Influencing policy
Together for Short Lives is the authoritative voice for children’s palliative care. We use this voice to influence policy across the UK, speaking up for children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions, their families and services which do so much to support them.
Our lobbying and policy work helps to ensure that:
- Children and families get the best care and support
- Support for families is better integrated so they have more time together
- Funding for services is sustainable for the future
Members of Together for Short Lives are kept up to date by our regular newsletter Policy Matters. We also produce regular policy briefings and respond to government consultations. Some of our policy documents such as meeting notes and presentations are available to Together for Short Lives members in the members' area of this website.
We are currently focused on influencing the following policy areas below:
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Children and Young People Health Outcomes Strategy
The Secretary of State has established an independent Forum to develop a health outcomes strategy for children and young people.
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Funding children’s palliative care
Together for Short Lives wants to see a fair and transparent funding system which delivers for children and families and secures sustainable and consistent funding for those providing palliative care, including children’s hospices.
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Commissioning children’s palliative care in the new NHS
Reforms to health and social care in England means that from April 2013, children’s palliative care will be commissioned differently.
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Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND)
The Government is reforming how services are organised and delivered for children with SEN and disability.
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Influencing policy in the devolved governments
The majority of policy development around children’s palliative care in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is devolved.