CPS Say Thank You To Members

Over the last week our team have been working hard contact all of our members. We wanted to say a big THANK YOU to all of You who have spoken with us. We have many more contacts to make but we are dedicated to speaking with you all.

Of the 1700 members, we have contacted nearly a third (574 members) in the first few days.

The conversations are taking 10-15 minutes with a percentage (around 12%) taking much longer with multiple calls (and involve a range of organisations).

Around 10% of the members we have called are requiring significant research, advocacy and/or connection to services.

Examples of these are organising repairs for a member whose wheel chair is not functioning (So she is bedridden for the lockdown period) to organizing medication drop offs; not understanding what Lockdown means.

Between 50 and 70% are asking for calls back to check in. However, there is a high level of anxiety within the membership. Some of the greatest concerns include:

– Carers not arriving because they can’t (they are sick; families in isolation).
– Being able to pay for carers now and for the rest of the year.
– Accessing carers PPE.
– Access to critical requirements (eg specialist medication with restricted use by dates); food; necessities; medication.
– Members over 50 years on their own are worried about what happens if something goes wrong.
– There is also a group of members who are usually isolated and see this usual situation as their norm.
– Parents of children with CP are worried about managing their children’s health and equipment (from overseas).

Whilst the team will continue to contact the remaining members, we will endeavour to do everything we can to advocate for change and equity.