Social Care Minister congratulates Manchester Council on care

Ivan Lewis MP, Minister for Care Services visited Manchester on Friday February 1st to meet local residents who use Manchester's adult social care services.

He was briefed on the major changes being implemented by the council. Manchester is piloting a scheme that gives older people and disabled people more control over their care, including a personal budget to cover the cost of the support they need.

Councillor Basil Curley, executive member for adult services said: "Following the government's lead, Manchester is introducing major changes in the way it provides care, transforming adult social care into a personalised service that promotes choice and helps people to be independent, with the emphasis firmly on excellence as well as innovation."

Ivan Lewis MP said: "Manchester is pioneering a major transformation in public services. Providing a personalised service is increasingly accepted as the non-negotiable core of adult social care. Manchester is playing a big part in this shift and I personally congratulate them on the work they are doing."

Peter Koudellas from Gorton, spoke to the Minister about direct payments saying: "I now go out regularly - I go out walking and I've been taken to many places I hadn't seen before such as Saddleworth in the Peak District as well as museums and art galleries and the Royal Northern College of Music."

Peter's mother, Mrs. Koudellas added: "The carers have helped tremendously, I hadn't had a holiday for 50 years, but then I managed to get a holiday with Peter and the carer came with us and helped to look after me as well!"

Carol O'Connor from Newton Heath spoke to the Minister and said: "Direct Payment is wonderful, it has opened a new world to me. I was isolated for 6 months, just sitting in the house, this new system is wonderful. It's got me out and I've met new people."

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