On 6 March 2012 more than 1,000 people attended a mass lobby to tell the government that the social care system in England is in crisis.
The End The Care Crisis lobby was organised by the Care and Support Alliance – a consortium of over 50 organisations that represent older and disabled people.
The campaigners included people with a learning or physical disability, older people and those who represent and support them.
With the government expected to publish its white paper on social care reform in April, the lobby was organised to remind all 650 MPs that they still have the chance to change the social care system for the better.
Throughout the day, many of the lobbyists met with their MPs to share their stories of using social care services.
Thousands more took part virtually by joining the online #twobby – the world’s first ever lobby using social networks. You can still join in online.
Thank you again to everyone for getting involved. Keep in touch with the Care and Support Alliance for updates on the lobby and the Care in Crisis campaign.
About the lobby
We are entering a key time for our social care system. Our social care system is broken. It cannot cope with a rapidly ageing population and positive impact of people living longer with illness and disability.
Those who use our social care system can no longer tolerate a social care system which leaves many with no support and others with poor quality services. The public are angry that they can face huge care charges and end up losing all their savings or being forced to sell their home.
We know that the Government is due to announce their plans to reform social care in April 2012. It is really important that we make sure MPs and ministers act now to reform our social care system ensuring a fair and sustainable care system which delivers dignity, independence and peace of mind for older and disabled people and their families. Failure to act will lead to more of the cuts, neglect and abuse in social care, at great cost to our economy, public services and society.
