National Star welcomes new Labour government

National Star is calling on the new Labour government to listen to the issues and concerns of young people with disabilities and enable them to become active and valued members of society.

Chief Executive Lynette Barrett said: ‘We sincerely hope that the new government will review and prioritise what is important for those with disabilities and their families.

‘Sir Keir Starmer and his government face some major challenges including access to the most appropriate education and care for young people with disabilities and quality social care for when they leave education.

‘National Star is passionate about creating a fair and equal society. That can only happen by prioritising the provision of high-quality support for people with disabilities so that they can be active citizens and lead meaningful lives.

‘We look forward to working with the new government, and all parties, to make Britain a fairer society for everyone.’

National Star is calling on the new government to deliver three key things for young people with complex needs:

• Fair access to further education
• High quality further education
• Post-college opportunities

‘Further education has an important role to play in enabling young people with disabilities to develop into adults,’ said Mrs Barrett.

‘Too often securing specialist further education feels like a battle for the young person and their families. Without the opportunity to access specialist further education, many young people will not develop the skills they require during adulthood. This has a detrimental impact to their quality of life as an adult.

‘For those who have been fortunate to secure the funding at a specialist college, the experience of leaving college for many people with complex needs is of “falling off a cliff-edge”. There is little point in government investing public money in the further education of young people with SEND only to deny them the opportunity to put into practice the skills they have developed.

‘There is too little post further education support for getting and keeping jobs or to help them participate in their communities and enjoy fulfilling lives. There is a lack of suitable accommodation and too few opportunities to engage in adult learning and occupation.

‘Repeatedly, young people and their families are referred to as the reason so many local authorities are in financial crisis. They are made to feel like a burden to society, rather than an important part of our rich and diverse community.

‘Young people with disabilities have so much to contribute to our society. That can only happen if we work together to enable them to reach their potential.’