Health and Wellbeing Board makes commitment to disabled children

Blackburn with Darwen’s Health and Wellbeing Board has committed to making life better for disabled children, young people and their families by signing a national charter.

The Disabled Children’s Charter for Health and Wellbeing Boards has been developed by national organisations Every Disabled Child Matters and the Children’s Trust, Tadworth.

By signing the Charter the Health and Wellbeing Board has pledged to support disabled children and young people to fulfil their potential and achieve their aspirations.

To do this it must meet specific commitments within one year including: engaging directly with local disabled children, young people and parent carers; setting targets for local partners to meet in relation to disabled children, young people and their families and promoting early intervention and smooth transitions between children and local adult services.

The Blackburn with Darwen Health and Wellbeing Board is made up of key local health leaders including Councillors, Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) members, Council Chief Officers, Healthwatch representatives and delegates from the voluntary and community sectors.  These partners work together on the board to improve the health and wellbeing of people in the borough.

Councillor Mohammed Khan, Chair of Blackburn with Darwen Health and Wellbeing Board and Executive Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said:

We are confident that our local work meets the high standards set out in the charter and are happy to be a part of this opportunity to continue making a positive impact on the lives of disabled children, young people and their families. We are confident that they can look forward us delivering our commitments in the coming months.

Councillor Frank Connor, Executive Member for Children’s Services, said:

I’m pleased the board has shown its support for the Charter. This represents a real commitment to meeting the needs of disabled children, young people and their families in Blackburn with Darwen.