Council plans will leave vulnerable
adults isolated, claims Alliance
Ian Hood, coordinator of the Learning Disability Alliance said, ‘While saving £63,000 in the short term, losing this service is likely to cost the council far more in the future. For example, the Harris & Lewis Coordinator recently helped a young woman apply for residential college . There she can learn skills to help her manage in the community when she returns. Without these long term benefits, the council would have to pay far more in support to help her live in the community.’
He added, ‘When we explained to Argyll & Bute Council about the advantage of Local Area Coordinators, the councillors overturned the council officials’ recommendations. Our case was helped because the council staff had failed to carry out its duties under the Disability Discrimination Act. We believe that Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has made the same mistake and will be open to legal challenge if it proceeds.’
Donald from South Uist, a service user said, ‘Without my coordinator, I don’t think I would know what to do. He helped me get my job and gives me help when I need it. If it was not for the LAC I would have given up’
Kerri Smith from Lewis said ‘The local area coordinators has encouraged us to look out for each other. He has given us the opportunity to try out new things and meet all sorts of different people and has done more for me than any social worker.’
Now service users are planning a demonstration outside the council meeting this Thursday to show their support for the Local Area Coordinators.
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