Nov 20 – GSD Presents Social Services Policies To Support Families And The Vulnerable
The GSD has this morning presented a comprehensive set of Social Services policy initiatives which focus on supporting families and helping the most vulnerable members of the community.
The party also announced that, if elected, it would scrap the so-called “Tampon Tax” which currently classifies female sanitary products as luxuries.
Election candidate Kim Karnani Santos explained her party’s commitment to translate the UN Convention on the Rights of the Disabled into law and conduct a full review of the criteria currently employed to determine whether someone qualifies as disabled.
She also explained that, if elected, the GSD would provide disabled people with the right tools to find secure employment through the Project Search initiative which sees people with certain learning difficulties undergo a series of internships with different employers.
“These jobs can give someone self-esteem and a feeling of confidence,” she said.
The party would also set up a “Family Centre” which would encourage families to fulfil their “true potential” through emotional, physical and social support services. The Centre would include a Play Therapy Service, a family planning clinic, parenting classes and health advice. The centre would also serve as a crisis centre point providing legal aid information and relationship counselling to help avoid family breakdown.
Ms Karnani Santos said that families were the “backbone of society” and that the GSD’s policies were aimed at supporting this key role.
The GSD says it would also explore a “Meals on Wheels” service for the elderly which will, the party says, enable people to remain independent for longer.
Speaking at a press conference this morning, Party Leader Daniel Feetham also said that the GSD was against the use of “permanent short term 11-month contracts” for Care Agency workers.
He said this practice had demoralised staff and not allowed them to progress in their careers. He added that the practice meant that there was no continuity of care for many service users.
Speaking about Ms Karnani Santos’ proposals, Mr Feetham added: “These are very comprehensive, well thought-out and fully costed policies.”
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