Social Justice and Inclusion

Social Justice and Inclusion lies at the heart of our understanding of a social care system fit for the 21st century.

Social care is underpinned by the principles of social justice, and it affords opportunities to so many of us – we must always ensure that the voices of those with lived experience are heard and taken into consideration. Access to care should not be a luxury for the privileged; it is an inalienable human right.

Report after report, inquiry after inquiry, have underlined the disadvantages and inequities experienced by women, working-age disabled people, those of us with learning disabilities or mental ill-health, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities and older people. Some of us are still more likely to suffer inequalities because of our education, or employment status; some of us will find it challenging to address our primary care needs or will lack the necessary tools to access care because of this.

To achieve a social care system fit for the future, one that is inclusive and offers equality of access, we must ensure that we involve people from all communities and groups as part of the big national conversation about the care they want for themselves and their families. We should determine consistent national and local processes to address inequalities and promote equality.

We, at ADASS, are committed to working with the Government and other public sector partners in the pursuit of social justice and inclusivity. We will continue outlining challenges within our current system, ensuring that future policy is informed and in line with core social inclusion values. And we will continue working to ensure that ADASS’s own internal structure and those of partner organisations reflect these values, always keeping the voice of those with lived experience at the forefront of this national conversation.

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