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The Don’t Cut Us Out Campaign was set up in February 2011, to unite campaign groups in defending vulnerable people from unprecedented cutbacks in social care and service funding instigated by West Sussex County Council (herein WSCC). Last year WSCC was rated one of the worst councils for lack of care support, ranked 143 out of 152 Councils in England for the lack of care it provides to the disabled and elderly in a survey, carried out by DEMOS.
We seek to overturn a massive £31million reduction in funding to Adults’ Services over the next three years.
“Anti-cuts petition needs 3,000 people to sign up”
On April 1, 2011, WSCC decreed that anyone judged with ‘moderate’ learning disabilities, physical or mental impairments, or difficulties associated with old age, would lose all their care benefits and support. In addition the Council closed 3 vital day centres for disabled and elderly people, and made access to its remaining day centres more difficult.
We sought a Judicial Review to overturn WSCC’s decision on eligibility, and began a high profile campaign to show that cuts in social care to vulnerable people, those least able to fend for themselves, is not only unfair, but will not save money in the longer term. Overwhelming evidence shows that people with moderate disabilities who have their care support removed, soon deteriorate to ‘substantial’ or ‘critical’ levels and require much more spending – but not before they go through untold stress and trauma.
“Battle against county care service is not over yet”
4,500 people in West Sussex are losing their social care funding leaving many who have been attending day centres and respite services for 15 years or more, stuck staring at four walls at home with no stimulation or reason to live.
Don’t Cut Us Out has had great success in highlighting the worst cases,and professional social workers within the Group are now providing free Advocacy support to appeal WSCC’s decisions to cut their funding and social care support.
“92-year-old’s care axed as disabled plan big protest”
To date, we have generated more than 2 hours of TV exposure, 8 hours of radio programme time and countless news headlines both nationally and regionally. We are also lobbying MPs, MEPs, Lords, Bishops, Councillors and the major charities, including Age UK, Mencap and the Disability Alliance, which has led to an ongoing national debate.
Last year, we raised £3,500 to fund a Judicial Review, two high profile protests outside County Hall, Chichester, a 20,000 strong petition to force a debate within WSCC and strong media campaign.
“I am terrified I will die in the night because of cuts.”
The Don’t Cut Us Out Campaign is managed by professional carers, social workers, a Parish vicar and parents of vulnerable people affected by the cuts. All work tirelessly for the campaign on a voluntary basis.
