|
"Including" people is what ELCAP is all about. We were formed at a time when it was being realised that there was no reason why people with learning disabilities should have to live apart in long stay hospitals. ELCAP and other organisations were formed to provide support for people living in the community.
|
|
|
|
But inclusion can never be static. It has to be about providing choices. It has to be about constantly improving what we do. That is why a year ago we ran a major "open space event" - a day when everyone connected with ELCAP got the chance to say how we should progress.
|
|
|
|
One message, which came through loud and clear from service users, was that they wanted a greater say day to day in the running of the organisation. In particular a group of service users who had been involved in staff appointments wanted to extend their involvement.
|
|
|
|
The Board felt that we must not only respond but make the effort to make this work. So we were very pleased in the course of the year to welcome to the board, Donald Todd, Sylvia Archibald and Allan Sinclair. ELCAP is ensuring Donald, Allan and Sylvia receive independent support for their role as well as support from ELCAP staff.
|
|
|
|
The Board have had to examine closely how we work, meet and prepare documents and we realise that we have some way to go until our meetings are as effective as they might be. But this is an important change and we are determined that we will make it work. ELCAP will be better for it.
|
|
|
|
Just as we work to improve the functioning of the Board, we remain convinced that the support we provide for service users must improve too, and that means more individualised, person centred services. We were pleased that the "Changing Lives" policy statement on the future of social services took the same view, indeed saying that "more of the same is not an option".
|
|
|
|
Less pleasing, though, were the decisions taken by the Scottish Executive about distribution of "Supporting People" funds which left East Lothian Council and therefore ELCAP with very significant cuts in funding. ELCAP staff have worked incredibly hard and with remarkable imagination to protect the direct services we provide throughout this year. The impact on our reserves can be seen in our annual accounts. Nonetheless we continue to work with East Lothian Council and other commissioners of services to find ways of delivering better, person centred services within the resources available.
|
|
|
|
Finally, having welcomed new directors to the Board, we have to say farewell to four of our number who are standing down at this AGM. Thanks to Tony Sabine, Ann Steadman, Ian Hamilton and Sandra Hands, and also to Pat Scott who stood down some months ago. Your contribution has been of great value and you will be missed.
|
|
|
|
Iain Gray
|
|
Chairman
|
|
|
