Short termism: A plague on all our (third sector) houses
Short
termism: A plague on all our (third sector) houses
The titular “Wee Room” is a safe haven at the
bottom of our garden where friends gather, music is played, books are read and
ideas flow. It certainly saved my sanity during lockdown, it was a place I
could go, watch the birds, be close to nature and to just be.
The third sector in Scotland is, in so many ways a vibrant
and creative space where people are met with acceptance, understanding and life-changing
support.
I have been involved
in many developments that demonstrably make a significant impact on the lives
of people. These initiatives range from family support services, playschemes,
mental health support services, One-stop shops and many more. Where are they
now? Well, only the strong survive in a sector that is plagued by short-term
thinking and short-term funding.
The third sector has the capacity to build infrastructure
and to bring stability to the lives of marginalised people. Yet, we limp along
hoping that our cause, our people, will be the next to attract attention and be
prioritised in government funding rounds and by grant givers. Most, rightly
look for an evaluation mechanism that will evidence the impact of the work
undertaken, but then what?
In the last two years alone, my colleagues have delivered
two highly impactful programmes.
One, a coaching and counselling service for autistic people
and their families was generously funded over the pandemic by a range of
funders. This service was set up in four weeks (yes, that’s four weeks), due to
the network we have and the relationships that exist between organisations, we
formed a partnership that resulted in the delivery of support to 258 people,
many described it as life-changing, others, lifesaving. We had over 90% of
participants complete the evaluation, that’s pretty unheard of. Only 5% of
people required any further follow-on support for their mental health. The
service came in at circa 2k per head. A very convincing independent evaluation
shows the value of this proactive preventative work yet, our system waits for
and often drives people to crisis. Crisis is costly in pounds and people. There
is no justification for the perpetuation of crisis led “intervention” yet, it
persists. With no continuation funding, this service no longer exists.
Another project provides post diagnostic support to
families of autistic people. For so many reasons, the right support at
diagnosis, is vital, not least as it sets the narrative for individuals and
families that will follow them throughout their lives. It ensures people are
directed to enabling support rather than snake oil and “cure” narratives that
proliferate the internet. Crucially, it says to people that they matter, it
recognises that support is needed, and it signals that people have value. Why, then,
is it so difficult to sustain these services? We are caught in an endless round
of budget cycles, “projects” are set up with limited timescales that don’t
always match that cycle so there are gaps.
Organisations have to take a leap of faith and continue to
bridge gaps, many can’t afford to so, the work stops. The support stops, the
anxiety, stress and need for information do not stop, they escalate, they
become compounded by other systemic failures and before we know it people and
families are broken, and we are placing people in inappropriate, restrictive,
punitive settings that cost many times more than good early support.
I realise this may sound like an oversimplification of a
complex problem, but it really isn’t. Folks, I give you Occam’s razor.
Short termism is not strategic and it’s the not the way to
address lifespan and lifelong issues. It has, however, been the approach to
funding aspects of vital third sector work for as long as I can recall.
Why are we so hellbent on dismantling community infrastructure?
Its beyond me, I see no rationale. Our current social care system is like a
giant Jenga tower. The blocks are being gradually removed, the tower is
wobbling, the gaps in the supporting structure becoming more and more apparent.
We are standing by waiting for the inevitable collapse. The workforce is the
enduring foundation of our social care system. They are demoralised, depleted
and to coin a good old Scottish phrase, scunnered*.
Warm words from successive governments, whilst characterising them as
“unskilled” is coming home to roost.
Let’s stop being distracted by the shiny things. Innovation
is a wonderful thing. It is great to see new approaches, new models of support
but they become nothing more than a tease if they are not sustained.
Fundamentally, people need people. We can come up with a thousand ways of
making that connection, but it is that connection that matters. By valuing
those who work to support our most marginalised communities, we, in turn,
demonstrably value them. Respect, appropriate renumeration and long-term
strategic investment can save our social care system. Who will be brave enough
to turn the tide?
*For non- Scots “Scunnered” is to be in a state of extreme,
disgusted irritation.
It’s a great word, feel free to use it!
These lovely wee wooden houses are made by a small business based in Lanark. Check out "Material Geeks" on Facebook for some fabulous designs.
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