David Baines MP visits Mill Point

We were delighted to welcome David Baines MP to one of our Supported Living Services in the North West, to learn more about how our teams empower people to play an active role in their communities.  

Our Mill Point service, in Merseyside, provides person-centred support to people with a range of support needs, promoting independence, inclusion and opportunity.

During the visit on Friday, 16th October, David met people supported by our charity, who shared their personal achievements and ambitions, providing a unique insight into the impact of person-centred support. They also spoke about how our inclusive volunteering programme has helped them develop confidence and meaningful skills, highlighting the benefits of community participation.  

This visit builds on our existing relationship with David, following his attendance at the Learning Disability Super League’s Magic Weekend earlier this year in his role of Chair of the APPG for Rugby League. Conversations about rugby gave people we support the opportunity to share how our relationship with St Helens Rugby League has strengthened their connection to the community and built confidence beyond the support we provide.  

David praised our charity’s approach, recognising how our work helps reduce inequalities, strengthen communities and prevent people from reaching crisis point. 

Discussing the role of not-for-profit care in the government’s wider ambitions 

David also met with Jim Kane, Chief Executive Officer at Community Integrated Care and John Hughes, Director of Partnerships and Communities at Community Integrated Care to discuss how the not-for-profit care sector can play a greater role in delivering a positive social impact and supporting ambitions of a future National Care Service.  

A key theme of the visit was how connecting care with communities, volunteering, employment, sport and local partnerships can support prevention, tackle inequalities and improve outcomes for people. 

Jim Kane, Chief Executive Officer, said: 

“It was a privilege to welcome David Baines MP to Mill Point. David demonstrated a real interest in meeting his our colleagues the people we support and understanding how the social care sector and communities can be strengthened to change lives.  

This commitment to understanding the lived experience of people who draw on social care, and the teams and families who support them, is vital as the government develops its new vision for social care. Visits like this provide an important opportunity to evidence the impact of person-centred, community-based support on people’s lives. 

By connecting people to volunteering, employment opportunities, sport and meaningful relationships, we’re enabling people to build confidence, develop skills and live healthier, more independent lives. 

As we continue to evidence our impact and influence policy conversations, we want to champion a future where care is focused not only on meeting needs, but on unlocking potential, reducing inequalities and creating opportunities for people to thrive” 

The visit forms part of our ongoing engagement with parliamentarians and decision-makers, to showcase the impact of community-based support and the wider value of social care.  

Through our Best Lives, Bolder strategy, we will continue to champion inclusion, influence policy and demonstrate how connecting people to opportunities can create stronger communities and better outcomes for all.