1. The new Green Paper No voice unheard, no right ignored

2. What is a green paper? It is a consultation It is from the Government In it are ideas that might become law But before that happens, the Government have to ask everyone what they think about the ideas and get their feedback

3. What is the new green paper about? It is called ‘No voice unheard, no right ignored’ It aims to give people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health problems more rights about the care they get and the way they are treated by the NHS and the care system

4. Why is this needed?

5. What does it say? People should expect to be able to live independently with support and be part of their community – providers needs to change the way they work with people People should have their views listened too People should be able to challenge decisions about them and the care they get

6. What does it say? Self-advocates should have more of a say in the way services are run People should have access to advocacy - self-advocacy groups, citizen advocacy, or an advocate of their choice. If people don't have the capacity to make decisions, they should always have the support of an advocate

7. What does it say? People should have clear rights under the Mental Health Act People should be able to have control of their own support and services using personal health budgets. This should help people get the support they need in the community and have more choice and say in how they are supported It also says physical health needs should be treated as importantly as mental health needs

8. Why is it so important? People are still being sent away from their families and communities to hospitals or services that are miles away When you don’t have people looking out for you, you become more vulnerable Everyone has a right to a say in how they are treated

9. What is the timescale? The consultation began on the 6 th March 2015 It ends on 29 May 2015 There are lots of questions (14) to answer but we think it is really important to feedback so the Government get this right

10. Next steps In your groups can you think about: What you think about the ideas in the green paper If you have any questions about it? What support you need from the National Forum to take this to your regions How you will make sure all members across your region know about this (including those who aren’t able to get to meetings)