Prime Minister Andy Burnham praised on a Bury-based Jewish social care organisation during a speech on social care reforms this week.
The Fed is the leading social care charity for the Greater Manchester Jewish Community and its headquarters are in Prestwich.
On Wednesday, July 29, Andy Burnham promised to reform social care to help “my dad and the millions like him” faced with the unfairness of the current system as he acknowledged tax hikes could be needed to pay for fundamental changes.
The PM praised The Fed as being "one of the jewels in Greater Manchester's crown", an accolade the charity has welcomed.
Raphi Bloom, Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications at The Fed, said: "As Prime Minister Andy Burnham observed, The Fed is 'one of the jewels in Greater Manchester’s crown' and a shining example of what truly person-centred social care should look like.
"That recognition reflects the values that underpin everything we do - treating every individual with dignity, compassion and respect, whilst recognising that no two people are the same.
"Whether supporting older people, adults with learning disabilities, carers, families or those facing crisis, The Fed is committed to seeing the person, not the condition; the individual, not the challenge.
"Our dedicated colleagues go beyond providing care - they build relationships, nurture independence, create a sense of belonging and ensure that every person we support can live with purpose and dignity.
"We are proud that our values of kindness, respect, excellence, integrity and community are not simply words on a page, but principles that are lived every day by colleagues, volunteers and supporters across our organisation.
"Through this unwavering commitment, The Fed continues to demonstrate the very best of Greater Manchester and the very best of both social care and the Jewish value of 'caring for your neighbour like yourself'.
"We welcome the Prime Minister's much-needed commitment to reform social care and ensure that everyone can be supported in the way they require."
Councillor Eamonn O'Brien, Bury Council's leader, was in attendance at Mr Burnham's speech in London on Wednesday and was also praised for the authority's action on social care.
It comes after Bury Council wrote to the Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, highlighting how its approach to adult care could help shape national reforms focused on helping people live independently and recover at home.
Cllr Tamoor Tariq, cabinet member for adult care, health and public service reform at Bury Council, said: "Adult social care is fundamental to people's dignity, independence and quality of life.
"It is also essential to the long-term sustainability of the NHS.
"Our experience in Bury is that the best reforms begin with people's lives and then organise services around them.
"When councils, the NHS, care providers and communities work together around residents, we achieve better outcomes for people and make better use of public resources.
"As the Government develops its reforms, we hope Bury's experience can contribute to the national conversation and help shape a system that is sustainable, locally responsive and centred on people's lives."
Bury's integrated approach brings together the council, NHS, care providers, and voluntary sector organisations to deliver coordinated support.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) recently rated Bury's adult social care services as 'Good.'
Inspectors praised the borough's leadership, safeguarding, and partnership working, and described its Integrated Neighbourhood Teams as "an exceptional example of integrated working."
Bury’s intermediate care service, Killelea, was rated 'Outstanding,' and the Bury Care Academy has helped strengthen the local care workforce and improve quality across care services.
The letter to government officials sets out five key principles from Bury's experience:
- sustainable, multi-year funding for adult social care
- investment in prevention and community support
- national consistency combined with strong local leadership
- properly funded improvements to workforce pay and development
- stronger support for unpaid carers and advocacy
Cllr Tariq has also invited ministers and officials from the Department of Health and Social Care to visit Bury.
He hopes they will see first-hand how the borough’s Integrated Neighbourhood Teams and intermediate care services are supporting residents while reducing pressure across the wider health and care system.
The Government is expected to announce reforms to adult social care in the near future.
