Foreword

e-bulletin No 7 December 2009


This month we bring you news and information about user led organisations (ULOs).

When the government launched its strategy ‘Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People’ in 2005, the idea was to create conditions that improve the quality of disabled people’s lives and allow them to live independently.

ULOs - organisations led by and representing the needs of disabled people- are seen as one of the main vehicles for making this vision a reality.

The target for local authorities with responsibility for adult social care is to set up at least one in their locality by December 2010.

Up to one in five British adults is disabled. The premise behind ULOs is that people who use services are capable of determining their own needs and plan their own support – thinking that is in keeping with the government’s personalisation agenda.

In this bulletin we bring you news about the work that has been done to set up ULOs in Telford & Wrekin, Dudley, Birmingham and Wolverhampton. We also introduce you to the consultant, Anthony Walters, who is working with us to proved dedicated ULO support to councils.

Our next bulletin will be sent to you in January 2010 and will feature safeguarding. Please send any news and information you would like included to cathrinalouis@btinternet.com, telephone 0790 887 5533.

Wishing you a happy festive season.

Denise Porter
Deputy Regional Director
Social Care and Partnerships
Department of Health West Midlands