Launch of Radical Visions for Social Care

Radical Visions for Social Care is a national person-led policy and ideas platform which campaigns for and delivers systems-level solutions in health and social care enabling citizens to be fully in control, respected and valued by society.

It is a national conduit for radical health and social care policy and practice development and will build a coalition of partners able to articulate an independent perspective on health and social care practice.

It is based on the understanding that social care isn’t something we organise just for the marginalised few, but something that is vital to the wellbeing of all of us.

This new platform will advance arguments which support the general thrust of the approach proposed in this year’s Independent Review of Adult Social Care, extended in some important ways:

• a rights-based approach
• a person-led approach informed and empowered by self-directed support
• a community-based approach committed to de-institutionalisation
• a decentralised approach supportive of neighbourhood democracy
• a universalist approach committed to provision of a Universal Basic Income

It will argue the need for well-resourced underpinning service systems where vexatious charges are removed and staff are properly remunerated.

The platform will provide a forum where ideas can be shared and debated by individuals and families, professionals and decision-makers, and where new thought-leadership can emerge. It will strive to communicate the bigger picture – describing systemic problems and offering clear, radical solutions. It will seek to change the discourse and inspire action.

In launching Radical Visions for Social Care John Dalrymple, co-founder of Radical Visions¹, said:

“We are standing at a major crossroads in the development of social care in Scotland, with the Government re-elected earlier this year having committed itself to legislate for the creation of a National Care Service, in keeping with the recommendation of the independent Review of Adult Social Care published earlier in the year.With many of the themes and additional recommendations of the review being supportive of a well-resourced, community-based, person-led service, rooted in human rights, there are reasons for optimism.But there are also chastening reminders of previous progressive policies poorly implemented or simply ignored.”

Frances Brown, co-founder of Radical Visions, said:

“In the current circumstances the independent voice of Scotland’s social care community needs to be heard: a voice for sound principle and best practice, informed by up-to-date knowledge and research, accountable to those who rely upon and work in health and social care, but seeking accountability from those responsible for the proper implementation of legislation and national policy.”

Enquiries should be addressed to John Dalrymple and Frances Brown:

• John Dalrymple: john@radicalvisions.com 07765-246345
• Frances Brown: frances@radicalvisions.com 07502-225219

More information is available at https://radicalvisions.co.uk/

Thursday 28^th October, 2021

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¹ Radical Visions is a human services consultancy established to provide practical assistance to fellow citizens, families, organisations and wider society to promote and exercise the values of inclusion. It is committed to de-institutionalisation and a human-rights-based approach person-centred planning and self-directed support. Radical Visions was established privately by Frances Brown and John Dalrymple in 2017. The following year they led the incorporation of Radical Visions CiC.

Since 2017 Radical Visions has worked closely in a consultative role with ENABLE Scotland and the Thistle Foundation in Edinburgh; undertaken an evaluation of aspects of Edinburgh mental health services; published a guide to de-institutionalisation in England and Scotland; participated in the development of Citizen Network in conjunction with the Centre for Welfare Reform; led the development of CitizenFest/We Are One Scotland; developed the Advocacy Plus project in conjunction with In Control Scotland and Civil Rights First; and provided advice and undertaken planning activities with a wide range of individuals and families.