Does Assist & it's member centres have a future?

First of all, I would like to wish you all a very happy new year. As we move through January and brave the elements there is a picture emerging of challenges for Assist and its members. We have already had notification that 7 of our member centres are set to close by the end of the financial year due to loss of funding and support from their local councils. Others have advised us they are having to change their financial make-up, ie moving to retail, if they are to survive. When challenged the 'powers that be' give us the standard answer that funding and decision making is being devolved to Local Communities. Assist is lobbying the Government, but we need hard facts and as much information as we can get from our centres to give evidence based facts to portray the reality and consequences to disabled people.

With the move to personalisation and the reduction of statutory services there will be more reliance on local retailers. Assist is concerned whether they are 'fit for purpose' and we are working with the OFT (Office of Fair Trading) and undertaking mystery shopping to test the market.

I would like to say a big 'thank you' to those of you who have responded to our recent survey, and to those who haven't I would urge you to contact us via telephone or e-mail with your views and experiences.

On a more positive note we have 3 new members in Cheshire and several new Corporate members. I would like to take this opportunity of congratulating Bexley who have moved from Associate to Full membership. Their range of services and inclusion of disabled people into everyday activities is exemplary.

We still have places available at our forthcoming conference on 21st January at Gaydon Motor Museum, titled 'Human Rights/Disability Rights - Spot the Difference'. It is essentially a 'not to be missed' event, at a fascinating venue. Apart from our formal speakers there will be an opportunity to debate the issues surrounding the move to retail.

Even though there have been several cuts within the Department for Transport, we have been asked to continue our advice and support to the DPTAC Committee for another year. Unfortunately CABE has sufered major cutbacks but the work will carry on based from the Centre of Environmental Excellence.

I know it's difficult to take time away, but Assist needs you to support Regional Meetings. These are an essential networking opportunity and a means of closing ranks to address the critical situation we find ourselves in.

If you find you have 5 minutes I would love a 'phone call' to catch up. I look forward to hearing from you, and remember we always need articles for our magazine.

WIth best wishes for 2011.

Alan

My quote for the month is extracted from the recent 'White Paper' (Page 7 - 1.2) - "we are committed to an NHS that is available to all, free at the point of use, and based on need, not the ability to pay. We will increase health spending in real terms in each year of this parliament".