WHETHER it’s through emotional support, physical support or social support, our social care services are life-changing for many people living in Glasgow.

They give everyone the opportunity to live with dignity and with as much independence as possible. Many residents would otherwise struggle to carry out daily tasks. 

For many people, social care services are the only way for them to be able to care for themselves. By providing this social support to individuals, everyone has access to basic needs without being neglected and ignored.

Social care is not restricted to one particular age group, and ranges from child protection programmes to end of life care. It tends to be provided within people’s homes or in care-specific establishments, not in hospitals or at GPs.

Residential care offers home-like environments to those in need of assistance with daily activities. For those that need additional support but are able to live independently, extra care housing, or assisted living, provides a better alternative to living in a residential care home.

To continue living at home, some individuals may need to make home adjustments such as stairlifts or handrails. Community care is aimed at those who have physical disabilities, learning disabilities or mental health issues. Day care can be provided, offering assistance to those with physical and social care needs, including disabled individuals or those that need rehabilitation. 

Councils are legally obliged to help support those that are considered eligible for social care assistance. Depending on the individual’s circumstances, this care is paid through contributions from government funds, personal funds, or a combination of both. 

The Covid-19 pandemic has had huge negative implications for the social care system. Many of the challenges that the city faces were pre-existing prior to the pandemic. Underlying social and health inequalities including an unequal distribution of income, power and wealth have affected people’s experiences.  

We have to focus on addressing our city’s health and social inequalities, prioritising mental health especially of children and young people, and accelerating action on climate change. A fairer economy prioritises sectors of the economy that have been undervalued but were identified as essential during the pandemic such as our social care services.  

There is a significant pressure resulting from staff shortages and underfunding, making it difficult for those in need of care to access the support that they desperately need. 

The social care sector is at risk of being unable to meet demand for services, failing to ensure safety and prevent harm to service users, failing to meet statutory requirements, and failing to deliver part or all of its strategic plan for the city.

The provision of resources for Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership is essential to supporting people across our city to live independently as full members of their communities. This locally accountable partnership integrates a range of community health and social care services for children, adults and older people within Glasgow, along with services for homelessness and criminal justice. These services are a lifeline, and need increased prioritisation, investment and support.