We’re ambitious for people with cerebral palsy and continue to advocate with government and policymakers for the cerebral palsy community to have life-long access to knowledgeable, compassionate services and support. Find out about our latest policy work.
National Advisory Committee for Neurological Conditions
Our CEO Stephanie Fraser is Chair of the National Advisory Committee for Neurological Conditions. Stephanie has been meeting individually with all members of the committee to identify future priorities for the Committee.
Scottish Government
Recently there have been a number of Ministerial changes in Scottish Government. While this has impacted political engagement and forward momentum, we continue to raise awareness and press for change as much as we can.
- Jenny Minto MSP is the new Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health. As members of the The National Advisory Committee for Neurological Conditions and the Neurological Alliance of Scotland, Stephanie Fraser will met Ms Minto on 24 May to discuss her priorities for neurological services and for people with cerebral palsy.
- Maree Todd MSP is now the Minister for Social Care, Mental Wellbeing and Sport. She has responsibility for social care, the National Care Service, mental health and wellbeing, alternative and augmented Communication (AAC), self-directed support and other areas. Ms Todd was previously Minister for Public Health. Because her work impacts on neurological service provision and people with cerebral palsy, we will continue to be in touch with Ms Todd.
- Natalie Don MSP has been appointed Minister for Children, Young People and Keeping the Promise. Her remit includes early years, children’s services, children and young people with learning disabilities and/or autism, and transitions for those with disabilities and/or autism. We are keen to engage with Ms Don regarding education and services for children with physical disabilities and cerebral palsy in particular.
- We have also been in contact with Dr Una MacFadyen, Lead Clinician for the Children with Exceptional Healthcare Needs Managed Clinical Network, regarding how Cerebral Palsy Scotland can support their network with developments.
House of Lords and House of Commons
Marking the end of Cerebral Palsy Awareness month, the House of Lords debated the future of Adult Social Care on 30 March. Our CEO Stephanie sits in the House of Lords and participated in this debate, highlighting the perspective of the challenges face by adults with cerebral palsy.
On the same day the House of Commons had an adjournment debate on Services for Adults with Cerebral Palsy.
We will continue to monitor policy debates and developments across the UK as we continue to work positively with Scottish Government to press for change.