At the Top Club in Little Hulton last night one bloke, whose elderly mother was a stroke victim, summed up everyone's feelings. Recounting how his mother's healthcare package had been cut by half and how she had been abused in care, he explained that there was no-one to talk to about horrendous experiences of the cuts, apart from complaining to those very bureaucrats who are responsible for the dwindling care in Salford...
"On your own you're just a pest" he said "Now we're not on our own."
Launching the SEARCH Salford Community Committee, Labour Councillor Peter Wheeler who has challenged his own Party's cuts in Salford said it was about "protecting the interests of the most vulnerable people in the city" and "breaking down the isolation" of those affected by dwindling services.
"We're seeking to gather information, share ideas, support people and speak on behalf of people who can't speak for themselves" explained Noreen Bailey, who has had transport axed for the two adults in her care.
The meeting was held on the eve of today's Royal Court of Justice appeal against Salford Council's cuts to transport for severely disabled adults (for background see previous Salford Star article - click here). And it was the long, bitter fight against those cuts that had brought people together, recognising the need for SEARCH, to "try and influence what happens with these budgets and stand up to cuts for the most vulnerable" explained Norma Parkinson Green.
At the meeting were representatives from Salford Against The Cuts, USUC (United Service Users Committee) and Salford City UNISON but it was the first hand stories recounted by parents, carers and the families of those in the front line of the cuts that carried the poignant need for a committee like SEARCH...
One parent was told to leave her son, who has severe learning difficulties, on the bed at home, alone, while she transported her other son to his day centre. She said she was frightened to take any complaint further because the Council might take her kids off her.
Another mother told how the Council was trying to cut the hours for her sons at their day centres, having already had their transport service removed, while the mother of a Down's Syndrome son who now has to get Ring and Ride and taxis to his day centre said she never knows what time he is coming home any time from after lunch to 5pm.
And yet another mother told how her 28 year old daughter had her care package cut by half and, after Craig Hall Day Centre was closed down, is now sent to a day centre for the elderly with no stimulation for her only wheelchair exercises and bingo. "Everything's stopped, everything's gone" she said.
Meanwhile, the meeting heard from parents how under-threat staff are petrified to talk to them about services, while management are abusive in a one-to-one situation. As someone explained, Salford Social Services is supposed to be there to protect the vulnerable but they are policing themselves in the race to slash services.
"I'm angry" said one mum "The wealthy's lives haven't changed but ordinary folk have to take the first raft of welfare cuts..."
It was hoped that SEARCH will become a forum where people can share experiences, challenge cuts and inappropriate care, and support those bearing the brunt of the slashing of services in Salford...and that those affected won't feel so isolated and alone.
After last night's meeting SEARCH has launched a Facebook group, SEARCH Salford Community Committee - click here
The appeal against Salford Council's cuts to transport for severely disabled adults goes to the Royal Court of Justice in London today as soon as there is decision made it will be posted on the Salford Star
SEARCH stands for `Seeking, Empowerment, Advocacy, Rewards and CHallenges'
Photos by Steven Speed
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