1Work, first on the list?Supported employment in the 21st century

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• The journey away from the institution has been long and closing down long-stay hospitals was only a beginning.

• We have had to develop a range of different innovations and theories in order to help guide us away from our dark past.

• We have still got a long way to go.

The system spends people’s money !

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on things people wouldn’t buy for themselves

Making citizenship real for all1.Purpose - expressing my gifts

2.Free - life lived my way

3.Money - having enough

4.Home - my own place

5.Help - needing others

6.Life - getting stuck in

7.Love - friends, family and lovers

Work, should be first on the list1.Meaning - fits me

2.Responsibility - grown up

3. Independence - my money

4.Belonging - presence

5.Colleagues - community

6.Contribution - a difference

7.Friendship - mates

Havamal (The Sayings of the Vikings)

The lame rides a horse!the maimed drives the herd!the deaf is brave in battle.!A man is better!blind than buried.!A dead man is deft at nothing.

• Supported employment showed people don’t need to be stuck in day centres

• Real paid work is a real possibility

• Even when times are tough

• Even with crazy benefit systems

but the challenge evolves

• Innovations need to develop

• Government’s don’t innovate

• Innovations must evolve

• We must also challenge the system

Challenge crazy policies1. End the transition’s gap - a fair start for all families 2. End crazy eligibility thresholds, don’t wait for crisis 3. Make Self-Directed Support a flexible entitlement 4. End the Care Tax - another poverty trap 5. Empower local government - protect the local 6. Guarantee a basic income for all - security for all 7. Close down the DWP - no more benefits shame

Continue to innovate1. Work through with schools and families 2. Support peer networks for people and families 3. Support different forms of employment - self-

employment, social enterprise, micro-employment 4. Train personal assistants and supporters 5. See employers as champions 6. Ensure statutory bodies lead the way 7. Focus on neighbourhoods - the real local

Put work first on the list

For more information: Web: www.centreforwelfarereform.org !Twitter: @CforWR and @simonjduffy !Blog: www.simonduffy.info !Facebook: centreforwelfarereform !Campaign: www.campaignforafairsociety.org !Petition: WOWpetition.com

© Simon Duffy. Rights Reserved. Full copyright details at www.centreforwelfarereform.org

Presentation by Dr Simon Duffy for Values Into Action Scotland on 6th November 2013 in Glasgow.