ESSEX County Council has launched a new strategy, Meaningful Lives Matter: Our plan for a more inclusive Essex, which sets out the Adult Social Care ambition to improve the lives of people with disabilities over the next four years.

The strategy has been formulated following a 12-week public consultation, launched in December last year and lasting to February 2023.

The consultation received 169 online and telephone responses and feedback from a further 39 people at face-to-face and online focus groups.

Feedback received during the consultation showed most people agreed with the priorities and areas of focus of the strategy document.

Issues which were highlighted during the consultation were the need for improved financial support and a greater focus on young people with disabilities transitioning into adult services. These matters have now been incorporated into the strategy.

Councillor John Spence, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: “We had a brilliant launch of the strategy on Monday. It was great to hear from people with disabilities, sharing their experiences and ideas. 

“A strategy is only worthwhile, though, if it is well implemented.  Now is the time for life changing plans to be developed with these people and their carers.  If we’re going to make a real difference, it can only happen by working closely with those who have lived experience.”

The new disability strategy was officially launched on Monday 15 May at an event at Anglia Ruskin University.

Among those in attendance were adults with lived experience of disability, along with families and carers, staff from Adult Social Care, Providers and Health partners as well as Councillors and members. As well as hearing from various speakers, attendees had the opportunity to feed in their ideas to help develop an action plan that will turn the ambitions within strategy into a reality.To read the full strategy document or find out more about work to support Adults with Disabilities in Essex please visit https://www.essex.gov.uk/disability-strategy