Directions

Disability Direct c/o the DD Enterprise Centre, 20 Royal Scot Road, Pride Park, Derby DE24 8AJ. Tel 01332 299449 Type Talk 18001 01332 299449 Fax 01332 404041www.disabilitydirect.com info@disabilitydirect.com

Part of

Issue No. 69 - February 2011

Disability Direct is a registered Charity (No. 1079831) and welcomes donations from all individuals and/or businesses. Directions is printed with the help of such donations. If you would like to contribute, please make cheques payable to “Disability Direct” and return to the address below.

VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATIONThe Normanton Road office where Disability Direct have lived for many years is now closed.

Any correspondence should now be addressed to Disability Direct, c/o the DD Enterprise Centre, 20 Royal Scot Road, Pride Park, Derby DE24 8AJ.

E-Bulletins from Disability DirectDisability Direct will soon begin sending out e-bulletins to keep people informed of updates and news concerning disability issues and information from DD and the Disability Syndicate. As we are a charity, email is an incredibly important communication tool for us as it is quick and cheap.

If you haven’t already subscribed to our email mailing list, either visit the Disability Direct Derby website and follow the link to subscribe for updates, or email us at info@disabilitydirect.com

EditorialWelcome to 2011. As you will read in this edition of Directions, things at DD have already changed for us this year. We have had to move out of our home of 10 years and temporarily into our head office on Pride Park. We had hoped we would be able to move back in after the winter but as the old place needs so much work doing to it, we have decided to look for bigger, better premises.

We will keep you updated on our progress via our E-Bulletins and newsletters.

Happy reading

2

Michele SworderHi, I’m Michele Sworder, I started with Disability Direct back in July 2010 as the new Shopping Coordinator. I am now also the point of contact for Chores 4 You service.

I have taken over from Charlotte Rawlings whom most of you will know from the shopping service. I’m enjoying working here, the staff have made me feel really welcome. And I look forward to meeting you all soon.

Rob BarfieldHi I’m Rob Barfield, the Welfare and Benefits advisor for Disability Direct. A large proportion of my workload is assisting people to complete Disability Living Allowance forms. As people tend to underestimate the amount of care and support they receive from friends and family, they do not accurately reflect these needs when completing the form themselves and this often results in the claim being turned down or forced into the appeal process. By looking at the broader picture, I get information that the claimant doesn’t feel is relevant or important. I quite often hear during an interview “I’ve never looked at it that way before” or “I just get on with it.” The service users leave, assured that we have put the best case forward for their claim. Statistics show that having the forms completed with professional help considerably increases the chances of a successful application.

I also receive lots of queries about in work/out of work benefits and peoples entitlement to them, how benefits link and overlap with other benefits and how to go about claiming them. Having used the welfare benefits system myself I understand how frustrating and difficult it can be to get the right information. I think people appreciate having an independent central resource that they can easily contact, for what is frequently a very complicated system.

Every year millions of pounds goes unclaimed in benefits and I get great satisfaction from helping people claim what is rightfully theirs.

Ann Webster New Contact InfoAnn Webster the Equality and Diversity Lead for the Strategy, Policy and Workforce Learning Division at Derby City Council would like to inform readers that her new phone number is 01332 643722

CongratulationsCongratulations to both Raj Gidda from the Disability Syndicate and Emma Chambers from Disability Direct who have both recently had baby boys.

Christopher Joshua was born on 10th November and Manav on 21st December. All the staff send best wishes to both new mums and their families.

Hello from our new staff

3

Mick’s ColumnOver the time I’ve been writing this column, I’ve raised many issues about the accessibility of new developments in the city and the public realm spaces that link them.

To help ensure accessible built environments were delivered, I’ve met with many disabled people to seek their advice on what important features and design details needed to be included in these projects. The way we involve and consult with disabled people is however about to change.

I’m taking early retirement from the Council in March. I’m confident however that working procedures are in place to ensure colleagues leading future development in the city involve and engage with disabled people ensuring the progress that has been made in delivering an accessible built environment continue.

For me I’m looking forward to starting a new chapter in my life. I hope there might be opportunities for me to continue to make a contribution to disabled people’s issues across the city in the voluntary sector, but that’s for the future.

I hope you’ve found my column informative over the years and thank you for your comments and support.

Happy New Year and an accessible 2011 to you all.

Mick Watts Access Officer Derby City Council Tel/Minicom: 01332 255925 Fax: 01332 255902 Email: mick.watts@derby.gov.uk

As this was Mick’s final column for Directions as Access Officer, Disability Direct would like to thank him for all his contributions over the years and we hope that he will continue to send us interesting and informative articles in the future.

FOR SALEVW Sharan 2.8 GL Royal Blue manual Brotherwood rear ramped wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) enabling user to travel between passenger seats safely and comfortably in whee lcha i r. Four chair restraints, double shoulder belts and lap belt for user. Accommodates five passengers in total ( including wheelchair user).

Front and rear parking sensors, PAS, Traction Control, digital air con, all electric windows including sunroof, e lectr ica l ly adjustable wing mirrors. Reversible front seats with flip up trays on the back for rear passengers to use, removable rear passenger seats. Sony cassette radio with removable front cover (note: cassette player has faulty ejection). Walnut dash on fascia and surrounding air vents/gear stick.

MOT June 2011, 10 months car tax, vgc. Fsh, “N” (96) reg, 89,500 miles on clock. £2300.00 ono

E-mail: re.shaw@ntlworld.com Tel: 01332 721937

4

Headway Derby is a char itable organisation supporting people with traumatic brain injuries as a result of road accidents, work accidents, muggings, and severe falls, and acquired brain injuries such as stroke and sub arachnoid haemorrhage. We meet twice a week on a regular basis (Tuesdays and Fridays), and have activities on other days.

The garden project was started four years ago, when we were offered a large, overgrown plot of land about 1,200 sq yards at the Rowditch allotment site. Our plan was to develop the land for horticulture, relaxation and social use of all our members. We now have a large cultivated area with raised beds for growing plants, fruit and vegetables, a small greenhouse, a lawn and patio, and a portacabin with kitchen facilities. The project is open to all suitable members; all paths are wheelchair accessible and there is a small car park. The gardeners group attend on Fridays, weather permitting for about 3 hours, and a group of volunteer gardeners meet one evening a week.

The garden project has proved to be popular with members who like the outdoors and want to achieve the satisfaction that gardening can give. There are a variety of jobs to do, including digging, weeding, pruning, construction and general maintenance. Members develop social skills and self confidence and become part of a team.

Headway Derby Garden ProjectRuth Wright

All members of Headway, Derby take pride in the project, including those who do not participate but enjoy the relaxation and social interaction.

Suitable prospective members would need to be referred to Headway, Derby and we would encourage them to participate in the other activities at Headway House in addition to the gardening.

5

RightCare is an additional layer of out of hours health care ( for when the GP surgery is closed) available to people who have a long term condition , a mental health condition or learning difficulties.

RightCare is designed to help someone access the right level of care for their health condition and avoid unnecessary out of hours visits to the hospital. NHS Derby City’s RightCare service helps to lower patient’s anxiety, provides reassurance and allows people to access appropriate healthcare and advice quickly.

A RightCare Plan is an agreement between the patient and their clinician, (this can be either a Community Matron, Doctor or specialist nurse) and is a clinical management plan on how they would like their condition to be treated when they cannot speak to their own GP or specialist nurse. Once a plan has been completed and a patient has been informed they are on the RightCare system, a special phone number will be made available. If the patient feels unwell and their GP surgery is closed, they can ring RightCare and patients (or their carers) will be able to speak to an Out of Hours clinician who will have access to their Clinical Management Plan.

The clinician will be able to assess their condition using the plan and can either give telephone advice and reassurance, arrange for a clinician to visit at home, or if necessary ring 999. Either way the patient will get the best possible medical care, at the right time in the

Do you look after someone who would be suitable for a RightCare Plan?Right Care Worker, Derby City PCT

Enabled Art is an art group for disabled people. Established in 2002 the Centre is situated on Litchurch Plaza, Derby.

In July 2009 Enabled Art became part of the Disability Syndicate! Enabled Art is a safe, stimulating environment for beginners, artists and art lovers to develop their creativity in an open and inclusive environment!

Everyone is treated with respect and can be supported by Care Workers to help them to join in with activities. Care Workers can help with things like using the toilet, getting a drink, cutting lunch up, feeding, mixing paints, cutting paper and other art activities.

Sessions are fl exible and are charged by the hour, our premises are fully accessible and transport is available too if required!

Lunch is available or feel free to bring your own packed lunch and snacks and drinks are available throughout the day at subsidised prices from the Tea Shop.

Call: 01332 242202www.enabledart .co.uk

most appropriate setting, taking into account their wishes.

If you care for someone who you feel would benefit from a RightCare plan, you can contact their GP, Community Matron or Long Term Condition specialist Nurse and request that the patient you care for be put onto a RightCare plan.

If you would like to find out more about RightCare please check out the Derbyshire Health United website http://www.derbyshirehealthunited.com/Services/RightCare

6

We are now delighted to offer other Voluntary Sector Organisations and Social Enterprises priority bookings.

The DD Enterprise Centre incorporates a modern, comfortable meeting and training venue with a dedicated service team on hand for all your requirements.

Strategically placed within Derby’s premier Business and retail centre on Pride Park, we are one of the most accessible venues for Delegates in the Midlands Region.

We provide first class amenities and FREE parking in a brand new building located conveniently for the M1, A50, A52 and A38 and just 2 minutes walk from Derby Train Station.

Our prominent location gives easy access to the Midlands and beyond.

For more information on price’s and room layout configurations or catering options please contact Donna Brady on 01332 404027.

Looking for a venue to hold your next meeting?

Meeting and Training Facilities

For Directions readers we are offering a 20% reduction till March. To take advantage of this offer call us now! and tell Donna you saw the advert in this newsletter.

7

Wellness Working Wellness Working aims to support people to develop and practice skills to improve their health and wellbeing.

We bring a philosophy of hope and wellness in all we do and we aim to effect real change in people’s lives through our programmes.

WRAP® (Wellness Recovery Action Plan)3 day programme – where we help individuals explore what wellness means to them and create their own action plan to increase and maintain health and wellbeing.

Optional 3 day Facilitators Programme – enabling individuals to take WRAP® to others.

Life Coaching 6 sessions over 3 months - supporting individuals to achieve their goals.

WRAP® Coaching4 day programme – which combines WRAP® with life coaching to give a programme where people can learn the skills to be well and then go on to achieve their goals.

Comments from people who have experienced the Wellness Programme and WRAP™.

“A different approach to be more in control of my wellbeing.”

“It helps me take control of my own health which is the most powerful thing

you can do. I am my own healer.”

“Being understood and supported is essential for wellness. This is the first

time that I have experienced this.”

“… gives a good understanding as to what wellness is and that it can vary

from person to person but on a whole that it means more than getting

therapy.”

“I went on a Wellness (WRAP) Programme which changed my life, and put

me on my wellness journey. WRAP™ has helped keep me strong and be

able to cope with whatever life throws my way.”

If you would like to find out more, contact us: Wellness Working The Enterprise Centre, 20 Royal Scot Road, Derby, DE24 8AJ Telephone: 07922 618526 Email: info@wellnessworking.org

Directions is also available in other formats upon requestDisclaimer: Whilst Disability Direct endeavours to provide accurate up-to-date information at all times, no responsibilty nor liability will be accepted for any information which may subsequently prove to be wrong or misleading

Designed & Printed by Go Digital Print, 62-64 Osmaston Road, Derby, DE1 2HZ.

©Disability Direct 2011

DD Staff Contact ListAll staff can be reached on 299449, or by email simply by adding @disabilitydirectderby.co.uk after their name as they are displayed here:Personalisation Manager:sally.austinDirect Payments/ Personalisation Support:raj.johal, shirley.peacockWorking & Learning:emma.chambersBig Help Project:charlotte.rawlings amandeep.bainsInformation & Carers Service:raichel.collisYoung Persons Worker: naomi.hopeDisability Discrimination:liz.freemanShop 4 You & Chores 4 You:michele.sworderStroke Activitiesamandeep.bainsEnable Projectnaomi.hopeDD Payroll: use (@ddpayroll.co.uk) for gill.marshall, tim.watson, michelle.derbyshire, dave.hawkins, nicola.birks, simon.kimm, tim.geraghty, charlotte.marshall, dan.richardsonManagement:amo.raju, martin.austin

MagIC-T Solutions will be hosting FREE “Absolute Basic’s” Computer Training aimed at those who have no or very little knowledge of computers.

If you are a disabled person or an older person and live in Derby, you are eligible for this FREE course!

Courses will run throughout February 2011 and beyond!

To register for a place or to find out more, please call Ben Pollard on 01332 404029.

w w w . m a g i c t . u k . c o m

C a l l : 0 8 4 5 4 7 4 3 9 7 0

We offer low cost quality support via our remote support packages, from just £5.99 per month.

Just sit back and watch the MagIC-T happen as one of our tech team securely accesses your computer over the Internet and fixes the problem right before your eyes!

Have you ever got so frustrated trying to install printer’s, ipod’s or camera equipment that you have given up trying? Well imagine having your very own technical assistant on hand to do it all for you in a flash, letting you get on with what’s important.

All our team are really friendly and knowledgeable with more than 20 years experience in IT!

Unfortunately it’s a frustrating inevitability that computers and laptops will fail from time to time. That’s where MagIC-T Solutions remote services can help!

Our packages offer you peace of mind, you know we are here to fix your IT issues, as long as you have an internet connection we can assist you and our response & resolve time’s are extremely impressive!

Remote PC SupportHere are some of the common problems we can usually solve without expensive callout charges.

• WindowsXP/Vista/7support• Office2000/XP/2003/2007Support• Helpwithsoftwareupdates• SkypeandMSNsetup• Installingprinters,ipods,phonescameras• Problemsolving(soundnotworking,printernotworking,can’topenattachments)

• itunessetup• “Howto”demonstrations• Videocalls• Quarterlyviruscheckandremoval• Unlimitedemailsupport• Unlimitedremotesupport

MagIC-T is a social enterprise and a division of Disability Direct, a registered charity number 1079831 and a company limited by guarantee number 3891119. That means that all income generated goes back into funding core services for Disabled people in Derby, so by choosing us your also choosing to support a local charity too!

MagIC-T Solutions, Enterprise Centre, 20 Royal Scot Road, Pride Park, Derby DE24 8AJTel: 0845 474 3970 | helpdesk@magict.uk.com | www.magict.uk.com

FREE

“ABS

OLUT

E BAS

IC’S

” CO

MPU

TER

TRAI

NING

FOR

BEGI

NNER

S: