MP pledges to address social care

Simon Danczuk MP met Adrian Lawrence from Kirkholt as part of the Care and Support Alliance Lobby, in his capacity as a campaigner for The National Autistic Society (NAS).

Adrian, who is autistic, requested a meeting with Mr Danczuk to talk to him about the issues people with autism and other ‘hidden’ disabilities might face in the area.

Adrian said: “I was keen to meet with Simon as he has expressed a real commitment towards making things better for people in his constituency, particularly for the vulnerable groups.

"I wanted to highlight autism in particular as it’s a ‘hidden’ disability and for that reason, people with the condition are often stigmatised and/or misunderstood.

"I’ve had problems accessing relevant support in the past and as such I wanted to make him aware of this so that he can ensure that there is more understanding and thus better support out there.”

Mr Danczuk said: “I learnt a lot from Adrian’s personal experience of autism, and can see there is room for improvement to help people with autism in Rochdale.

"The hallmark of a civilised society is whether we care for the most vulnerable and those with autism like Adrian want to be full members of our society.

"The services that they depend on are vital and they must not be put at risk by the Government‘s Health and Social Care Bill. I will write to the Prime Minister asking him to listen to the voice of Adrian and the tens of thousands like him.”

Mark Lever, Chief Executive of the NAS, said: “Too often we hear from people with autism struggling to access the services and support they need.

"It’s great that MPs like Simon took the time to meet with their constituents with the aim of improving things in their areas.

"It’s so important that people with autism get the right support at the right time as failure to provide this results in 60% developing higher support needs in the long-term.”