The Alliance Manifesto

When it comes to an election everyone has a part to play, and some organisations produce a manifest in the run up to the Scottish Election. One of these has been produced by The Alliance, a national third sector intermediary for a range of health and social care organisations. The Alliance has over 1,500 members including a large network of networks of national and local third sector organisations, associates in the statutory and private sectors and individuals. Many NHS Boards and Health and social care partnerships are associate members.

The Alliance worked closely with their member, and those they support, represent to develop the manifesto and briefing materials. Now and again I do work with the Alliance.The manifesto encapsulate the activities of Alliance members and partners across the country and the value of third sector organisation in supporting people who are disabled living with long term conditions, or unpaid careers to have strong voice and to be heard.

4 in 10 people in Scotland live with a least one long term health condition, that equates to around 2 million experts in the things that keeps them happy, healthy and well. The Alliance’s vision is for them to have a strong voice and enjoy their rights to live well, as equal and active citizens, free from discrimination with support and services that put them at the centre well, as equal and active citizens, free from discrimination with support and services that put them at the centre.

They are asking people to read over the manifesto, and to give their feedback,  as I say hearing the voice of lived experience is very important to organisations like The Alliance. We must make sure other organisations really listen to disabled people, who have long term health issues.  I welcome the call for the spread of self directed support, as lots of different areas are taking different approaches and piloting this approach in health setting would help show the difference it can make.

As well as this manifesto, look out for others from organisations like Action for Sick Children, Macmillan Cancer Support and MND Scotland.

The manifesto can be seen here http://4in10.alliance-scotland.org.uk/