United Response on BBC !

United Response was featured on BBC Breakfast News this morning and Radio 4's You and Yours this lunchtime.

Both times, the story was about telesupport or telecare as it is also known. This is a system which uses an integrated telephone/video system so that people can connect with other people.

This means that some people can get some care talking into the phone and seeing the person they are talking to. It can be really helpful for people who are living on their own but need support with some daily tasks. It can also put the user in control of when they recieve that support.

We have piloted using telesupport in some of our services and it has worked really well. We are looking for funding to do more.

To read the BBC News story online go to their website: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7213684.stm

To listen to the You and Yours piece, go to the listen again section of their website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/progs/listenagain.shtml#y

To find out more about what we are doing, and for Sharon and Emma's story, go to our website at: http://www.unitedresponse.org.uk/press

CSCI report

CSCI (Commission for Social Care) has written a report about the state of social care.

Our Chief Executive, Su Sayer, has said this in response:

"An evaluation of our social care system and its capacity to meet the needs of those with learning disabilities and others is long overdue. Therefore, we welcome today's CSCI report and the Government's announcement that it will be undertaking its own review of provision.

"Anyone who works in social care is aware of the demographic pressures central Government and local authorities are facing, with a rapidly ageing population and reduced availability of informal care. Those of us providing services are realistic about financial costs and aware of our responsibility to ensure best value for money. One way of achieving this may be more flexible and cost effective approaches to support, such as greater use of Supported Living as an alternative to residential care and the use of new technology alongside traditional methods. Indeed, people with learning disabilities are demanding these changes themselves, as they seek more independence.

"We have come a long way over the last 30 years. People with learning disabilities not only have a right to expect an adequate level of support and care, but are gaining confidence in demanding that right. As a society we cannot allow funding to be cut back to only "critical" services. If we do, the clock will be wound back and people will lose the independence they fought so hard to gain."