To bring real change to the system. To stop organisations and services from hiding behind words and legislation and to provide an accessible life to those with complex needs.

Things have rapidly improved in the past forty years with regards to the treatment of those with severe and profound learning difficulties. However, through my own expereince, I have come to realise that a lot of what is written, is not backed up with action. We say they should not be abused, but the law protects the abuser. We say they should be able to access the same services as others, yet they are not willing to make exceptions to meet needs. We are a smoke and mirrors society, hiding behind pieces of paper. 

There is a one size fits all society and if you can't access it, then that's your hard luck. 

This has to change! Change across the entire country by ensuring each borough or county meets equal standards of care.

I came up with the idea of together is better after suffering years of difficult times raising a child with challenging behaviour, which also included abuse towards my son in a residential school.

During that time, I started to realise that all the organisations out there couldn't actually do anything to help me. 

I began to contemplate how many people must be in this situation too. I cannot be the only one let down by the system time and time again.

The aim of my work is to get the system changed to provide real, meaningful assistance in coping. To work together by gathering information and experiences, whether they be good or bad in order to gain an overall picture of what needs to drastically improve in this country.

Our specific aims are to irradicate abuse, neglect and poor educational opportunities.

I want to hear from you, so we can fight this together.

* An end to all or nothing support. Social care should not be waiting for families to be in crisis before stepping in, and support should meet the need.

*To stop abuse and neglect! To Mandate wearable cameras for staff within special schools, residential special schools and care homes. This will help to provide the Police with evidence in order to prosecute abusers. We live in a society where if there is no one to whistle blow, then it can't be proven. If the vulnerables persons words or actions are not counted as evidence, then cameras must be used to protect them. Years and years of abuse are documented on the vulnerable, yet nothing changes except more legislation and lip service. This is the only way to start real change.

* A clear and simple application process through the courts to have cameras in rooms of residential schools and homes should also be avaliable to put forward individual cases for parents to be able to monitor their vulnerable persons care.

* Adapted services, to make the world more accessible to those with complex needs. We are told they are entitled to an ordinary life, yet society provides nothing to enable them to do this. Meaning, that if a child's needs prevent them from attending hospital, doctors or school - the family are left to deal with this themselves and that person they love does not get any help at all. The rules need to be exceptional for exceptional circumstances. 

* The correct amount of funding to be used by each borough to meet need. This should also be proportionate to any new housing estates they are building.

* To have more secondary schools and colleges for children who have severe and complex needs in every borough, to prevent them being sent far away from family and friends or having to go to residential placements.

* For schools governoring boards to be monitored for corruption and self interest and school policies on safegaurding to be closely monitored. If a school says they look for changes in behaviour to detect abuse, how do they do this? In what way do they report it, and what action do they take as a result? 

Working together!

A single voice will mean nothing at all, however, if we work together - tell our stories and ask for what we need - society may listen. According to recent research there are at least 5 million of us caring for a disabled family member. 

Tell me your expereince, whether good or bad. What has worked for you, what hasn't? What do you want to see? What would improve yours and your loved ones quality of life?

How can you have an ordinary life as well as your loved one?

Reach out and speak out, to have more clout!