Darren Clarke Backs Charity Golf Challenge - Friday 24 June 2011 - New Courses added so sign up today!

We have just added even more fantastic golf courses courses to this year's event! If you haven't yet signed up for this, don't delay and sign up today to avoid disappointment!

Chip in, challenge yourself and change lives….

Signing up for the Four Course Classic couldn't be easier.  All you need to do is visit our site – www.fourcourseclassic.co.uk – and choose which courses you would like to play from the hundreds that have signed up.  You can then reserve those courses by paying a £25 registration fee and pledging to raise £250 in sponsorship for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign.

The registration fee of £25 per golfer includes:

-Four complimentary rounds of golf.

-Branded polo shirt and golf kit.

-Comprehensive fundraising and preparation pack.

The 2011 Four Course Classic is going to be the best yet, and this year even more people can take part.  Based on feedback from our supporters, we're offering golfers the chance to play half marathons as part of the challenge.  This means you still get the satisfaction of playing four new courses in a single day, with half the physical strain and without the 4am start!

After two fantastic years the Four Course Classic has gone from strength to strength, and in 2011 it's going to be even bigger.  We have 400 fantastic courses to choose from, including some of the best in the country, and this year we're aiming to raise £100,000 to help our fight against muscle disease.

The Four Course Classic will take place on Friday 24 June all across the UK. For further information please visit www.fourcourseclassic.co.uk  or contact the events team on 020 7803 4830 / golf@muscular-dystrophy.org

Darren Clarke said of the challenge:

"The Four Course Classic was a great success last year and I hope that even more golfers get involved in 2011. It's a brilliant opportunity to explore four different courses in the name of charity work!"

Win great prizes!

It could be your chance to win a fantastic trip to Spain's luxurious five star Hotel La Manga Principe Felipe in Murcia. The prize includes bed and breakfast and three rounds of golf for four people on the fabulous courses that the La Manga resort has to offer. Sign up NOW!

 

 

Hayley Gill

Events Coordinator

Muscular Dystrophy Campaign

61 Southwark Street
London SE1 0HL

T: 020 7803 4800

F: 020 7401 3495

D: 020 7803 4830

W: www.muscular-dystrophy.org

Posted via email from Editor's posterous

Showcase your new products to thousands of healthcare professionals, buyers and retailers

  Showcase your new launches to a dedicated audience at Naidex National

TOUCH, TEST AND COMPARE

Naidex National is known as THE place to launch new products from the homecare, disability and rehabilitation industry. With over 350 companies displaying thousands of products at Naidex National, its the best place healthcare professionals, buyers, retailers and members of the public come to see see what's new in the industry before anyone else does. The New Product Awards Showcase, a special feature at Naidex National, will highlight brand new product innovations from our exhibitors in a centralised area within the show.  Visitors visit this area to take a look at what's available in the market and then visit the participating exhibitors' stands to test out the product and get more information.  They also have the opportunity to vote for their favourite product which will be announced on the 2nd day of the show. Entry into the New Product Awards Showcase is FREE to Naidex exhibitors and offers additional exposure on site as well as in the lead up to the show in the form of the website, visitor emails and direct mail pieces. Showcase your new products to over 11, 600 visitors by exhibiting at Naidex National 2011.  Entries into the New Product Awards Showcase close on the 5th of March, so book a stand today.  Please use priority code ENP Contact us on 020 7728 4547 or naidex@emap.com for more information and to discuss stand options available and we'll be happy to answer any questions you have. Some of the exhibitors and products being showcased include: Ablequip Ltd in association with BeMyCareBroker, stand C18:  The "WheelEasier" AKW Medi Care, stand B40:  Luda® AKW Intelligent Shower® Ash Fire Management, stand G4:  Naturvent Camelot Furniture, stand A42:  Pellinore Tilt in space Dual with new style envelope back Cosyfeet, stand C104: Patty Boot Doctordetox, stand E208:  Freedom Far-Infrared Therapy Cabin John Preston & Co (Belfast) Ltd, stand D142/D150:  Culla Chairs Kingkraft Ltd, stand C130: Kingkraft Rollater Kirton Healthcare, stand F170:  Suffolk, M2 300KG shower, toilet and commode chair, Fitform with APPR Medpage Limited, stand A72:  MemRabel Oarsome Potential Ltd, stand E160:  Eighty Eight Grips Pride Mobility Products Ltd, stand B30:  Fusion, Colt Executive Q'Straint, stand D74:  QLK-150 wheelchair docking system and Q'Winch Radcliffe Rehabilitation Services, stand D128: Baffin PLUS RBF Healthcare, stand C64:  Burnett Sleep System Teal Patents, stand G146: TEAL 'BigSynk™' Medical BSM230 TGA Electric, stand B50: NEW TGA Breeze 3 & Breeze 4 Read more about these new products

---

What is Naidex?

Naidex National is the UK's largest homecare, disability and rehabilitation event helping to put your products in front of key decision makers, resulting in the best return on investment for your business. It has been established for over 36 years making it an event you can trust.

Who exhibits

Who visits

Show features

Naidex would like to thank its supporters

Naidex Charity of the Year

www.naidex.co.uk/national

Emap Ltd, Company number: 537204 (England) Registered Office:
Greater London House, Hampstead Road, London NW1 7EJ

Posted via email from Editor's posterous

Fw: Press Release - Amputees in Action Becomes ISO 9001: 2008 Certified

Download now or preview on posterous

Amputees in Action Press Pack 2011.pdf (592 KB)

 

PRESS RELEASE

Amputees in Action Demonstrates Excellence to Become ISO 9001:2008 Certified

·         Amputees in Action is an agency that provides trauma casualty amputees ("TCAs") for military and medical training exercises as well as film and television

·         Amputees in Action has built a team of Special Effects Artists dedicated to support its TCAs in delivering a superior service to the military, medical, private and public sectors

·         International Management Systems Marketing ("IMSM") assessed Amputees in Action's quality management systems and QAS International awarded a certificate for ISO 9001:2008 compliance

London, 28^th February 2011

Amputees in Action Ltd www.amputeesinaction.co.uk, a specialist agency that supplies amputee actors for medical training and film productions has today announced that it has been certified as ISO 9001: 2008 compliant.  This certificate, (number A13673) designates that the management system governing Amputees in Action's highly professional military and medical training services meets internationally recognised standards for quality.

This recognition verifies that the company has excellent quality management systems which ensure it meets the needs of its stakeholders.  Since 2005, Amputees in Action has been promoting the utilisation of amputees with real acting skills for casualty simulation in all types of medical training.  The authenticity and 'shock factor' that Amputees in Action artistes bring to a training scenario means that those dealing with such situations in reality are far better prepared to save lives.

ISO 9001:2008 is an internationally recognised standard and as such will assist Amputees in Action with achieving its business goals, assuring new clients in the UK and overseas that they can be confident in the delivery of the company's unique services.

John Pickup, MD of Amputees in Action commented:

"We are all excited and proud to have achieved this certification. Although it was not required by our clients, we are pleased we can now formally demonstrate our continued commitment to meeting and wherever possible, exceeding our clients' expectations.  As we are exploring new markets worldwide, this verification of the high quality, value added service we provide will play a vital part in the growth and development of Amputees in Action Ltd."

This landmark achievement demonstrates the drive for excellence that is part of the ethos at Amputees in Action and sets it apart from the crowd, as only a small number of UK companies are ISO 9001: 2008 certified.  ISO awards are supported by the UK government and recognised as a signifier of quality worldwide.

IMSM carried out the assessment of Amputees in Action's management systems against requirements of international standards for quality and the ISO 9001:2008 certification was awarded to the company by QAS International.

-ENDS-

For more information please contact:

Amputees in Action Press Office:  Singleton PR

+44 (0)844 822 1658

info@singletonpr.com 

 

 

Notes to Editors:

 

About Amputees in Action

1.       Amputees in Action was founded in March 2004 and is headquartered in Newbury, Berkshire

2.       Amputees in Action lists trained actors and stunt performers who are supplied as extras for a variety of film, TV and training purposes

3.       Amputees in Action was the first agency to promote the utilisation of amputees with real acting skills to put the 'shock factor' into simulations designed for all aspects of medical training

4.       All Trauma Casualty Amputees ("TCAs") working for Amputees in Action undergo comprehensive training

5.       Amputees in Action Ltd has a dedicated team of Special Effects Artists drawn from the media industry who work solely in the simulation field for the company

About ISO

1.       ISO (International Organization for Standardization) is the world's largest developer and publisher of International Standards

2.       ISO is a network of the national standards institutes of 160 countries, one member per country, with a Central Secretariat in Geneva, Switzerland, that coordinates the system

3.       ISO is a non-governmental organization that bridges the public and private sectors worldwide, working to enable consensus on meeting the requirements of business and the broader needs of society

Posted via email from Editor's posterous

TUC start to change course

Description: Two disabled people in a small dingy are confronting a large super tanker with TUC written on it's bows. The dingy has 'disabled people against cuts' printed on it's side and there is a large sign above it saying 'cuts protest' and an arrow pointing to the side. Another sign is floating in the sea alongside with the same message. The super tanker is slowly beginning to turn in the direction of the protests as the captain shouts out from the far distant bridge: "Sorry, it just takes us a while to change direction!"

Dave Lupton

aka Crippen - Disabled cartoonist

Anyone wishing to use any of my existing cartoons for their own web sites or publications are asked to make a donation to support the Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC) web site. Please make your payment by sending a cheque to Dave Lupton, 17 Cawsam Gardens, Caversham, Reading RG4 5JE and marked on the back DPAC - the amount you pay is discretionary. Thanks for your support.

Crippen's web site - http://www.crippencartoons.co.uk

Crippen's cartoon blog - http://crippencartoons.wordpress.com

Posted via email from Editor's posterous

Let them eat wedding cake!

With reference to Marie Antoinette who, when told that the people were starving and had no bread left, answered: "Well, let them eat cake!"

Dave Lupton

aka Crippen - Disabled cartoonist

Anyone wishing to use any of my existing cartoons for their own web sites or publications are asked to make a donation to support the Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC) web site. Please make your payment by sending a cheque to Dave Lupton, 17 Cawsam Gardens, Caversham, Reading RG4 5JE and marked on the back DPAC - the amount you pay is discretionary. Thanks for your support.

DPAC site - http://disabledpeopleprotest.wordpress.com/

Crippen's web site - http://www.crippencartoons.co.uk

Crippen's cartoon blog - http://crippencartoons.wordpress.com

Posted via email from Editor's posterous

Protect yourself on Facebook

Crippen helps you arm yourself against FaceBook hackers ... having fallen victim himself!

http://www.disabilityartsonline.org.uk/?domain=www.disabilityartsonline.org.u...

Dave Lupton

aka Crippen - Disabled cartoonist

Posted via email from Editor's posterous

More bloody cuts!

Crippen's latest blog looks at those bloody cuts ... literally!

http://crippencartoons.wordpress.com/2011/02/25/more-bloody-cuts/

Dave Lupton

aka Crippen - Disabled cartoonist

Anyone wishing to use any of my existing cartoons for their own web sites or publications are asked to make a donation to support the Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC) web site. Please make your payment by sending a cheque to Dave Lupton, 17 Cawsam Gardens, Caversham, Reading RG4 5JE and marked on the back DPAC - the amount you pay is discretionary. Thanks for your support.

Posted via email from Editor's posterous

The Farmer's Cheese

Two performances of the Farmer's Cheese

By Oliver Searle
Based on the children's story book by Geoff Plant

Family entertainment, especially written for hearing
impaired children, sponsored by MED-EL UK Ltd

 

5th March 2011 at 3:00 pm

Dylan Thomas Theatre

Gloucester Place, Maritime Quarter,

Swansea, SA1 1TY

 

6th March 2011 at 3:00 pm

Square Chapel

10 Square Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 1QG

Why not make a day of it with a trip to Eureka! www.eureka.org.uk

(Refreshments available from 2:00pm)

Duration approximately one hour

Tickets are free of charge

To book your ticket, email: conferences@medel.co.uk

 or call MED-EL Customer Services on 01226 242 879

High Demand is anticipated so please book early !

Please come and join us for two live performance of
Animals galore, missing cheese and mayhem at the farm
in Oliver Searle's musical adaptation of

 

"The Farmer's Cheese"
written by Geoff Plant

(Hearing Rehabilitation Foundation)

Family entertainment, especially written for hearing impaired children, sponsored by MED-EL UK Limited

 

Download now or preview on posterous

farmer's cheese flyer wales final.pdf (188 KB)

Download now or preview on posterous

farmer's cheese flyer yorkshire final.pdf (192 KB)

Posted via email from Editor's posterous

Independent living exhibition

Download now or preview on posterous

A4 Disability Somerset poster.pdf (158 KB)

Disability Somerset

Independent living exhibition

 

• Thursday, May 19th, 10am to 6pm
• Sedgemoor Auction Centre (just off junction 24 of the M5, near North Petherton)

A great opportunity for disabled people, carers, older people and professionals to view the wealth of equipment, information and support available to enhance quality of life

To register for free tickets and for more information visit
www.compassdisability.org.uk

or call Compass Disability Services on 01823 282328

 

All venue facilities, including cafes and licensed bar, are fully Accessible with ample free parking available

Posted via email from Editor's posterous

Thanks for any help you can provide

  Dear friends.

 

Through my blog and reaching out to people via Facebook I have come to know of a great need for wheelchairs in South Africa. The Dolphin Coast Hospice Association is working with an individual named Samson Joseph to procure wheelchairs, clothing, food items, books, etc. for individuals in the Kwa Dukuza area of South Africa. Apparently there is a great need and few resources.

 

I know in America our insurance companies will provide wheelchairs for people like me who needs them. In truth, when I needed upgrades to my wheelchair they provided me a new one, without requesting I relinquish my old one. The net result is that I now have two.

In speaking to others there are many stories of wheelchairs being stored in closets and sheds. Some from old accidents, others handed down from old relatives.
I know that in most industrialized nations there are not only insurance agencies, but also advocacy groups, that help people obtain the items needed to live a fuller, more productive life. My research indicates that such services are few and far between in third world countries such as South Africa.

 

I have been made aware of the need for at least one motorized wheelchair; I continue to pray that this need will be met. Furthermore, I have come to know of the need for at least 80 additional manual wheelchairs, not to mention the other items listed.

I am not an organization, I am an individual. I am reaching out to you, asking if you have access to any materials that may be sent to this Hospice for distribution. I will also be seeking assistance of getting the materials shipped and delivered to them. If you have association with any shipping companies, cruise lines, airline, etc. that may assist in the humanitarian effort I would great appreciate any assistance it connecting with them.

Thank you for reading this, I pray that together we will be able to improve the lives of many people.

Sincerely;
Thom Linders
www.knowyourability.com

Posted via email from Editor's posterous

Holidaysinawheelchair.com

After many years of attempting to find suitable holiday accommodation that provide disabled wheelchair-users with suitable facilities, I decided to set up my own website; a place for disabled travellers to share their own positive experiences.

The emphasis is on positive, my aim is not to 'name and shame', I just thought it would be a good idea to give people with a disability the chance to share with others their own good experiences.

It's not that the people who let out the properties, whether it be owners or managers, deliberately set out to deceive - if their accommodation ticks the boxes of having doorways of an adequate width and being on one level, they are encouraged to market their property as 'wheelchair-friendly'.

These places are OK unless you cannot get out of your wheelchair to negotiate the large step, or the inaccessible shower cubicle. All of the places on my website have at the very least a 'wheel-in' wet room and shower chair, some even go the extra mile with shower stretchers, hoists etc..

Even though the website is relatively new, I am quite surprised that more people don't share their experiences. If you are wheelchair- bound and you know a good place to stay - please share it with us all, we need to hear from you!!

Please tell your friends, and thanks in advance.

Michael.
Contact details can be found at: www.holidaysinawheelchair.com

Posted via email from Editor's posterous

Somerset County Council urged to embrace social care document

PRESS RELEASE – February 1^st, 2011.

 

Somerset County Council urged to embrace social care document

 

SOMERSET County Council has been called on to embrace the principles of a groundbreaking new document on the future of social care.

 

Think Local, Act Personal sets out how councils, health bodies, providers and other community organisations will work more closely to enable individuals, their families and carers to have greater choice and control over their care and support.

 

The sector-wide statement, released last week, incorporates the Government's plans for social care – to make services more personalised – and has been endorsed by 24 leading national organisations such as the Department of Health and Age UK.

 

Richard Pitman, CEO of Taunton-based charity Compass Disability Services, is urging Somerset County Council to press ahead with personalisation by adopting the principles of the statement.

 

He said: "We sincerely hope Somerset County Council will embrace the principles of Think Local, Act Personal when planning its future services.

 

"It's the most decisive statement on the future of social care we have seen, having been produced and endorsed by the leading organisations in the sector, and is a ringing endorsement of a person-centered approach in social care."

 

The personalisation of social care is the process of enabling people to have maximum choice and control over the services they receive. It can involve taking a Direct Payment – a cash payment from Adult Social Care based on an assessment of the amount of support needed – where the user has complete control over how the money is used to meet their care needs.

 

Local authorities, such as Somerset County Council, are responsibility for social care and have been encouraged to implement a personalisation agenda, but are at different stages of the process.

 

Last September, the Department of Health, ADASS and the LGA produced a number of "milestones" for authorities to chart their progress on implementing personalisation, including a target of having 30% of users and carers on personal budgets by April 2011.

 

To view the Think Local, Act Personal document, go to http://bit.ly/hfw1x5

 

 

FOR further information, contact Greg Jackson (Media Officer) on 01823 282823 or email greg@compassdisability.org.uk

 

 

NOTES FOR EDITORS.

 

Compass Disability Services is an innovative, enlightened and positive organisation. Its mission is "to enable disabled people to have equality of opportunity".

 

Compass Disability Services is a user led organisation and our Board of Trustees, who are elected by our users, is comprised of at least 80% disabled people. We have adopted the Social Model of Disability as a way of working to remove barriers which exclude disabled people from equality of opportunity.

 

Our values and beliefs:

• We promote independence, choice and control

• We support equality of opportunity for all people

• We operate within and promote the Social Model of Disability

• We aim to empower and enable disabled people

• We promote equal access and inclusion to all services and facilities

• We adopt a partnership working approach

• We are a non-campaigning organisation.

 

Compass Disability Services works through consultation, representation and service provision to fulfill our mission. We work in partnership with local government, the Health Service, Social Services, other voluntary sector and charitable organisations and anyone else who can benefit from our knowledge and expertise.

Posted via email from Editor's posterous

The future and Impact of Social Enterprises

 CPPS Policy Exchange Ltd

How Best Do We Maximise The Size Role, And Impact Of Social Enterprise And Provide Funding At A Time Of Deficit Reduction

Date: Monday 11th April 2011.
Time: 09:00am.
Venue: The Royal Commonwealth Society, London.

This CPPS seminar brings together key figures from across sectors in the important debate on how children’s social work and child protection and be more effective, less bureaucratic and more cost-effective to meet the Coalition Government’s aims and expectations at a time of major cuts in public expenditure.

The day encourages brief, focused presentations followed by engaged discussion by all attending in a relaxed setting. It is hoped that it will make a valuable contribution to taking forward the issues.

MEETING THE CHALLENGE AND OPPORTUNITY OF GOVERNMENT POLICIES;
INCREASING SOCIAL INVESTMENT AND CORPORATE/SOCIAL SECTOR PARTNERSHIPS;

DEVELOPING INITIATIVES THROUGH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND THE NHS;

BUILDING NEW APPROACHES TO EMPLOYMENT AND SERVICES;
TAKING FORWARD THE GREEN AND WHITE PAPERS

What is the policy and agenda of the Coalition Government on Social Enterprise at a time of deficit reduction?
How is the Cabinet Office developing an implementation plan on recruitment, training and placing of community organisers?
How will the White Paper on giving incentivise more social investment, philanthropy and giving?
What will be the impact of the Big Society Bank using funds from dormant bank accounts?
What will be the impact of the transition fund to enable social enterprises to modernise and be more entrepreneurial?
How can social enterprises become more ready to bid for public service contracts?
How does Government expect business to support small and medium enterprises, eg by mentoring?
How best can the social enterprise sector take the bull by the horns and run with it?
How do we develop the challenges and opportunities and avoiding the risks?
How can the corporate sector make the fullest contribution to developing social enterprise in the UK?
How can we make best use of potential pro bono work to enable social enterprises to grow and prosper?
How can local government best support and develop social and community enterprise?
How can local government offer people routes out of inequality and poverty through social enterprise?
How can local government provide alternatives to public service provision through social enterprise?
How can the NHS best support social enterprise?
How can social enterprise provide effective health and care services for local communities?
How is BIS’s national business mentoring initiative being taken forward?
How can business develop a tailor-made and flexible social enterprise mentoring and support programme?
How best can we learn from practical examples of successful corporate/social partnership programmes?
How can such programmes provide young people with training, support and opportunities to build a brighter future?
How can they enable disadvantaged adults develop skills essential for sustained employment?
How can big business be in the forefront of championing social enterprise and ensure it gets the recognition it deserves?
How do we ensure social enterprise becomes part of the mainstream?
Where will we be in 10 years time?

Speakers Include:
Diana Whitworth - Member - Big Lottery Board
Cliff Prior CBE - Chief Executive - UnLtd
Helen Paterson - Strategic Director for Transformation - Sunderland City Council
Eileen Fairhurst - Chairman - Salford Primary Care Trust
Howard Jones - - Eden Project
Jane Clarke Legacy Director - Legacy Director - Business in the Community

www.cppspolicyexchange.org.uk

Posted via email from Editor's posterous

The Children's Adventure Farm

 

Discover Paradise & Help CAFT

"One of the treasures of Barbados"

www.fustichouse.com

The estate provides 11 acres of absolute privacy, seclusion and luxury

Why stay in a hotel when you can enjoy your own private paradise?

       

          

How would you and 13 of your friends like to enjoy a week on the magical island of Barbados and at the same time make a huge donation to CAFT?

For £15,500 (just over £1k per person) you will have the exclusive use of the largest privately owned estate on Barbados, Fustic House. www.fustichouse.com

This place really does have to be seen to be believed! The full £15,500 will come direct to The Farm.

This holiday is for the week commencing 16 October 2011.

All food and drinks will be served at cost price and will be prepared by your very own Chef Kenroy Hunte.

Flights are not included in the price and it is on a first come first served basis.

This really is a fantastic opportunity to have the holiday of a lifetime and to support your local charity.

If you are interested, please email me or give me a call on the number below.

Alistair Laing

Charity Relationship Manager

The Children's Adventure Farm

01565 830053

www.childrensadventurefarm.org.uk

CAFT Video

See and download the full gallery on posterous

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from Editor's posterous

Guide dog users. Deaf claimants. Wheelchair users. Just some of the new cuts targets.

 

ESA – from zero to 36 points on appeal

I won my appeal today with my fibromyalgia
I went from 0 points to 36 points
I was soooo shocked that I don't know what happens next
ps thanks for this site its full of useful information
kamikazi

More feedback from the Benefits and Work forums at the end of this newsletter

Guide dog users. Deaf claimants. Wheelchair users. Just some of the new cuts targets.

You can also read this newsletter online at www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/news/latest-news/1315-16-february-news


Devastating changes to the test of who is eligible for employment and support allowance (ESA) come into force on 28 March. 

Amongst the losers are:

blind claimants who can safely use a guide dog and have no other problems;

deaf claimants who can read and write and have no other problems;

claimants in manual wheelchairs who can propel themselves over fifty metres and have no other problems.

These are just some of the groups of disabled people who will be found capable of work and have to try to claim the lower paying jobseekers allowance (JSA).

Details of how other claimants may be affected by, for example, a big reduction in the number of scoring descriptors for mental health, are in an article we wrote over a year ago, when NewLabour drew up the new test (members only) but got voted out before they could implement it.

You can try the new test online right now and, if you're a Benefits and Work member, there's also Help notes equivalent to nine pages of A4 to help you make the most accurate self-assessment you can.

The new test will apply to ESA claimants when they are next assessed and to the 1.5 million incapacity benefit claimants as they are 'migrated'.  The government claim that pilots show that almost one third of IB claimants would  already be refused ESA under the current, less harsh test.

And the misery doesn't end there.

If you haven't found a job after a year on JSA, the government proposes to cut your housing benefit by 10% as a punishment for still being unemployed - a measure so extraordinarily harsh that even Labour objects to it.

And, of course, your chances of finding a job when there are 2.5 million other people looking for one are slim. 

But the government has chosen to make them even slimmer. 

Because, if you had remained a long-term claimant who was incapable of work, private companies running the new Work Programme could have pocketed up to £14,000 for finding you a job.  As a JSA claimant you're worth mere hundreds to them – your chances of being 'parked' and forgotten whilst they concentrate on the big money opportunities are very high.

And, in a few years time, you'll also have the axing of DLA and its replacement with PIP to cope with.  We don't yet know who's going to lose out under that process, but we do know that the government wants one in five current DLA claimants to end up with nothing.  Wheelchair users have already been flagged up as possible targets (members only), as we pointed out back in December. 

Meanwhile, the bankers who ruined the economy have cut their bonuses by a fraction but raised their wages by a heap.  And the politicians whose failed regulation allowed the bankers to wreck the economy in the first place – people like Blair and Mandelson – have taken extremely well paid directorships on the boards of  . . . banks.

So, when Cameron says that "We're all in this together" he may be telling the truth. 

But what he doesn't mention is that he's going to make very sure that disabled claimants are "in it" right up to their necks, whilst the people to blame scarcely get a mark on the heels of their patent-leather boots.

OTHER NEWS
Harrington timeline for year two irrelevant

DWP to hold welfare reform events

GOOD NEWS FROM THE BENEFITS AND WORK FORUMS
From 0 points to winning ESA appeal before the hearing

Successful IB renewal

DLA high rate mobility and low care on first application

ESA appeal won before the hearing

From DLA low rate care and mobility to middle rate care and low mobility on renewal

From 6 points to support group on ESA appeal

From 0 points to 24 on appeal

Placed in ESA work-related activity group before the appeal hearing

DLA high rate care and mobility indefinitely

High mobility and middle care in 5 days on renewal

Support group following medical

Good luck,

Steve Donnison

(c) 2011 Steve Donnison

Benefits and Work Publishing Ltd | PO Box 4352 | Warminster, Wilts BA12 2AF, United Kingdom

 

Posted via email from Editor's posterous

Disability Hackney Improving Services for 2011

Download now or preview on posterous

DH_Improving Services 2011_16Feb11.docx (19 KB)

 

PRESS RELEASE
Disability Hackney’s Improving Services for 2011

Disability Hackney Limited (DHL) are delighted  to announce that they are starting the New Year with the successful launch of their new website and are implementing a number of new project initiatives set to support the development of Independent Living Centre or user-led organisation (ULO) in Hackney.

Last year Disability Hackney was awarded funding from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), having been chosen as one of the 61 community and voluntary sector organisations out of 2,000 applicants. 

The Managing Director of Disability Hackney, Sanusie M Sesay is delighted with how the charity is starting 2011 and is looking forward to the forthcoming months: “We are back in business to advocate for the rights of disabled people in order to support them to live independently. We intend to do so in collaboration with every interested party, regardless of if they are a member or fan of Disability Hackney.”

Disability Hackney has significant plans for the forthcoming 12 months.  Firstly, they are on the verge to undertake an independent Stakeholders’ Consultations using conferences, seminars and focus groups interviews. These consultations will ensure that the aspirations of every stakeholder are taking on board in the plan to develop a Centre for Independent Living (CIL).

Secondly, Disability Hackney will be heavily promoting the Direct Payment (DP) and Individual Budgets (IB) initiatives in Hackney. As a pilot, they plan to support ten people with a high level of support needs to apply for DP or IB, with the aim to strengthen their capacity of delivery Independent Living Support Services.

Thirdly, Disability Hackney wishes to train ten volunteers with a disability who will be giving advice, information and Advocacy Support. The volunteers will undertake externally accredited training and work placements. With the assistance of these volunteers, Direct Payment Peer Support group will be established in order to facilitate the take up of direct payment by many more community care service users. The trained volunteers will be giving advice and information on the phone and face to face, as the new telephone hotline and a drop in centre is launched.

The newly re-vamped website - www.disabilityhackney.org – of the organisation has been designed to become a fundamental one stop shop for members to visit and find out about services provided by Disability Hackney; general information and advice; information about associated partner agencies; and details about how individuals can get involved in supporting local people with disabilities.

Disability Hackney will work in partnership with all key stakeholders whilst delivering their new project initiatives to ensure service quality is maintained as it transforms into a flagship of a CIL in Hackney.

END

----------

Posted via email from Editor's posterous

Leading disability charity inspires marathon runner to get back on the track

A local solicitor has been inspired to overcome her fears and enter the London Marathon, thanks to disability charity Papworth Trust.

Three years ago, solicitor Jodie Potts of Cambridge firm Taylor Vinters caught the running bug and signed up for the Paris Marathon. But when injuries sustained in a traumatic car crash forced her to pull out, Jodie lost confidence and felt that she had failed the challenge she had set herself. Thinking her injuries meant she would never be able to take part in another Marathon, Jodie quit running altogether.

But Jodie's outlook changed when Papworth Trust visited Taylor Vinters. Jodie said "Papworth Trust told us how donations can have an impact on the lives of disabled people. When I found out that they had just been given five places in the 2011 Virgin London Marathon, the idea of raising money for a great cause gave me the motivation I needed to try running again."

Jodie was offered one of the Trust's Marathon places and has begun training. She said "Getting into training has been great and I've definitely rediscovered my love for running. Knowing that a charity is depending on me to do my best is making the cold and icy morning runs so much easier. I am thrilled that I'll be running the Marathon in aid of Papworth Trust and I hope to complete the challenge that I set myself several years ago!"

If you would like to sponsor Jodie, visit her JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/Jodie-Potts.

To register your interest in one of Papworth Trust's 2012 London Marathon places, please call Mandy Barker on 01480 357200 or email mandy.barker@papworth.org.uk.

-Ends-

About Papworth Trust:

Leading disability charity Papworth trust helps over 17,000 people each year through a wide range of services covering Employment, Vocational rehabilitation, Housing, Personal Support and Learning for Life and Work. The charity has doubled in size in the last three years.

The Trust also works with the Government, employers, service providers, and commissioners to promote disability equality and good practice.

Notes for editors:

If you would like to speak to the case study directly, please email kerry.atkinson@papworth.org.uk or call 01480 357263.

For further information, please contact:

Kerry Atkinson, E-Communications Executive, Papworth Trust

T:01480 357263

E: kerry.atkinson@papworth.org.uk

Posted via email from Editor's posterous

Big Society?!

Visit Crippen's latest blog where he attempts to penetrate the fog surrounding Cameron's big society ... you can also leave a comment

http://crippencartoons.wordpress.com/2011/02/15/the-big-society/

Dave Lupton

aka Crippen - Disabled cartoonist

Anyone wishing to use any of my existing cartoons for their own web sites or publications are asked to make a donation to support the Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC) web site. Please make your payment by sending a cheque to Dave Lupton, 17 Cawsam Gardens, Caversham, Reading RG4 5JE and marked on the back DPAC - the amount you pay is discretionary. Thanks for your support.

Crippen's web site - http://www.crippencartoons.co.uk

Posted via email from Editor's posterous

Health conditions that get into the support group plus tribunals nobbled?

 

Health conditions that get into the support group plus tribunals nobbled?

 

The DWP have released their latest collection of employment and support allowance (ESA) statistics which show that success in getting into the support group can vary from 56% down to 2%, depending on the type of health condition you have. We've taken a closer look at which conditions get into the support group.  (Members only)

Still with ESA, we have had further confirmation that the harsh new work capability assessment is to be introduced at the end of March.

But the number of incapacity benefit claimants being assessed in the first month has now been greatly reduced. (Members only)

Still, if things are looking grim for claimants, then they aren't looking very cheery for the companies hoping to make money from pushing them into work either.  Following warnings that the work programme may not be financially viable, private sector bidders are abandoning areas like the west midlands and, in one case, ditching the entire project.

Things are also looking grim for the people who advise claimants.  News that 900 debt workers have been issued with redundancy notices following the axing of government funding is making it even more of a certainty that many advice agencies will face closure.  Indeed, Birmingham Citizens Advice Bureau is just weeks away from closure following the withdrawal of local authority funding.

Those advisors rights workers who do manage to keep their jobs may find that success  at ESA appeals becomes more of a struggle.  Benefits and Work can reveal that  Teams of DWP decision makers and Atos doctors are being surreptitiously shown into tribunals service (TS) back offices and being allowed to go through employment and support allowance appeal files, hunting for cases to either award benefits to or ask to have struck out.  Find out what has happened to the independence of the tribunals service.  (Members only)

Claimants aren't giving up without a fight, however.  We've produced a round-up of current campaigns from national marches to attend, petitions to sign, a DLA early day motion to badger your MP about and . . . a mass visit to George Osborne's house, apparently.

WIN A FREE SUBSCRIPTION
And just before we go to the traditional good news section:  why not follow us on Twitter and get the chance to win a year's subscription? We have three subscriptions for claimants and one for a professional agency (it will need to be your agency following us) to give away.  But don't hang about, you need to be following us by 6pm on Monday 7th February to be in with a chance.

There's more details about why we're using Twitter and links to get you started if you don't already use Twitter here.  If you're an old hand (which we definitely aren't, you'll find us @benefitsandwork

GOOD NEWS FROM THE BENEFITS AND WORK FORUMS
From 6 points to 21 points at ESA appeal

Incapacity benefit appeal success

Remaining in WRAG without a medical

Middle rate care on top of higher mobility after asking for claim to be looked at again

ESA renewed for ME/CFS without medical

DLA renewed after just two weeks

Placed in support group after visit from ESA manager

From 0 to 18 points for ESA appeal

You can also read this newsletter online.

Good luck,

Steve Donnison

Posted via email from Editor's posterous

Disabled People Protest Again

Download now or preview on posterous

DISABLED PEOPLE AGAINST CUT March 26th march.doc (585 KB)



 

DISABLED PEOPLE AGAINST CUTS

 

Join us to protest on March 26^th, London.

 

The main TUC march will assemble at Victoria Embankment, 11am to march to a rally in Hyde Park. We are still finalising arrangements of where we can meet beforehand and about a static protest for those unable to march to Hyde Park.

Disabled people are facing continuing attacks against their lives, living standards and basic human rights to live independently from almost every conceivable quarter and it is time for us to fight back against these cuts. Many disabled people are living in fear on a daily basis not knowing when or if their benefits and care funding will be slashed and whether they will be left to rot in their own homes without the support they need to live any sort of meaningful life.

 

These savage spending cuts damage not only our lives, but our public services, and threaten economic recovery. They're dangerous, unfair and unnecessary.

 

There are fair alternatives -  a Robin Hood tax on the banks, end tax evasion, policies for jobs and green growth, scrap Trident replacement.

We're going to march to tell the government we demand  “Rights not Charity” and to show we are not easy victims of their cuts even though they may think we are.

 

For information about transport to the march (some trains may be accessible) go to www.righttowork.org Transport information will be regularly updated here.

 

To join our events page

http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=122497767819841&index=1

 

For more information email linda_burnip@yahoo.co.uk , ( underscore) 0771 492 7533, or mail@dpac.uk.net

Posted via email from Editor's posterous