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Extracts
from Issue 14
Fifty
thousand pounds a year is available for the next two years to
develop befriending initiatives for people living in Norfolk.
If
you are interested in developing a befriending scheme for older
people, especially those who are mentally ill, living in residential
or nursing homes or medium or long stay hospitals, from ethnic
minority groups, visually or hearing impaired, elderly and frail,
we would like to hear from you. The Department of Health is
giving the money for the developments to Norfolk County Council
Social Services as part of its Partnership Grant. For further
information and an application pack, including the criteria
against which applications will be judged, contact Ann O’Leary,
Planning and Community Development Officer, 3, Blithemeadow
Court, Sprowston, Norwich NR7 8BU. Tel 01603 894688.
Email: ann.oleary.socs@
norfolk.gov.uk
Over
Exposed
Over-Exposed is a non-profit-making organisation specialising
in providing opportunities in the photographic medium to disabled
people. It is looking for people who are photographers or who
have an interest in the medium to utilise its services or form
a group around which fund raising could occur. For further information
please contact Alan Reid on 07909 647314.
Just
Ask
Just Ask is a new community legal web service. Launched by the
Lord Chancellor’s Department and the IT Services Company ICL,
it is a free service designed to help people find the legal
information and advice they need quickly and easily. Users can
search for advice on legal issues ranging from disability, child
custody, divorce, housing, to immigration and education. The
advice search facility links several hundred selected legal
websites and an electronic directory of over 15,000 approved
sources of legal advice. Visit www.justask.org.uk
Carers
Grant 2000/2001
This year, the scope of the Carers Grant includes parents and
carers of children with disabilities. The grant is intended
to provide carers with a break through respite care in all its
forms, including day care and domiciliary care. Bids are invited
from organisations and individuals with proposals to expand
what is currently provided or create new provision. Application
forms, detailed criteria and further information can be obtained
from: Stuart Marpole, Principal Officer (Development), Social
Services Department, County Hall, Martineau Lane, Norwich NR1
2SQ.
Stay
on the Broads
A complex of cottages and lodges on the River Bure at Horning
provide accessible holiday accommodation to English Tourist
Board Rating 2 or 3. Facilities include wide doors, and walk
in showers and toilets with support bars. For further information
contact Mr or Mrs King on 01692 630297 or visit the Website
at www.norfolk-broads.co.uk
CHANGES
Stiff UK (for people with Fibromyalgia) is now at PO Box 1484,
Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire ST5 7U2, tel: 01782 562366,
e-mail is info@stiffuk Website:
stiffuk.org
The national office of the Lady Hoare Trust for Physically Disabled
Children has moved to 1st Floor, 89 Albert Embankment, London
SE1 7TP, tel: 020 7820 9989, fax: 020 7582 8251.
The Secretary of Norwich & District Disabled Persons Swimming
Club is now Mrs Janet Bailey, 45 Aylesbury Close, Norwich NR3
3LB, tel: 01603 429839.
The National League of the Blind and Disabled has moved to NLBD,
Central Office, Swinton House, 324 Gray’s Inn Road, London WC1X
8DD, tel: 020 7837 6103.
Breckland Crossroads Care Attendant Scheme Ltd has moved to
Dereham Hospital, Northgate, Dereham NR19 2EX. Tel: 01362 696110,
Fax: 01362 851096.
The new co-ordinator of Sheringham Advice Centre is Mr Brian
Darton, tel: 01263 825803.
Norfolk Eating Disorders Association is now named The Colegate
Centre, and is based at the Colegate Centre, in Colegate, Norwich.
Helpline tel no. is 01603 767062.
The Norfolk & Norwich Association for the Blind’s West Norfolk
Day Centre will now be open from 10.00am – 1pm on Tuesdays,
Wednesdays and Thursdays. Telephone 01553 660808. When the office
is closed calls will be automatically diverted to Norwich.
South Norfolk Bears
South Norfolk Bears is a monthly social club run by and for
disabled people. It provides the opportunity to socialise and
regular outings and would welcome new members who can get to
the venue. Members bring their own packed lunch and drinks are
provided. The Bears meet at Hempnall Mill on the last Monday
of every month from 11am – 3pm. More information from Brian
Howard on 01508 570682.
Doorstep
dangers
Norwich City Council and Norfolk Police have published a leaflet
as part of a joint initiative aimed at reducing the number of
complaints received by both Authorities , relating to doorstep
seller and bogus caller problems. The majority of such practices
are targeted on elderly or disabled people, and using this leaflet,
together with other measures, the initiative is seeking to reduce
their vulnerability. If you feel it would be useful if your
organisation had copies of this leaflet, or for further information
contact Des O’Brien, Consumer Adviser on 01603 665755.
LEGISLATION
A free assessment scheme for disabled people who feel they may
have been discriminated against in the workplace as a result
of their disability has been launched. The person completes
a simple questionnaire that is sent to them with a summary of
the Disability Discrimination Act. The questionnaire is then
assessed as to the likelihood of bringing a successful claim
under the Act. The firm operates on a ‘no-win, no-fee’ basis.
For more information about the free scheme contact Paul Daniels
at Russell, Jones and Walker, Solicitors, on 020 7837 2808.
The questionnaire is available in a range of formats.
DRC success
The Disability Rights Commission has won its first test
case at the court of appeal in which it successfully argued
that depression can be a disability under the DDA. It was supporting
the case of Pravin Kapadia, formerly an accountant at Lambeth
Borough Council, who was medically retired with depression in
1997. He said that the depression resulted from being given
extra duties without the staff or training to cope with them.
The case will return to an employment tribunal to decide whether
he was discriminated against because of his disability and whether
he was unfairly dismissed.
Stop
discrimination hotline
A telephone hotline has been launched by the RNID to encourage
deaf people to report discrimination they face in the workplace.
It is aimed at Deaf and Hard of Hearing people who have had
difficulty finding work. It also urges employers to use the
hotline to find out how they can make their workplaces more
accessible. RNID research has found that a Deaf or Hard of Hearing
person is 2 1/2 times more likely to be unemployed that a hearing
person. Text: 0808 808 9000; Voice: 0808 808 0707.
Holiday
home
Stable Cottage is in West Norfolk, approximately five miles
from Sandringham, Brancaster and Hunstanton. It has been converted
into a disabled-friendly holiday let with ample space for a
wheelchair user. Doorways are wide and sockets etc at an easy
height. Facilities include TV/video and a mixture of low and
standard level kitchen worktops. En-suite shower (no steps)
and optional shower seat. Telephone 01485 578603.
Norfolk
Support Digest
This is a new service for anybody working as paid staff or as
a volunteer in the voluntary or statutory sector. It works very
simply for those who subscribe to it. If you have a piece of
information you want other organisations to know about (e.g.
a staffing change), or you want some feedback about an issue
connected with supporting people, you simply email NorfolkSupportDigest@egroups.com
and your email will be distributed to other subscribers. They
can choose to respond either via the digest or direct to you.
This service is available to anyone in the Norfolk voluntary
or statutory sectors with Internet access within their organisation.
There is no cost and no hidden nasty surprises such as advertising
or viruses. However, this service is the sum of its parts. That
means the more people who use it, the more useful it is. That
is why your support at this stage is vital to its fast growth.
Visit http://www.egroups.com/
group/NorfolkSupportDigest to get started, subscribe to
the daily digest, and spread the word to your contacts in similar
Norfolk organisations. This digest has been started by Steve
Young (formerly of NDIF) who says that he is starting this group
because he is not aware of another one for support groups in
Norfolk and believes it would be a useful service. He subscribes
to other digests and has found them hassle-free.
In the
swim
The Great Yarmouth and District Olympics have re-launched a
swimming group. All children with learning or physical disabilities
are eligible to join. Sessions are held every Saturday evening
at the Phoenix Pool, Bradwell between 5 and 6 pm. There will
be a small charge to cover expenses. Parents are encouraged
to stay and take responsibility for their child. Sessions will
be structured to train the children with a view to competing
in the Special Olympics every four years. If you are interested
please call Marlene on 01493 604846 or turn up at the pool.
Orange
Badge Parking
North Norfolk District Council has decided to abolish free parking
in North Norfolk for many Orange Badge Holders. The decision
is expected to take affect in the district’s 40 car parks in
the autumn. Only those in receipt of the higher rate of mobility
allowance will be allowed free parking, and vehicles will have
to show either an exempt tax disc or a new council-issued permit.
Access
North Norfolk Action and Norfolk Association for the Disabled
are campaigning against the decision.
Local
Internet sites
NANSA – Norfolk and Norwich Scope, now has a website - visit
it at www.nansa.org.uk.
WNDIS West Norfolk Disability Information Service is at www.wndis.org.uk
and would welcome visitors, comments etc.
Discounts
available
Not-for-profit organisations will be able to buy a wide range
of products and services at a discount from a new voluntary
sector purchasing website. Services include on-screen catalogues,
quotation systems, savings calculators and buying advice. Organisations
will be able to place orders, open accounts and change suppliers
through the service. The website is able to offer not-for-profit
organisations access to products and services from more than
400 leading suppliers at the same preferential rates as government
departments.
Register at www.ncvo.buy.co.uk
New carers
group
Chet Carers is a new group which meets on the 3rd Wednesday
of every month at All Saints Centre, Chedgrave. Meetings provide
the opportunity to take a break from caring responsibilities,
to socialise and obtain information. There are also regular
speakers. Help with transport to the meetings is possible if
needed. More information from Margaret on 01508 520658 or Pam
on 01508 531175.
BENEFITS
AND FINANCE
Warm up The New HEES (Home Energy Efficiency Scheme) was launched
from April 2000 and is a major government grant scheme aimed
at improving the energy efficiency and comfort levels of the
homes of those most in need. The New HEES will continue to offer
home insulation measures as before, but will now also include
the provision of heating systems for eligible households. HEES
Plus – aimed at the Over 60’s – offers all the measures available
under New HEES with the addition of full or partial central
heating. New HEES can provide: Insulation measures – loft insulation;
cavity wall insulation; draught proofing; hot water tank insulation;
and low energy lamps. Heating measures: gas room heaters; electric
storage heaters; high efficiency solid fuel fire units; electric
immersion water heaters; central gas boiler and radiators (over
60’s only); modern heating controls; and repairs to existing
heating systems. New HEES is for: Households with a child under
16 and in receipt of one of more of: Income Support; Housing
Benefit; Council tax Benefit; Income Based Jobseeker’s Allowance.
Households in receipt of one of more of: Working Families Tax
Credit; Disabled Persons Tax Credit; Attendance Allowance; Disabled
Living Allowance; Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit; War
Disablement Pension. Households in receipt of one or more of:
Income Support (which includes a disability premium); Housing
Benefit (including Disability Premium); Council Tax Benefit
(including Disability Premium). New HEES Plus is for households
over 60 and in receipt of one or more of: Income Support; Housing
Benefit; Council Tax Benefit; Income Based Jobseeker’s Allowance.
Call the Grants Helpline Monday-Friday between 8 am and 6pm
on 0800 952 1555.
Bereavement
benefits
The government is planning to introduce a new system of bereavement
benefits for both men and women from April 2001. So that people
are aware of the new benefits and can take them into account
when doing their financial planning, the DSS has produced an
information leaflet Important News for Husbands and Wives: New
Bereavement Benefits. It is available from social security offices
and doctors’ surgeries.
Grant
for post-graduates
A new grant for disabled post-graduate students has been announced.
Up to £5000 per year will be available to meet disability-related
costs for students on full or part-time post-graduate courses.
The measure will come into effect for the next academic year,
starting in September. Access to Work All approved costs of
people who support a disabled person in the workplace will now
be paid through Access to Work. This includes personal readers,
communicators, note takers, carers, drivers and job coaches.
The scheme pays 100% of approved costs for unemployed people,
all self-employed people and employed people who have been in
the job for under six weeks. Breaks for Carers The Kiloran Trust
runs a holiday home in West London for carers. There are four
en-suite bedrooms (one double) and all meals are provided although
there is flexibility and freedom to do as the residents please.
The staff have been carers themselves and are available to listen,
or visitors can go out and enjoy London. Charges are from £76
for a 5-day stay for people on Income Support, and about £35
a night for others. More information from the Kiloran Trust,
157 Blythe Road, London W14 0HL, tel 020 7602 7404.
Electric
Day Boat
The first electric day boat which can be driven by wheelchair
users has been launched on the Norfolk Broads. The boat has
a platform lift and a toilet, and joy stick controls are available
as an alternative to the steering wheel. There is space for
up to three wheelchair users, with a maximum of 11 people.
To book it contact King Line Cruisers on 01692 630297.
Rooms
for hire
Great Yarmouth & Waveney Mind has a new ground floor, purpose
built day centre in Caister Road, Great Yarmouth. It is not
being used during the day on Mondays or Fridays, and is also
available during the evening from Tuesday to Friday. If you
would like to hire the day centre during these times please
contact Ian Stirling at MIND on 01493 302780.
New Blind Club
A social club for the blind has started in Aylsham and meets
at the Friendship Hall between 2pm and 4pm on the second Tuesday
of each month. Further details from the NNAB on 01603 629558.
WeNFenS
The West Norfolk and Fenland Support Group for the Blind (WeNFeNS)
has been working hard to fill the gap left by the reduction
in hours of the Norfolk and Norwich Association for the Blind’s
West Norfolk Resource Centre. WeNFenS opened its new office
at 15 Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn on July14 and will be
open five days a week from 10am – 4pm. It aims to promote the
independence of the visually impaired people living within approximately
a 20 mile radius of King’s Lynn (encompassing Burnham Market,
East Dereham, Brandon, Wisbech and Sutton Bridge) and help them
to continue to enjoy life. Telephone 01553 776777 or drop in
to the office.
Extracts
from Issue 13>>>
Every effort
is made to ensure that the content of NDIS News is correct,
however we cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions.
Goods and services featured do not carry any recommendation
from NDIS or Norfolk Social Services NDIS NEWS is available
free of charge in standard print, Large Print and on audio cassette.
Produced by Heather Davy NDIS, The Vauxhall Centre, Johnson
Place, Vauxhall Street NORWICH NR2 2SA Tel 01603 763295 Fax
01603 610632 E-mail: ndis@gtnet.gov.uk. Tape version by Chatterbox
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