We’ve heard the new government’s priorities. What are yours?

Here is the announcement condensed into ten priorities on the Government website. 

Below, we’ve included a summary of our top four priority areas - both local and national - that we have been campaigning for on behalf of the people we work with and support: all in the aims of building a brighter future for all and communities where everyone feels valued and can thrive.

What are we working towards: our key priorities

Education

Post-16 support for young people with SEND must be a priority

Currently, the transition for young people with SEND into adulthood is often described as a difficult and confusing process – made more challenging by the disparities between each council and district having distinct funding and opportunities available, which families and carers must navigate.

We've joined forces with fellow charity National Star to improve the way young people with special education needs and disabilities (SEND) are supported when they leave education.  

We launched a national survey for young people with SEND and their parents, carers and families – blog with more details here. We received almost 500 responses, 134 of which from young people. We are in the process of writing a report and will share the findings soon!

Children’s social care

Priority 1: All children in care to receive care where they live  

Priority 2: Action to end the practice of children living in unregistered (illegal) homes 

We collected data with journalist Tom Wall about the number of children living in unregistered, illegal accommodation. The evidence was published in the Guardian (headline) and the Observer – read more in our blog here.

Our data was cited in a House of Lords debate on the care system by various Lords concerned about the 277% growth in unregistered accommodation over the last 3 years. 

We recently sent a joint letter to the Department for Education (DfE), signed by 9 other charities, asking for a joint national strategy from Ofsted, the DfE and other relevant government departments to end the use of unregistered accommodation for children once and for all.  

Transport

Priority: Step-free access in all train stations in Greater Manchester

There are 96 train stations in Greater Manchester - and less than half have step-free access. 

At this rate of progress, disabled people will have to wait until 2070 for all stations to be accessible in Britain.

When people rely on public transport, this is a massive barrier to their independence, employment, and social wellbeing. 

We’ve been working with local campaigner Nathaniel Yate to make stations across the UK accessible – starting with Ashburys train station in Openshaw, Manchester. Last year, we helped to facilitate almost 600 objection letters during the consultation to close ticket offices; helping to pressure the government into scrapping the plans. Read more here.

Mental health

Priority: A standalone mental health strategy

We see increasing demand for mental health support through the high number of referrals the Together Trust receives daily. Mental health is one of our campaigning priorities, and we will continue to fight for change where it is needed in the mental health system.

Last June, we responded to the Major Conditions Strategy consultation, sharing recommendations and concerns about the state of children and young people’s mental health in England, sharing recommendations and concerns about the state of children and young people’s mental health in England. Read more here.