Wednesday 5 September 2012
Half a million pounds worth of extra services secured
Getting supporters the care, support and equipment to which they're entitled is a key priority of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign's advocacy service. And the service is in strong demand. So far in 2012, we have secured £500,000 worth of services for patients
The achievement is a great success for the team and marks an immensely successful year so far. Alongside this success the team has launched the hugely successful advocacy pack, which promotes self-advocacy. These achievements have been recognised with nominations for two awards this year including a Charity Times Award.
Annette Rush, whose son, Joe, got placed at Treloar College, said:
I am so grateful for all the work that the team did for Joe. It was so reassuring to know that I could just pick up the phone and speak to someone and know that they were there to support us. We wouldn't have got Joe in to Treloar without their help!"
So far in 2012, the advocacy service has received 83 cases, 50 of which have been closed and 39 have been closed successfully. August has been our most productive month to date, with the team closing six cases, equating to £174,570 worth of support. The team deals with cases involving issues such as benefits, housing, adaptations, care packages, education and wheelchairs.
The team has been ably supported by their pro bono partner law firm, Hogan Lovells. The firm is acting on behalf of six people with muscular dystrophy or a related neuromuscular condition, and their families. The pro bono support of this prestigious firm amounts to more than £120,000 over the last year. This partnership was recognised when we were short-listed for a Business Charity Award earlier this year, and it is also currently being considered for a number of other awards including The City of London Awards and Law Society Awards
Robert Meadowcroft, Chief Executive of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, said:
We are delighted that the advocacy service has reached such a momentous milestone. The level of success that the team has achieved highlights the number of individuals with muscular dystrophy or a related neuromuscular condition who face fights to get the services they are entitled to. We are here to provide support and advice to ensure these individuals are not alone and we will strive to offer ongoing support to these individuals.
The Campaigns, Advocacy and Information team is here to offer free advocacy, support and advice to anyone affected by muscular dystrophy and related neuromuscular conditions who is experiencing difficulties with social care, education, access to specialist health care services and employment rights issues.
Do you need our support?
If you are experiencing difficulties getting the services you are entitled to, we are here to fight for your rights. To find out more please contact the information team on 0800 652 6352 (freephone) or send us an email info@muscular-dystrophy.org
