A manifesto for people living with long term condition

A key reason organisations came together to form LTCAS was to have a stronger voice in campaigning.

Over the past two years we have used that voice to keep long term conditions high on the agenda and to drive policy on self management. However we know that a wide range of issues - not just those relating to health or the NHS - affect the lives of people with long term conditions.

We are beginning work on an LTCAS manifesto and want to work with members to develop this.

The manifesto will:

• Highlight what needs to happen across all areas of policy to improve the lives of people living with long term conditions
• Communicate key messages shared by LTCAS and its members
• Influence the manifestos of the political parties (for 2011 Scottish Parliament election)
• Provide a tool for LTCAS and members to use in campaigning activities

It is vital that the manifesto reflects the views and priorities of LTCAS members and those they represent. Please help us by getting involved in shaping this important piece of work.

You can contribute by:

• Emailing me your views (what are the key issues for people living with long term conditions? what should LTCAS' priorities be? what are the key messages politicians need to hear?)
• Participating in our focus group on Wednesday 2 September 12.30pm-3pm (lunch provided) at the Hub in Glasgow
• Completing our online survey by visiting http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=2uG0OXvugZGeGUKMGR6VuQ_3d_3d (if you would like a paper copy of this survey please let us know)
• Sending the survey to your own networks of people living with long term conditions
• Sharing with us reports you have produced that highlight your key issues or the views and experiences of people living with long term conditions
• Giving us the opportunity to come along and hold a discussion with a group of your members
• Getting in touch to arrange for us to meet with you or to talk on the phone

We have only given a date for a focus group in Glasgow but we may plan more depending on the level of interest. We hope that by offering many different ways of contributing there will be an option that suits everyone.

LTCAS is only as strong as its members so please help us produce a manifesto that we can use together to campaign for real improvements in the lives of people with long term conditions.

Shelley Gray
Director of Policy and Campaigns
Long Term Conditions Alliance Scotland (LTCAS)
Venlaw Building
349 Bath Street
Glasgow G2 4AA
Tel: 0141 404 0231
Fax: 0141 246 0348