networker - compass disability services · 2014-03-14 · networker free to members (£1.99 where...

NetworkerMarch - May 2014FREE to Members (£1.99 where sold)

Do you have an iPad or ‘tablet’, maybe a smart phone or laptop?Help us “keep it green” and “keep it on screen”, by getting your ‘Networker’

electronically. email: [email protected] for details.

AdaptableAccessible

Transport Edition

Are you an independent person who employs a personal carer/personal assistant at home to meet your individual needs? Do they have little in the way of formal training? If so, you can now access FREE professional training for your carer/personal assistant in a number of subjects, enabling your care to be carried out more effectively.

These short training programmes are

delivered by Bridgwater College, either in the home or at the College, with no cost to you or your carer. There are a wide variety of subjects available, including:

• HABC Safe Moving and Handling/HABC Moving People Safely

• Emergency First Aid at Work

• RSPH Food Safety in Catering Level 2

• CIEH Fire Warden/Fire Safety Level 2

• Handling of Medicines Level 2

• Dementia Care Level 2

• Understanding End of Life Care Level 2

• NCFE Award in the Prevention and Control of Infection Level 2

• Introduction to Duty of Care in a Health and Social Care Setting

• in the Adult Health and Social Care Sector

• Understanding in Working in Mental Health Level 2

• the Health and Social Care Professional.

www.bridgwater.ac.uk

DO YOU RECEIVE DIRECT PAYMENTS TOWARDS YOUR HEALTHCARE NEEDS AT HOME?You can now access FREE training for your carer/personal assistant

q Compass Disability Services is an innovative,enlightened and positive organisation.

q Our mission is ‘to enable disabled people andtheir carers, to have equality of opportunity’.Our values, beliefs, and mission have allowed usto spread our influence in Somerset, mid WalesWarwickshire and Birmingham.

q Compass Disability Services is a user-ledorganisation and our Board of Trustees iscomprised of at least 80% disabled people.

q Our principles give us the authority to exploreoptions to give a voice to disabled people.

q Compass Disability Services works throughconsultation, representation and service delivery,facilitating various projects.

‘Networker’ is produced by Compass Disability ServicesUnit 11-12 Belvedere Trading Estate Taunton TA1 1BH

Tel: 0330 3330089 or 01823 282823Minicom: 01823 255919

Email: [email protected]: www.compassdisability.org.ukRegistered Charity Number: 1099376

Editorial or Advertising queries: ContactClive Rymer on 0330 333 0089 or [email protected].

Alternative Formats: ‘Networker’ is alsoavailable in large print, braille, on cassette,cd or by email. For further information,contact Clive Rymer on 0330 333 0089 oremail [email protected].

Contact: Compass Disability Serviceswelcomes any feedback on ‘Networker orany of the services it provides.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in‘Networker’ are not necessarily those ofCompass Disability Services.

Contents

Compass Points

Associate Member News

18

Compass Volunteering Update17

24

..............Somerset Sight / Bluebird Care

......................................Network Update

.............................Richard Pitman CEO

Have your say & Contacts

.......................................Compass ‘Hub’

..................................................Mindline

15

4

5

6 7

9

23

...................................................@Worle

14

Adapted Transport

Carers Conference - Invite

Competition - win a Sacchel

..Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group

12

10

25

29

11

13

Sport31

33

.................Compass Independent Living

www.compassdisability.org.uk 3

Disability Somerset

Richard introduces the Spring edition

Compass Points

www.compassdisability.org.uk4

Could you be a Trustee?We are recruiting new Trustees, with a range of skills, to join the existing board.Compass Disability Services is looking for people who are committed to its mission,values, aims and objectives and are passionate about the work it does.As a Trustee you would be expected to ensure that the organisation complies withits governing documents, charity law, company law and any other relevantlegislation or regulations.Trustees use their specific skills, experience and knowledge to help the boardreach sound decisions.

Becoming a Trustee will involve:• Promoting the organisation whilst enhancing and protecting its reputation• Being a good ambassador for the organisation• Focusing on key issues• Providing special expertise• Leading discussions• Scrutinising board papers

For more information,please contactPaula Ingrey on

01823 282823 or email:[email protected]

As Somerset has been gripped by floods, I just wanted to takethis opportunity to ensure that our readers who, may have beenaffected by this, are getting all the support they need. There arethe ‘support lines’ available, however if you feel that you haven’treceived the support for your needs from these, please feel free tocontact us at Compass Disability Services or Compass Carers.This edition is again packed with lots of information, particularlyour articles on adapted vehicles. You will see what amazing thingsthey can do to ensure that disabled people with all sorts ofimpairments can still drive and keep their independence. Unfortunately this will be the last magazine in its current format,

but don’t worry we will still be getting you all the vital information that you need as thismagazine will be merging with our other magazine Compass Carers from April thisyear. This will also see the magazine being produced 4 times a year and your firstedition will be available from the second week in June. Whilst we would have liked themagazines to stay independent in an ideal world, we are all very aware of thetightening of resources and after reviewing our audiences, content and distribution itwas felt that with both the magazines there was a lot of commonality and this decisionwould not affect either’s content. We hope that this decision will enable us to continueto provide this vital resource and increase the distribution even further.Finally, don’t forget if you have something to say about the magazines layout orcontent, we are always glad to have your feedback.

Richard Pitman, CEO, Compass

Disability Services

Karen Janas - Trainer Hub members, February ‘14

Back in the autumn of 2013 members ofthe Compass Learning & DevelopmentHub designed and delivered two, one-dayinduction courses for staff new to the AdultSocial Care (ASC) team, in Somerset.A lot of work went into developing thecontent and producing the materials; andthe trainers were keen to ensure theyshared their experiences as service usersand carers with the delegates in aneffective way.The days seemed to go very well, despitesome nerves among the trainers. Thefeedback received from the delegatesimmediately after the courses was veryencouraging. Shortly after the second day,we received a request from the ASCLearning & Development Team to runanother day in this coming Spring.In order to review the training and learnwhat worked well and what might need tobe changed for the next time, ‘The Hub’invited Karen Janas an independenttrainer, facilitator and counsellor to run anevaluation meeting in February. Karen hadpreviously delivered the Training forTrainers course for Compass DisabilityServices last year and it was great to have

her return to support Hub members inreflecting on their training experience.Using the completed evaluation forms andlearning feedback gathered from thedelegates at the end of each course, Hubmembers had time to discuss the reactionto the training and the learning that hadresulted from the day. Karen helpedeveryone focus on the many positivecomments which reinforced what aspectsof the training had gone well and examinethe few areas that needed consideration,to make them more effective next time.On the whole, the improvements thatcame out of the review session werearound building their confidence astrainers and having more time to prepareand practice. Karen’s structured approachto the meeting helped keep thediscussions on track and served to remindeveryone that the feedback showeddelegates could clearly identify theirlearning from the day. A welcome result!

Compass Points

‘The Hub’ is a group of disabled people and carers that are interestedin the learning and development of Adult Social Care staff.

Karen Janas MBACP, can becontacted on 07773 350459.

www.karenjanas.co.uk


Compass Learning & Development Hub

Compass Points

Join the Networkand have your say!

Continued on page 7 . . .

Donations to the OrganisationWe would like to express our condolencesto Mr & Mrs Barnes who kindly donated£115 in memory of their daughter Nicola.

Join the Network andhave your say!

The Compass Disability Network is aNetwork of disabled people, their carersand organisations that represent disabledpeople, which works to improve accessand inclusion to services and facilities.Members have an opportunity toparticipate in consultation events andmeetings to give their views on a range ofissues that are important to them. Viewsare fed back to organisations andagencies that develop services such aslocal authorities and health services. It’sfree to join and members can participateas much or as little as they like. Beingpart of the Network is a great way to meetother people in a similar situation. If youknow of anyone that you think wouldbenefit from being part of the Network orreceiving this publication please do spreadthe word!

Somerset County CouncilTransport Needs Consultation

Somerset County Council has recentlycarried out a county wide consultation tounderstand Somerset residents transportrequirements for the future. Following onfrom this piece of work they have askedCompass Disability Network to bringtogether two meetings in April to givepeople a chance to discuss the results ofthe survey and to obtain more detailregarding peoples use of DemandResponsive (Slinky) services. Demandresponsive services provide a door to doorservice for individuals who cannot or donot have access to a conventional publicbus. They are operated, in the main, byCommunity transport groups who are paidto deliver the service on behalf ofSomerset County Council. SomersetCounty Council spend nearly £500K perannum providing this service and wouldlike your views on how you use the Slinkyservices, how easy it is to book and howavailable it is to you. Two meetings havebeen arranged to give you a chance tocome along and share your views and willtake place as follows:Monday 14th AprilThe Meadway Hall, Compton Dundon ,TA11 6PQ 10.30am until 12.30pmWednesday 16th April North Petherton Community Centre,Fore Street, North Petherton, TA6 6QA.10.30am until 12.30pm

Network News

To join The Network, call Ellieon 01823 282823 or email

[email protected]


Compass PointsContinued from page 6 . . .

Compton Dundon is approximately 5 miles(8 km) south of Glastonbury and 4 miles(6 km) north of Somerton. Situated on theB3151 between Somerton and Street inHam Lane.North Petherton Community Centre issituated on the A38 between Bridgwaterand Taunton in the village of NorthPetherton. Full details can be provided forthose who request attendance.In addition to this a questionnaire isavailable for completion on line by usingthe following link:www.surveymonkey.com/s/6VMZYGMor by telephoning Compass DisabilityServices on 01823 282823 to request acopy.

Tea, coffee and refreshments will beprovided. Transport, care andcommunication support can also bearranged for these meetings. If you wouldlike to attend, please contact Mandy orEllie by Monday 31st March 2014 on01823 282823 or Email:ellie @compassdisability.org.uk,confirming any transport or support needsyou may have such as an electronic notetaker, hearing loop or BSL interpreter.We are also able to reimburse mileagecosts if you are able to make your ownway to the meeting.

Sedgemoor Disability ForumThe most recent meeting of theSedgemoor Disability Forum took place onThursday 27th February at The PrincessTheatre and Arts Centre, Burnham on Seawith speakers from the Police and CrimeCommissioners Office, SedgemoorCitizens Advice Bureau, Somerset County

Council Highways and Devon andSomerset Fire Service.The next meeting will take place on;Wednesday 21st May at The Canalside,Huntworth, Nr Bridgwater and Tuesday21st October at The Princess Arts andTheatre Centre, Burnham on Sea from10.30am until 2.30pm, speakers to beconfirmed.

Taunton Deane DisabilityDiscussion Group

The Taunton Deane Disability DiscussionGroups gives the opportunity for disabledpeople and their carers living and workingin the Taunton Deane Borough Councilarea to come together four times a year tobe consulted and informed on a range ofissues from different organisations.Future Dates for this meeting are asfollows:Tuesday 25th March – Jonathon Yellandfrom Healthwatch Somerset will bespeaking at this meeting. Other dates are:Tuesday 24th June, Tuesday 23rdSeptember and Tuesday 25thNovember, speakers to be confirmed.The current times for this meeting are10.30am until 12.30pm however thesemay be subject to change depending onfeedback from attendees.Transport, care and communicationsupport can be provided to enable you toattend our Forums and Discussion Groupsand we are also able to re-imbursemileage for anyone living in the areasconcerned wishing to make their own wayto the meetings.Please contact Mandy or Ellie at Compassif you would like to receive information.Copies of reports from all our forums orconsultation work can be found on ourwebsite under the Compass DisabilityNetwork.


Compass Points

Sedgemoor Disability ForumOctober 2013

Volunteer VisitingService

Somerset Sight’s dedicated group of volunteer visitors work with blind andvisually impaired people throughout the county to provide support for them athome. Help can be given with correspondence and reading, shopping andappointments as well as regular companionship and the enjoyment of going outfor coffee or tea. Visits are usually fortnightly for a couple of hours and arrangedat a time to suit you. Our much respected volunteers have been personally selected, trained andPolice checked to ensure your total peace of mind. We always try to match avolunteer with you bearing in mind common interests and personalities. If you are visually impaired and would like a volunteer from our local charity toassist you in leading a fuller, more independent life, then please contact Gloria atour main office on 01823 366146 who will be able to provide you with moreinformation about this service.

01823 366146


Compass Independent Living

www.compassindependentliving.org.uk 9

For a number of years Compass Independent

Living (CIL) has been providing professional

Direct Payments support, including payroll service

and managed accounts support in various

counties, across the UK.

Direct payments packages vary from county to

county. The payroll and managed accounts

support is also different in each county which

makes our work very interesting.

We have recently launched our “Personal

Assistant Finder” service in Powys. This brilliant

new resource is available to those looking for PA’s

or Care Staff and those looking for this type of

work in the county.

We have been providing Direct Payment support

for Children and families in Birmingham since

August 2012. Direct Payment packages in

Birmingham are seen as money to be spent on

activities; anything that the child/young person

benefits from i.e. cinema, swimming or days out,

rather than money to be spent on care, which is a

traditional approach adopted in other counties.

Payroll and managed accounts are also working

smoothly and without major issues.

In Warwickshire we have been successfully

providing Payroll and Managed Accounts services

since October 2012. There is a relatively large

number of service users and a percentage of

them are using a weekly payroll period so we are

kept busy, however having the experience and

processing payroll the whole financial year,

instead of the half-year transfer, makes it easier

and even enjoyable at times!

In April 2013 we started supporting all Direct

Payment users in Powys and payroll service users

in Sandwell. In Sandwell all the payroll service

users have set dates for the payroll processing,

which is helpful for the people processing payroll

as well as the service users, who can easily keep

track of their payroll dates.

In Powys we are currently extremely busy with

new referrals and existing service users requiring

support, but we are very happy with the way the

service has settled in the county, with nearly a

year of service. The experienced advisors are

doing their best to manage their busy workload.

The newest project of ours was started in October

2013, payroll support in Dorset. We have recruited

two apprentices who take care of the project with

the support of their Line Manager and the Finance

Manager.

We are also a proud provider of payroll, managed

accounts, brokerage and support to Personal

Health Budgets service users for NHS Somerset,

North Somerset, Gloucester, Wiltshire and newly

in Cornwall and Devon!

We continue to work closely with both

Commissioners and service users to improve the

services we provide and work with them to move

closer to personalisation.

We have a busy time ahead, processing the year

end for approximately 1500 service users. We will

also become very busy with the Local Offer

Payments in Wiltshire, known also as the ‘Short

Break Scheme’ for families with children or young

people who have special educational needs

and/or disability.

Call 01823 282823for more information

Visit our websitewww.compassindependentliving.org.uk

--


Tailor-madeWe structure our support to your requirements. You can be involved in everything from staff selection to the choice of your day to day activities. Our service is tailor made for you.

Get in touchBluebird Care (Taunton)51-52 High StreetTaunton, TA1 3PRTel: 01823 331 194Fax: 01823 351 374Email: [email protected]

Call our professional team on 01823 331 194

SUPPORTING PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITYWe Care Passionately

We make it our mission to Include everyone and to patronise no one.

We believe that everyone is entitled to be part of their town.

We do not believe that people should be isolated in remote areas and, to this end, we have created

Sweet Surprise in the middle of Ilminster.

Transport available.

Please contact Jane or Chris at

Sweet Surprise 23 Silver Street

Ilminster Somerset TA19 0DH

Phone : 01460 54225

e-mail – [email protected]


It has been just over a year since BrandonTrust switched its base in Weston-super-Mare from the William Knowles Centre tothe new @Worle community sports centre. Since January 7, 2013, the state-of-the-artvenue has provided the community hub forBrandon Trust’s services in the area andthe team has just celebrated their firstbirthday with a successful public open day. The £2.7 million North Somerset Councilbuilding houses a sensory room, ourBanwell Pottery studio and a great Café,which has been run by people supportedby the charity since April. ProjectCoordinator Ruth Bell said: “With thegradual introduction of leisure centreclasses, the café has become busier andthe menu is continually evolving. We haverecently opened the Café on Saturdays toprovide refreshments to people using thisfacility.” In terms of numbers, the move to@Worle has attracted new referrals, allunder the age of 25. Through BrandonTrust, 65 people with learning disabilitiescurrently access a host of different weeklyactivities focused on education,employment and gaining independence,which were reviewed and changed withthe site switch. Banwell pottery has takenon four new referrals and is far moreaccessible to service users with extracustomers also visiting compared to theirprevious location.Ruth said: “The pottery is quicklybecoming established in the local

community and a wide range of people arenow aware of us”. Our @Worle team hasalso developed other communitypartnerships with groups such as HornetsRugby Club, Weston College, AvonWildlife Trust and the Police.Looking to the future, there are plans tocreate a sensory garden on site, and anallotment in conjunction with WorleCommunity School.“Through the coming year, we will beaiming to review our current provision withthe view to a more flexible programme ofactivities and projects; this couldincorporate evening provision. Parents,carers and the people we support will befully involved in the planning of theservice, taking into consideration theirneeds and choices,” added Ruth.

For more information on Brandon Trust@Worle contact 01934 529 544.


@Worlea year on

Brandon Trust champions Personalisation,

providing services designed around individual

needs: from living solutions (residential care,

supported living, tenancy support and others) to

vocational courses, from community and leisure

access to employment training and support.

Brandon Trust also have a wealth of experience

in working with people with complex needs

whose behaviour sometimes challenges the

environment in which they live, or with profound

and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD).



When Keith lost his Job in 2011 he feltunable to work but still wanting to

contribute to his community. In thisfrank and honest account Keith tells

Networker magazine why Volunteeringfor Mind TWS helped him get back towork and make him feel worthwhile.

“Having bummed around working invarious roles, my amountingdissatisfaction with work lead me to losemy job and feeling worthless. I mostcertainly couldn’t continue working in jobswhere I felt unvalued and dissatisfied, but Ididn’t know how to find a job that I wouldfind worthwhile.I had long been aware of the work MindTWS had done in the community,surrounding mental health issues, as Ihave been a sufferer of mental healthproblems for many years. It was bylooking through Mind TWS’s website that Icame across stories of their currentvolunteers and reading about how many ofthem where themselves mental healthsufferers. This encouraged me to apply fora role on their Mindline service.Having then applied for the role and doingthe training I started to worry. Regardlessof assurances of the opposite I was fearfulthat I simply wouldn’t be able to fulfill therole, as I had never worked in the field ofmental health before.After speaking to many of my fellowvolunteers and both of the MindlineSupervisors, I managed to pluck up thecourage to take my first Mindline call. I was surprised how well it went. After 15minutes of listening to a lady who was indistress, she had let me know that It was

so beneficial to her, to let anotherperson know what was going on in her life.Calls like these are the most common. Ourcallers aren’t looking for solutions,expecting call handlers like myself to knowall the answers or have knowledge ofpsychology, but to simply be listened to inthese times of crisis and help them findtheir own solutions. Throughout my time at Mind TWS I havebeen given the opportunity to take variouseducational courses, which not onlyimproved my skills as a Mind Line callhandler but also understand my ownmental health issues and those of myfriends and family. Whenever my son hasstruggles or difficulties in school, I nowhave a greater range of skills andknowledge to be able to listen andempower him to find a solution.The training has also given me the chanceto sharpen my work skills and to ‘network’which meant I was eventually able to findpaid employment in an area of work whichI find satisfying and worthwhile.Although I still find that many of the callson Mindline can be quite challenging atthe time, the support I get from othervolunteers means I always finish a shiftfeeling a great sense of achievement, as Ifeel I’ve helped someone and made adifference in their lives.”

To apply to volunteer with Mindline or on any

other Mind TWS service please

Phone: 01823 334906 or

Email: [email protected] or

If you or anyone you care for is in need of

Mindline services call 01823 276892.

Lines are open Wednesday, Friday, Saturday

and Sunday nights 8pm till Midnight.

Website: Mindtws.org.uk

Facebook: Facebook.com/mindtws.org.uk

Twitter: @MindineTWS


Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group(CCG) is a group of local GPs and healthprofessionals, who have responsibility forplanning and funding health services inSomerset. The CCG does this incollaboration with local hospitals andcommunity health services, county anddistrict councils and the voluntary sectorand of course patients, their carers andthe community. The CCG wants healthservices to meet the needs of local peopleand reflect what matters to them and soaims to make sure that the views ofpatients and the public contributes to theplanning and funding of high qualityhealthcare.There are many ways you can getinvolved and tell the CCG what you thinkabout local health services including:

Patient Participation Groups: Most ofSomerset’s 75 GP surgeries have aPatient Participation Group. Please askyour local surgery for more details.

Health Forums: Health Forums arealigned to each of the county’s GPFederations areas. They provide patients,carers and members of the public with theopportunity to talk and ask questions ofthe CCG and local NHS Trusts. If youwould like to know more please email:[email protected]

Healthwatch: Healthwatch is a neworganisation and aims to be the voice ofpatients and carers in Somerset.Tel: 01823 751403. Please e-mail:[email protected] Or visit their web site at:www.healthwatchsomerset.co.uk

Patient Advice and Liaison Service:‘PALS’ is a free and confidential service forhealth service information and advice. Ifyou have any concerns about the serviceswhich Somerset CCG commissions, PALScan be contacted by telephone, email orpost: Tel: 0800 0851 067. Please email:[email protected] write to:Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group FREEPOST (no stamp required) RRKL-XKSC-ACSG Patient Advice and Liaison Service Yeovil, Somerset BA22 8HR

Finally, Compass Disability Services andCompass Carers send representatives tothe CCG’s Somerset EngagementAdvisory Group and annual EqualityConference. So let them know what youthink to the NHS locally, that they canexpress your views at these meetings.

Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group

More information can be found atwww.somersetccg.nhs.uk


Disability Somerset 2014


Disability Somerset, the largestindependent living exhibition in the SouthWest, is back by popular demand onWednesday 10th September 2014, in theguise of ‘Disability Somerset 2014’.We return to Junction 24 at theSedgemoor Auction Centre, a fullyaccessible venue with level access,accessible toilets throughout and ampleparking. The venue offers everything ourvisitors need in terms of access.

Wheelchair/Scooter HireTaunton based Orchard Mobility areproviding free wheelchair/scooter hire.

Orchard Mobility has over 30 yearsexperience working in the mobility sectorand supplying disability services. Theyoffer a full range of mobility equipment inSomerset and the surrounding areas.

Getting thereBy Public TransportWe are currently working with the localbus companies to ensure that a service isprovided which drops visitors to the door.Any updates on public transport will be puton our website once confirmed and willalso be in the next edition of Networker.By CarThe venue is just off the A38 at NorthPetherton and is easily accessible fromboth junction 24 of the M5 and the A38

and surrounding smaller roads.New for 2014

We are proud to announce that we willhave a ‘Vehicle Zone’ at DisabilitySomerset 2014. This is an outdoor areawhere Motability providers will be givingvisitors the opportunity to see some of thevehicles available under the scheme.Chris Edwards from Motability will also bethere to answer any questions.

FREE EVENT Disability Somerset is free for visitors, butif you register for tickets you could receivea goody bag.The first 500 ticket holders to arrive willreceive a goody bag containing free gifts,magazines and disability-relatedinformation.You can register for tickets by visiting ourwebsite www.disabilitysomerset.org.ukand clicking on the ‘Get tickets’ tab on theleft hand side of the screen. Alternatively, you can call the office on01823 282823 to register for your freetickets. You do not need a ticket to attendthis free event.Do you have any items you would like toinclude in our goody bags? This couldinclude promotional items such as pens,magnets, shopping trolley tokens etc,discount vouchers and other interestinginformation. To include something in thegoody bag contact Ruth on 01823 282823or email [email protected]

Event SponsorshipWe are currently looking for a mainsponsor for Disability Somerset 2014.Would your company like to fill thisprestigious role? For more information orto sponsor the event please contact Ruthby calling the office on 01823 282823 oremail [email protected].

If you would like to reserve a scooter orwheelchair, please contact Ruth on

01823 282823 or [email protected]

Disability Somerset 2014


WorkshopsWe are finalising the workshops beingheld at this year’s event. These are likelyto include topics such as ArthritisAwareness, The Care Bill, CombinedEducation, Health and Care Budgets forchildren and a session from Health &Disability Employment Advisers within theDepartment for Work and Pensions.These sessions are for anyone with aninterest, to attend.

ExhibitorsOur first exhibitor to book a stand atDisability Somerset 2014 was Brunelcare.Brunelcare are a locally based careprovider offering a range of services tohelp people make the most of their livesincluding care homes and care andsupport services.There is still time for your organisation orcompany to exhibit at Disability Somerset2014.Visit www.disabilitysomerset.org.uk formore information and click on the‘For exhibitors’ tab on the left hand side ofthe screen. You will be able to accessstand prices, floor plan, booking form andterms and conditions. To request a printed copy of the exhibitorspack or for more information call Ruth on01823 282823 or [email protected] website and Facebook page are beingupdated every day as new exhibitorsbook. Visit these for an up-to-date list ofexhibitors.

DemonstrationsFor more than just an exhibition visit thedemonstration area where you will see avariety of demonstrations, with a focus ondisability taking part throughout the day. Confirmed demonstrations include CaninePartners, a national charity that trainsassistance dogs for people withdisabilities, and the Wheelchair DanceSports Association UK, providing visitorsan opportunity to join in their routine.Is there something you would like to seegoing on in our demonstration area?Would you like to demonstrate yourproduct, services or group? If so let usknow by calling 01823 282823 or byemailing [email protected].

If there is a particular workshopyou would like to see, please

contact Ruth on01823 282823 or email

[email protected]

Images fromDisability Somerset 2013

Meeting Room Hire in TauntonClose to Railway Station and Car Park

All rooms are fully accessible. Ourrooms have a ‘Hearing Loop’ system

and accessible toilets.We have limited ‘Blue Badge parking,which must be reserved, subject to

availability. Ample parking is availableat Belvedere Rd, @200 metres away.

Refreshments Available

(please request at time of booking)Tea / Coffee - 80p per serving

Tea/Coffee & Biscuits £1 per servingVarious lunch options starting from

£5.00 per person

Other catering options are availableon request including

sandwiches, platters, fruit,cakes, savouries, pasties,

vegan or vegetarian.

Please ask for details

01823 282823

** The ‘Mendip Suite’ is also available evenings and weekends. It is ideal forChildren’s party’s etc. being self contained with accessible toilets. ‘Mendip’ canalso accommodate up to 50 people theatre style and 32 people boardroom style.

For evenings and weekends only, there is a minimum booking of 2 hourswhich is £20 then £15 per hour thereafter. Full details on request.

Projector &Screen Hire £5Laptop Hire £10

Flip Chart £5

MendipSuite **

BrendonRoom

BlackdownRoom

HourlyRate £15 £12 £9

Day RateMonday - Friday £100 £85 £60

Seats for layoutTheatre 50 seats 36 seats 16 seats

Seats for layoutBoardroom 32 seats 20 seats 8 seats

Rooms can be laid out in many different styles, as required. Please ask.

Compass Volunteering UpdateWe have recently recruited a Volunteer Handyman

for our offices in Taunton, a Volunteer Trainer with

expertise in working with people with visual

impairment and an Administrative Volunteer. We are

currently seeking a Volunteer ‘Grant Writer’,

Volunteer Fundraisers and volunteers to help with

Compass Disability Services events.

Compass Carers

We are delighted to report that we have recently

recruited three new volunteers to help with our

Compass Carers dedicated Helpline. They will be

providing much needed assistance to the Carers

team in the office, offering information and

sign-posting support that carers need.

Steering Group

We now have ten Steering Group members, who

are all carers or past carers from Somerset. They

are providing valuable help in directing the future of

the carers service, offering the benefit of their

experience and expertise to enhance the service we

are providing for Somerset’s unpaid carers. Our

Steering Group meets monthly.

Other Compass Carers Volunteers

We are actively recruiting volunteers for three

Compass Carers roles. A Volunteer Carer Support

Group Facilitator, would be volunteering at one of

the Carer Support Groups, currently held in

Somerset or with a Group yet to be set up. We are

delighted to report that we have already recruited

three volunteers to help with groups and would love

to hear from other people who can help in this way.

We would especially like to hear from someone who

could help with the Group in Minehead.

Volunteer Telephone Befriender Taunton

These volunteers will be based at our offices in

Taunton to offer regular phone communication,

supporting unpaid carers in Somerset. We have

recruited two volunteers for this scheme which will

commence in the very near future.

Awareness Volunteer

Awareness volunteers are needed in all areas of

Somerset to assist in publicising and raising

awareness of the Compass Carers Service,

attending awareness events in identified areas of

Somerset and liaising with external organisations

such as Doctors Surgeries, with a view to them

displaying the Compass Carers’ literature and

promoting the services. We are pleased to report

that we have recruited two awareness volunteers

and hope to recruit more in the near future.

To find our more information about any of these

roles or to apply, please

email: [email protected] or phone

Jane Allin Volunteer Coordinator on 01823 282823.

HAS A NEW WEB SITEESCAPE has a new website designed in our new

colours with many exciting new features. ESCAPE’s

history and past successes can be seen on our

blogs. We encourage our families to write about the

charity and blog us with events they have enjoyed.

The website has lots of great photos to see and an

opportunity to post and keep up to date with current

events.

We have a members forum which provides details

to members of trips and meetings. Non-members

have an opportunity to join on line and become part

of this great charity. However there is a lot of

information to be seen for non-members or for

people who would like to donate to us.

We still have our office, landline, email and

welcome any contact via the route that is best for

our families. So, with this in mind chose a route to

contact us and let your journey with us start today.

www. Escapesupportgroup.comTelephone: 01823 256841

Email: [email protected]

ESCAPE Support Group aim to extend opportunities and support

to families of special needs children, within Somerset.

Volunteer Update


Adapted Transport


To live with a disability can be devastating. To be giventhe chance of mobility can be liberating. Orchard

Mobility, friends of Compass Disability Services andsupporters of Disability Somerset take the provision of

mobility aids to a new dimension. In this edition wewanted to highlight some of the ingenious “mods” they

have created or been commissioned to design.

The ‘custom scooter’ side ofOrchard Mobility’s business

started at the request ofclients. Pictured here aresome examples of clients

scooters.

As well as all of thecommissioned work,

they couldn’t helpthemselves, and built a

few, just for fun!

Adapted Transport


Orchard Mobility thendid some work with

the local Police(road safety partnership)and Jeremy Browne MP,

which prompted the Police to commission

their own custom scooter.

Orchard Mobility were thenasked by

Electric Mobility Euro Limitedto build a ‘stretched’ mobilityscooter for their retiring MD.

We gave them a much longerthree seater!

The ’Limobilizer’ is now in theGuinness Book of World

Records as the‘Worlds Longest Mobility

Scooter’

More recently, the Avon and SomersetConstabulary have commissionedmore scooters. These are used to

take to primary schools to offertraining and road safety toa much younger age set.

Taunton based Orchard Mobility startedin the mobility industry some

23 years ago, with the main projectat that time being to act as the approved

repair company, for the NHS.Today they offer sales, servicing, repairsand customisation of mobility equipmentthroughout the South West of England.

Contacting Orchard Mobility

Telephone: 01823 253310

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.orchardmobility.co.uk

Unit 8 The Old Brewery EstateNorton FitzwarrenTaunton Somerset TA2 6RN

Adapted Transport


During the mid 1970s only those disabled people who could drive

themselves received any government help with transport. Usually in the

form of a small, blue “trike” (similar to the picture above) which was

unable to take passengers. As a result, many disabled people were

housebound for long periods and dependent on others for their mobility.

Introduction of Mobility AllowanceThe Mobility Allowance was a new cash benefit, introduced by the Government in 1976, to allow

recipients to choose the best way of meeting their mobility needs, whether driving a car, using taxis or

getting a mobility scooter. The Mobility Allowance was a positive advance but it soon became clear that it

was not enough to buy and run even the smallest car. The then Secretary of State for Health and Social

Services invited the late Lord Goodman to consider how disabled people could affordability obtain a

vehicle using this allowance. The result was the “Motability Scheme” which was established in 1977 with

all party support. Motability was set up as a charity so that it could also raise funds and make grants, in

order to provide customers with a complete mobility package. Even if their allowance would not cover the

type of car and adaptations that they needed.

Getting an adaptationIf you’re looking for an adaptation to help improve your

travelling experience, it’s worth bearing in mind that

adaptations generally fall into three categories:

Driving adaptations , to help improve your driving

experience.

Stowage adaptations, these allow you to stow your scooter

or wheelchair.

Access adaptations, help you get in and out of the car. Work

out what type of adaptation you need before you make your

choice of car. Not all adaptations are suitable for every car.

Doing some research for this piece tookme back to my childhood. My Father wasa “Disabled Ex Serviceman” - a WarPensioner. Being disabled he was entitledto varying support throughout his life andalthough he had never drivenbefore, when he was in his early fifties, hewas encouraged by “The Man From TheMinistry” to pass his driving test and get a‘Disability Vehicle’. My Mum wasconcerned that it would be a threewheeler,which were a standard issue at the time.However it was to be a blue Mini Mayfair,another standard issue for the time.

My Dad was luckyto not needadaptions,although friends ofhis did haveadjustment made,

to allow for their disabilities, such asmissing limbs or the many other horrors,that the War had left behind.Today the vehicle options available areimmense, to ‘enable’ many more disabledpeople. Support today is mostly throughthe “Motability Scheme”.

Adapted Transport

MotabilityCustomer Services

Telephone: 0300 456 45668.30am-5.30pm Mon - Fri

Minicom: 0845 675 0009

Website: www.motability.co.uk

Adapted Transport


I never thought after I was diagnosed withmy condition at the age of 2 years, I wouldbe able to be independent, let alone own acar and be able to drive independently.Before I had my car I had to rely on buses.I’m sure many readers will recall fromprevious articles that buses are not mybest friends!I would wait literally hours and hours for abus to arrive. Disappointingly some didn’teven have ramps for me to get on board.

Having my own vehicle has given me thefreedom I thought I would never have. It’sgreat being able to get into my car with nostress and living a ‘normal’ life. That beingsaid I have had my problems with Betty(doesn’t everyone name their car?). Onseveral occasions she has had to go backto the garage for long lengths of time. Thishas most often been due to themodifications I have needed to make Betty

accessible, rather than the actual base cardesign. One factor is the enormousamount of battery power Betty needs topower my access ramp and necessarygadgets.

Its not just the car, but the duties that arepart of running it. I am lucky to havefriends, family and a wonderful partnerwho helps me when filling Betty up withfuel, as not all petrol stations can assistme. Learning to drive was easy for me, I havehad the experience of ‘driving’ mywheelchair and also having practiceddodging people when they get in my way(only kidding)!It is a real benefit to be able to drive mycar from my wheelchair, because if thiswasn’t possible I wouldn’t be able to driveat all. Motability who helped me throughthis process have been brilliant andalthough it did take just over a year tocomplete my adaptations, it was all worththe wait!I wouldn’t change anything about myBetty, she has made me see life in awhole new perspective. I cannot wait untilthis summer, when I can just get up andgo to the beach, woo hoo!

Jasmine lives with ~ ‘SMA’‘Spinal Muscular Atrophy’

This is a muscle wasting condition

‘Jazz’ tells us about ‘Betty’

‘Jazz’

‘Betty’


Adapted Transport

Simon Anderson, aged 56 from Burnhamin Somerset and his fundraising dogsFudge (now deceased), Olga and Miele,have raised over £40,000 in aid of‘Support Dogs’.This is a great achievement by anybody’sstandards, but back in 1999, Simon had toovercome one of the biggest challengeshe would ever face. Aged just 42, Simonhad a near fatal accident at work whilstriding his Police patrol motorcycle. Theaccident left him paralysed from the waistdown and he spent 15 months at SalisburySpinal Unit.Unlike most, Simon was determined thathis injuries would not beat him. He said:“I felt so humbled by the wholeexperience, the fantastic care and help Ireceived during this time, I felt in my heartthat someway, somehow I wanted to givesomething back in return.”

Simon and his German shorthaired pointerFudge have supported the charity since2004. Simon came across the Support

Dogs website, where he applied to be aguest speaker/ fundraiser for them, and hehasn’t looked back since!Simon said: “Fudge was a great friend,companion, pet and family member, wewere joined at the hip. She was sosensitive and aware of my mood, healthand well being, she knew when I was‘coming down’ with something before I did! He continues: “Fudge vastly improved myquality of life and we went everywheretogether. She recovered many items forme including the post, car keys, moneyand the telephone. She also deliveredhand written messages to summon help.When fishing, Fudge would ‘tell’ Simonwhen he had a bite and insisted on givingthe fish a kiss before release, the list isendless!”Simon and his wife Claire trained Fudgethemselves, Support Dogs did offer totrain Fudge but Simon respectfullydeclined. “I want all the money I raise tomake a difference to someone lessfortunate than myself.” He explains.Over the last four years, Simon and Fudgehad attended numerous events andvenues, spreading the all-important wordabout the life transforming work the charitydoes. They have given talks in Schools,Women’s Institutes, Rotarians,Freemasons, private clubs and nursinghomes. In January 2008 Simon and his wife Clairebought their second German ShorthairedPointer bitch called “Miele”, this is a

At just 42, Simon had a near fatal accident,whilst riding his Police patrol motorcycle. The

accident left him paralysed from the waist down,spending 15 months at ‘Salisbury Spinal Unit’.

Adapted Transport


German word meaning ‘industrious/busy’.She certainly is that and is being trainedas Fudge’s direct replacement, the coupleagree her training has been easy, thanksto her mentor/tutor Fudge. She adored hera copied everything she did.Simon has also arranged a number offundraising events, one of which included‘Hoggin The Bridge’. This was a charityride across the Severn Bridge by theBridgwater Chapter of the HarleyDavidson’s owners club. This is nowknown as a yearly event and took place inOctober 2013. Both Simon and his wifetook part; Simon riding his 2300ccTriumph Rocket III Trike whilst Claire rodeher Suzuki SV1000S. As well as the ride,Simon had a list as long as his arm ofevents and fundraising ideas for the rest of2013 and now into 2014. The Support Dogs Marketing andFundraising Officer, said: “Simon is a trueambassador for Support Dogs and we areall extremely thankful for everything hehas done to help us. We are not a

Government funded charity and relyentirely on donations and fundraisingwhich is why the fantastic work Simondoes, means so much to the charity.”Simon and his wife are both members ofBlue Knights motorcycle Chapter XIV(South West of England) and spend someof their time riding for charities, such asHelp For Heroes, Afghan Heroes, RoyalBritish Legion and Care Of PoliceSurvivors (COPS) to name but a few.Simon was helped back into the saddle topursue his love of motorcycling afterbecoming Paraplegic following that lifethreatening motorcycle accident, which lefthim fifteen months in hospital andparalysed from the waist down. Thecharity who help Simon was the NABDNational Association of Biking Disabled,they gave him a grant totalling £1400which paid for a Kliktronic Gear Change,thumb operated rear brake, reverse gearand wheelchair rack, for his magnificent‘Trike’.

www.support-dogs.org.uk/

If your Organisation, Club or School are based

in the Somerset area and would be interested

in Simon coming to speak to you, then give

Support Dogs a call on 0114 261 7800.

Respite School


‘SACCHELS’ are made by Cheryl who lives in

Somerset. She designs and makes the colourful

wheelchair bags, mobility scooter bags and side

security bags from initial ideas, right the way to the

finished products.

Her introduction to design was when her father, who

was a blacksmith, used to design and make her

mothers ball gowns. This inspired her to start

sewing at a very young age and later qualified as a

professional interior designer. Cheryl has worked in

the textile industry for many years from designing

and making customised tops, to pattern cutting and

quality control, with some freelance design work.

Cheryl says “I had the idea to make the bags when I

taught art therapy to adults with learning difficulties,

the art helps them to express themselves. I saw that

their bags were very drab, so I did some research

and found that most bags, only came in dark

colours. If I was in a wheelchair that is not a bag I

would like. Then I looked at all ages, a child would

enjoy something like their friends bags, fun and

colourful, a teenager may like a ‘cool’ bag, an adult

something that expresses their personality. I

realised with my experience in design and textile

that I could make fun bags and that it was time

wheelchair / scooter bags were modified. I want to

make bags, which are exciting and fit for purpose.

I set up Sacchels in 2013. The fabric I use is PVC

coated cotton. The padding, lining, webbing, Velcro

and clips are all of the best quality.

I have set up an Ebay shop to sell the bags online

at http://stores.ebay.co.uk/SACCHELS please

have a look. I try to have about 45 different bags at

a time on the website.

The bags are designed with a large flap over top, to

keep the shopping / School / College books

protected. They are available to fit child / small adult

and adult size wheelchairs. The bags are easily

fitted with handle hanging webbing straps, that loop

over the wheelchair handles. The bottom of the bag

is held in place by Velcro. The side security bags

are ideal for storing valuables such as phone,

wallet or purse and come in small and large sizes.

Sacchels are colourful bags for wheelchairs or mobilityscooters. They are made from showerproof PVC backedcotton and are spacious and padded fitting mostwheelchairs and mobility scooters, with a choice of patterns.

Win aSacchel

WIN, a Sacchel!Cheryl has kindly donated a ‘Sacchel’ as a prize to readers of ‘Networker’. A bag likethe one in the photo, is the prize. It is a child/small adult wheelchair bag , which willfit an adult wheelchair, usually priced at £25.99.All you need to do, to stand a chance of winning, is answer the following question byemail to: [email protected], by Friday August 1st 2014.How many bags does Cheryl try to have on her website, at a time?

a) 4 b) 45 c) 450

We would like toinvite you

to attend our first Compass Carers Conference

Thursday 1st May, 10am to 4pmCanalside Conference Venue

Marsh Lane, Huntworth, BridgwaterSomerset, TA6 6LQ

Keynote speakers include:

~ Richard Pitman, CEO, Compass Disability Services~ Clare Steel, Somerset County Council’s, Lead Commissioner for

Adults & Health, talking about the forthcoming “Care Bill”, whichaims to simplify and improve existing legislation, to modernise thelaw and put peoples wellbeing at the heart of the care and supportsystem.

~ John Goodwin, Somerset County Council who will be informingcarers about the new ‘Somerset Carers Strategy’.

~ Neil Richards, Chair of the ‘Carers Partnership Board’.~ A Carers Story - a personal and very positive view.

The presentations will be followed by workshops to allow carers to “feed into”the new and refreshed ‘Somerset Carer’s Strategy’, currently being rewrittenby Somerset County Council. This will be your chance to influence thedevelopment of services, for carers in Somerset.There will be a break for lunch, which will be provided. The afternoon will bededicated to a series of workshops to collate the views of carers inSomerset about current Council services, the problems, the concerns andwhat is working well, including transport issues and digital access toservices.Booking is essential to allow us to plan for catering requirements. This eventwill be fully accessible, therefore if you have special travel requirements wemay be able to assist. Please ask about assistance with travel.

To book your place, please call Kevin Tarr on 01823 255911or email [email protected]

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Networker

Order your bouquets from Charity Flowers... and raise vital funds for Compass Disability Services!

Please help raise vital funds forCompass Disability Servicesby buying flowers for your

loved one.

How to order• Call the 24-hour order hotline

08705 300600 and quote ‘CDS’

• Order online at www.charityflowers.co.ukand select ‘Compass Disability Services’from the drop down menu.

Did you know…

Wessex Home Improvement Loans is a trading style of Wessex Resolutions CIC.; a community interest company limited by guarantee, registered in England, company number 4512225Registered address: Heatherton Park Studios, Bradford-on-Tone, Taunton, TA4 1EU

IMPORTANT: YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT

In partnership with

In partnership with

In partnership with

Y BAAY BME MR HOOUY:TANTTANORIMP Loans is a trWessex Home Improvement

T KEEP UOU DO NOYF OSSESSED IEPE RY B

Heatherton PRegistered address: a community interestIC.;Wessex Resolutions Cading style of Loans is a tr

TORS ON A MTMENYAAYEPEPAP RT KEEP U

A4 1EUTTA4 1EUaunton,TTone,adford-on- Br,ark Studios Heatherton P company limited by guar a community interest

RT SECUER DEBHTY OGE OR ANAGT

A4 1EU company number 4512225 registered in England,antee, company limited by guar

.orgcic.wrwww

TED ON IR company number 4512225

.uk.org

RADAR keys are available in standard size orwith an easy turn/larger head from Compass Disability Services.

Orders can be placed by calling 01823 282823 with payment made bycredit or debit card (£4.25 each) or collected in person (£3.25 each).

Providers of accessible toilets fit ‘RADAR’ locks to ensurethe facilities are in good condition. Over 25 years, the scheme

has been adopted by over 400 local authorities and manytransport, retail and leisure providers.

RADAR Keys are available to all disabled people and/or theircarers. Even if you are a “casual” carer it may be handy to have

one of these keys, to access the locked toilets, set aside fordisabled people. There is no restriction on who can hold one of

these keys, however the scheme exists to specifically assistdisabled people.

The Radar National Key Scheme key offers disabled people independentaccess to over 9,000 accessible locked toilets around the country. The

availability of appropriately designed lavatories in public places is essential ifdisabled people are to be able to engage in their communities and take part

in everyday activities.

Did you know…

Wessex Home Improvement Loans is a trading style of Wessex Resolutions CIC.; a community interest company limited by guarantee, registered in England, company number 4512225Registered address: Heatherton Park Studios, Bradford-on-Tone, Taunton, TA4 1EU

IMPORTANT: YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON A MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER DEBT SECURED ON IT

In partnership with

In partnership with

In partnership with

ME MR HOOUY:TORIMP Loans is a trWessex Home Improvement

T KEEP UOU DO NOYF OSSESSED IEPE RY B

Heatherton PRegistered address: a community interestIC.;Wessex Resolutions Cading style of Loans is a tr

TORS ON A MTMENP RT KEEP U

aunton,TTone,adford-on- Br,ark Studios Heatherton P company limited by guar a community interest

RT SECUER DEBHTY OGE OR ANAGT

A4 1EU company number 4512225 registered in England,antee, company limited by guar

.orgcic.wrwww

TED ON IR company number 4512225

.uk.org

‘RADAR’ keys are available fromCompass Disability Services

Networker

Somerset Apache StealersBucklers Mead Sports Centre

YeovilSaturdays 10.30 – 12.30

Multi sports Inclusive Club

open to all disabilities

A weekly Inclusive sports session for

anyone aged 10 years upwards.

All disabilities welcome.

We offer a variety of sports each week

including: Football, Cricket, Bowls, Boccia,

Wheelchair Basketball, Athletics and

Racquet sports.

The club is affiliated to

Special Olympics GB

For further info regarding ‘SomersetApache Stealers or Disability sport in

Somerset, contact Jen Slade atSASP on 01823 653990 oremail:[email protected]

Somerset Activity & SportsPartnership

Connecting Disabled People with Sport

www.sasp.co.uk

Sometimes a silly song can get a job done twice as fast.

If you and your carer notice that you're tired,

frustrated or fed up, try one of these.?

~ If you're happy and you know it / wash your face / drink your

tea / get your bag . . .

~ Ten green bottles hanging on the wall / Three fish fingers

sitting on a plate / One red jacket hanging on the wall . . .

~ (Here we go round the Mulberry Bush) This is the way we

brush our teeth / get into bed / take the pill . . .

~ Pack up your sandwich / jumper / tablets in your old kit bag . . .

~ I'm singing in the rain / We're going to the train /

She's getting you a Coke . . .

~ We're all going on a summer holiday / purple minibus /

to a film together now . . .

~ She'll be coming round the mountain when she comes /

Your mum will come and see you when she comes /

We're waiting for the taxi-cab to come . . .

~ I'm forever blowing bubbles / eating cornflakes /

putting socks on . . .

‘SameDifference’ leads active

music; meaning music made

acoustically and naturally on the

spot by everyone present.

This includes dancing, singing,

playing and (crucially) attentive

listening - not the passive listening

associated with recorded music.

Music is offered as a normal

enjoyable activity, which in

addition presents ways for skilled

leaders to help people rediscover

and develop skills and talents.

Thanks to Ann Hinchliffe, Director,

SameDifference

www.samedifference.net


Rachael Edwards is theDisability and EqualityFootball Development

Officer for theSomerset Football

Association.

She writes . .

“My main objective is to support youngpeople and adults with disabilities to getinvolved in football.I work across the full spectrum ofdisabilities which we call “pan-disability”This means we support people withlearning disabilities; sensory disabilitiesand physical disabilities. We supportpeople to become active and play within adisability specific team, supporting them togain skills and qualifications in coaching orrefereeing. We also support people to fulfilroles within football clubs. This could befrom helping behind the scenes to run thefootball club or helping out on match daybehind the bar, or in the tea hut.Within my role I work across the whole ofSomerset, including North Somerset,BANES and South Bristol. At the momentwe have over 25 disability specific clubsactively playing football across the Countyand these clubs are always looking out fornew people to join their teams. Some ofthese teams are social and offer arecreational form of football for people toturn up and play each week and someteams train on a regular basis to competein our Somerset FA Disability League.In partnership with Jen Slade and theSomerset Activity & Sports Partnership,Somerset FA has set up a holiday sessionfor young people with disabilities betweenthe ages of 8 – 16 years. This will takeplace on Monday 7th April at Bucklers

Mead Academy in Yeovil between10am and 1pm. The activities on offer arefootball; wheelchair basketball and boccia.To book places please contact me via thedetails below. The cost is £5 per child.I am always trying to find new ways oftelling people about the work we do atSomerset FA and how we can providefootball opportunities for any young peopleor adults. If you love football, you mighthave played with your friends and want tofind a club or you haven’t played beforebut want to give it a go, I want to hear fromyou! We have lots of opportunities foryouth through to adults so if you areinterested please get in touch via thedetails below. If any parents / carers / professionals haveany questions please do not hesitate tocontact me. I would welcome theopportunity to speak to you and tell you allabout the work I am doing to create moreopportunities for people with disabilities inSomerset.

For more information, contact:Rachael Edwardsemail: [email protected]: 01458 832359Mobile: 07951 360626

An amputation doesn’t have to stopyou enjoying rigorous sport!

Sport

Sport


~ A ‘hot food’ van will be on site during the day butif you wish to bring your own food, please do so.

~ Raffle tickets will be on sale during the day andthe draw will take place at the end of the event.

~ Clubs or Individuals may apply for Travel Expenses.

~ Participation medals will be given toall competitors at the end of the day.

If you require entry forms then please contact Gill Matthews on01747 840412 or email: [email protected]

Could you please return the forms to Gill Matthewsby Friday 2nd May toPeak Ashes, Chapel Lane, Penselwood,Wincanton Somerset. BA9 8LY

Somerset County Sports Associationfor the Disabled – Have a Go Day

Sunday11th May

2014

The Bath and West ShowgroundShepton Mallet Somerset BA4 6QN

For ALL Disabilities and ALL Ages

The events will be:Discus Javelin ShotClub Light Ball Skittles60 m Walk 60 m Run 60 m Wheelchair DashFly Casting Air Rifle Short Mat BowlsTable Tennis Bean Bag (Target) Wheelchair Slalom

Sport


North Somerset’sEngland Cricketer

If you’re looking for local inspiration totake up sport in 2014, look no furtherthan Matt Blamire from Weston CricketClub in North Somerset.

Matt, 27, wasselected early lastyear in the 15 manEngland PhysicalDisabilities squad.Matt was kindenough to “clue usin” to his successand began bytelling us where itall began:

“I can't remember a specific time that gotme into cricket, I guess it just happened.My dad used to play cricket with me inthe garden when I was around 5 or 6 andI continued from there playing for schoolteams”.“My advice for anyone with a disability,no matter what it may be, is that you canplay cricket. Some of the people I havemet so far have truly opened my eyes towhat is possible”.“If you are looking to progress, keepworking hard at it, don't let anyone stopyou and keep pushing your boundaries.If you believe in yourself enough, the skyis the limit”.“I'm mainly involved at Weston as aplayer but I will be helping to get more

people with disabilities into the sport.Weston Cricket Club is looking todevelop opportunities for anyone whowants to play whether they are disabledor not, however we would like to getmore people with disabilities playingcricket as it’s a great opportunity tosocialise, make friends and be part of ateam.” Matt is also keen to talk about his workwith Sportarray, North Somerset’sinclusive sport scheme supporting localsports clubs, coaches and volunteers todeliver sport to disabled players.“I heard about the Sportarray initiativethrough my club and I think it’s afantastic opportunity. There are a lot ofpeople out there who aren't sure aboutwhich direction they should turn andSportarray is the perfect tool for anyoneto get involved in the sport or the hobbythat they want to.”

You can find out more about WestonCricket Club via the club’s website:

www.wsmcc.play-cricket.com

For more information about the EnglishCricket Board’s development of

disability cricket visit:www.ecb.co.uk/development/disability-

cricket

To get involved in Sportarray to accesstraining, publicity, adapted equipment,

volunteer links and more for your sportsclub, please call North Somerset

Council’s Sport and Active Lifestylesteam on 01275 882 734 or email:

[email protected], website:www.n-somerset.gov.uk/sportarray

Fresh Seasonal ProduceDelivered To Your Door

*Receive your first box FREE when you pay for your second box andsign up for regular weekly/fortnightly deliveries on one of our set boxes.Your order can be easily changed or cancelled after your second box.

We are currently helping promote theactivities of Compass Disability Services.If you would like to help this charity, pleasecall and have their promotional code added toyour registration.** Receive your first box free when you pay for your second boxand sign up for regular deliveries of one of our set boxes.Your order can be easily changed or cancelled any time afteryou have received your second box.

Please use

Promotion Code

‘COMPASS’

Your views on any disability related topic are invited.Email - [email protected] - to the address on page 3Facebook - facebook.com/compassdisabilityservices

Have your say


Gordon and Ann have the will to open a

holiday facility, for people with

complex disabilities. They are however,

struggling to find “the way”.

We moved to the Peak District three years ago to

run a holiday business; three self-catering

cottages, a big house for bed & breakfast and

potential to develop accommodation for people with

complex disabilities, which was a big part of the

plan. We both have professional and personal

experience of disability. Ann has worked in

hospice social work with children and adults and we

have two godsons with cerebral palsy, one of whom

sadly died last year.

The buildings date back to the 17th and 19th

Centuries, so while they are stunning to look at and

very comfortably appointed, they are not easy to

access if you have a disability. There is no

potential even for downstairs bedrooms, let alone

proper facilities.

It is our dream to have a specifically adapted

cottage, with tracking hoist, profiling bed, wet room,

sensory garden, etc. We have looked at many

holiday properties which are ‘disabled

accessible’ but this can often mean no more than a

downstairs bedroom or a ramp to the front door.

We know that disability is a very wide term, but our

aim is to have accommodation for people (children

and adults) with the most severe disabilities or life

limiting conditions and their carers and families to

have a break in a beautiful part of the country.

The Peak District has lots of things to do, indoors

and out, for people of all abilities. It is easily

reached from all parts of the country and is a great

place to come on holiday. However, when we

searched for other similar properties in the

National Park we were astonished to find only one

or two which are accessible to wheelchair users and

people with profound disabilities. We have a stable

block which is only used for storage and it would be

ideal to convert for our purposes.

We approached Peak Planning, the National Park

planning authority, who were initially encouraging,

but it soon became clear that because Vicarage

Farm is a Grade 2 listed building (even though the

stable block we want to convert isn’t listed), the

authorities are very reluctant to let us change it into

something more useful (and very needed). Our

initial request was turned down and we are now

preparing an appeal for April. We are hoping to

help Peak Planning understand our vision for the

cottage and also the real need to have more

accommodation in the Park as we feel they don’t

fully grasp the needs of people with complex

disabilities and the facilities required by this group

of people, who are often ‘silent’ when planning

decisions are being considered.

Gordon & Ann McBain

Vicarage Farm

Tideswell, Derbyshire.

www.vicaragefarm.co.uk

NetworkerDecem

ber - January

2014

FREE to Mem

bers (£3.50 w

here sold)

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‘Networker’ will be merging with our othermagazine ‘Compass Carers’, to becomeone bigger, brighter and better read. Thenew magazine will be launched in June ‘14

To advertise in or contribute to ‘Networker’ magazine, please contactthe editor Clive, at the Taunton office. Telephone 01823 282823 or

email [email protected]

Reach your target audience inNetworker / Compass Carers

NetworkerDecember - January 2014FREE to Members (£3.50 where sold)

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q Advertisers receive invaluable exposure to a targetedaudience of disabled people, carers and professionals.

q Networker / Compass Carers is published four times a yearwith over 5,500 free copies distributed throughoutSomerset, producing an estimated readership of over12,000, as well as on-line copies freely available.

q Networker / Compass Carers is sent out to a membershipof over 2,500 disabled people, carers, Dr. surgeries, activeliving centres, day centres, hospitals & care professionals.

Networker ischanging!

Somerset Partnership 01278 432000

NHS Foundation Trust

ABUSE

Domestic Abuse 0800 6949999

Hate Crime Somerset 01823 282823 Text Phone 07568 109960

Mankind Initiative 01823 334244

Womankind 0845 4582914

ADVOCACY

Mental Health 01823 334906

Total Advocacy 01823 339494 Text Phone 07777 333 4555

BENEFITS

Turn To Us 0808 8022000

CARERS

Carers UK 0808 808 7777

Compass Carers 01823 255911 Text Phone 07568 109960

Compass Disability 01823 282823 Minicom 01823 255919

Emergency Social Work Team 01458 253241

Somerset Direct 0845 3459133

LOCAL AUTHORITIES

Mendip District Council 01749 648999

Sedgemoor District Council 0845 408 2540

South Somerset District Council 01935 462462

Taunton Deane Borough Council 01823 356356

West Somerset District Council 01643 703704

HEALTH

Age UK 0845 643 4621

Alzheimers Society 0300 2221122

Dental Helpline 08457 697691

Info Line 01823 342253

Musgrove Hospital 01823 333444

NHS Direct 111 Text Phone 0845 606 46 47

PALS (Patient Advice & Liaison) 0800 0851067

Patient & Practitioner Services 01823 333491

Patient (Hospital) Transport 01278 432025

Red Cross Medical Loan 01823 273746

Yeovil Hospital 01935 475122

LEGAL

Somerset Community Care Matters 01823 334906

MENTAL HEALTH

Advocacy in Somerset 01458 253053

Alzheimers Society 0300 222 1122

Carers Services -Mental Health 01749 836633 Text Phone 01749 836606

CRUSE 01278 426808

Mindline 01823 276892

Mind Infoline 0845 7660163

Rethink 0300 5000927

The Samaritans 01823 288998 Text Phone 08457 909192

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networker - compass disability services · 2014-03-14 · networker free to members (£1.99 where...

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