My mother died on 6th October of cancer. Instead of spending her last weeks in a hospice where her pain and nausea could be controlled and she could spend her days in peace she was in a crowded, noisy, stressful hospital ward being served unsuitable food she couldn't eat without vomiting and suffering pain. Last year MPs rejected the Assisted Dying Bill saying end of life care provision was good. They were wrong. Despite great compassion from the ward staff, my mother's last week was not a peaceful one because the local hospices are overstretched and could not offer her a bed in time. For the last seven weeks of her life she could not sleep because of the nightly shouting of patients who should have been in psychiatric or dimensia specialist care. This is not acceptable in the fifth richest country in the world. I ask MPs and the Departmenr of Health: is this how you would want to spend your last days?

My son was diagnosed with Autism around 5 years ago, but not in Sefton. His diagnosis was received through one, locally commissioned NHS Trust, and looking back, the pathway to diagnosis was founded on clear, pre-determined steps that every child in the area followed. This process was well defined and simple, whilst meeting all clinical guidelines; resulting in my son receiving a diagnosis of autism within 6 months of referral. In comparison, my daughter is currently on the Autism Assessment Pathway in Sefton. As a parent, it quickly becomes clear that this process is inefficient, not fit for purpose, and very much based on an ad hoc, undefined approach. Across Sefton, it is well known that the result of this approach, is an average timespan of 4 years to diagnose a school aged child with autism, from the time of referral. Every step on the pathway, requires separate referrals, and it has been evidenced that overall, the waiting times for each appointment, are massively outside clinical guidelines. The results of this are catastrophic for everyone involved: The child who doesn't understand their own difficulties for example, and who is left untreated; the family who desperately need help to support their child and maintain equilibrium in the home; and interestingly, with the current system being so inefficient and time consuming, the financial implications and waste of public funds must be severe! In fact, the consequences of ignoring this cannot be underestimated, with further health issues arising, specifically from the stress and strain placed on children and families who are left powerless. Put simply, this MUST change with immediate effect, and Sefton's Autism Pathway brought in line with clinical guidelines at least. Simple, clearly defined steps, coming from a single referral for assessment, must be identified and put into practice. It is obvious to say, that decisions must now be made, that prioritise the health and wellbeing of children and families across Sefton. However, a clearer, unified pathway, would also bring the additional benefit, of a more cost effective approach that protects public funds.

Dropped kerbs make a huge difference to my life and those of other disabled individuals where they are available but this availability is patchy at best with individual roads often having them only in some spots but not in others rendering overall access little better than if there were none at all. Dropped kerbs affect individuals who use crutches or walking sticks or frames or wheelchairs or mobility scooters and also affect parents with prams too so they matter to a considerable section of the community. Dropped kerbs need to be protected from careless parking by means of double yellow lines or they may be rendered useless even where they are otherwise available and these need to be rigidly enforced too. This amenity is particularly important in relation to buildings where disabled access is a necessity yet, taking my local hospital as an example, outside that complex there is no dropped kerb and an over eight inch drop to the road from the pavement. This is a far from uncommon experience and highlights the need for fresh action to put these matters right. Disabled people struggle enough to get around as it is without making this any more difficult thanks to the patchy and ill thought through provision of dropped kerbs that we currently have. Central government action and matching funding is needed as well as local government action to put the work into place.

people who have cystic fibrosis suffer their whole (short life span ) lifetime, in and out of hospital frequently at more cost to NHS maybe with correct meds and funding their lifetime would be more bearable

This is a main thoroughfare for pedestrians between Winchester University (via West Hill Cemetery), Winchester City Center and the Railway Station. I personally walk there frequently, have impaired vision coupled with delayed reactions, and so find it hard crossing busy roads. It can take up to five minutes to cross sometimes and it is difficult to see in both directions on the hill, and then you have Clifton Terrace traffic to consider. This is a very dangerous crossing point in our city which should have had a green man crossing years ago as there are already drop curbs in place. It isn't JUST a crossing safety issue either. It is well known that we have a SERIOUS air pollution problem in Winchester, where 40 to 50 people a year die from air pollution related illnesses. If the city could be made more accessible to people wanting to get about on foot, in a wheelchair, with pushchairs, mobility scooter or on bicycle, this would help to increase air quality. There are nowhere NEAR ENOUGH places for people to cross Romsey Road safely, with the pavement disappearing on one side for large sections, and it is one of the main air pollution traps of the city. Priority of access to Winchester needs to be turned around so that walking and other low-carbon forms of transport are catered for in the first instance, followed by public transport (buses). Also speed limits MUST be properly enforced, especially with the new homes to be built where the old Police HQ was. This will create massive increases in footfall and greater need for safe crossing points and enforcement of speed limits. I suggest flashing signs to tell drivers to stick to 20 mph. Last year Winchester City Council, in collaboration with WinACC (Winchester Action on Climate Change), launched FeetFirst, their Walking campaign led by Liz Kesler. They have been conducting Walking Audits on different routes to determine areas which need to be made easier, safer and more pleasant for pedestrians and others using low-carbon forms of transport. This includes making sure pavements are maintained, foliage is kept out of the way so it doesn't take up too much room, and adequate signage. The crossing for which I am campaigning was highlighted as a major obstacle to people getting around Winchester on foot. Work has already started to dig up the pavement to see if it is possible to put in the electrics for a crossing. This is promising, but I won't hold my breath as progress has been delayed. Also, it needs to be a crossing that beeps all the time and gives pedestrians a fair amount of time (1 minute) PLEASE SIGN MY PETITION AND HELP MAKE WALKING THE PRIMARY MEANS OF TRANSPORT FOR GETTING AROUND THIS BEAUTIFUL HISTORIC CITY!

Many people, elderly or disabled, cannot climb in and out of a bath. In social housing if the bath has been removed then it has to be replaced at the end of a tenancy, even if it's been replaced by a modern walk-in shower although showers are acceptable in private housing. Please stop this law that came into force when showers did not exist. It's outdated, expensive and should be changed.

Cliffden in Teignmouth, Devon, the Lauriston in Weston-super-Mare and Windermere Manor in the Lake District. These hotels are constantly used by blind people and their families and they are essential for these families to have relaxing holidays as they can meet similar people with these disabilities and who understand there requirements and needs.

The ancient legal principle that the Government is not above the law is being flouted by the DWP's implementation of benefits sanctions. David had his benefits repeatedly sanctioned by Jobcentre Plus officials. This resulted in him being unable to control his diabetes because he had no money for food. This caused diabetic ulcers. These became infected and he had to have a leg amputated. All these sanctions were eventually overturned, but it was too late. Other cases of illegal benefits sanctions we are fighting include claimants with learning disabilities, mental health problems and physical impairments having their benefits stopped for being unable to get to totally unsuitable appointments. The imposition of unachievable requirements by the DWP, and then the removal of benefits for being unable to meet such requirements, breaches the Equality Act and a set of legal principles governing the way public bodies should behave called Public Law. We support over 500 people to get benefits reinstated each year. Last year we recovered £507,393 for claimants. Help fight back against the destruction of the social security system fought for by our ancestors. We are also interested in launching a class action class action so if you have been affected by illegal benefit sanctions, please get in touch with us at [email protected].

There is mental health funding in Birmingham and Walsall that is meant to provide advocates to those that struggle and need assistance or prompting to be able to live independently with mental health day to day. This support helps people to get outside and live their lives by giving them confidence and support. I’ve tried to access this support and have been told there are no available advocates. Without this support many patients end up housebound. It’s like a mental health postcode lottery. I’m a mum and it really pains me to see my children missing out on making lovely memories during their summer holidays, because I can’t access the help I and many others suffering in silence need, to manage anxiety and depression, bipolar and many more mental illnesses. I'd say cuts to NHS mental health is wrong ... how are people meant to get better if theres no one there to reach out to in time of need... 😕 I feel strongly about this matter ... Call it personal experience ... Age , race , sex , rich or poor....... Mental illness can affect anyone ....

Help us protect our Crisis Line in Bristol! Earlier this month, Bristol Mental Health (BMH) announced the proposed closure of the crisis line from the end of November 2016. Some concerned users of the crisis line have expressed anxiety over the potential changes, sharing that they worry they would "lose a valuable service" that has helped them 'throughout the last eighteen months or so', approximately how long the line has been operational. With at least one in four people experiencing a mental health issue in their lifetime, now is the time for increased and clear mental health support that is easily accessible for all. We feel that there needs to be more improved signposting, with clear and easily accessible information available for people wanting to use mental health services and seek support. We want to ensure that any changes to the crisis line are in the best interests of those currently accessing services, and those that may access Bristol’s mental health services in the the future. We will be meeting with BMH and Bristol CCG on 9th September to discuss the crisis line further, and will also announce a date for an open meeting to get wider views in the near future. In the meantime, please join us in ensuring proper scrutiny of the future of our Crisis Line and spread the word of this vital campaign by signing and sharing this petition to show you are with us when we meet with them. If you want to get in touch about this campaign, or share your experience of using the Crisis Line, then please drop BIMHN Secretary, Tom, an email at: [email protected] References 1. BIMHN article breaking the story: http://bimhn.org.uk/news/bristol-crisis-line-closure/ 2. Bristol Cable article: https://thebristolcable.org/2016/08/mental-health-crisis-line-to-close-oh-wait/ 3. Second BMH Statement: http://bristolmentalhealth.org/news-and-events/bristol-mental-health-news/2016/august/statement-regarding-bmhs-crisis-line/ 4. Latest BIMHN statement and link to third statement from BMH: http://bimhn.org.uk/news/response-latest-crisis-line-statement/ 5. Updated BIMHN news article on the campaign, including latest statement from BMH: http://bimhn.org.uk/news/crisis-line-update/

The term ‘Short Breaks’ for families of disabled children, conjures up a beautiful and relaxed vision of families merrily enjoying weekends away, holidays abroad and special, celebratory times with family and all at the expense of the tax payer, when in reality this could not be further from the truth. These short breaks are periods of respite for the families giving them precious time to spend with their other children whose needs are, through sheer necessity, often placed a distant second to their disabled sibling’s complex care needs. This time often allows families do the ordinary everyday tasks that many of us take for granted, such as homework, going swimming, maybe a trip to the cinema and spending priceless time with their parents. Parents often carry out the more mundane domestic tasks such as washing, cleaning and shopping during these times. Other parents access these services to enable them to take part in social activities, maintain friendships and relationships, and access further training or have some simple down time to recuperate so they are able to continue to care for their child at home. The few short hours our special children spend at the specialised after-school clubs, Youth Clubs, Holiday Play Schemes, Saturday Clubs and overnight breaks, with highly trained staff who can meet their complex needs, enables many parents to continue to work full time and provide valuable financial contributions to the economy and local community. The short breaks undeniably enable families to cope with their extraordinary day to day life. The withdrawal of these short breaks will have a catastrophic effect on some families who will quickly become unable to cope and will be faced with one of the most heart breaking decisions any parent will be forced to make, which is to move their child into a residential setting, thus splitting their family forever. Our special children simply cannot access mainstream activities, no matter how much we would love this to be the case and these short breaks give each and every one of them the opportunity to socialise with their peers, to laugh, to play, to be children – how can anyone deny them this? Would it be acceptable to close all of the mainstream playgrounds, groups, holiday schemes, after-school clubs and social activities? The answer to this we are sure, would be a resounding NO! Parents of our special children must invest huge amounts of time and energy to meet the care requirements and demands of their disabled children and they do this without question and at great personal cost, as this is what parents do for their children. The savings being made are potentially equal to the cost just one child moving into residential care? By keeping the funding in place you will support hundreds of children and families for the same cost as one in care.

In February and March 2012 my 11 year old daughter, Sophie, was put in a ‘spit hood’ by Sussex Police officers on at least three occasions. Sophie has a rare neurological disability, similar to autism, that can cause her to act in ways that people find challenging. She can become very upset when she is over-stimulated and can sometimes spit out of frustration. I had never heard of a ‘spit hood’ until one was used on my daughter. It is a material bag that goes over someone’s head with a drawstring to tighten it. Sussex Police allows its officers to put spit hoods on anyone who is spitting, regardless of whether they are a hardened adult criminal or a terrified 11 year old disabled girl who isn’t in control of her actions. I cannot describe how traumatic it was for Sophie to be hooded by police officers. Due to her disability she finds it very upsetting to have someone even touch her head. Having strangers put a bag over her head when she was already extremely distressed was profoundly shocking for her and she still hasn’t fully recovered from the experience over four years later. In June 2016 the Independent Police Complaints Commission published its report into Sophie’s treatment by the police. It found that 11 police officers and one member of police staff had cases to answer for misconduct. However, the IPCC wasn’t able to criticise the repeated use of the spit hoods as this was authorised by Sussex Police policy. Obviously it is not a pleasant experience to be spat at; however, the risk to police officers needs to be balanced against the very real psychological and physical risks to children who are subjected to this shocking treatment. Several of the largest policy forces around the country, including West Midlands Police and Merseyside Police, do not authorise the use of spit hoods on anyone let alone on children. In 2009 a man died after he was placed in a spit hood and became unwell in a Peterborough police station. In the wake of national media coverage about Sophie’s case (http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2016/jun/08/ipcc-criticises-sussex-police-treatment-11-year-old-disabled-girl) Sussex Police confirmed that it would not stop its officers from hooding children. I think this is wrong. The police do an important and difficult job, but I don’t think they should be allowed to treat children in an inhuman, degrading and dangerous way. If you agree with me please sign this petition and call on Sussex Police to stop using spit hoods on children. Thank you. Note: names have been changed for legal reasons.