My Voice, My Power

Hello,
I’m Avril Martin, now sole lifetime carer for my eldest daughter, Louise, who is 54.   She has a chromosome deletion causing a learning disability and poor communication.  She is also epileptic. I am her Voice!

Over the last 50 years I have always advocated for Louise and people with a learning disability at the Greenwich Toy Library, her school and the Day Centre. I am Carer Representative on the Learning Disability Board and member of the Carer Partnership Board and Carer Engagement Forum at Oxleas NHS Health Trust.

There have been many battles for services but I feel, at last, our voices are being understood and our expertise acknowledged. Because of the Care Act , local authorities now have Carers Strategies.  With integrated care provided from Social Services and Oxleas, carers are being invited to join them as ‘experts by experience’.

Being heard by people who make decisions
Have you heard Social Care mentioned much by your local and national politicians?  Tell your M.P. and local Councillors what is needed.
Carers ask “why is everything always a fight?”
We are competing for service funding but our loved ones’ needs - and ours - are well worth fighting for.
Your Voice is important and you can influence decision-making if heard early enough.  So look out for opportunities to make Your Voice heard and make a difference.

Use your influence

Carers’ Participation

Stay in the council Loop
Want to know what’s going on generally in the borough? This online newsletter is produced by the council and replaces the printed Greenwich Info. It also provides updates and key information including a list of upcoming ‘scrutiny’ and open meetings that you can attend as a resident. Take a view on how Health and Adults’ Services are doing for your loved one. Ask questions and keep an eye on changes. You’ll also find a full list of your local Councillors alongside their contact details.

https://www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/newsletter

Greenwich also has a special Cabinet member dedicated to Health and Social Care issues. You can contact her with your concerns: Councillor Mariam Lolavar
Correspondence address: 
Town Hall
Wellington Street
Woolwich
London
SE18 6PW

Business phone:  020 8921 5047 Email:  mariam.lolavar@royalgreenwich.gov.uk