Community Reporting and Political Influencing
Isaac Samuels
Co-Production and Lived Experience through the Daring Lens of Social Justice Warriors ????
Currently, with the political landscape constantly evolving, the voices and experiences of disabled individuals are often overshadowed. It's crucial for us to be in spaces where we can influence the political agenda, ensuring that political decision-makers recognise and understand the softer side of relationships and the everyday experiences of people who rely on care and support, as well as their families. If this can happen, then there’s more opportunity for people living with disabilities to have the appropriate attention.
Community reporting is an important way to share the lived and living experiences of disabled individuals. It can both empower individuals and shape the political landscape by giving political decision makers real and relevant insights through hearing people’s stories. Key organizations, such as the APPG on Social Care and TLAP, have recognized the significance of story sharing, as have other groups and organisations both in the UK and worldwide.
The Overlooked Softer Side
When discussing disability and politics, the focus is often placed on policy, funding, and regulations. While these aspects are essential, we must also consider the softer, more personal aspects of disability. Many disabled individuals rely on care and support to live their lives to the fullest. Consequently, their relationships with caregivers and family members play a crucial role in their well-being.
Community Reporting: Sharing Everyday Experiences
Community reporting is a powerful tool that enables individuals to share their everyday experiences, challenges, and triumphs. It offers a platform for disabled individuals and their caregivers to voice their thoughts and feelings. By doing this, they allow others to understand the intricacies of their lives. These stories are often relatable, heart-warming, and eye-opening, shedding light on the personal journey of individuals with disabilities and those who support them.
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Role of the APPG on Social Care
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Social Care has embarked on its journey with community reporting, recognizing the importance of amplifying the voices of disabled individuals and their caregivers. By listening to these stories, the APPG aims to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs within the social care system. This understanding can lead to more informed and compassionate policy making, ensuring that the needs and concerns of disabled individuals are addressed in the political agenda.
TLAP's Commitment to Story-Sharing
The Think Local Act Personal (TLAP) initiative has also embraced the implications of story sharing in the context of social care. By encouraging disabled individuals and their families to share their experiences, TLAP is fostering a sense of community and solidarity among those involved in the care system. Through shared stories, they aim to highlight the importance of preserving the human side of caregiving while advocating for positive change.
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Lastly, political influence is not limited to formal debates and policy papers. It also extends to the hearts and minds of those who experience the impacts of political decisions first-hand. As disabled individuals and their families embrace the power of community reporting, they are placing their unique stories at the forefront of political discourse. The APPG on Social Care and TLAP have recognized the value of these narratives, showcasing a commitment to reshaping the political agenda with a deeper understanding about the softer side of relationships and everyday experiences. In this collective effort, disabled individuals are reclaiming their voices and driving change in the world of social care and beyond.?
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1 å¹´Really interesting article Isaac Samuels . It really is so important that for these people to have their say (it could be us one day!), get to tell the world how it is for them, their loved ones do too. It's exceptionally important too because I used to naively think those decision makers were people who had experience....if these people don't have experience, direct experience then how can they ever come close to knowing . So for this reason alone (though there are many more of course) this reporting is vital. Without it, everything is easily swept under the carpet or reported according to political agendas and a narrative written to support decisions that have already been made. Interesting read. Thank you