Silence is not an option: Providers Unite day of action 25th February 2025
Following the Providers Unite Day of Action on the 25th of February 2025 Together Chief Executive shares a blog on the theme of the day and the importance of the cause to charities like our own and the mental health support we provide.
Linda Bryant, CEO, Together for Mental Wellbeing
Tuesday 25th February 2025 was a historical day for the social care sector. The first time that thousands of people joined together united in the cause of highlighting the essential life-enhancing, life-enabling and life-saving work of social care providers for people experiencing mental distress, living with learning disabilities and physical health conditions and older people.
Our sector is critically underfunded today, and we need £8.4bn to meet future demand, improve access to care and cover the full cost of care.
Rising costs experienced over the last few years, unmatched by increases in fees and funding, have been further exacerbated by the choices made by the government in the Autumn budget of 2024 – to increase employer National Insurance Contributions with the cumulative impact of the rise in the National Minimum Wage rate.
At Together, we absolutely stand by our staff – their incredible skills and expertise should be reflected in fair pay. However, the rising costs announced this year and only £880 million being allocated for local government social care funding means that funding is insufficient given the demands on the sector. We know that many providers, like Together, are being forced into making difficult decisions that may have a direct impact on the quality of care and support available for the most in need in our society.
We cannot be silent as a sector. People’s lives are at risk. The quality of people’s lives is at risk.
This is why the actions of the 25th February was such an important step on a newly energised and collective journey to push for meaningful change in the social care sector, advocating for increased funding and policy adjustments to ensure the sustainability of these critical services.
Together colleagues marched with social care colleagues from hundreds of other organisations from up and down the country:
Being part of the protest was an inspiring and powerful experience. It was incredible to stand alongside so many social care workers and service users from across the UK, united in a common cause. There was a real sense of solidarity and determination, a reminder that our voices matter and that change is possible when we come together. This day reinforced the importance of collective action, and we must continue pushing for the recognition and support our sector deserves.
It was great to be part of the protest, to see around us on the streets so many social care workers and service users from all UK taking action together to be listened to. On the day we were a lively, colourful crowd with a sense of belonging and purpose. We spoke loud and clear. We must keep going!
One day is not enough to change the hearts and minds of the decision-makers in government. Together remains committed to ongoing collective action to ensure that the people we work alongside experiencing mental distress continue to receive the high-quality help and support that they want and need and to live the lives they choose.
