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RCOT calls for disabled children and their families to be prioritised by all political parties
RCOT has signed a manifesto calling for all political parties to prioritise disabled children and their families , joining more than 110 charities and parent groups who have come together to campaign for better support .
The Disabled Children ’ s Partnership ( DCP ) Manifesto has already been shown informally to MPs and policy developers in meetings since party conference season , but 16 January marked its official launch , calling for all political parties to prioritise disabled children and their families in their own manifestos .
The DCP Manifesto is made up of three ‘ asks ’ for all the major political parties , which RCOT as part of the partnership would like to see reflected in their plans for the next government :
• That all the major political parties make disabled children a priority .
• That the parties clarify and enforce rights and review the law .
• That funding shortfalls are addressed and a dedicated fund for disabled children is created .
First , the manifesto states that those at the heart of politics need to prioritise the needs of disabled children and their families and to acknowledge disabled children and their families as equal , valued members of society . We want all parties to commit to the appointment of a Minister for Disabled
Children and to producing a cross-party disabled children ’ s strategy .
Second , we want the parties to clarify and enforce rights , and review the law . The next government must commit to : stronger accountability within the SEND system ; making the education system inclusive ; and ensuring that disabled children and young people receive the support they need across the education , health and social care systems .
We welcome the current Law Commission review of the law on disabled children ’ s social care . It is imperative that the next government takes forward this work and , more generally , that reforms to children ’ s social care recognise and prioritise disabled children and their families .
Finally , there is an urgent need to address funding shortfalls and create a dedicated fund for disabled children . Making disabled children the priority and having a system that is fit for purpose with effective accountability will help make this happen ; but the right level of funding is also vital .
Analysis commissioned by Scope and the DCP in 2021 found a £ 573 million funding gap in disabled children ’ s social care , and a £ 1.5 billion gap in disabled children ’ s NHS spending . This gap is growing , as failure to intervene early leads to higher costs in the longer term , as well as increased costs in other areas of public expenditure .
NHS helps tens of thousands of people with mental health problems into work
More than 40,000 people with mental health problems are being supported back into employment , thanks to an NHS programme , new data shows .
The figures come alongside a new campaign launched on 15 January , urging more people to sign up for help they might need through the NHS Talking Therapies service .
As part of a pilot programme across the country , currently 40,000 people are being linked up with employment advisers to support them back into work . Once individuals are signed up to the service , the NHS ensures that employment advisers are on hand to offer help with writing CVs , setting career goals , and giving them the confidence to apply for vacancies .
By March next year , every person accessing NHS Talking Therapies will be offered the chance to benefit from employment advice .
Claire Murdoch , NHS National Mental Health Director said : ’ People with mental health issues can particularly struggle at this time of year , with dark nights and feeling isolated – but seeking help through an NHS Talking Therapies Service can be one of the best steps someone can take to overcome their mental health issues and get back on track .
‘ As part of treating people ’ s mental illness , the NHS supports people to achieve their goals including getting people back to work with research showing that employment can help improve symptoms of anxiety or depression .’
Minister for Mental Health Maria Caulfield added : ’ Our ambition is to improve the lives of thousands more people by helping them early on with their mental health and getting them back into work . NHS Talking Therapies are key to this … this is part of our ongoing work to transform our country ’ s mental health services , with up to an additional £ 2.3 billion being invested annually by 2024 to expand services , so an extra two million people can get mental health support .’
February 2024 OTnews 7