has the right to live independently in the community for as long as possible. However, the community must be prepared for this before the homes are closed.
- Current care providers have said that it will be left to Local Authorities to pick up the pieces and find accommodation for people, following the charities’ decision to close the homes. It is well known that local authorities and charities are facing unprecedented funding cuts, this is leading to a perfect storm where no one is willing to take the responsibility for the most vulnerable in society.
- Learning Disabled children and adults rely on their parents, relations and those responsible for their care to ensure that the environment in which they live and the services that they receive, match their comforts, needs and wants. They are often unable to make informed and rational decisions alone, and need guidance from those with their best interests at heart.