the get involved group (gig) monthly round-up february 2020 · the gig facilitates and co-hosts the...
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The Get Involved Group (GIG)
Monthly Round-Up February 2020
The Get Involved Group is a user-led group which aims to ensure disabled peoples’
voices are heard when services are planned and changed. We identify issues and
plan the solutions.
Our next GIG meet-up is:
TOPIC: Out-of-Hospital Support
WHERE: Friend’s Meeting House, Ship Street, Brighton, BN1 1AF
WHEN: Thursday 30 January, 2pm – 4.30pm
It’s time for the first GIG meeting of the decade and we’ll be talking about out-of-hospital support.
What is your experience? What gaps are there and how can access to support be improved?
We will have a guest speaker from our Link Back service, who will tell us about how they can help
and available support grants to help with adaptations in the home on release from hospital.
And if you’ve ever wondered whether you’re eligible for a Motability car, you can have that
question answered too as Ben Ferner from Motability will come and talk about who can apply to
the scheme and how to do it. He will be our first speaker and stay for the duration of the meeting,
so there will be time to talk to him in the tea break while catching up with old friends and meeting
new ones. Meetings are open to all disabled people in the city, whether or not you've been a part
of the Get Involved Group before. Friends, family, carers and PAs are also welcome.
Do let us know if you’re coming and whether you have any access or dietary requirements by
calling 01273 208934 or e-mail [email protected]
And if anyone would like to suggest a new topic for us all to explore, please get in touch
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GIG and Possability People News, Updates and Information
BSUH NHS Trust Patient / Service User Disability
Group Meeting Update
The Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals (BSUH) NHS
Trust Patient / Service User Disability Group brings together disabled people, hospital workers and
relevant groups and services to address practical issues disabled people face when accessing
hospitals within the BSUH NHS Trust. The GIG facilitates and co-hosts the meeting with Hannah
Pacifico, Patient Experience Manager at the Trust.
At our last meeting, Hannah updated us on a number of developments at the Trust, including:
Patient Knows Best (PPK). This is a new online portal which will be launching at the Trust in
late February/early March to allow patients to log in, track and manage their documents.
Redevelopment of the Hospital site (3T’s) – a delay to Phase 1.
The use of contrasting colours to aid accessibility in the new build.
The group looked at the ‘hospital passport’ used by the Trust to help people with learning
difficulties or their carers tell staff important information about themselves and their needs. We
explored how this could be adapted for people with disabilities or long-term health conditions.
We were also delighted to welcome Alan Boyd, the Project Coordinator of Healthwatch Brighton
and Hove. Alan spoke to us about the organisation’s work, and Healthwatch participation in
Patient-Led Assessments of the Care Environment (PLACE) assessments at the Trust.
To find out more about Healthwatch Brighton and Hove, please visit
https://www.healthwatchbrightonandhove.co.uk
Thanks again to everyone who came along and contributed. If you have feedback you’d like to
share about issues you’ve faced when using hospital services in the Trust, please come along
next time. We’d love your input.
WHEN: Wednesday 8 April from 10am-12pm
WHERE: Possability Place, 14 Windlesham Avenue, Brighton, BN1 3AH
ACCESS: Fully accessible venue
Please let us know if you’re coming and get in touch any time by emailing
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Benefits Support Group
Come along and meet our friendly and experienced Advice Centre specialists for free,
independent and confidential advice and support throughout your welfare benefits journey,
including medical assessment and at tribunal.
A chance to meet new people, chat with an advisor and drink tea and coffee, with:
A discussion on Universal Credit
Free Prize Draw for Supermarket Vouchers
Ask us how we can help with public transport costs to the group
WHEN: Friday 7 February from 10am-12pm
WHERE: Montague House, Montague Place BN2 1JE
For more information and to register your interest, please contact Chris on 01273 89 40 50 or
email: [email protected]
The support group is just part of how the Advice Centre can help you with disability advice, welfare
benefits and a range of other issues.
With a wealth of knowledge about the allowances and benefits you might be entitled to, our advice
team can help you fill in the necessary paper work so the process is less daunting and stressful.
They can help you challenge benefit decisions you disagree with and in some cases, support you
through appeals.
And if you need information and advice about equipment or assistive technology, the team will
know what to talk to you about. If you want to know about money, housing or how to deal with
debt, holidays or other local groups and services in the community, the team can advise you. All
the work they do is independent and in confidence.
The service has The Advice Quality Standard and works in partnership with other agencies to
provide specialist knowledge when needed.
The easiest way to contact the Advice Centre is by telephone. Call the advisors on 01273
894 050. They are available from 10.00am – 4.00pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
(closed Wednesdays).
You can also email at [email protected]
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Steady On!
Living with aches and pain seriously affects our wellbeing. Being active and getting out and about
can help reduce the pain caused by muscle, joint and bone problems. It can improve wellbeing
and even prevent related conditions from developing. But it can be difficult to get started or know
where to go for assistance.
Our Right Track service can help to support you (and your carer if you have one) to become more
active by linking you into support and activity near you which can help improve your health and
wellbeing. And we’re excited to confirm that Right Track will be running some gentle, affordable
and accessible exercise courses in 2020, called Steady On.
These courses consist of 12 weekly classes of gentle, low-impact and low-pace movement that
will help build up muscle strength, balance and flexibility with the aim of helping people feel
stronger and steadier on their feet. Each class will be followed by a cup of tea and a short
wellbeing session, allowing people to share their experiences and learn new tips to boost
confidence and mental health, reduce social isolation and help participants feel more informed
about the options available to them and what else is out there that could help.
Steady On is ideal for anyone living with pain who feels wobbly when standing and walking, is at
risk of falls and feels left out or left behind by mainstream, high-energy exercise classes. It’s open
to all adults of any age, but you must be able to travel, and stand/walk short distances (with
walking aid if required). Please note there will be small weekly cost involved. The next course will
be in April, and we’ll let you know more details closer to the time.
Right Track is also exploring the possibility of holding classes specifically for wheelchair users, so
if you or someone you know would be interested, please let Right Track know. The service is also
keen to learn about any classes currently available to people who use wheelchairs, as it has had
quite a few enquires of late and it has been hard to find any. So if you have attended a class which
you felt was inclusive and met your needs, or know of any, Right Track would love to hear know
about it! Please get in touch on 01273 069850 or email [email protected]
Thank you.
Link Back
Link Back is a free service for older people in Brighton and Hove following a stay or outpatient
appointment at the Royal Sussex County Hospital. The service aims to link the patient to the
community, voluntary and private sector services that can enhance their independence and day to
day lives on their return home. Our Early Response Service enables people to have a more timely
discharge from hospital by getting home adaptations and equipment through the Disabled
Facilities Grant (DFG). This ensures people remain safe and well at home at a vulnerable time
recovering from a hospital stay. Link Back does not take referrals directly from the public.
To find out more, please phone 01273 069 851 or email [email protected]
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Get Set Opening Doors
Possability People’s fabulous Community Employment team have had a very busy couple of
months launching their successful Get Set Opening Doors service right here in Brighton and
Hove.
If you’re looking for work and have a long-term health condition or impairment, Get Set can
support you on your journey to employment.
An innovative community employment service working across Brighton and Hove, East Sussex
and Surrey, Get Set’s approach is unique as the provision is designed and delivered by people
with a lived experience of overcoming health barriers in the workplace.
Alongside a range of courses, the Get Set team will get to know you and the support you need,
enabling you to move forward and achieve your goals. And they’ll be with you every step of the
way.
Interested? Please contact the Get Set team on 01273 89 40 44 or email
[email protected]. They’d love to hear from you.
Possability People: At Home
Are you looking for support, care or help to stay safe and
independent at home? Then Possability People: At Home could be
for you.
At Home employs Personal Assistants (PAs) directly on behalf of clients, so you have less to
worry about. It’s suitable for people living with a range of health conditions, such as for people with
physical or sensory impairments, people living with dementia or memory loss, people with learning
difficulties, young adults to older people and people with mental health problems.
From personal care to help around the home or even support going out socially, from decluttering
to days out, we are here to help you lead your life as independently as possible. We deliver a
bespoke service to suit you. Our visits are a minimum of one hour and your team of regular PAs
will be handpicked to suit your needs. We are Care Quality Commission registered.
To find out more, please phone our friendly team on 01273 89 40 70
or 07795 904 198 or email [email protected]
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Fundraising - Walking up Snowdon for Possability People
Patrick Souiljaert, who lives with cerebral palsy acquired at birth, has
never let any challenge get the better of him.
So when a team of Snowdon walkers invited him to walk the 7km trail up
the mountain for charity, Patrick naturally rose to the occasion.
Patrick will be walking up Snowdon in April 2020, aiming to raise a huge
amount of money for three selected charities - Possability People, Just
Different and The Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity.
It’s estimated that the walk will take between 5 and 7 days.
Possability People will be sharing more about how to support the walk over the coming months.
You can find out more about Patrick and view a video about the project at
http://speakingpatrick.com/snowdon/
And finally –
Debbie’s left the GIG . . .
. . . but don’t worry!
As many of you may already know, our amazing Debbie has moved over to the Get Set service,
so she is still very much part of the Possability People team. We miss her terribly at the Rutland
Gardens office where alongside all her many other skills, her uncanny ability to provide support
and chocolate Hobnobs at just the right moment always made our day so much better.
Thanks for everything, Deb, and we wish you all the best from the GIG and the At Home team.
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Other News
Victoria Garcia receives MBE
Brighton & Hove Buses’ Accessibility and Community Manager Victoria
Garcia received her MBE from the Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge,
at Buckingham Palace in November for services to disabled transport
users.
Victoria was honoured for her work in making public transport more
convenient and accessible for everybody.
She dedicated her MBE to her mum, Deirdre French, who she said had
‘huge respect’ for the Queen and the Royal Family.
Victoria has worked extensively with disabled people and community groups on bus design and
bus driver training, as well as leading a campaign to address hate crime on public transport. She
led on establishing the bus company’s award-winning
Helping Hand Card, which can be used by anyone who
may need extra assistance. It can be particularly helpful for
customers with hidden disabilities. Possability People were
a partner organisation for the development and promotion
of Helping Hand. The feedback of GIG members helped to
influence the final colour, overall design and the wording
on the cards. The scheme is now national at all Go Ahead
bus services.
Victoria’s role includes chairing the local Community Rail Partnership, and she has also joined the
Department for Transport’s accessibility team as a Senior Policy Advisor on a part time
secondment.
Victoria has attended many GIG meetings over the years to share information, update us on
what’s happening and gather feedback on accessibility issues. She is always responsive to any
concerns raised by our members. In fact, she is probably our most popular guest speaker ever.
Our members are always requesting her to come back!
Congratulations to Victoria from all of us at the GIG, and thanks again for all your tireless work to
improve accessibility for us all. We hope to see you again soon.
Read the full article at https://bit.ly/2tqgBGc
Find out more about accessibility on Brighton and Hove buses at
https://www.buses.co.uk/accessibility
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FREE energy and money saving service
Energy and money saving service LEAP (Local Energy Advice
Partnership), launched in Brighton and Hove last year. LEAP works in close
partnership with Local Authorities and Housing Associations across the
country to offer eligible residents free home visits from a local, friendly and
qualified Home Energy Advisor, who will:
Check energy tariffs and help with switching to save money
Install free, simple energy saving measures, such as draught-proofing
Give practical advice on heating systems and saving energy
Arrange a free money advice consultation
Make referrals for additional energy-saving home improvements, such as loft insulation or a
new boiler.
This service is available free of charge to eligible residents. Eligibility is based on household
income, receipt of state benefits, health conditions and family situation.
Find out more at:
W: https://applyforleap.org.uk/how-leap-works/ / E: [email protected]
Freephone: 0800 060 7567
Are you an under-represented writer?
Then the Creative Future Writers' Award 2020
competition could be for you.
This competition is for under-represented writers in the UK only. This includes people who feel
their opportunities are limited as a result of: having a mental health issue; having a physical
disability; having a long-term limiting illness; having a learning disability/ASD/ADHD; having a
sensory impairment; having a substance misuse issue; being homeless or in temporary
accommodation; being a survivor; being a care leaver; being long term unemployed; being a carer;
being an offender or ex-offender; being part of the BMER/Traveller community; being part of the
LGBTQ+ community; being an older person (65+)
This year's theme is Tomorrow. Your work should respond to the theme, implicitly or explicitly, but
quality writing comes first and foremost.
Applications are open until Sunday 31 May 2020.
Find out more at https://bit.ly/2tChrPX or phone 01273 234780.
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'Living with ADHD' – a short film
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a group of behavioural symptoms that
includes inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
It is one of a number of different neuro-diverse conditions including dyspraxia, dyslexia and
autism, including Asperger’s.
'Living with ADHD' is a short film which aims to raise awareness of ADHD and associated Neuro-
Diverse Conditions. The film was made by ADHD Aware, a Brighton based charitable organisation
that runs peer support groups for adults, and produced with the help of the membership.
Find out more and watch the film at https://bit.ly/3aoiwvo
Help on hand in four city centre car parks
A new 24-hour service offering emergency help is now in place in four city centre car parks owned
by Brighton and Hove Council.
Anyone needing help can go into one of the car parks and use the intercoms to get in touch with
the council’s traffic control team, who can secure the building and get help to them.
The four multi-storey car parks offering the service are:
The Lanes - Black Lion St, Brighton BN1 1ND
Regency Square - Regency Square, Brighton BN1 2GG
London Road - Providence Pl, Brighton BN1 4GE
Trafalgar Street - Blackman St, Brighton BN1 4DZ
All four are monitored via CCTV and an intercom system by an operator based in the Traffic
Control Centre available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Anyone arriving at the car park is
visible on CCTV, located at all entry and exit points and at pay machines.
Each location also has an intercom button to talk to an operator. Using the ‘Press for Assistance’
button mounted on the wall puts you directly in touch with an operator in the Traffic Control Centre.
Depending on the help required, the operator can call emergency services, a mobile security team
or get in touch with a friend. If needed, doors to the car park can be remotely controlled from the
Traffic Control Centre and can be set to ‘locked’ in a matter of seconds.
Find out more at https://bit.ly/2TGConK
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Seeing an NHS dentist 'a problem everywhere'
More than 2 million adults in England are unable to see an NHS dentist, BBC analysis suggests.
Using the GP Patient Survey, which also asks questions about dentistry, the BBC has been able
to estimate that 1.45 million people tried and failed to get an NHS appointment in two years with
the rest on waiting lists or put off by cost. Another 2 million assumed they cannot get care where
they live, suggesting nearly one in 10 miss out overall.
The scale of the problems varies from area to area. Places such as Brighton, Bradford, Cornwall
and parts of Kent, Surrey, Norfolk and London have the worst levels of access with around one in
six adults not getting care. NHS England said it was "actively working" with local areas to better
understand what was causing problems.
Nearly half of treatments provided on the NHS are free of charge because patients are exempt.
Read the full article at https://bbc.in/37maS2V
Find out more about NHS dental services at https://bit.ly/3arjgjs
Train companies miss accessibility deadline
Several rail operators have missed the deadline to make all train journeys easier for disabled
passengers.
The Rail Delivery Group (RDG) has said that new and refurbished trains are being deployed by
nine operators, increasing the nation’s fleet from 14,800 carriages to 15,800 by the end of 2020.
But according to Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris in December, 1,200 carriages would not meet
the new accessibility standards which came into force on 1 January.
According to the RDG, new and upgraded trains will feature clearer information screens and
provide accessibility information to passengers before they pull into stations, tell people where to
board and send GPS signals of their exact location. GPS technology will be used to provide
passengers waiting on platforms with more accurate information about where their train is,
reducing occasions where a service described as being on time is actually delayed.
The return of refurbished carriages to the network will also increase the overall fleet size as most
were replaced by new trains when they were taken out of service over the past two years.
The Department for Transport named the operators who missed the deadline as Greater Anglia,
Northern, Transport for Wales, East Midlands Railway, ScotRail, London Overground, West
Midlands Trains, Great Western Railway and Chiltern Railways.
Find out more at https://bit.ly/2RbmCzy
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What’s On In February
Disabled Access Day
Come along to Brighton Dome Foyer and Founders Room for connections and discussions with
disabled people across the arts community and leading organisations in the area. There will be a
chance to talk to the Dome’s programming and operational teams about what they do and how
they can help you to access their events, and to find out about getting involved with Brighton
Dome. With BSL interpretation.
WHEN: Saturday 29 February, 12-4pm
WHERE: Brighton Dome, Church Street, Brighton BN1 1UE
COST: Free
ACCESS: Fully accessible
Find out more: T: 01273 709709 / W: https://bit.ly/2ufwO0U
Time to Talk Day 2020
Time to Talk Day 2020 is taking place on Thursday 6 February.
Organised by Time to Change, the campaign aims to change the way
we all think and act about mental health problems.
Mental health problems affect one in four of us, yet too many people
are made to feel isolated, ashamed and worthless because of this.
Time to Talk Day encourages everyone to be more open about
mental health – to talk, to listen, to change lives.
Talking about mental health can feel awkward, but it doesn't have to.
This year, the campaign is using the popular game 'Would you
rather?' to help break the ice and get the conversation flowing.
Find out more at https://www.time-to-change.org.uk, where you can also find tips for talking about
mental health, resources and information about mental health issues and signposting to
organisations you can contact if you're experiencing mental health problems or need support. You
can also contact Time for Change by phoning 020 8215 2356 or emailing info@time-to-
change.org.uk
Time to Change is led by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness.
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Seabirds Swimposium Talk - Save Our Seas
Seabirds Ltd is a Community Interest Company that aims to promote
outdoor swimming as a way to improve wellbeing. The 'Salted
wellbeing' projects are free to participate for people that self-identify as
experiencing mental health and wellbeing difficulties. Seabirds Ltd also
has a wild swim community group 'Salty Seabirds' who swim year
round on Brighton and Hove's beaches.
Join Seabirds Ltd for this informal talk on saving our seas and help raise funds for Seabird
'Women Wellbeing and Water' free confidence courses in 2020. With:
Kelly Dibbert, the force behind Plastic Free Brighton
The Deans Beach and Environment Volunteers
Jo Godden of Ruby Moon, which creates beautiful active wear from econyl.
WHEN: Wednesday 26 February, 7-9pm
WHERE: West Blatchington Windmill, Holmes Avenue, Hove BN3 7LE
COST: £10 (Tickets are non-refundable)
ACCESS: Please contact the organisers by emailing [email protected]
Find out more and buy your tickets at https://bit.ly/38oWzdP
Voices of Hope Concert
Join the charity Winston’s Wish for a memorable evening of musical
delights at this Voices of Hope concert. Four fabulous local choirs,
Brighton and Hove Acapella, howl, Brighton & Hove Chutzpah Choir
and We Bop Choir, will be performing an eclectic mix of choral
classics, top hits and golden oldies.
There will be a cash bar serving wine, beer and soft drinks, as well as a raffle with some amazing
prizes to be won, including vouchers for some of Brighton’s best eateries, a karaoke experience,
paintballing and signed sports memorabilia. All proceeds from the evening will help Winston’s
Wish support grieving children and their families in Sussex and across the UK.
WHEN: Saturday 29 February, doors open at 7pm
WHERE: St George’s Church, St George’s Road, Brighton, BN2 1ED
COST: Tickets cost £10 for adults and £5 for children in advance, or limited tickets will be
available on the door for £12 for adults and £7 for children.
ACCESS: The lower floor is fully accessible. Accessible toilet. For your specific access needs,
please contact the organisers below.
Find out more at https://bit.ly/38pyUdq / T: 01273 805035 / E: [email protected]
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Anita Corbin - 100 First Women Portraits
‘It is my hope that women who dream big will look at these pictures and see that they are not
alone’ - Anita Corbin.
Discover and celebrate 100 pioneering women of the 21st century in this major exhibition by
acclaimed photographer Anita Corbin. These striking images capture an impressive record of
female achievement, from beatboxing to bomb detection, computing to cricket,
blast furnaces to boardrooms, with iconic portraits of celebrities, unsung
heroines from across the decades, and ‘ordinary’ women doing extraordinary
jobs. Including seventies rocker Suzi Quatro, Olympian Boxer Nicola Adams
OBE, Lady Brenda Hale of the Supreme Court and Hope Powell, women's first-
team manager of Brighton & Hove Albion, seen right.
WHEN: 15 February to 7 June. For times, visit https://bit.ly/30Nt9nj
WHERE: Brighton Museum, Royal Pavilion Gardens, Brighton BN1 1EE
COST: Free with Brighton Museum admission, residents and members free (proof of
residency required). For more details, visit https://bit.ly/2tF8XHX
ACCESS: Fully accessible.
Find out more at https://bit.ly/2sG7m46
Brunch Bunch club for adults with learning disabilities
Come along to Brighton and Hove Food Partnership’s monthly cookery club
for people with learning disabilities to learn cooking skills and new recipes
in a sociable setting.
The club welcomes participants who can attend independently, as well as
those who may need a carer’s support to get the most out of the sessions.
You need to apply to attend.
WHEN: The third Friday of each month from 21 February - 17 July 10am-12pm
WHERE: The Community Kitchen,113 Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3XG
COST: Suggested donation of at least £5 per person, per session (including carers if eating
with the group). Please speak to the organisers if cost is a barrier.
ACCESS: Fully accessible.
Find out how more, including how to apply: T: 01273 234810 / W: https://bit.ly/36dDSrY
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Women in Entertainment – Brighton Dome Heritage Talk
Music-hall legends, early comediennes, divas of early film, drag artists, iconic soap actresses,
pioneering managers, all-female jazz bands, and the woman who gave birth to rock ‘n’ roll -
Brighton and Hove has been home to some of the foremost female entertainers in the country,
many appearing in some of the city’s best loved venues, such as Brighton Dome. Find out more
about them at this talk.
WHEN: Friday 7 February, 1pm – 2pm
WHERE: Founders Room, Brighton Dome, Church Street, Brighton, BN1 1UD
COST: £5 (plus phone and online booking fee)
ACCESS: Fully accessible
Find out more: T: 01273 709709 / W: https://bit.ly/2NFwyyP
GIG Meeting Dates For 2020
All meetings will take place at the Friends Meeting House, Ship Street, Brighton,
BN1 1AF from 2pm – 4.30pm unless otherwise stated.
Wednesday 18 March
Wednesday 29 April
Wednesday 10 June
Wednesday 22 July
Wednesday 30 September
Wednesday 11 November
The Get Involved Group Contact Info:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 01273 20 89 34
Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/PossabilityPeopleGIG