- Conference
- 2015 National LGBT Conference
- Date
- 1 January 2015
- Decision
- Carried as Amended
The election of a Conservative government means, in England at least, that there is no end in sight to the crisis in social care nor to the quandary of many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people seeking safe and appropriate care.
Conference welcomes the launch of UNISON’s Save Care Now campaign to build on the gains since publication of the Ethical Care Charter.
Conference supports the integration of health and social care providing the aim of doing so is to improve service quality not just pool budgets to save money.
Conference confirms that it supports LGBT service users’ right to choose how to access services and from whom. It believes they are most likely to be able to do so where health and social care services are delivered:
1. On an integrated basis at a local level;
2. Free of charge to the user;
3. Directly, by bodies elected to do so which are not for profit and remain accountable to the general public;
4. By a workforce trained and supported to build relationships and confidence not just give physical care; and,
5. Who are well paid and have decent conditions based on collective bargaining and have enough time to do their work.
Conference also believes the contribution of family and friends must be recognised, supported and rewarded better than it is now.
Conference instructs the national LGBT committee, acting jointly, as appropriate, with other bodies within UNISON and seeking the support of the national executive council as need be, to:
A. Continue to support the Save Care Now Campaign, contribute an LGBT perspective to UNISON’s campaigns on integration and free social care and aim to build support in LGBT communities;
B. Learn the lessons from Cymru/Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland and raise issues with the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) and with ILGA-Europe to see what we can learn from elsewhere;
C. Link this campaign with ones defending working age disability benefits and to improve Carers Allowance and Attendance Allowance; and,
D. Ensure the campaign continues to be promoted to LGBT members through Out in UNISON and the LGBT e-bulletin.