Summer is here again, but a different one in Whitby in terms of access and parking. The Park & Ride and new parking restrictions have been in operation for a few months now and certainly seem to have made a difference, whether for better or worse will be a personal view. For Blue Badge holders the situation hasn’t really changed although it is perhaps clearer where parking is allowed, and there are probably more spaces. I certainly feel that the streets are less crowded with parked vehicles than in previous years, although we haven’t yet reached the height of the season. With a permit and using the parking discs, my experience has been generally positive, although parking in Whitby is never going to be straightforward. Making any changes will always be potentially contentious, but let’s not forget how difficult it used to be. There may well still be times when we can’t park close to where we want to, for as long as we want to, but perhaps that’s just the “Whitby

August 2014 ISSUE 201

DAG News Newsletter of Whitby, Scarborough & Ryedale Disability Action Group

This

newsletter is available in large print,

on tape and by

e-mail (PDF).

Please let us know if you would like your copy

in a different format.

Telephone:

01947- 821001

Registered Charity Number: 1131037 Company Registration Number: 6956837

Patron: The Marquis of Normanby

WhitbyDAG News Page 2

Way!” For many years DAG has worked alongside NYCC regarding access in buildings and on the street. Many of the dropped kerbs in Whitby and the pavement on Khyber Pass were suggested by DAG as part of the Whitby Traffic Strategy. The plans for the new Park & Ride facility were discussed with DAG’s access volunteers, and many plans for building improvements and for new buildings have all involved DAG at early stages to ensure access for all is central to new developments. There has been a process developed over time with NYCC Highways and Building Control to actively involve DAG in planning applications and monitoring the building process. In many cases, the NYCC actually tell applicants to involve us as it becomes part of the process itself. This helps them to ensure changes to the built environment are both needed and relevant, ensuring access and inclusion for all. They have often expressed a wish for this process to be available across the county with User-led groups of disabled people, which do not currently exist. We are looking to extend our involvement with Building Control beyond Whitby and District soon, to include both the Scarborough and Ryedale areas. Access to goods, services, facilities and activities is such a basic need, so being involved at an early stage has always been important to DAG, and is something I personally find is still as necessary as ever. In recent months, surprisingly, I have had to speak up many times to raise awareness of the needs of people with sensory impairments. When organisations think about access, they often forget about the needs of this group , possibly because they are not as easily seen as a physical impairment or a wheelchair.

WhitbyDAG News Page 3

DAG Updates The DAG office will be closed on the following dates: Monday 11th August - Regatta Monday Wednesday 13th August - 10am to 1.30pm (AGM) Monday 25th August - Summer Bank Holiday

There will be a mobility equipment hire service at TIC on Regatta Monday and Bank Holiday Monday.

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DAG Annual General Meeting Wednesday 13th August 2014

Sleights Village Hall, from 11am

Business meeting, including approval of annual accounts, and the result of the postal vote for the Board of Trustees.

Refreshments will be provided. The DAG minibus will be available to provide transport to the meeting.

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FOLK WEEK BOOK STALL

Wednesday 20th August 2014 10am-2pm

Forecourt, Church House Centre, Flowergate

Donations of good quality books are welcome. Contact Judith at the office if you would like to help on the day.

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Thank You!

It was with some trepidation that we set up our “Books and Bakes” fundraiser at Dock End on Saturday 5th July. But the rain stopped at about 10 o’ clock (almost exactly as predicted on the BBC weather forecast!), the sun came

out, and, despite ( or perhaps because of) the football, tennis and cycle racing, town was busy, and residents and visitors were feeling generous. We raised £721.03 (to be very exact!) on the day. Thank you to everyone who supported us. Particular thanks must go to Rita for all her fantastic baking and to Janet, Brian, Emma, Jacqui, Chris H, Roger, Barbara, Jean, Hilda, Chris R, Joan, Mike, Pat, Lucinda and Patricia who helped Nigel, Mo, Paul and Judith set up and run the stalls.

The Prize Draw took place at a musical evening in the Salmon Leap in Sleights on 19th July. The Draw raised £810.Thank you to everyone who donated prizes, to Maureen who used her fundraising talents to encourage local individuals and businesses to donate prizes, Margaret T for organising the event at the Salmon Leap, Barbara and William for spending a day with Margaret selling tickets at Lidl’s Whitby store and, of course, all of you who bought tickets. Including additional donations our 2014 fundraiser raised a grand total of £1828.35!

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Wheels at The TIC Every Saturday, 11am—2pm

at Whitby Tourist Information Centre, Langbourne Road. Mobility Scooters and wheelchairs available for hire. Sundays by arrangement only.

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

to help us run our “Wheels At The TIC” weekend mobility equipment hire service during the 2014 summer season. Are you - A good communicator - Reliable and flexible - Well organised and a good timekeeper - Reasonably fit Wheels@TIC operates Saturdays (and Sundays for pre-booked/ pre-paid customers ONLY). Some moving and lifting of mobility equipment required. Volunteers always work in pairs. Training and support provided. DBS check required. Agreed expenses paid.

Contact Judith at the DAG office.

Alzheimer’s Society, Scarborough,

Whitby & Ryedale

Scarborough Memory Walk - Saturday 30th August After a break of a couple of years, we are once again holding a Memory Walk - a fun morning raising funds for the Society. Cake sale, tombola, refreshments and a few surprises! The Memory Walk starts at the Scarborough Open Air Theatre and there are two walks to choose from. The short, one mile walk, is suitable for the whole family, taking in the lovely sights of Peasholm Park, with its flowers, ponds and wildlife. The more challenging six mile walk takes in the cliffs and coastal route of the Cleveland Way. Registration is from 10am, and the walks start at 11am. If you would like to walk you can sign up online at memorywalk.org.uk or by calling 0800 306 0898. The Dementia Roadshow will be at Whitby Tourist Information Centre on Friday 29th August . Open from 10am till 4pm. Please pop in if you are passing or tell friends and neighbours who are worried about their memory. Whitby Singing for the Brain - Tuesday 5

th August,

1.30pm till 3pm, at Trinity Centre, Flowergate. Useful contacts details: Scarborough, Whitby & Ryedale office Tel: 01723 500598 E-mail: scarborough@alzheimers.org.uk

National Dementia Helpline: 0800 222 1122

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Headway Yorkshire East Coast

For information about our Branch and activities you can call us on: 01302 308688.

Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/HeadwayYorkshireEastCoast Want information about brain injury? Need someone to talk to? Worried about a family member or friend? Contact our free and confidential national helpline on 0808 800 2244 or e-mail helpline@headway.org.uk

WhitbyDAG News Page 7

Parking in Whitby Town Reminder for Blue Badge Holders

A member of the public called into the DAG office this week to advise us that he had received a parking ticket on St. Ann’s Staith, even though he has a Blue Badge. Could DAG help? This happened in the “Permit Only” zone, a small area on St. Ann’s Staith near the old Woolworths.

Unfortunately there was nothing we could do. A Blue

Badge DOES NOT entitle you to park in any of the designated “Permit Only” zones around the town. Unless you have a valid permit to park in a “Permit Only” zone, you will get a parking ticket, nomatter what time of the day

you park there.

Contact Scarborough Council at Whitby TIC about residents’ permits. You can get information about business parking permits at Scarborough Town Hall .

Volunteer for DAG

Join Whitby, Scarborough & Ryedale DAG, working with and helping disabled people

and carers in Whitby & District. Minibus Drivers needed to drive our accessible minibus for the DAG “Embroidered Tablecloth Group”.

Tuesdays - pickup from 10am, return from 12.30pm

Age 25 or over. References and DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) checks required. Agreed out of pocket expenses paid. Training (including MiDAS training if Required) and support provided.

For more information or to request application forms and role description, contact Judith Owen at the DAG office E- judith@whitbydag.org.uk

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Tripping & falling is no joke as your bones get frailer in later years. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) used its first-ever Family Safety Week earlier this year to

‘inspire the nation to take practical action to keep older friends and relatives from falling’. While the consequences of a slip, trip or fall are minor in many cases, for older people particularly, the consequences can be serious and life-changing. Simple tips to prevent falls include: Removing tripping hazards from the floor, such as clutter, electrical cords and wires Providing adequate lighting throughout the house but particularly on stairways and in halls Using a bedside lamp for when you get up during the night. Using a non-slip bath mat and wiping up any spills immediately Taking exercise classes that improve balance and strength. Wearing shoes and slippers that fit properly and are sturdy Getting medication checked every six months by your GP or pharmacist - people are far more likely to be at risk if they take four or more types of medication per day Having a plan in place to alert friends, family or emergency services. RoSPA has produced two films to provide guidance - Facing up to falls (which includes a subtitled version) and How to get up safely after a fall. Both can be downloaded from the ROSPA website www.rospa.com

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Side By Side

Working to help you where and when you need it

“I feel low most of the time……I can’t even face doing the washing up let alone tackling the mountain of unopened letters.” People can feel stressed, anxious and depressed when they struggle to cope with life’s experiences. Bereavement, dealing with an enduring mental health problem, illness, housing problems, relationship breakdown, work pressure, caring responsibilities - these can become overwhelming. Side by Side, in Whitby and the Esk Valley, Ryedale, Scarborough, File and surrounding villages, offers you the opportunity to meet others who have had similar experiences who can help you on a short, medium or longer term basis. Trained Volunteers and staff can provide practical help with day to day tasks, a listening ear, help you get out and about, find up to date and reliable information, and through advocacy, help you speak up for yourself.

”My life has completely changed now. I’ve moved, joined a friendship group and have so much more confidence!”

To find out more or request an application form (which we can help you fill in) visit our website www.swrmind.org.uk , Tel: 0845 603 5723 (local call rate from a landline), 9am-4pm, Monday to Friday; or 01723 588 008, 9am-4pm, Monday to Friday.

Beach Easy All-terrain Wheelchairs

Some of you may have used our all-terrain wheelchairs at Whitby beach or out in the countryside, and similar chairs can be hired at beaches throughout the UK and abroad. But if you like to explore those quieter beaches or go for country walks, perhaps when and where its not possible to hire a chair, then read on. “Beach Easy”, a company based in Rossendale, Lancashire has developed a design that converts a standard wheelchair into a wheelchair for the beach, simply by changing the wheels. So you can follow the designated paths, go on your favourite beach or even off-road, whenever you want!

There are two designs: Beach Easy 1 has four fixed wheels for rough terrain and sand dunes. Beach Easy 2 has swivel front wheels and fixed back wheels for more level beaches. The price (RRP £1500) includes an aluminium wheelchair, four low-pressure balloon wheels, and the necessary tools.

More information is available on the website www.beachwheelchairs.co.uk

WhitbyDAG News Page 12

FREE Euroglide Stairlift. Straight staircase (up to 14 stairs). Swivel seat. 16 years old but in good working order.

Tel: 01947 459162. New owner collects.

FREE Two hand-made, wooden ramps 32” x35.5” (3.5” height); 32” x 72” (11” height). New owner to collect.

Tel: 01947 605846 FOR SALE Roma City Walker Rollator with seat and bag. Colour black. Unused. Folds easily for transport/

storage. Cost £120 new. Accept £90 ono. AND Eden Mobility “Archimedes” white bath aid. Battery powered. Lowers you into the bath. Has reclining back rest.

Easy to manage. Cost £400 new. Accept £250 ono. For both items contact 01947 601560

FOR SALE Freelift Mondriaan Stairlift Suitable for 13 step straight staircase. 11 years old. Good condition. Contact 01947 601828 or 07917383300 for more details & price. A copy of the user manual is at the DAG office.

DONATIONS to DAG for the following items: Phillips FM Wireless Headphone System Allows

complete freedom of movement while enjoying your favourite movie or music.

4 Wheeled Rollator with seat

Volito 4 wheel Rollator with seat, net basket & tray.

Transfer Bath Bench with back rest and hand rail.

Drive Medical lightweight Shopping Trolley

Plug Pulls.

RNIB Communiclock Talking calendar clock.

Schweizer OKOLUX illuminated magnifying glass. Drive Medical folding Walking Frame with wheels.

WhitbyDAG News Page 13

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SHOPPING SERVICE For people who have difficulty shopping for themselves. We collect your list, then your shopping is delivered with your itemised till receipt. We can also unpack and put your shopping away for you.

Contact Paul on: 01947 604839.

LAUNDRY SERVICE We also run a laundry scheme for anyone who can't manage this themselves. Your laundry will be collected from your home, washed, dried and even ironed if requested. Contact Eileen on: 01947 606104.

There is a small charge made for these services.

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ESK VALLEY MOBILITY UNIT B3, ST. HILDA'S BUSINESS CENTRE,

THE ROPERY, WHITBY, YO22 4ET

Telephone/Fax: 01947 825555 Mob: 07584220247 E-mail: eskvalleymobility@mail.com

Website: www.mobilityemporium.com

Mobility Scooters and Wheelchairs

Sales – Servicing – Repairs Accessories – Hire

Stair Lifts Installation - Servicing - Repairs

Authorised Dealer Insurance and Warranties. All work guaranteed

Part-Exchange considered

For a FREE, no obligation home demonstration, contact Colin Thirkill

Send us your articles for our newsletter e.g. book, film or theatre reviews, holiday experiences, helpful hints, and information about local and national organizations that support disabled people and carers.

Small ads for Items for Sale/ Items Wanted cost £2.00 per month.

Contact Judith at the DAG office.

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WHITBY, SCARBOROUGH & RYEDALE DAG details:

Address: Church House Centre

Flowergate

WHITBY

YO21 3BA

Telephone: 01947-821001

E-mail: info@whitbydag.org.uk

Website: www.whitbydag.org.uk

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the

information in this newsletter. However, Whitby, Scarborough &

Ryedale DAG can accept no liability whatsoever for any matters in

any way connected or arising out of use of this information. No

recommendation is implied by the insertion of such information.

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Would you like your details to be added to/ removed from our newsletter mailing list?

Contact the DAG office. Do you have any articles, stories,

items wanted/ for sale or information you would like to be included in our newsletter?

Send the details to the DAG office by the 20th of each month.