What would you like to ask the new PM?

[Sarah_Mencap]

If you want our next Prime Minister to do more for people with a learning disability, why not suggest a question for the Tory leadership debate:

bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-...

A couple of ideas - ask them about their plans to free people locked away in hospitals or how they are going to fund social care so that care for people with a learning disability is transformed.

Please feel free to submit questions directly to the BBC. But to would be lovely to know what you suggest

[Freddy44]

I'd ask them (Boris) if they even know what a LD is. Perhaps see if they'd agree to meet some people with a LD to find out more. No point asking them more specific questions if they don't know the basics.

[Tracidu in reply to Freddy44]

Completely agree with Freddy44. Does anyone in government really understand the day to day life of a SLD Adult . Also why a carer on only a state pension because they were unable to work due to being the24/7 carer of a severe learning disabled person for 35 years as I have been , not entitled to carers allowance even though still a full time unpaid carer ? .

None of them will ever take LD seriously. TV programmes about abuse and the state of the care system are forgotten after a couple of days. I would like to know exactly what is in their manifesto on this subject .

[Caringdad88]

By teaching children about religion as part of the curriculum to educate children about respecting other faiths and different walks of life with the goal of accepting people into society without discrimination of different backgrounds,

If we taught children about different disabilities as part of the curriculum in say 20 years time society will have a different perspective on inclusion and be more accepting rather than ignoring what they don't understand

My suggestion is to add disability awareness to the curriculum as they did with religion so later on in life people with disabilities will be an equal part of society instead of a segregated percentage of society

[Loura]

I would like to ask what changes are going to made in order to safeguard adults and young people in supported living. Despite measures 'currently' being on place. Abuse is still happening.

My brother who is now 56 years of age resided in Whorlton Hall over 20 years ago. It was then run by Castlebeck Care. He waa physically abused by the people who were there to support him. He sustained black eyes (we were told je was self harming) he had cracked ribs and a dislocated shoulder. My mother and myself, through the help of Mencap solicitors, managed to get him out of there, but Staffordshire County Council only agreed to have him moved under section, (despite him not being a danger to himself or others). We agreed because we were so desperate to get him out. He went to Coleshill Hospital, where the section was lifted. Carers worked with him to overcome the trauma that he had endured whilst in Whorlton Hall. In the meantime, a building was commissioned to home adults, like my brother who needed to have their own space, whilst being supported. He moved in and has lived there for 16 years. However, the care provision has diminished to such an extent that his safety and wellbeing has been at risk. Such as mouldy bread, out of date food, soiled sheets, filthy bathroom and kitchen areas, despite carers being there 24/7. The council have been informed Patrick White MP has been informed. Everyone we can think of has been informed, yet it still carries on. I am now in the process of trying to getvmy brother moved across to Derbyshire, as that is where I live. He lives over an hour's drive away, which we have to do a lot because of maintaining his environment, making sure it is clean and safe. The council pay the care provider for this. My mother is 78 years old. I am 50. The care system and government have denied my brother his right to live safely, happily and as independently as he wishes to. As like many hundreds like him. Carers are paid minimum wage, therefore they provide minimum care. Carers should be approproately trained and paid in accordance to training and experience. Homes should be regulated on a regular basis and providers should be challenged regarding fees that are charged.

I have many more ideas, but I'm afraid I will take up the whole page if I carried on. Thank you for taking time out to read this. I have cut so much out of my story. My brother has had a terrible time. Whorlton Hall is only one small part of it.

[Sarah_Mencap in reply to Loura]

Hello Loura. Thank you for sharing your experiences. I am sorry your brother has had such an awful time. He is very lucky to have you, and your mum. If you need advice please do call Mencap's helpline on 0808 808 1111 and see if they can suggest anything you haven't already tried. Best wishes, Sarah