Gwenda Thomas, Deputy Minister for Social Services, looks back at 2010 and outlines her priorities for 2011
The beginning of a new year is always a good time to reflect on the previous year. 2010 was a particularly busy and productive time for those of us who work in social services in Wales.
It had its highs and its lows but, most importantly, the Assembly Government moved forward with many of its One Wales commitments to help some of the most vulnerable citizens.Many of you know I have long been a dedicated campaigner for carers, having been a carer myself for many years. I know first hand the pressures involved in caring for a loved one.
After many hours of discussions and consultations the Carers Strategies (Wales) Measure 2010 received its Royal Assent in November.
This was a very welcome piece of news as it will ensure carers in Wales will be kept informed not only about their rights but about how and where to receive the help they need in order to access the support that is available to them.
The Measure addresses some of the most important concerns carers and carers organisations have shared with me over the years.
Wales is a small country in size but its vision and aspiration for fairness is great and developing world-first policies is a real bonus.
When, in 2008, we developed the autism strategy it was considered to be the first of its kind in the UK, if not the world. Quite an accolade for us.
The work to support this strategy is ongoing but the significant announcement for 2010 was confirming Robert Lloyd Griffiths as Wales’ autism employment ambassador – again a world first.
As a director at the Institute of Directors, he is perfectly placed to influence business decision-makers across Wales and promote the advantages of employing an adult with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
I know he will throw all his energies into making this role a great success and raise the profile of those with ASD and support their eagerness to join the workforce.
We are fast becoming an ageing society and the sooner we all understand this, the sooner we can make good decisions about how we effectively plan for these demographic changes.
These changes should be embraced not shunned. The national partnership forum for older people in Wales (NPF) and the local authority 50-plus forums are my eyes and ears to these changes in society and I welcome all opportunities for developing innovative ways of engaging with our ageing population.
My appeal for 2011 is for all older people to engage. If you don’t participate, you don’t have a voice and if you are not heard we won’t know what you need.
A website is being launched later this month by the NPF – www.npfolderpeople.net Blogging and posting comments should not only be the domain of the young and this interactive website has been developed to meet these changing needs.
In early December I launched a consultation into the legislation and guidance needed to introduce the First Steps improvement package from the Social Care Charges (Wales) Measure 2010.
This is Wales’ opportunity to put in place a more consistent charging policy for non-residential social services, such as home care or day care.
It will mean that the wide charging inconsistencies that currently exist between local councils will be significantly reduced.
This package of reform includes my intention to introduce a £50-a-week maximum charge for all the services covered by the Measure and, where councils provide transport to day services, these will be free.
Although there is not much time to sit back and reflect, I look forward to seeing the benefits of our work start to bear fruit this year with the ultimate aim of helping the most vulnerable in our society in Wales.
Read More http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/health-news/2011/01/03/moves-to-help-the-most-vulnerable-in-our-society-starting-to-bear-fruit-91466-27922823/#ixzz1ALtk2XKW
