Disability Information

Handbook for Richmond upon Thames DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Disability Information Handbook Contents

Introduction ...... 3

Chapter 1 - About Richmond AID ...... 4

Chapter 2 – Social Services ...... 7

Chapter 3 – Health Services and Support ...... 11

Chapter 4 – Voluntary Care Groups, Social Groups and Day Centres ...... 20

Chapter 5 – Advice, Advocacy and Counselling ...... 25

Chapter 6 – Children, Families and Carers ...... 30

Chapter 7 – Self Directed Support ...... 36

Chapter 8 – Transport ...... 38

Chapter 9 – Aids and Equipment ...... 47

Chapter 10 – Leisure & Entertainment ...... 52

Chapter 11 – Education, Employment and Volunteering ...... 65

Chapter 12 – Benefits, Grants & Concessions ...... 70

Chapter 13 – Homes, Housing & Homelessness ...... 87

Chapter 14 – Computers and I.T...... 96

Chapter 15 – Local Groups & Organisations ...... 97

Chapter 16 – National Organisations ...... 101

Index ...... 107

2 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Introduction

This Handbook gives lots of information about services available for disabled people, people with long-term and temporary health conditions and for carers and professionals. As well as lots of guidance and contact information there are links – marked in blue and underlined – throughout this document. If you click on the links you will be taken to a web address, email or other parts of this Handbook.

This edition includes up-to-date information about social and health care services, benefits, aids and equipment, transport, advocacy, leisure and more. We list national and local disability groups and voluntary organisations for you to contact directly. If you can’t find what you are looking for from the contents page you can look in the index at the back for a full list of services.

Some of the services and benefits we tell you about may depend on you meeting certain conditions or criteria. We can’t always give every detail about these, so contact our advisors for more information: call our Advice Service on 020 8831 6070 or email us at [email protected].

Information and contact details do change over time and if you find information here that is out of date, please contact us for current information and for us to correct this.

We would like to thank all our volunteers and staff who helped make this Handbook.

3 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Chapter 1 - About Richmond AID

Richmond Advice and Information on Disability is an organisation of and for disabled people. Our vision is of a world without barriers, where disabled people have the same independence and choices as non-disabled people.

The Social Model of Disability is important to us. This model shows that disability is created by barriers in society, including the physical environment, people’s attitudes and in how services are provided and accessed.

Richmond AID’s Board of Trustees, staff and volunteers contain a high proportion of disabled people and people with a personal experience of disability and mental health issues.

For over 20 years Richmond AID has provided specialist advice and information to support disabled people to achieve independence and equality.

Our services are for all disabled people including learning disabilities, physical and sensory disability and mental health issues. Here’s a list of the services and support we offer:

Advice Service: A telephone, web, email and drop-in service staffed by trained Advisors. It provides up-to-date information on your rights, benefits, employment, housing, education, access, transport, equipment, leisure and more. Our clients are disabled people, their friends, relatives, carers, students, and professionals. Our Advisors will give you the time you need to explore and resolve your issues or concerns.

Tel: 020 8831 6070 (Monday to Friday, 11am – 4pm) Address: Disability Action and Advice Centre, 4 Waldegrave Road, Teddington TW11 8HT. Parking is available. Email: [email protected] Web: www.richmondaid.org.uk

4 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Publications / Online Information: We publish a newsletter every 3 months, and many useful factsheets. We produce policy consultation responses, reports and this Handbook. Our website features all these and regularly updated news, events and a forum. You can find us on Twitter and Facebook where we publish up-to-the-minute news.

Benefits Service: Gives free help face-to-face with our expert advisors or on the phone with form-filling and advice on all aspects of benefit claims. Call 020 8831 6080 or email [email protected] with any questions on benefits or to request an appointment.

Children and Families Project: We work with the Family Information Service, the Carers Centre and Me, Too and Co on the ‘access project’ to support families with disabled children to claim all the benefits they are entitled to and have information about services and activities available. Call Yvonne Baxtrem on 020 8831 6080 (Mon and Fri) or email [email protected].

Richmond SPADE: A gardening service which Richmond AID runs with a team of volunteers. This project provides basic gardening services for disabled people. Call 020 8831 6415 or email: [email protected] for more information. Please leave a voicemail if you do not get through to our part-time SPADE Coordinator straight away.

Volunteering: We have lots of volunteering opportunities from advice to gardening to newsletters writers. We have an excellent training programme for volunteers including NVQ’s, mentoring and one to one support. Contact Alex Brining on 020 8831 6071 or email [email protected] for volunteer vacancies.

Community Involvement Project: Supports disabled people to get their voice heard. We have a range of opportunities for disabled people and carers to feed into shaping local services as well as the services of Richmond AID. Call Jamie Cutler on 020 8831 6072 or email [email protected].

5 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Employment Project: We provide toolkits and training for employers and support disabled jobseekers back to work, training or education. Call Jamie Cutler on 020 8831 6072 or email [email protected].

Business Services: We have a range of Disability Awareness Training which we provide to businesses, as well as our Access Audits that enables employers, shops or businesses to become more accessible. We have worked with large local businesses including Kew Garden and Richmond Housing Partnership to supply training and access audits. Call Jamie Cutler on 020 8831 6072 or email [email protected].

Strategic Lead for Physical & Sensory Disability: We are funded by the Borough to provide support and information to voluntary agencies also working with people who have a physical and sensory impairment. We arrange meetings of the Physical and Sensory Disability Network (PSD Network) and advocate for this sector via a range of forums. Call Lucy Byrne on 020 8831 6077 or email [email protected].

Richmond AID is a Registered Charity, No. 1074788, and a Company Limited by Guarantee no. 3612476". We are affiliated to the National Association of Disability Information and Advice Lines (DIAL UK).

Richmond AID has obtained DIAL UK’s Quality Standard, the Investors in People Quality Mark, and the Two Tick ‘Positive About Disability’ standard.

Our Patrons are Sir Trevor McDonald, Dr Vince Cable MP, Zac Goldsmith MP, Mat Fraser, Sir Donald Gosling.

Our main funders are Hampton Fuel Allotment Charity, the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, the Trust for London, Aiming High the City Bridge Trust, the Big Lottery, Richmond Parish Lands Charity, Barnes Workhouse Trust and Richmond and Twickenham Primary Care Trust.

6 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Chapter 2 – Social Services

This chapter has information on Richmond Council’s Adult Community Services. They provide social care and help at home; occupational therapy, respite care, residential care, home adaptations and other services. For information about day centres and social groups, see Chapter 4 – Voluntary Care Groups, Social Groups and Day Centres.

Social Care and Support Services

Care Assessment for Users and Carers: If you think you may need any of these services, contact Adult Community Services to assess your needs. Health and Social Care Teams (groups of social workers and support workers and other professionals) will assess your needs and will work closely with you, your family and with health service workers, to agree a package of care. They will inform you about your options for Self Directed Support, Personal Budgets, and other options (see Chapter 7 – Self Directed Support).

The assessment should be centred on your needs and support requirements: you have a right to receive the support that is correct for you. A Care Manager will then co-ordinate the supply of services from social services, housing, the health service and from voluntary or private sources. Seek independent advice if you are ever unsure of your options.

Who can ask for help? Anyone can ask for help and advice and a care assessment – a relative, friend, neighbour, doctor, district nurse, hospital or carer can ask for you.

How much will I have to pay? There may be a charge (your ‘contribution’) for social care services and you will need to have a financial assessment to see if, or how much, you will have to pay towards your social care. You can follow the link above for more information and Richmond AID can help you complete your financial assessment. There is also an online calculator on the council website that gives you an estimate of what your contribution may be: follow this link.

Where do I start? Contact the Adult Community Services Access Team (see next page for contact information or follow the link above), who will ask for some basic information from you. They will then be able to arrange a more detailed assessment of your needs. This should give you the opportunity for you to discuss your needs, your history and any difficulties you may have been having, or ideas for the future. The care or support you require will then be recorded in a ‘Support Plan’: this

7 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

plan will contain essential information about you and your care and support needs, and can be shared with the health and social care professionals who support you.

Carer's Assessment If you care for an adult, a Carer's Assessment can be done either at the same time that the person you care for receives an assessment from Social Services, or separately. During a Carer's Assessment, a social worker or care manager will ask you questions about your situation – what kind of support the person you care for needs, whether you are able to give the support they need and what help might improve your situation. You can talk to them about financial worries, your own health, you need practical help in the home and any concern you have about your future needs.

As a carer you may be able to get help with:  Advice and information  Emergency planning  Financial support and advice  Help around the home  Introduction to support groups  Respite Care  Signposting to voluntary and health services

Adult Social Services Access Team Tel: 020 8891 7971 Text: 07507 512 733 Textphone:18001 020 8891 7971 Out of hours: 020 8744 2442 Out of hours Minicom: 0845 600 7752 Out of hours Typetalk: 18001 020 8744 9414 Email: [email protected]

British Sign Language (BSL) Interpreters If you would like to access any services and your first or preferred language is British Sign Language, a BSL interpreter can be arranged, but advance notice is required. Let your appropriate health and social care team know.

Richmond Carers Centre For information and support on caring and support services: Address: 5 Briar Road, Twickenham, TW2 6RB Tel: 020 8867 2380 Email: [email protected]

8 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Health and Social Care Teams:  Twickenham and Whitton: Suite 2, 4th Floor, Regal House, London Road, Twickenham TW1 3QB Tel: 020 8891 7916

 Teddington and Hampton: Teddington Centre, 18 Queen’s Road Teddington TW11 0OR Tel: 020 8614 5366

 East Sheen & Barnes; Richmond, Ham & Kew 1st Floor Centre House, Sheen Lane SW14 8LP Tel: 020 8487 1691/1692

Specialist Teams

Children’s Services: Single Point of Access: ‘The first point of contact for all safeguarding issues into Children Services’ Tel: 020 8891 7969 Emergency Duty Team 020 8744 2442 Email: [email protected]

Disabled Children’s Service Strathmore Centre, Strathmore Road, Teddington, TW11 8HU Tel: 020 8831 6470 Email: [email protected]

Community Drug and Alcohol Team (CDAT) Tel: 020 8772 5679 National Drugs Helpline (24hour) : 0800 77 66 00

Addiction Support & Care Agency (ASCA) Tel: 020 8940 1160 Email: [email protected]

Drug & Alcohol Information Service (DAIS) Tel: 020 8891 0161

9 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Learning Disabilities Team Transition Social Worker, Specialist Health Team Tel: 020 8487 5315 Email: [email protected] Transition Coordinator: Tel: 020 8891 7285

Mental Health Richmond Royal Hospital Mental Health Centre Tel: 020 8940 3331 (For more information on mental health support, see Chapter 3 ‘Health Services and Support’)

Reablement and Hospital Discharge Team ‘If your needs change and you’re unable to cope, the Reablement service provides planned, short term, intensive support to help you to regain your independence and function safely at home. Reablement could be in your own home, or in another residential setting, and provides mainly occupational therapy and social care.’ Tel: 020 8831 6041/6006 Email [email protected]

Complaints If you want to make a comment or have a complaint, contact: Corporate Complaints Manager Adult and Community Services, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, 3rd Floor, Civic Centre, 44 York Street, Twickenham, TW1 3BZ Phone: 020 8891 7937 Email [email protected]

Better Care, Higher Standards Charter 2004 This tells you what services and standards you can expect from your local Health, Housing and Social Services. Copies are available from the Civic Centre, GPs’ surgeries, libraries etc.

10 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Chapter 3 – Health Services and Support

This chapter gives information about GPs, dentists and hospitals, and other health services and support. It also shows you how to complain about health services you have received.

Primary Care

General Practitioners (GPs) For a list of doctors’ surgeries contact: The Primary Care Support Service, 187 Ewell Road, Surbiton, KT6 6AU Tel: 020 8335 1400 or search the directory at The NHS Choices: www.nhs.uk

NHS Dentists Details from the Primary Care Support Service (see above) or search at www.nhs.uk . This listing also includes details on access.

The Community Dental Service (CDS) caters for people with disabilities who cannot get to a dentist. Tel: 020 8546 7711 Ext. 2349

NHS Direct This service gives you useful information on all areas of health. It is staffed by qualified nurses and can sometimes reassure and save you a trip to your GP. It also has a very useful website for information and advice. Tel: 0845 46 47 – open 24 hours Web: www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

Carers Direct Information, advice and support for carers. Tel: 0808 802 0202 Web: www.carersdirectenquiry.nhs.uk

11 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Hospital Services

Accident and Emergency The main local general hospitals with 24-hour accident and emergency services are:

● West Middlesex, Isleworth Tel: 020 8321 5746/7 ● Kingston, Norbiton Tel: 020 8546 7711 ● Charing Cross, Hammersmith Tel:020 3311 1005

NHS Walk-in Centre Seven days a week, every day of the year. Mon-Fri: 8am - 10pm Sat, Sun, Bank Holidays: 8am - 9pm At Teddington Memorial Hospital,Hampton Road, TW11 OJL Tel: 020 8714 4004

Minor Injuries Unit At Queen Mary’s Hospital Roehampton Lane 8am - 7.30pm, 7 days a week. Does not treat children under 2 years or road traffic victims. Tel: 020 8487 6999

Patient Advice and Liaison Services (PALS) Offer a wide range of information about NHS services.

Kingston Hospital PALS Tel: 020 8934 3993 Email: [email protected]

West Middlesex Hospital PALS Tel: 020 8321 6261 Email: [email protected]

Richmond / Twickenham PALS Tel: 020 8973 3111

Transport to Health Services There are various options available for people who may need help with transport to health services. NHS Hospitals provides non-emergency transport by ambulance, mini-bus or taxi. Let your GP know when you make the appointment and let the hospital know if they make further appointments for you. Patients cannot book this service for themselves.

The London Taxicard is another option. See Chapter 8 – Transport for more details.

12 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Other Services

Appliance Centres Each of the main hospitals has a centre for free surgical footwear, fabric supports, callipers etc. Your doctor can refer you.

Continence Service Continence Service Administration Office, Teddington Memorial Hospital Tel: 020 8714 4086

For information and advice on continence : Bladder and Bowel Foundation Tel: 0800 011 46 23

Disabled Living Foundation Helpline: 0845 130 9177 Email: [email protected] Web: www.dlf.org.uk

Contraception Teddington Health and Social Care Centre, 18 Queen’s Road Teddington TW11 0LR Tel. 020 8614 5300 Emergency contraception only: Teddington Walk-in Centre: 020 8714 4004 Queen Mary’s Hospital Minor Injuries Unit 020 8487 6999

Eating Disorders An outpatient team based at Richmond Royal Hospital. Tel: 020 8772 5688, Wednesdays: 020 8682 6747 Fax: 020 8772 5689 Or, An outpatient team based at the Springfield University Hospital, Tooting. Tel: 020 8682 6000

Hearing Aid Centres Your doctor can refer you to one of these centres at West Middlesex Hospital or Teddington Memorial Hospital to see if you need a hearing aid. NHS hearing aids, repairs and batteries are free.

13 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Macmillan Information and Support Centre Kingston Hospital, The Sir William Rous Unit, Galsworthy Road, Kingston, KT2 7QB Reception: 0208 973 5000

Mulberry Centre Provides suppport and information to people affected by cancer, be they patients, carers or the bereaved. c/o West Middlesex University Hospital Twickenham Road, Isleworth, TW7 6AF Tel: 0208 3216300 Email: [email protected] Web: www.themulberrycentre.co.uk

HIV/AIDS:

National and local organisations offering advice and support for people with HIV/AIDS:

The Roehampton Clinic At Queen Mary’s Hospital, provides confidential advice and care on sexual health, family planning and HIV/AIDS. Tel: 0208 487 6862 / 6861

District Nurses To speak to District Nurses contact Sheen Lane Clinic: Tel: 020 8487 1600

South London HIV Partnership HIV health support, advice, advocacy, peer support and counselling. Tel: 020 7160 0949 Web: www.slhp.org.uk

Terrence Higgins Trust Emotional support, information and advice. Tel : 0845 1221 200, 10am – 10pm weekdays, 12 noon – 6pm weekends. Web: www.tht.org.uk

The UK National AIDS Trust (NAT) Information and resources. Tel: 020 7814 6767 Web: www.nat.org.uk

14 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Mental Health Services

To get help from your local Community Mental Health Team you can visit your doctor (GP) who can refer you. The Community Mental Health Teams offer support for people with severe or long-term mental health needs. The teams include a range of health and social care professionals, including doctors, nurses, therapists and social workers.

Community Mental Health Teams:

Hampton Community Mental Health Team The Maddison Centre, 140 Church Road, Teddington, TW11 8QL Tel: 020 8977 3156

Richmond Community Mental Health Team Richmond Royal Hospital, Kew Foot Road, TW9 2TE Tel: 0208 940 3331

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) Richmond Royal Hospital, Kew Foot Road, TW9 2TE Tel: 020 8772 5661 Email: [email protected]

Richmond Community Mental Health Team for Older People Barnes Hospital, South Worple Way, Barnes, SW14 8SU Tel: 020 8878 4981 Minicom: 020 8876 5471 Email: [email protected]

Mental Health Advice, Peer Support and Social Groups

Richmond Borough MIND Offers support, information and advice about mental health concerns and services. Tel: 020 8772 5687 / 020 8898 7753 Email: [email protected] Web: www.rbmind.org

15 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Still Building Bridges Self help group aims to help people with mental health problems to socialise and more. Richmond Mind, 117 Kew Foot Road, Richmond, TW9 2TE. Contact: Helen Robinson Tel: 020 8878 9247 Email: [email protected]

TAO - Together As One – Free drop-in service Run entirely by clients and volunteers, they provide support in Twickenham for anyone experiencing loneliness or social isolation – particularly as a result of mental health issues. Theyprovide space to socialise, quality meals at low prices, opportunities for exercise, games, art materials and more. The United Reformed Church, 1st Cross Road, Twickenham Green. Mondays and Thursday 11am – 4.30pm Contact TAO Secretary. Email: [email protected]

Taking Contol Mental health peer support group. Disability Action & Advice Centre, 4 Waldegrave Road, Teddington, TW11 8HT Contact: Amber Chidakashi Tel: 07799 892340 Email: [email protected]

Twickenham MDF Self Help Group A forum for mutual support and information for sufferers and carers affected by bipolar affective disorder (previously known as Manic Depression). St Mary's Church Hall, Church Lane, Twickenham, TW11 3NJ Tel: 0845 434 9906 Web: www.mdf.org.uk

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation Centre: At Queen Mary’s Hospital, Roehampton: Tel: 020 8487 6000

Rehabilitation Clinic: At Evelyn Road, Richmond. Your GP can refer you. Tel: 020 8614 7350

16 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Respite Care

Richmond Carers Centre 5 Briar Road,Twickenham, Richmond, TW2 6RB Tel: 020 8867 2380 Fax: 020 8538 3712 Email: [email protected]

Carers Support Line: 020 8867 2380 Monday to Thursday 10.00am to 2.00pm.

Crossroads Care Richmond upon Thames Tel: 020 8943 9421 Web: www.crossroads.org.uk/richmond

Homelink Day Respite Care Centre c/o St Augustines Church, Hospital Bridge Road, Whitton, TW2 6DE Tel: 020 8255 1992 Email: [email protected]

You may also qualify for a short break through the council, whether as respite from care, a short break or holiday, or time away from home. There are a number of opportunities and schemes available and these can change from time to time. Helpful information can be found at this link and you can call Richmond AID or Richmond Carers Centre for more information.

The charity Vitalise also offer respite and short breaks for disabled people and their carers. Tel: 0845 345 1970 Fax: 01539 735 567 Email: [email protected] Web: www.vitalise.org.uk

17 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Sexual Health

Wolverton Centre for Sexual Health Kingston Hospital, Galsworthy Road, Kingston, KT2 7QB Tel: 020 8974 9331

West Middlesex Hospital Sexual Health Clinic Twickenham Road, Isleworth, TW7 6AF Clinic appointments and telephone advice: 020 8321 5718

Roehampton Clinic Queen Mary’s Hospital, Roehampton Lane SW15 5PN Clinic appointments and advice: 020 8487 6861 / 6862

Therapy services

A range of services are available, including Chiropody, Speech and Language Therapy, Clinical Psychology, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation. Ask for further information at your GP surgery. You will normally need a referral from your GP. Well Woman / Well Man Largely run at GP surgeries. Also there is one attached to the Genito-Urinary Medicine clinic at the West Middlesex Hospital.

Wheelchairs Free if needed permanently. Queen Mary’s Hospital, Roehampton, provides a service for the whole of the Borough. Tel: 020 8487 6085/4

NHS Complaints

If you have a complaint about NHS health care – GPs, dentists, pharmacists and opticians – you should first try to take it to the surgery, practice or pharmacy involved, and speak to the Practice Manager. The NHS calls this Local Resolution. If you are not satisfied with the outcome of this process, you can complain to the Quality Manager at the Primary Care Trust. Complaints must be made within six months.

18 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

For NHS complaints, contact: NHS Richmond Quality Manager Thames House, 180 High Street, Teddington. TW11 8HU Tel: 020 8973 3097 Email: [email protected]

For advice and information: Patient Advice and Liaison Service Manager (PALS) Tel: 020 8973 3111 Email: [email protected]

For complaints about Community Services (District nursing, Teddington Memorial Hospital and walk-in centre), contact: Assistant Director, Patient Experience & Clinical Quality, Hounslow & Richmond Community Health Services (HRCH) Sovereign Court, 15-21 Staines Road, Hounslow, TW3 3HR PALS Officer: 020 8630 2923.

Or for complaints about the PCT you can write to: Chief Executive, NHS Richmond, Thames House, 180 High Street, Teddington, TW11 8HU.

If you are still dissatisfied after trying for local resolution and a complaint to the PCT, you can ask the Health Service Ombudsman for an independent review. Contact: The Health Service Ombudsman Millbank Tower, Millbank, London, SW1P 4QP Tel: 0845 015 4033 Email [email protected] Web: www.ombudsman.org.uk

For independent advice, contact Richmond AID, or The Independent Complaints Advocacy Service (ICAS), who can give advice on how to complain and help in making a complaint. London Area ICAS services are provided by PohWer.

POhWER services are free and confidential. There is no upper age limit for POhWER services but a lower age limit may apply for some services. CAN Mezzanine 32-36 Loman Street, London SE1 0EH Tel: 0300 456 2370 Minicom: 0300 456 2364 Web: www.pohwer.net Email: [email protected]

19 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Chapter 4 – Voluntary Care Groups, Social Groups and Day Centres

Local Voluntary Groups

The Borough's Voluntary Care Groups provide practical help to older and disabled people who are unable to get help from family, friends or neighbours. This includes door-to-door transport to GP surgeries, clinics and hospitals, prescription collection, transport to local shops or even doing the shopping. Many groups can also help with everyday household tasks such as putting up shelves or handrails, light gardening and changing fuses in electric plugs etc. The groups do not however undertake housework or cleaning.

The groups all operate in specific parts of the Borough, so contact your local group using the information shown. (For an online map showing the locations of the Voluntary Care Groups' offices, click here).

Richmond Community Support Services Consortium (RCSSC) is the consortium of all of the Voluntary Care Groups and Social Clubs in Richmond upon Thames and their website has useful information. See: www.richmondconsortium.org.uk

All the voluntary care groups always need volunteers to help with driving, befriending and generally helping out older people. If you have a few hours to spare, do get in touch with one of them! Phone for details.

Contact the Elderly Contact: Alan Thomson 45 Cresswell Road, East Twick, TW1 2EA Tel: 07963 666 170 Email: [email protected] Web: www.contact-the-elderly.org

FiSH Barnes, Mortlake and East Sheen Barnes Green Centre, Church Rd, Barnes SW13 9HE Helpline tel: 020 8876 3414 (9am – 12pm weekdays) Busline tel: 020 8876 3765 Office no: 020 8876 3335 Email: [email protected] Web: www.fishhelp.org.uk

20 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Ham and Petersham SOS Scheme The Day Care Centre, Woodville Road Ham, TW10 7QW Tel: 020 8948 1090 (10am -12pm, Mon-Fri) Email: [email protected] Web: http://hamandpetershamsos.co.uk

Hampton & Hampton Hill Voluntary Care Group The Greenwood Centre, 1A School Rd, Hampton Hill, Twickenhan (9.30-4.30 Monday to Friday) Tel: 020 8979 9662 Email: [email protected] Web: www.greenwoodcentre.co.uk

Hampton St Raphael Club All Saints Church Hall, The Avenue, Hampton, TW12 3 Tel: 020 8979 1312

Kew Neighbourhood Association St Luke's House, 270 Sandycombe Road, Kew, TW9 3NP Open Monday-Friday 10am-12noon. Tel: 020 8948 8054 Email: [email protected] Web: www.kna.org.uk

Teddington and Hampton Wick Voluntary Care Group Methodist Church Hall, 1 Stanley Road, Teddington, TW11 8TP (also run regular outings to local places of interest) Tel: 020 8943 3112 ( Mon – Fri 9.30am-11.30am)

Twickenham Help a Neighbour in Distress Scheme (HANDS) (Twickenham and St. Margarets) Bath House, The Embankment, Twickenham TW1 3DX Open Mon-Fri, 9.30am-12.30pm. Tel: 020 8891 3346 Email: [email protected]

Richmond Good Neighbours 1 Princes St, Richmond TW9 1ED Tel: 020 8332 9741 (9am-12pm Mon-Fri) Email: [email protected]

21 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Whitton Network (Whitton and Heathfield) 1 Library Way, Twickenham, TW2 7AP Monday-Friday 9.30 am-12 noon. Tel: 020 8755 1336

Day Centres and Social Centres

There are lots of day centres and day services available that can offer activities and classes, the opportunity to meet new people, and days out. They may also serve cooked food and provide hairdressing and other services.

Barnes: Barnes Green Social Centre Church Road, Barnes, London, SW13 9HE Tel: 020 8876 2377 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ageconcernrichmond.org.uk

Kew: The Avenue Club, Kew Community Trust St Luke's in The Avenue, Kew, TW9 2AJ Tel: 020 8948 8807 Web: www.kewcommunitytrust.org.uk

Hampton: Dean Road, Hampton Health promotion and social activities every Wednesday. Contact Janet Thompson, Age Concern Richmond: 020 8894 4963

Linden Hall Social Club, Linden Road, Hampton, TW12 2JG Tel: 020 8941 2373 Email: [email protected] Social club for people over 60 in the Richmond area.

Hampton Hill: White House Community Association of Hampton Hill, 45 The Avenue, Hampton TW12 3RN Tel: 020 8979 1884

Hampton Hill Old Peoples Welfare The Greenwood Centre, School Rd, Hampton Hill,TW12 1QL Tel: 020 8979 9662

Hampton Wick: Hampton Wick And South Teddington Old Peoples Welfare Bullen Hall, Bennett Close, Hampton Wick, KT1 4AT Tel: 020 8977 5176

22 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Richmond: Meadows Hall Social Centre Church Road, Richmond, TW10 6LN Tel: 020 8940 1008 Email: [email protected] An activity centre for people aged over 50.

Richmond Royal Hospital Social Centre Drop in centre via referral from Community Mental Health teams. (Richmond Borough Mind) Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 10am – 3pm Tel: 020 8772 5664 Email: [email protected]

Richmond Synagogue Day Centre Thursday 10.30 to 3 pm Richmond Synagogue, Lichfield Gardens, Richmond, TW9 1AP Tel: 020 8940 3526 Email: [email protected]

Sheen: Sheen Lane Day Group Sheen Lane Centre, Sheen Lane SW14 8LP Tel: 020 8878 2081 / 020 8876 1706

Teddington: Elleray Hall Social Club Elleray Road, Teddington TW11 0HG Tel: 020 8977 0549 Email: [email protected] A social centre for people over 60.

Twickenham: Crane Community Centre, The Meadway, Twickenham TW2 6PG Tel: 020 8898 8236

Etna Community Centre 13 Rosslyn Rd, Twickenham TW1 2AR Tel: 020 8892 3676

St Stephens Church Lunch Club for the Elderly The Crossway Centre, Richmond Road, Twickenham PDTW1 2PD. Alternate Mondays Tel: 020 8892 5258

23 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Whitton: Minority Ethnic Elders Group Whitton Social Centre, 111a Kneller Road, Whitton, TW2 7DT Tel: 020 8893 9555

Whitton Social Centre A social centre for the over 50s. 111a Kneller Road, Whitton, TW2 7DT Tel: 020 8894 4963

Whitton Community Resource Centre 1 Britannia Lane, Whitton TW2 7JX Tel: 020 8898 4949

Whitton Community Association Percy Road, Whitton TW2 6JL Tel: 020 8894 4452

Whitton Access Project 111a Kneller Road, Whitton, TW2 7DT Tel: 020 8898 3858 If you are under 65 and have a disability, then this Centre can offer you a full and varied programme of interesting social activities.

24 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Chapter 5 – Advice, Advocacy and Counselling

This chapter gives information about sources of advice (including legal advice), and organisations that provide advocacy and counselling services.

Advice

Contact Richmond AID’s Advice Line on 020 8831 6070 (Monday to Friday, 11am-4pm) or [email protected]

Age UK Richmond: First Contact information and advice Tel 0845 600 1090 Email: [email protected]

Richmond Citizens Advice Bureaux Service (CAB) Information and advice on benefits, legal matters, debt and other money problems, tax problems, housing, property & environment, family & personal, employment, education, immigration & nationality, health, community Care, consumer.

Local CABs have limited opening hours and more information can obtained at: Tel: 0844 826 9700 (Centralised Assessment Interviews) Email advice available at www.rcabs.org.uk Online information: www.adviceguide.org.uk

Local CAB centres:

Ham: The Health Centre, Ashburnham Road, Ham, TW10 7NS

Hampton: White House Community Centre, The Avenue, Hampton, TW12 3RN

North Barnes: Castelnau Community Centre, Stillingfleet Road, London, SW13

Richmond: 233 Lower Mortlake Road, Richmond TW9 2LL

Sheen: Sheen Lane Centre, Sheen Lane, London, SW14 8LP

Twickenham: 61 Heath Road, Twickenham, TW1 4AW.

25 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Legal Advice

Community Legal Advice Legal help and information about benefits, debt, education and whether you qualify for Legal Aid. Tel: 0845 345 4345

Kingston and Richmond Law Centre Siddeley House, 50 Canbury Park Road, Kingston, KT2 6LX Tel: 020 8547 2882 Part of South West London Law Centres: www.swllc.org/

Richmond Legal Advice Service Provides initial legal advice on problems, provided free of charge by legally qualified volunteers. 1st Floor, 1 Princes Street, Richmond, TW9 1ED. Tel: 020 8891 2105 Email: [email protected] Web: www.rlas.org.uk

Disability Law Service Disabled people and their families, carers and advocates, are all welcome to get in touch with our helpline for advice. Tel: 020 7791 9800 (Mon-Fri 10am-1pm & 2-5pm) Fax: 020 7791 9802 Minicom: 020 7791 9801 Email: [email protected] Web: www.dls.org.uk

Advocacy

‘Advocacy’ is speaking and / or acting on behalf of people, to help them express their wishes and secure the services they need and the rights to which they are entitled.

Local advocacy organisations:

VoiceAbility works with individuals and groups who have mental health problems, learning disabilities, physical or sensory impairments or are on the autistic spectrum, and with older people and carers. Their role is to support people to speak up about what they want. VoiceAbility 55-61 Heath Road, Twickenham, TW1 4AW Tel: 020 8892 6559 Email: [email protected] Web: www.voiceability.org

26 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Kingston and Richmond Advocacy Group (KAG) Provides independent advocacy support to individuals at no direct cost to them. Advocacy is provided by specialist employed staff and trained volunteers. Richmond Advocacy for Mental Health 13 Rosslyn Road, Twickenham, TW1 2AR Tel: 0208 744 9251 Email: [email protected] Kingston Advocacy Siddeley House, 50 Canbury Park Road, Kingston KT2 6LX Tel: 0208 549 1028 Email: [email protected]

Ethnic Minorities Advocacy Group Provides advice and support for black and ethnic minority residents of all ages who face racial harrassment, discrimination or other issues. 111a Kneller Road, Twickenham, TW2 7DT Tel: 020 8893 9000 Email: [email protected] Web: www.emaguk.net

Independent Mental Capacity Advocate The Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy service was created in the Mental Capacity Act 2005. An IMCA is someone appointed to support and represent a person who lacks capacity, possibly because of dementia, a brain injury, a learning disability or mental health needs, who is also faced with certain decisions about serious medical treatment and long term care moves. Contact Kingston Advocacy Group (see above) on 0208 549 1028 for more information about IMCA.

Counselling and Support

Samaritans provides confidential non-judgemental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide. You can write, email, phone or call in. P.O.Box 9090, Stirling, FK8 2SA Tel: 08457 90 90 90 Email: [email protected]

For face to face help: Samaritans, Kingston: Tel: 020 8399 6676 Web: www.samaritans.org/kingston Samaritans, Putney: Tel: 020 8789 9121 Web: www.putneysamaritans.org.uk

27 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Your GP may be able to make referrals for counselling.

Other sources of counselling:

Richmond Counselling and Psychotherapy Service Provides low cost one-to-one counselling from volunteer counsellors and psychotherapists for those seeking support or advice. Raleigh Road United Church, Raleigh Road, Richmond, TW9 2DX. Tel: 020 8948 7881

Twickenham Counselling Initiative Free or low cost open-ended one to one counselling. Tel : 020 8815 1962

Personal Relationships: RELATE 1 Princes Street, Richmond, TW9 1ED Tel: 020 8940 8578 Email: [email protected] Web: www.relate.org.uk Relate can help with relationship problems, including marriage, separation and sexual difficulties.

Bereavement: Cruse Bereavement Care: c/o Richmond CVS, 1 Princes Street, Richmond TW9 1ED Tel: 020 8876 0417 Email: [email protected] Web: www.cruserichmonduponthames.org.uk

MiD Mediation and Counselling Offers family mediation to help those involved in family breakdown to communicate better and reach their own decisions about the issues arising from separation or divorce. 13, Rosslyn Road, East Twickenham, Middlesex, TW1 2AR Tel: 020 8891 6860 Fax: 020 8891 3107 Email: [email protected] Web: www.midmediation.org.uk

Mulberry Centre Low-cost counselling for those affected by cancer and other services. Based at: West Middlesex University Hospital, Twickenham Road, Isleworth, TW7 6AF. Tel: 020 8321 6300 Fax: 020 8321 5438 Email: [email protected] Web: www.themulberrycentre.co.uk

28 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Off the Record Free counselling for young people 2 Church Street, Twickenham, TW1 3NJ Tel: 020 8744 1644 Email: [email protected] Web: www.otr-richmond.org.uk

Website listing local counsellors and psychotherapists: www.counselling-directory.org.uk Counselling Directory only lists counsellors and psychotherapists who are registered with a recognised professional body or those who have verified their qualifications and insurance cover.

29 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Chapter 6 – Children, Families and Carers

Children, Young People and Families’ Organisations

access is a group of local non-profit making organisations which supports children and young people with additional needs, their siblings and family members. The organisations associated with access are Richmond AID and Me, Too and Co. access can support you with a wide range of issues including:-  Social, leisure and out of school activities  Financial support for families (including benefits)  Education  Short breaks and respite  Health services  Local authority services  Support for parent/carers  Support for siblings  Counselling services  Support from local charities Croft Centre, 20 Windham Road, Richmond, TW9 2HP – during a refurbishment in 2011 this service is temporarily based at: The Strathmore Centre, Strathmore Road,Teddington, TW11 8UH Tel: 0845 6048348 / 020 8831 6470 Email: [email protected]

Twenty One and Co. Support group for children and families with Down Syndrome. 92 Broom Road, Teddington,TW11 9PF Contact: Alison Roberts, Tel: 0208 943 1299 Email: [email protected] Web: www.21andco.org.uk/What we do.html

Body and Soul Peer and professional support and information for children, young people and families who are living with, or are closely affected by HIV. Tel: 020 7923 6880 Web: www.bodyandsoulcharity.org

30 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Bridge for Social Communication Works with families and their children who have communication difficulties, such as Autistic Spectrum and Attention Deficit Disorder. 29 St Leonards Road, London, SW14 7LY Tel: 0208 392 9946 Email: [email protected] Web: www.thebridgecharity.org.uk

Children’s Services: Single Point of Access: ‘The first point of contact for all safeguarding issues into Children Services’ Tel: 020 8891 7969 Emergency Duty Team 020 8744 2442 Email: [email protected]

Clarendon Holiday Scheme A range of activities for Clarendon students and other young people with learning difficulties / disabilities who are connected to Richmond and aged 8 to 17 years. The cost is £15 per day. Session run from 9.45am until 3.45pm. For a timetable of activities and an application form you can contact either: access on 0845 6048348 Email: [email protected] or, Contact the school directly and ask for Thomas Hillman Tel: 020 8979 1165 Email: [email protected]

Crofters – Crofters Outreach Program Offers a range of activities for disabled children and young people, including weekly after- school clubs, weekend clubs and playschemes during school holidays which includes daytrips and events. Also residential weekends and holidays for children when funding is available.

They also offer Mini Crofters, which is a club for younger children between the ages of 4 to 7 during half term, and Transition is for young people between the ages of 14 to 21.

Crofters is for those aged 5 to 18 years. Contact: The Crofters Strathmore Centre, Strathmore Road, Teddington, TW11 8UH Telephone: 020 8831 6044

Crossroads Care Richmond – Free Saturday Clubs for Children with Special Needs

31 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

 Hampton Saturday Club – runs from 2:15 - 4:45 every Saturday during term time. A free lunch is provided.  Barnes Saturday Club – runs from 9:45 - 12:15 every Saturday during term time. And as above, food is provided and activities are also undertaken. 1 Beverley Court, 26 Elmtree Road, Teddington, TW11 8ST Tel: 020 8943 9421 Web: www.crossroads.org.uk/richmond

Detached Drug Project – Richmond Youth Partnership Provides information about drugs and related issues to young people, youth club and school sessions and training for professionals. c/o The Powerstation, 121a Mortlake High Street, SW14 8SN Tel: 020 8878 9108 Email: [email protected]

Disabled Children’s Service Strathmore Centre, Strathmore Road, Teddington, TW11 8HU Tel: 020 8831 6470 Email: [email protected]

Family Information Service For impartial information and guidance for children between the ages of 0 to 19, contact the Family Information Service. Education, Children's and Cultural Services Directorate First floor, 44 York Street, Twickenham, TW1 3BZ Tel: 020 8831 6298 Email: [email protected]

Family Planning Services – South West London Call the number below to find your nearest clinic. Tel: 020 8700 0423 (Tooting based)

Girls Connect A support group for families with teenage girls with Asperger’s/ High Functioning Autism. The age focus is 13+ to young adult. Mob/SMS: 0787 861 7470 Email: [email protected] Web: www.metooandco.org.uk/activities/girlsconnect

Heatham House Youth Club

32 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Whitton Road, Twickenham, TW1 1BH. Tel: 020 8288 0950 Email: [email protected] Web: www.heathamhouse.org.uk For more information on youth clubs, visit: www.richmond.gov.uk/home/education_and_learning/youth/youthclubs

Home-Start Richmond upon Thames Offers outreach services through volunteers giving regular support, friendship and practical help to families under stress in their own homes, helping to prevent family crisis and breakdown. Parkway House, Sheen Lane, East Sheen, SW14 8LS Tel: 020 8487 8500 Fax: 020 8487 8500 Email: [email protected] Web: www.homestart-richmond.org.uk

Hydrotherapy Pool Teddington swimming baths. Tel: 020 8977 9911

Me, Too and Co. A parent-led charity covering which aims to help children and young people with additional needs and their families. Tel: 07946 646033 Email: [email protected] Web: www.metooandco.org.uk

Positive Parenting and Children Family support services. Tel: 020 7738 7333 Web: www.ppclondon.org.uk

Richmond Parent Carers Action Group C/O Me Too & Co, 306 Richmond Road, Crossway Centre Twickenham, TW1 2PD Tel: 07946 646033 Email: [email protected]

You may also qualify for a short break through the council, whether as respite from care, a short break or holiday, or time away from home. There are a number of opportunities and schemes available and these can change from time to time. Helpful information can be found at this link and you can call Richmond AID or Richmond Carers Centre for more information.

The charity Vitalise also offer respite and short breaks for disabled people and their carers. Tel: 0845 345 1970

33 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Fax: 01539 735 567 Email: [email protected] Web: www.vitalise.org.uk

SOS!SEN Operates a free, friendly, confidential telephone helpline for parents and others seeking information and advice on special educational needs. They offer advice on:  getting the right help for your child  dealing with your school and local authority  interpreting official letters  getting a statement for your child  finding independent professional advice appealing to the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Tribunal Helpline: 020 8538 3731 Web: www.sossen.org.uk

Three Wings Trust Supports children from birth to 19 years with a range of additional needs and also deliver a variety of support for parents and siblings. Three Wings Trust, Strathmore Centre Strathmore Road, Teddington, TW11 8UH Tel: 020 8831 6175 Email: [email protected]

Carers Organisations

Richmond Carers Centre: Helps carers by providing information, support and social activities for carers. 5 Briar Road, Twickenham, TW2 6RB Tel: Monday to Thursday 10am to 2pm 020 8867 2380 Email: [email protected] Web: www.carers.org/richmond

Crossroads Caring for Carers Richmond: if you are caring for a relative, partner or friend of any age who has a health problem or a disability, Richmond Crossroads offers carers the opportunity to take a break, while their relative or partner can be cared for at home. Othr srvics includ:  Young Carers with Special Needs Support  Caring Café - For Dementia Sufferers and Their Carers 1 Beverley Court, 26 Elmtree Road, Teddington, TW11 8ST Tel: 020 8943 9421

34 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Web: www.crossroads.org.uk/richmond

Down’s Syndrome Association Provides information and support for people with Down’s syndrome, their families and carers, and professionals. Langdon Down Centre 2A Langdon Park, Teddington, TW11 9PS Helpline tel: 0845 230 0372 Tel: 0845 230 0372 Fax: 0845 230 0373 Email: [email protected] Web: www.downs-syndrome.org.uk

Adult Social Services All carers have the right to ask for a carer’s needs assessment (see Chapter 2 – Social Services). Carers UK (Carersline) This is a free national helpline. 20-25 Glasshouse Yard, London, EC1A 4JT Tel: 0808 808 7777 Wed and Thurs 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm Email: [email protected] [email protected] Web: www.carersuk.org

Carers Benefits

Carers Allowance (CA): This is a taxable benefit for informal carers. You can apply for it if you:  Spend at least 35 hours a week caring for someone who gets Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance at middle or higher rate for the care component.  Are aged 16 +  Are not working or only earning a limited amount For more information: Benefit Enquiry Line: 0800 88 22 00 or Richmond AID on 020 8831 6070.

35 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Chapter 7 – Self Directed Support

Self Directed Support (SDS) is the way the Council supports people with social care needs to live as independently as possible. This is often described as the ‘Personalisation’ of social care service. It means that people are at the centre of assessing their own needs and allows them to make decisions as to how, within the available resources, support is provided.

Everybody who qualifies for support from Social Services will be allocated a cash amount, called a Personal Budget. This puts people in control of how their money gets spent and at the centre of planning the support. This means somebody can employ their own staff and choose their daytime activities, for example.

You write a support plan that explains to the council how you are going to spend this money to meet your needs. Once you have agreed your individual Support Plan with Social Services, you can take the Personal Budget money either as:  A Direct Payment (manage the money yourself) or  Social Services can manage the money on your behalf or  Through an Individual Service Fund (a third party – e.g. a provider holding the money on your behalf and helps you to arrange support) or  A combination of these. There is help available for all of this process. As well as getting help from family and friends to manage a Personal Budget, support is also available from a range of sources including:  a local organisation like RUILS  a Social Services Care Manager  an independent person called a ‘Support Broker’ or advocate  an agency that may also provide you with the actual service you buy.

Richmond Users Independent Living Scheme (RUILS) RUILS is an independent, user-led organisation that is run and led by its peers – the people who use our services. They support older and disabled people, people with learning disabilities and people who use mental health services to live independently and to have choice and control over the support that they need.

For information on employing a Personal Assistant (PA) contact RUILS paFinder service. Staff are always available to help you out. Alternatively click onto the find-a-PA website where you can start your own search: www.find-a-pa.co.uk. Tel: 020 8831 6084 Email: [email protected] Address: RUILS, DAAC, 4 Waldegrave Rd, Teddington, TW11 8HT Tel: 020 8831 6083

36 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

RUILS Office Hours Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm Helpline Hours: 10am to 4pm Email: [email protected] Web: www.ruils.co.uk / www.employ-a-pa.co.uk

Richmond Independent Brokerage Service (RIBS) RIBS is a consortium of voluntary sector organisations that are working together to provide information, advice and a support planning and brokerage service to individuals with social care needs and carers accessing Self Directed Support in the London Borough of Richmond. Support Brokers can assist you to write and set up your Support Plan, which enables you to get your Personal Budget working for you. RUILS, Disability Action & Advice Centre (DAAC) 4 Waldegrave Road, Teddington, TW11 8HT Tel: 020 8831 6083 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ruils.co.uk

Home Care Agencies for Direct Payment Employers

B S Social Care *** Tel: 020 8748 7148 Carewatch Kingston *** Tel: 020 8330 0070 HfH Homecare*** Tell: 020 8879 3472 Mears Care*** Tel:020 8742 0277 Enara Community Care ** Tel: 020 8943 1400 Bluebird ** Tel: 020 8744 9948 * rating from Care Quality Commission: www.cqc.org.uk

United Response Provides a range of services for people with learning disabilities or mental health needs or physical disabilities. United Response, Vantage House, 1 Weir Road Wimbledon Park , London SW19 8UX Tel: 020 8246 5200 Email: [email protected]

Dimensions Housing support for people with learning disabilities Tel: 0845 1602 800 Please note: Richmond AID does not endorse, promote or support any organisation or service listed above.

37 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Chapter 8 – Transport

The Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee (DPTAC) provides on-line advice. Door to Door: A Travel Guide for Disabled People Web: http://dptac.independent.gov.uk/door-to-door/index.htm

Accessible Transport Providers

DIAL-A-RIDE This is an accessible minibus, which takes individuals where they want to go in the borough. You need to be a member. You must have a permanent or long-term disability which means you are unable to use public transport some or all of the time. Automatic qualifying criteria:  Taxicard membership  Receipt of DLA higher rate mobility component or war pension mobility supplement  Receipt of higher rate AA  Registered blind or partially sighted  Over 85

Dial-a-Ride Progress House, 5 Mandela Way, London SE1 5SS Tel: 0845 999 1 999 or 020 7309 8900 for application form Fax: 020 7394 5210 Email: [email protected]

RaKAT (Richmond & Kingston Accessible Transport) Low cost accessible transport for groups: North Kingston Centre,Richmond Rd, Kingston, KT2 5PE Tel: 020 8481 0031 Email: [email protected]

38 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Hampton Enterprise A door-to-door accessible transport scheme for the residents of the Hamptons. The Hamptons mini-bus service travels anywhere within the Hamptons and into adjacent areas of the Borough – Teddington, Hampton Wick, Twickenham and Whitton. Volunteer car drivers will take people to medical appointments, and there is a shopping bus service Operating hours are between 9:30 am and 4:30 pm all days of the week. To arrange particular date, time & passenger details. Director, The Greenwood Centre, 1a School Road, Hampton Hill, TW12 1QL Tel: 020 8979 9662 Fax: 020 9411 348 Email: [email protected]

Other Accessible Transport

Black Taxis Richmond AID is happy to send out copies of known accessible black cabs operating locally.

Hospital Treatment Your doctor will arrange transport for you to go to hospital for out-patient treatment, if you need it for medical reasons.

Hospital Bus Services Accessible buses serve Barnes, Queen Mary’s, Roehampton, Kingston, West Middlesex and Teddington Memorial Hospitals. Bus timetables and route maps are available from libraries, or from Transport for London on www.tfl.org.uk

Trips to Day Centres and Colleges The Council can arrange door-to-door transport for people attending Day Centres, Adult Education classes and Voluntary club activities. Accessible Transport Unit, Disability Action & Advice Centre (DAAC), 4 Waldegrave Road, Teddington, TW11 8HT Tel: 020 8831 6312/6094 Email: [email protected]

39 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Shopmobility:

A centre which will let you have a wheelchair to go round the shops. Electric wheelchairs, electric scooters and manual wheelchairs are all available.

Kingston Shopmobility Level 2, Eden Walk Car Park, Union Street, KT1 1BL You need to become a member on your first visit and afterwards book in advance. Tel: 020 8547 1255

Hounslow Shopmobility Blenheim Centre, Prince Regent Road, Hounslow, TW3 1NL (in the underground car park below Asda) You may become a member or hire equipment as a day visitor Tel: 020 8570 3343 Fax: 05601 156163 Email: [email protected]

Public Transport

For information on public transport: Transport for London – TFL travel information Tel. 0843 222 1234 Textphone: 020 7918 3015

Traveline Tel: 0871 200 22 33 Web: www.traveline.org.uk/index.html

Bus Travel All buses in the borough have a low floor and have a wheelchair ramp. The wheelchair space on buses cannot take a wheelchair bigger than 70cm in width and 120cm in length.

Coach Travel National Express Coaches may be able to provide assistance. Tel: 07817 818179 Textphone: 0121 455 0086

Victoria Coach Station mobility lounge offers mobility assistance to and from coaches and a waiting area. Tel: 020 7027 2520

40 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Rail Travel:

Assisted Travel: Most train operating companies have a department that deals with assisted travel. When planning a journey you can ring National Rail Enquiries Tel: 08457 48 49 50 Textphone: 08456 050 600 Web: www.nationalrail.co.uk They will advise which operating company runs any given route and the telephone numbers of the assisted travel teams that cover your journey. Usually 24 hours notice is needed to provide assisted travel.

The main rail operating companies serving the SW London area each have separate assisted travel on their trains. Where certain stations are not accessible, they will advise the nearest suitable one.

Southern Railway Assisted Travel Tel: 0800 138 1016 Text phone: 0800 138 1018 Email: [email protected]

Southwest Trains Assisted Travel Tel: 0800 52 82 100 Text phone: 0800 69 20 792 On-line booking: www.southwesttrains.co.uk/assisted-travel-form.aspx

London Overground Assisted Passenger Reservation System Customer Services Team Tel: 0845 601 4867 Fax: 0870 928 9805 Email: [email protected]

London Underground Accessible Tube maps, Step –free tube guide and audio tube maps are available on the Transport for London website www.tfl.gov.uk

Audible descriptions of a number of stations are available from Describe Online: Terry Robinson B.Sc, 82 Albert Rd, Crosshill, Glasgow, G42 8DR Tel: 0141 423 2683 Mobile: 07771 610 002 Email: [email protected]

41 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Taking a Taxi from the Station A taxi is one way to go from the station to your final destination. The Traintaxi Guide lists taxi ranks and operators serving all trains, tram, metro and underground stations in Great Britain. Web: www.traintaxi.co.uk

Public Transport: Concessions

Disabled Persons Railcard If you have a disability which makes travelling by train difficult you may be eligible. It allows you to buy discounted rail tickets for yourself and one other adult travelling with you. The Railcard currently costs £20 and is valid for 12 months. A three year card is also available for £54. To be eligible you must fall into one or more of the following categories:  Registered as visually impaired  Registered deaf  Have epilepsy  Receive Attendance Allowance  Receive Disability Living Allowance (higher or lower rate mobility component OR middle / higher rate care)  Receive Severe Disablement Allowance  Receive War Pensioners Mobility Supplement  Receive War or Service Disablement Pension for 80% or more disability  Receive Long Term Incapacity Benefit  Are buying or leasing a vehicle through the ‘Motability’ scheme. For an application form write to: Rail Travel Made Easy, PO Box 11631, Laurencekirk, AB30 9AA Tel: 0845 605 0525 Text Phone: 0845 601 0132 Or download from: www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/ Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

42 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Disability Freedom Pass Some disabled people can get free travel on London’s buses, underground and over-ground rail services throughout Greater London. For further information contact: Accessible Transport Unit (ATU) Tel: 020 8831 6094 Automatic Qualifying Criteria: A person who is  Blind or partially sighted  Profoundly/severely deaf  Without speech  In receipt of higher mobility rate for DLA  In receipt of War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement  Has no arms or has long term loss of use of both arms  Has a significant learning disability  Would be refused a driving licence due to lack of physical fitness Non- automatic criteria: A person who  Has a disability or has suffered an injury which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on the ability to walk  Has a mental health need which meets the criteria agreed with the Community Mental Health Teams

Taxi card The London Taxicard Scheme provides door-to-door transport for people who have serious mobility impairment lasting more than 12 months and have difficulty using public transport. Users may make up to 52 trips per year at a subsidised rate. Contact the Accessible Transport Unit. Tel: 020 8831 6312.

Automatic Qualifying Criteria for Taxicard Scheme A person who is:  Registered blind  In receipt of DLA Higher Rate Mobility component.  In receipt of War Pensioners’ Mobility supplement Additional criteria: A person not fulfilling the above criteria but who has:  A serious mobility impairment and difficulty using public transport

Taxi Call Richmond A local taxi service provided by drivers in Richmond, Barnes, Sheen, St. Margarets, Twickenham and surrounding areas. Tel: 0208 099 7733 - for Instant Hire Mob: 07946 731950 - Advanced Bookings, Enquiries and Prices Email: [email protected]

43 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Cars and Motoring

Disabled Person’s Parking Badge The Blue Badge Scheme of Parking Concessions for Disabled and Blind People. If you have permanent and severe walking difficulties, the Blue Badge Scheme allows you to park close to places you wish to visit in the UK and in Europe. The current charge for a badge is £2.00 (payable by cheque or postal order only), which is valid for three years. Contact the Accessible Transport Unit. Tel: 020 8831 6096 / 6094 Email: [email protected]

Blue Badge Helpline Tel:020 7944 2914 or 0161 367 0009 Email: [email protected]

Automatic qualifying criteria for a Blue Badge: A person who is  Registered blind  In receipt of Disability Living Allowance higher rate mobility component  In receipt of a vehicle from a govermnent health department  In receipt of War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement Assessed eligibility criteria: A person who is  Unable to walk or having considerable difficulty walking because of permanent and substantial disability  Regularly drive vehicle, have a severe disablity in both arms, and unable to use or has considerable difficulty using parking meters.  Child under two with limited life expectancy or unstable condition needing bulky equipment

44 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Disabled Parking Bays If you are disabled and need regular parking space outside your home, you may be eligible for a disabled parking bay if you meet these criteria:  You must be registered a disabled driver or passenger and be an authorised blue badge holder.  You must not have any type of off-street parking facility such as a garage, carport or parking apron.  You must have some permanent and substantial disability that causes considerable difficulty in walking,  You must experience regular and severe difficulty in finding a place to park.

To apply for a space, contact Highways and Transport Civic Centre, 44 York Street, Twickenham, TW1 3BZ Tel: 08456 122 660 Minicom: 020 8831 6001 Email: [email protected]

Road Tax Exemption If you get the higher rate mobility component of DLA, War Pensioners’ Mobility supplement or you drive an adapted vehicle, you don’t have to pay the annual road tax (Vehicle Excise Duty). For details contact: Disability Living Allowance Unit, Warbreck House, Warbreck Hill, Blackpool FY20YE Telephone: 0845 712 3456 Textphone: 0845 722 4433

Disabled Motoring UK The charity for disabled drivers, passengers & Blue Badge holders. National Headquarters, Ashwellthorpe, Norwich, NR16 1EX Tel: 01508 489449 Email: [email protected]

Congestion Charging in Central London Those whose cars are exempt from road tax are automatically exempt from congestion charges. Other Blue Badge holders can obtain exemption by paying a £10 registration fee, even if they don't own a vehicle or drive. You can register up to two vehicles that you would normally use to travel within the charging zone. This could be your own vehicle, or one you travel in.

45 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

NHS Reimbursement Scheme If you have to have regular treatment in the congestion charge area and are not able to use public transport, you may be able to pay the charge and arrange reimbursement through the hospital. General enquiries: Congestion Charging P.O. Box 4782, Worthing BN11 9PQ Discount Registration PO Box 4780 Tel: 0845 900 1234 Textphone: 020 7649 9123 Web: www.cclondon.com

Motability Motability is a registered charity, which offers different schemes to help you obtain a vehicle. If you get the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) this scheme can help you buy or lease a car, wheelchair or electric scooter. For more details contact: Motability Car Scheme Motability Car Information, 70-80 Great Eastern Street, London EC2A 3JL Tel: 0800 694 9000 Web: www.motability.co.uk

Motability Wheelchair and Scooter Scheme Motability Operations City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HB Tel: 0845 456 4566 Textphone: 0845 675 0009

Forum of Mobility Centres A network of independent organisations which offer information, advice and assessment to individuals who have a medical condition or injury or which may affect their ability to drive. Tel: 0800 559 3636

Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation Mobility Centre Damson Way, Foundation Drive, Carshalton, SM5 4NR Tel: 020 8770 1151 Fax: 020 8770 1211 Email: [email protected]

46 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Chapter 9 – Aids and Equipment

Ricability Consumer Information and Reports Ricability is an independent consumer research charity providing reports on all kinds of equipment for older and disabled people. Unit G03, Wenlock Business Centre, 50-52 Wharf Road, London N1 7EU Tel: 020 7427 2460 Textphone: 020 7427 2469 Fax: 020 7427 2468 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ricability.org.uk

Aids for Daily Living

Available Free on loan from Social Services or the Health Service (see Chapters 2 and 3)

British Red Cross Provides wheelchair hire and short-term equipment loans. Medical Loan Advice Line: 0844 412 2786

To buy, contact local specialist shops:

Additional Aids 80 High St, Whitton, TW2 7LS Tel: 020 8755 0022 Email: [email protected] Web: www.aamobility.co.uk Opt 4 Mobility 9/11 The Causeway, Teddington TW11 OHA Tel: 0800 1955 803 Email: [email protected] Web: www.opt4mobility.com

47 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Keep Able + Hearing and Mobility 11/17 Kingston Road, Staines, TW18 4QX Tel: 01784 44 00 44 Email: [email protected] Branch of : Hearing Health and Mobility Ltd Unit 3/4 Sterling Park, Pedmore Road Brierley Hill, West Midlands DY5 1TB Tel: 0844 8881338 Email: [email protected] Web: www.hearingandmobility.co.uk

Also, your local independent pharmacy may be able to order aids and equipment for you from a health company catalogue.

NHS Wheelchairs

Both manual and powered chairs for long term use are available on loan from the NHS. Your GP will refer you to: Wheelchair Service Queen Mary’s Hospital, Roehampton Lane, Roehampton, London SW15 5PN Tel: 020 8487 6084/6085 Fax: 020 8487 6186 If you want to buy a special chair costing more than the standard issue, you can get a NHS Voucher covering the cost of a standard chair to help with the purchase price.

Buying Wheelchairs or Scooters

Available at the shops listed above and at:

GBL Wheelchairs Unit 12, Mount Rd, Hanworth, TW13 6AR Freephone: 0500 901 690 Email: [email protected] Web: www.gblwheelchairs.com

48 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Hewerdine 194, Thorpe Lea Road, Egham, Surrey, TW20 8HA Tel: 01784 451 258 Freephone: 0800 3777 869 Email: [email protected] Web: www.hewerdine.co.uk Second hand wheelchairs and scooters are sometimes available from these sources.

Hiring Wheelchairs and Scooters

Most of the above have wheelchairs (but not scooters) for hire. In addition, there are companies which hire both wheelchairs and scooters:

Direct Mobility Hire Warren House, 201a Bury Street, Edmonton, London N9 9JE Freephone: 0800 092 9322 Tel:020 8370 7888 Fax: 020 8370 7887 Email: [email protected] Web: www.directmobility.co.uk

Wheelfreedom Ltd Spaces Business Park, Ingate Place, London SW8 3NS Freephone: 0800 025 8005 Email: [email protected] Web: www.wheelfreedom.com

(See also information on Shopmobility in Chapter 8, Transport)

Richmond AID has a manual wheelchair available for short-term loan (generally 1 to 2 weeks) Tel :020 8831 6070, Monday to Friday 11am to 4pm. There is no charge for this service but a donation of £5 or more would be appreciated.

49 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Equipment Insurance

The website www.wheelchairusers.org.uk has information on insurance, and other wheelchair related topics.

Fish Insurance Services 2-4 Riversway Business Village, Navigation Way, Preston, PR2 2YP Freephone: 0800 012 6329 Tel: 01772 724 442 Fax:01772 733 773 Email: [email protected] Web: www.fishinsurance.co.uk

Buying & Selling Second Hand Equipment

Local contacts:

Richmond AID We produce a free newsletter four times a year and accept adverts for second hand equipment free of charge. We also display adverts in reception at the DAAC. Web: www.richmondaid.org.uk

Kingston Centre for Independent Living (KCIL) River Reach, 31-35 High Street, Kingston, KT1 1LF Tel: 020 8546 9603 Web: www.kcil.org.uk KCIL produces a quarterly newsletter that includes small adverts for which there is a charge.

National Contacts:

The Disability Equipment Register 4 Chatterton Rd, Yate, Bristol, BS37 4BJ Tel: 01454 318818 Email: [email protected] Web: www.disabreg.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk An internet-based service, updated daily, with details of equipment for sale. There is a charge to advertise equipment for sale, but not for buying.

50 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Disabled Living Foundation (DLF) 380-384 Harrow Road, London, W9 2HU Helpline: 0845 130 9177 Text phone: 020 7432 8009 Email: [email protected] Web: www.livingmadeeasy.org.uk Has a factsheet on buying and selling equipment and a telephone helpline

Disability Now 6 Market Road, London N7 9PW Web: www.disabilitynow.org.uk Monthly magazine with a small advert section for which there is a charge. It also has an on-line advertising section, updated every day. Tel: 020 7619 7336 Email: [email protected]

Exchange & Mart Has a section for disability equipment in its small advertisements online and in paper. Exchange Enterprises, Newsquest Media, Richmond Hill Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 6HH Tel: 0844 499 3949 Fax: 0845 313 9314 Opening hours 9am - 5.30pm Monday - Friday Web: www.exchangeandmart.co.uk Email: [email protected]

Other Information

VAT Relief If you are disabled, you may not have to pay any VAT on items that you buy such as cars and other equipment to help your mobility If you are over 60, you will be able to buy some mobility aids at a reduced rate of VAT Contact: HM Revenue and Customs VAT Reliefs for disabled and older people St John’s House, Merton Road, Liverpool, L75 1BB Tel: 0845 302 0203 This helpline is part of HMRC Charities. When you call this number, please choose option 3 to speak to an advisor about VAT reliefs for disabled and older people. Text phone: 0845 000 0200 Email: [email protected] Web: www.hmrc.gov.uk

51 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Chapter 10 – Leisure & Entertainment

This chapter has information on inclusive sports, arts and entertainment, parks, libraries and holidays.

Sport and Inclusive Activities

(See also the Richmond AID Accessible Sports Factsheet)

Richmond upon Thames Inclusive Sport and Exercise (RISE) – Promotes inclusive and disability-specific sports and exercise for disabled people of all ages. Sports Development Team Civic Centre, 44 York Street, Twickenham, TW1 3BZ Tel: 020 8831 6133 Fax: 020 8891 7904 Email: [email protected] Web: www.richmond.gov.uk/sport

Leisure Card The Council’s Leisure Card provides discounts and special offers at a variety of shops, cafes, sports facilities and places of entertainment. The card is half-price for disabled people, and is available from libraries, swimming pools or council offices. Leisure Card Office: Tel: 020 8831 6106 Email: [email protected]

Cricket for Change A cricket club for young people aged 8 to16 with visual impairments, physical disabilities or learning difficulties. Email: [email protected]

Dance Fusion Dance and Drama: Projects for disabled adults and young people to get fit and active through dance and drama. Please contact the Sports Development Team.

RISE Multi-sport club for 16 to 25 year olds (Saturdays) Contact the Sports Development Team or Shene Sports and Fitness Centre Manager Tel: 020 8878 7578 Email: [email protected]

52 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Special Olympics Richmond Swimming, football, tag rugby, run/throw/jump and more at places around the borough. c/o Richmond upon Thames College Egerton Road, Twickenham, TW2 7SJ Contact: Nuala Orton Tel: 07799 418051 Email: [email protected] Web: www.specialolympicsrichmond.webs.com

Swimming Sessions for children with special needs at Pools on the Park, Richmond. Tuesdays 6pm-7pm. £3 per child and carer plus £1 per sibling. No booking required, just turn up.

Trampolining Weekly sessions for people with additional needs and disabilities at Whitton Sports and Fitness Centre. Tel: 020 8898 7795

Wheelchair Basketball For young people aged 10 to 18 at Teddington Sports Centre. Information from Sports Development Team or Teddington Sports Centre, Tel.020 8977 0598.

Sports Venues: Most venues have wheelchair access and accessible toilets. For further information, contact the venue directly or see www.disabledgo.com.

Hampton Pool (Outdoor) Tel: 020 8255 1116

Hampton Sports and Fitness Centre Tel:020 8090 0668

Marble Hill Park Adventure Playground Tel: 020 8891 0641 / 020 8891 4930

Palewell Pitch & Putt Tel: 08456 122 660

Pools on the Park Richmond (Indoor & Outdoor Pool) Tel: 020 8940 0561

53 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Shene Sports and Fitness Centre Tel: 020 8878 7578

Teddington Pool & Gym (includes Hydrotherapy pool) Tel: 020 8977 9911

Teddington Sports and Fitness Centre Tel: 020 8977 0598

Whitton Sports and Fitness Centre Tel: 020 8898 7795

Other Organisations

Actionnaires Actionnaires clubs provide opportunities for blind and partially sighted children of school age to participate in sports in a safe, structured and fun environment. West London Actionnaires meets twice a month at various times and places. Contact: Nicky Holloway, Children & Family Support Coordinator Tel: 07793 527 031 Email: [email protected] Web: www.actionforblindpeople.org.uk

Barnfield Riding for the Disabled (BRDT) A purpose-built centre that caters for disabled riders. Parkfields Road, Kingston, KT2 5LL. Tel: 020 8546 3616 Email: [email protected] Web: www.barnfieldriding.org/brfdt.htm

Brentford FC Community Sports Trust  Disabilities Programme: provides support to everyone with additional support needs and disabilities in as many sporting opportunities as possible  Richmond Kickz: a sport based social inclusion project that aims to engage young people aged 12-18 years living in areas identified as suffering significant levels of anti- social behaviour, in free regular sports based activities. Half-Acre House, 37 Half Acre, Brentford, TW8 8BH Tel: 0844 247 1889 Email: [email protected] Web: www.brentfordfccst.com

54 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

British Disabled Water Ski Association (BDWSA) The Tony Edge National Centre, Heron Lake Hythe End Road, Wraysbury, Middlesex, TW19 6HW Tel: 01784 483664 Email: [email protected]

Companion Cycling A scheme which enables people who are unable to ride "solo" cycles to enjoy cycling with a companion in Bushy Park. For general enquiries & bookings: Tel: 07961 344545 Email: [email protected] Web: www.companioncycling.org.uk

Douglas Bader Sports Centre The Douglas Bader Sports Centre at Queen Mary’s Hospital is purpose built for disabled people, with a sports hall and gym. Queen Mary's Hospital, Roehampton Lane,London SW15 5PN Tel: 020 8487 6039 Email: [email protected]

Holly Lodge Centre Provides an opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy and learn from a series of hands-on experiences focusing on the rich natural environment in Richmond Park. Holly Lodge, Richmond Park, Richmond, TW10 5HS Tel: 020 8940 8730 / 0845 438 3103

Interactive Develops sport for all, including people with learning or physical disabilities, visual and hearing impairments. Tel: 020 7717 1699 Email: [email protected] Web: www.interactive.uk.net

PHAB Club Whitton A youth club for disabled and non-disabled youths in the community. Tel: 07946 319 746

PHAB Club Hounslow A youth club for disabled and non-disabled youths in the community. Tel: 07940 288 598

55 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Phabsail Inclusive sailing on Sunday afternoons April to October at: Littleton Sailing Club. The first and third Sunday of each month 2pm-5pm. Beginners and experienced sailors welcome. Littleton Sailing Club, Littleton Lane, Shepperton, Surrey Tel: 01784 251318 Email: [email protected] Web: www.surreycommunity.info/phabsail

Sailability Supervised sailing for disabled people. Queen Mary Sailing Club, Ashford Road, Ashford, TW15 1UA Tel: 01784 248881 Email: [email protected] Web: www.queenmary.org.uk/Sailability

Richmond Homes and Lifestyle Trust (RHLT) Runs several leisure activities: Breakaway, The Look and Plan Club, DanceAct, Cover 2 Cover. Tel: 020 8977 5447 Email :[email protected]

Richmond Mencap Summer Fun is an annual interactive summer scheme: three weeks of activities for local children and young people with learning disabilities/special needs. Holiday Opportunities Project (HOP) for adults 18-35+ with learning disabilities. Also three weeks, with activities more suited to adults. Tel 020 8744 1923 Fax 020 8891 1921 Email: [email protected] Web: www.richmondmencap.org.uk/

Stagecoach Charitable Trust/InterAct Drama for young people between the ages of 9 and 19 Hampton: The Foyer, United Reformed Church, Hampton Hill High Street, Hampton TW12 1NB Hounslow: St Johns Centre, St. Johns Rd, Isleworth TW7 6RU Tel:01932 254333 Web: www.interactnetwork.org.uk

Walks with Wheelchairs Web: www.walkswithwheelchairs.com

56 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Music, Arts, Leisure & Entertainment

Otakar Kraus Music Trust Provides music and voice therapy for children and young people with physical and mental difficulties. 3 Twining Avenue, Twickenham, TW2 5LL Tel : 020 8894 2007 Fax : 020 8898 5084 Email: [email protected]

Richmond Music Trust – Music Therapy Music Therapy and activities for young people and adults. Tel: 020 8538 3866 Email: [email protected] Web: www.richmondmusictrust.org.uk

Richmond upon Thames Gateway Club Provides a weekly leisure and social club for people with a learning disability, aged over 18 Contact: Linda Alexander Tel:020 8392 6383 Mobile: 0795 131 7454 Web: www.richmondgatewayclub.org

VISOR – Visually Impaired Society of Richmond Monthly outings and social evening with visually impaired people in and around Richmond. DAA, 4 Waldegrave Road, Teddington, TW11 8HT Tel: Mondays (Sheen Lane Center, Sheen): 020 8487 5082 or 020 8487 5301 Wednesdays (DAAC): 020 8831 6080 Email: [email protected]

Cinema Concessions: CEA Card - The Cinema Exhibitors' Association Card This is a national card that can be used to verify you are entitled to one free ticket for a person or carer accompanying you to the cinema. Application forms are available from cinemas across the UK. You can download an application form to print out and fill in. To apply for this card you must: a) Be in receipt of Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance b) Be a registered blind person You will also need to supply a passport-sized photo with your application to appear on the card. A processing fee of £5.50 is chargeable per card.

57 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Most local theatres and cinemas have wheelchair access, accessible toilets and hearing loop or infra-red systems. Contact individual venues for details, assistance and concessions. See www.disabledgo.com for access guides.

Curzon Cinema Richmond Tel: 0871 703 3992

Odeon Kingston Rotunda Tel: 0871 224 4007

Odeon Richmond Tel: 0871 224 4007 (Information and ticket line) Tel: 020 8940 3040 (Richmond direct line)

Odeon Studio Richmond Tel: 0871 224 4007 (Information and ticket line) Tel: 020 8332 6435 (Studio direct line)

Orange Tree Theatre Has an Access Register for people who need special access arrangements, Infra Red hearing facility, audio-described performances or touch tours. Contact the Box Office: 020 8940 3633 Email: [email protected]

Richmond Theatre Access Booking Line: 0844 871 7677 Typetalk Access Booking: 18001 0844 871 7677 Box Office: 0844 871 7651 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ambassadortickets.com/richmond-theatre

Rose Theatre Kingston Tel: 020 8546 6693 Web: www.rosetheatrekingston.org

58 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Entertainment in London

Artsline Disability Acess Information Service Website providing searchable accessibility information on arts venues across London. Artsline, C/O 21 Pine Court, Wood Lodge Gardens, Bromley, BR1 2WA. Web: www.artsline.org.uk Tel 020 7388 2227 Email: [email protected]

Shape A disability-led arts organisation working to improve access to culture for disabled people. They can arrange reduced ticket prices for a range of events in London, and drivers or escorts. Deane House Studios, 27 Greenwood Place, NW5 1LB Tel: 0845 521 3457 Minicom: 020 7424 7368 Fax: 0845 521 3458 Web: www.shapearts.org.uk

The Victoria and Albert Museum Events for people with sensory impairments. Bookings: Tel: 020 7942 2211 Text phone: 020 7942 2002 Email: [email protected] To receive the events programme by email Email: [email protected] Web: www.vam.ac.uk

Tate Britain and Tate Modern Programmes and services for disabled visitors. Tel: 020 7887 8888 Minicom: 020 7887 8687 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Web: www.tate.org.uk

59 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Parks and open spaces

Richmond has a large number of parks and gardens. Access and facilities vary, so check before you visit. Contact the Parks and Open Spaces Team at Civic Centre, 44 York Street, Twickenham, TW1 3BZ Tel: 08456 122 660 Email: [email protected] Fax: 020 8891 7787 Web: www.richmond.gov.uk/parks_and_open_spaces WWT London Wetland Centre Has good access and free wheelchair loan. Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, Barnes, London, SW13 9WT Tel: 020 8409 4400 Fax: 020 8409 4401 Email: [email protected]

River Thames Boat Project A registered charity that owns the specially adapted barge Richmond Venturer. It provides community groups with the opportunity to discover the environment and ecology of the river on day and residential cruises. Tel: 020 8940 3509 Mobile: 07889 272985 Email: [email protected] Web: www.thamesboatproject.org

Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Has a wheelchair accessible ‘Discovery Bus’ which travels around the gardens, and wheelchairs and scooters available on loan. Call first to ensure equipment is available. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AB Tel: 020 8332 5655 Email: [email protected]

60 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Library Services

All libraries in the Borough are wheelchair accessible and most have a selection of large print books, music, audio-books, CD’s and internet access. Braille may also be available in some libraries. Some have accessible toilets but call the individual library for more details.

Richmond Reference Library Old Town Hall, Whittaker Avenue, Richmond, TW9 1TP Tel: 020 8734 3308 Local Studies Tel: 020 8734 3309

Lending libraries: East Sheen...... 020 8734 3337 Ham...... 020 8734 3354 Hampton...... 020 8734 3347 Hampton Hill...... 020 8734 3320 Hampton Wick...... 020 8734 3358 Kew...... 020 8734 3352 Richmond...... 020 8734 3330 Teddington...... 020 8734 3304 Twickenham...... 020 8734 3340 24 hour automated renewal service: 0115 929 3388

London Libraries Consortium Library Catalogue This website offers access to the combined catalogues of public library services from many London Boroughs: Web: www.londonlibraries.gov.uk/Richmond

Housebound Library Service A special home delivery service for older and disabled residents who cannot get to their library: Contact: Tony Finerty, The Cottage, Little Green, Richmond, TW9 1QL Tel: 020 8734 3325 Email: [email protected]

61 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

eLibrary: ebook and eaudiobook download service Richmond Libraries has a new service for downloading ebooks and eaudiobooks. You will be able to transfer audiobooks and ebooks to your PC, Mac, MP3 player, iPod, mobile phone and ereaders. A selection of eaudiobooks can even be transferred to CD. It is free for anyone with a Richmond Library card and available twenty-four hours a day. Email: [email protected] Web: www.richmond.gov.uk/e_books_in_richmond_libraries and http://llc.lib.overdrive.com

Home Entertainment

Television and Radio You may be able to get help from Adult Social Services to obtain appropriate equipment. Contact the Adult Social Services Access Team Tel: 020 8891 7971 Text: 07507 512 733 Textphone:18001 020 8891 7971 Email: [email protected]

TV Licences If you are aged 75 or older you can get your TV Licence free. You will need your National Insurance Number Tel: 0300 790 6131 Web: www.tvlicensing.co.uk You can get a 50% reduction on the TV Licence fee if you are blind or severely sight impaired. Your licence will also cover anyone who lives with you. Customer Relations, TV Licensing,Bristol, BS98 1TL Web: www.tvlicensing.co.uk

The British Wireless for the Blind Fund Provides audio equipment specially designed and adapted for listeners with sight loss, available on free loan if you meet their criteria. People who do not qualify for free loan can buy the radios through BWBF Direct. British Wireless for the Blind Fund (and BWBF Direct) 10 Albion Place, Maidstone, Kent ME14 5DZ Tel: 01622 754757 Fax: 01622 751725 Web: www.blind.org.uk

62 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Audio description on television The RNIB has information on audio description RNIB Helpline Tel: 0303 123 9999 Email: [email protected] Web: www.rnib.org.uk

Subtitles on television Action on Hearing Loss (the new name for RNID) has a fact sheet on getting subtitles on television Information Line: 080 8808 0123 Text phone: 080 8808 9000 Email: [email protected] Web: www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk

BSL on television The BBC website has a dedicated Sign Zone area on its iPlayer, allowing access to all signed programmes. Web: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/tv/categories/signed

Richmond Talking Newspaper People with visual impairments and/or other physical disabilities can receive free weekly recordings of local news. Tel: 020 8890 8260

The Disability Resource Team (DRT) A local company which provides a transcription service translating printed information into Braille, Large-print or onto Audiocassette and CD. 2nd Floor, 6 Park Road, Teddington, TW11 0AA Tel: 020 8943 0022 Fax: 020 8943 5162 Email: [email protected] Web: www.disabilityresourceteam.co.uk

63 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Holidays

(See also Richmond AID’s Holidays Factsheet)

Tourism For All Tourism for All UK is a national charity dedicated to making tourism welcoming to all. c/o Vitalise, Shap Road Industrial Estate, Shap Road, Kendal, Cumbria LA9 6NZ Tel: 0845 124 9971 Minicom: 0845 124 9976 Fax: 01539 735567 Email: [email protected] Web: www.tourismforall.org.uk/

Richmond Homes for Life Leisure breakaway A stay away from the family home for people with learning disabilities. Richmond Homes for Life Trust 5-7 Cedars Road, Hampton Wick, KT1 4BG Tel: 0202 8977 5447 Email: [email protected]

Mencap Holidays Richmond Mencap Holidays provide holidays for adults with a learning disability living independently within the local community (including some adults living with carers). Tel: 020 8744 1923 Fax: 020 8891 1921 Email: [email protected] . Web: www.richmondmencap.org.uk/

64 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Chapter 11 – Education, Employment and Volunteering

Education

Local Education Providers:

Richmond upon Thames College A Sixth Form and Further Education college. Eggerton Road, Twickenham, TW2 7SJ For advice and support, contact: Mark Isherwood (Inclusive Learning Manager) Tel: 020 8607 8424 Email: [email protected] or Paul Smyth (Disability Adviser) Tel: 020 8607 8173 Email: [email protected]

Richmond Adult & Community College At Clifden Road, Twickenham, TW1 4LR and at Parkshot, Richmond, TW9 2RE A prospectus is available from libraries and there are reduced fees for those on low incomes. Tel: 020 8891 5907 (Sam Hurst or Olwen Green) For course enquiries: [email protected]

Learn English At Home Siddeley House, 50 Canbury Park Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 6LX This organisation provides free English lessons to people from minority ethnic groups, living in the Boroughs of Kingston and Richmond, who are unable to attend a class. Tel. 020 8255 6144 Fax: 020 8255 6488 Email: [email protected] Web: www.leah.org.uk

Vocational Training Colleges There are several residential colleges that offer job training or re-training to people who have a physical disability or a sensory impairment. Contact the Disability Employment Advisor (DEA) at your local Jobcentre. Tel: 020 8250 4621

65 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Education Benefits

Disabled Students Allowance Degree level students (and sometimes others) can get this non means-tested allowance to meet extra studying costs arising from their disability. This includes equipment, paid helpers, or extra heating.

Richmond upon Thames office: 020 8891 1411 Civic Centre, 44 York Street, Twickenham, TW1 3BZ

Contact the Council’s Education Department for current information on maximum allowance rates. Tel: 020 8891 7531.

This service is provided by The Student Loans Company for the 2009/2010 academic year. Contact: The Student Loans Company 100 Bothwell Street, Glasgow, G2 7JD Tel: 0141 243 3704 or 0141 306 2000 or 0845 300 50 90 Fax: 0141 243 3003

Useful Organisations

Open University Welcomes and supports students with disabilities. Contact: Student Registration and Enquiry Service, The Open University, PO Box 197, Milton Keynes, MK7 6BJ Tel: 0845 300 6090 Email: [email protected] Useful information can be found on www.open.ac.uk/disability

The charity Skill: National Bureau for Students with Disabilities has now ceased trading, but their website www.skill.org.uk still contains useful information.

66 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Employment

Disability Employment Advisors at Twickenham and Kingston job centres (0845 604 3719) provide the following services:  An employment assessment to identify what type of work or training would suit you best or a referral to a Work Psychologist for a more detailed assessment.

 Referrals to a Pathways to Work personal adviser (P2W helps people move from benefits to paid work)

 Referrals to programmes for disabled people, such as Work Choice or Access to Work (provides advice and financial support to make work more accessible)

 Information on employers who have adopted the Two Ticks disability symbol, awarded by the Job Centre to employers who have made commitments to employ, keep and develop disabled staff.

 Advice on residential training to help long-term disabled adults secure employment.

Local Organisations

Power Employment – A specialist employment support service for jobseekers with learning disabilities or difficulties. Contact: Power Employment, 6th Floor, Regal House, London Road, Twickenham, TW1 3QB. Tel: 020 8487 5253 Web: www.richmond.gov.uk/home/health_and_social_care/learning_disability_service/getting_a_job/ power_employment.htm

Stepping on Out – a group of people with learning disabilities who run their own business, making greeting cards. Tel: 020 8744 8440 or Email: [email protected] Web: www.steppingonout.org.uk/soohome.htm

Creative Educational Projects – promotes the self-esteem of people with learning and mental health disabilities through education and work experience. 28 Abbott Close, Hampton, TW12 3XR Tel:0208 943 34 77 Mob: 07949 344 639 Email: [email protected] Web: www.creativeeducationalprojects.org

67 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Volunteering

Richmond Council for Voluntary Services (RCVS) Currently running two projects to support disabled people into volunteering. 1 Princes St, Richmond, TW9 1ED Tel: 020 8255 8500 Email: [email protected] Web: www.richmondcvs.org.uk

Richmond AID – Always looking for volunteers to get involved in advice work, gardening and general administration. We offer a fully accessible building and friendly atmosphere (see Chapter 1 - About Richmond AID). Tel: 020 8831 6070

Richmond Local Involvement Network (LINks) / Healthwatch (to be renamed in 2012) – A network of local individuals and organisations working together on a voluntary basis to make sure the best health and social care is available in and around the borough. 1 Princes Street, Richmond, TW9 1ED Tel: 020 8255 8500 Email: [email protected] Web: www.richmondlink.org.uk

National Organisations

Do-It – A national database of volunteering opportunities. First Floor, 50 Featherstone Street, London, EC1Y 8RT Tel: 020 7250 5700 Web: www.do-it.org

Reach –A charity that finds placements for skilled volunteers in voluntary sector roles where their skills are needed. 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7TP Tel: 020 7582 6543 Fax: 020 7582 2423 Web: www.reachskills.org.uk

Volunteering England– offers a range of services designed to support and enable volunteering. Regents Wharf, 8 All Saints Street, London N1 9RL Tel: 020 7520 8900 Fax: 020 7520 8910 Email: [email protected] Web: www.volunteering.org.uk

68 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Action on Hearing Loss (the new name for RNID) Tel: 080 8808 0123 Text phone: 080 8808 9000 Email: [email protected] Web: www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk

RNIB (The Royal National Institute of Blind People) Tel: 084 5603 0575 Email: [email protected] Web: www.rnib.org.uk

Shaw Trust – A national charity that supports disabled and disadvantaged people seeking independent living and work. Tel: 01225 716300 Minicom: 08457 697 288 Web: www.shaw-trust.org.uk

Employment Benefits – You can work without affecting your benefits: See Chapter 12, ‘Benefits, Grants and Concessions’ under ‘Permitted Earnings’.

69 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Chapter 12 – Benefits, Grants & Concessions

There are many benefits and concessions available to disabled people. Brief outlines are given below, with links highlighted in blue underline, but details and eligibility can be complex. For help and advice, contact Richmond AID for an appointment with one of our Benefits Advisors: call 020 8831 6080.

Cash Benefits

Access to Access to Work can help you if your health or disability affects the way you Work do your job. It gives you and your employer advice and support with extra costs which may arise because of your needs. It is payable if you are in work or about to start a job. Contact: Jobcentre Plus, Access to Work Operational Support Unit Nine Elms Lane, London, SW95 9BH Tel: 020 8426 3110 Textphone: 020 8426 3133 Fax: 020 8426 3134 Email: [email protected]

Attendance Help with extra costs of disability for those aged 65 or over. Independent Allowance (AA) of other income and tax free. Can increase the amount of other benefits. (AA) Visit Directgov for more information. Benefit Enquiry Line Tel: 0800 88 22 00 Textphone: 0800 24 33 55 You can also use the Text Relay service. Attendance Allowance Unit Helpline: 08457 123 456 Text phone: 08457 224 433 Email: [email protected]

Budgeting loans A budgeting loan is an interest-free loan for people who have been on (Social Fund) Income Support, income based JSA and income-related ESA or Pension Credit for a minimum period and who need help for certain items for them or a member of their family. Contact Jobcentre Plus. Tel: 0845 604 3719 Textphone: 0845 608 8551 or the Pension Service on 0800 99 1234 Textphone: 0800 169 0133

70 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Carers For carers who spend at least 35 hours a week looking after someone Allowance getting AA or Middle or Higher Care component of DLA. You must earn (CA) less than £100 per week. The claim can be backdated up to 3 qualifying months. Carers Allowance is taxable, but not means-tested. Contact the Benefits Enquiry Line Tel: 0800 88 22 00 Textphone: 0800 24 33 55

Cold weather Cold Weather Payments can help people who are in receipt of certain payments benefits with their additional heating costs during winter. They are paid automatically to those entitled.

If you are getting Income Support, income-based Jobseekers Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance you will need to tell Jobcentre Plus if you have had a baby or a child under five has come to live with you .

Community Care A CCG is a lump sum grant for those on Income Support, income-based Grant (CCG) JSA and income-related ESA to meet special costs on leaving hospital or residential care, or to help someone remain in the community; priority for (Social Fund) disabled people. Freephone: 0800 587 6716 For more information and to download an application form, visit this webpage.

Criminal Financial compensation for those injured or bereaved through crime. Injuries Enquiries to: Compensation Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority Tay House, 300 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4LN Freephone : 0800 358 3601

71 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Crisis loans Crisis loans may be paid in emergency such as fire, flood, lost/stolen (Social Fund) benefit. Contact Jobcentre Plus: Tel: 0845 604 3719 Textphone: 0845 608 8551. Contact Crisis Loans Direct on 0800 032 7952 Textphone: 0800 032 7958 Completed forms can be handed in to your local Jobcentre.

Disability Money to help with extra costs from being disabled, for people under 65. Living There are care and mobility components, at different rates. Paid on top of Allowance all other income and can increase the amount of other benefits . (DLA) Disability Living Allowance Unit Helpline 08457 123 456 For application forms call: 0800 88 22 00 Text phone: 08457 224 433 Email: [email protected] Apply online at www.direct.gov.uk

Disability If you get DLA (care) or AA, you may get extra premiums on housing and Premiums council tax benefit , income-based Job Seekers Allowance and income- (adults based Employment and Support Allowance. and Contact Job Centre Plus or Pension Service. children) If eligble for Housing/Council Tax Benefit, contact: Richmond Council’s Housing Benefit Department: Tel: 020 8891 7724

Disabled Facilities Available to owners and tenants. Means-tested grants to meet cost of Grants essential home adaptations. An occupational therapist must refer you for a grant. Contact Adult Social Services Access Team Tel: 020 8891 7971 Textphone: 18001 020 8891 7971 SMS Text: 07507 512 733 Fax: 0800 014 8359 Email: [email protected]

72 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Disabled Extra financial help for higher education courses if you have a disability, Students’ ongoing health condition, mental health condition or specific learning Allowances difficulty like dyslexia. Contact Student Finance England Tel: 0845 300 5090 Textphone: 0845 604 4434 Web: www.studentfinance.direct.gov.uk

Employment and For people whose illness or disability affects their ability to work. Support It may be ‘contibution-based’ for those who have paid enough National Allowance (ESA) Insurance contributions or ‘income-related’ for those without enough contributions. Visit this link for more information. New Claims number: 0800 055 66 88 Textphone: 0800 023 4888

Family Grants for families with severely disabled or seriously ill children and young Fund people aged 17 and under receiving certain benefits. Family Fund, 4 Alpha Court Monks Cross Drive York, YO32 9WN Tel: 0845 130 4542 Textphone: 01904 658085 Fax: 01904 652625 Email: [email protected]

Funeral payments If you're on a low income you may be able to get a Funeral Payment from the Social Fund, but you might have to repay some or all of it.

You may be eligible for a Funeral Payment from the Social Fund if you or your partner are getting any of the following benefits or tax credits: Income Support; income-based Jobseeker's Allowance; income-related Employment and Support Allowance; Pension Credit; Housing Benefit; Council Tax Benefit (or the Council Tax payer where you live gets a Second Adult Rebate because you are on a low income); Working Tax Credit which includes a disability or severe disability element; Child Tax Credit at a rate higher than the family element.

73 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Healthcare Travel You may be able to get financial help from the Healthcare Travel Costs Cost Scheme Scheme if you're on a low income, on certain benefits and need to travel to a hospital for NHS treatment. Tel: 0845 850 1166

Home Repair Discretionary grants available for for: repairs, energy-efficiency work, Assistance security work and minor or emergency facilities for disabled people. Grants Available to owner-occupiers and some tenants who receive means-tested (HRAGs) benefits ; sometimes to people over 60 who do not receive a means-tested benefit. See this link. Home Improvement Agency (HIA) Tel: 020 8891 7494; 7438; 7495 Textphone: 020 8891 7404 Fax: 020 8891 7476. Email: [email protected]

Housing Benefit If you are on a low wage, or receive Income Support or any other benefit, and Council Tax you may be able to get help with your rent and Council Tax payments. You Benefit may also be eligible for a discount on or exemption from your Council Tax without claiming benefit. See this link.

You may also get Second Adult Rebate if you share your home with another adult who is unable to pay towards the Council Tax. The amount depends on the amount of rent or Council Tax you are charged, your income and savings, and the other people who live with you. Contact: Revenues and Benefits, Civic Centre, 44 York Street, Twickenham, TW1 3BZ Tel: 08456 122 660 Fax: 020 8891 7934

Industrial If you are ill or disabled because of an accident at work or disease and Injuries deafness caused by certain types of work, you might get Industrial Injuries Disablement Disablement Benefit Benefit Contact: Jobcentre Plus Barrow IIDB Centre Pittman Way, Preston PR11 2AB Tel: 0845 603 1358 Textphone: 0845 068 8551

74 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Mortgage interest You may get help with mortgage interest payments as part of your benefits, payments if you are a homeowner and are getting: Income Support; income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance; income-related Employment and Support Allowance ; Pension Credit.

Residential Information about costs and financial help is available. Lists of homes in And Nursing the area are also available. Home Care Means-tested help with costs is available. Contact Adult Social Care Access Team Tel: 020 8891 7971 Textphone: 18001 020 8891 7971 SMS Text: 07507 512 733 Fax: 0800 014 8359 Email: [email protected]

Road For accidents caused by uninsured drivers contact the registered office of: Accident The Motor Insurers' Bureau Compensation Linford Wood House 6 - 12 Capital Drive , Linford Wood Milton Keynes, MK14 6XT Tel: 01908 830001 Fax: 01908 671681 Email: [email protected] Web: www.mib.org.uk

Statutory Sick Pay Paid by your employer for the first 28 weeks of sickness, usually in the (SSP) same way as your earnings. Standard weekly amount set by DWP. See this link. For any problems you can’t resolve with your employer, contact HMRC Employees’ Enquiry Line. Tel: 0845 302 1479

75 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Sure Start A one-off grant of £500 for each baby. You can only get a Sure Start Maternity Grant Maternity Grant if there are no other children under 16 years in your family. You can get a Sure Start Maternity Grant if you or your partner receive any of the following on the date you claim: Income Support; income-based Jobseeker's Allowance; income-related Employment and Support Allowance; Pension Credit; Child Tax Credit at a rate higher than the family element; Working Tax Credit where a disability or severe disability element is included in the award.

Vaccine If you're severely disabled as a result of a vaccination against certain Damage diseases, you may be able to get a one-off tax-free payment. This payment Payments may affect other benefits. Contact the Vaccine Damage Payments Unit Palatine House, Lancaster Rd, Preston, PR1 1HB. Tel: 01772 899 944 Text phone: 0845 60 45 312

Warm Front Grant Grants to improve home insulation and heating equipment if on a disability benefit or a means-tested benefit. Apply by phone : Tel:0800 316 2805 Textphone 0800 072 0156. An advisor will then take you through the application form. Apply by post: You can apply online, request a call from an Advisor or download and print a Warm Front application by following this link.

Completed application forms can be sent to: Carillion Energy Services Freepost NEA12054 Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1BR

Winter Fuel Non means-tested benefit for all aged 60 or over by the third week in Payments September .

76 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Concessions and Free Services

Accessible From RADAR at: 12 City Forum Toilet Key 250 City Road, London, EC1V 8AF Send cheque for £3.50 with you name and address and a note saying “key is for use of a disabled person”. Tel: 020 7250 3222 Text phone: 020 7250 4119 Email: [email protected] Web: www.radar.org.uk

Blue Badge Free parking at meters and designated areas; limited parking on Scheme yellow lines Contact: Accessible Transport Unit Disability Action and Advice Centre (DAAC) 4 Waldegrave Road Teddington TW11 8HT Tel: 020 8831 6096 Fax: 020 8831 6099 Email: [email protected]

Council Tax Your tax band is reduced one step where there is a disabled Band person who uses a wheelchair indoors, or there are major Reduction adaptations, or an additional room is set aside for their use. Scheme Contact Council Tax Office The Civic Centre, 44 York Street,Twickenham, TW1 3BZ Online link: Make an enquiry Telephone: 08456 122 660 Fax: 020 8891 7934

Council Tax There are exemptions and discounts for people with disabilities. Exemption & Contact Revenues and Benefits Discounts Civic Centre, 44 York Street, Twickenham TW1 3BZ. Tel: 020 8891 7724 Textphone: 020 8831 6210 Fax: 020 8891 7933/7934 email: [email protected] Web site: www.richmond.gov.uk/finance

77 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Council’s Gives discounts at many places, is half price for disabled people. Leisure Card Available at libraries, swimming pools and council offices Leisure Card Office: Tel: 020 8831 6106 Fax: 020 8891 7904 Email: [email protected] Apply online : http://www.richmond.gov.uk/leisure_card

Dental NHS Dental treatment is free for those who are : aged under 18; treatment under 19 and receiving full-time education ; pregnant or having had a baby in the previous 12 months; staying in an NHS hospital and having treatment carried out by the hospital dentist ; NHS hospital dental service outpatients (however, you may have to pay for your dentures or bridges).

Directory 195 is a free service for those unable to use a directory.You need Enquiries to fill in an application form for this service . Application form from: Tel. 0800 587 0195 Textphone : 0800 838 363

Disabled One third discount on rail fares. Costs £20 for a year or £54 for person’s rail three years. card Contact: Rail Travel Made Easy, PO Box 11631, Laurencekirk, AB30 9AA Tel: 0845 605 0525 Text Phone: 0845 601 0132 Or download from: www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/ Email: [email protected] / [email protected] Or contact Richmond AID for an application form

Entertainment Many places give concessions to people who are registered disabled and/or a free place for their carer Contact relevant box office (and also see Chapter 10, Leisure)

Eye Tests Free for children and all aged 60+ Contact your optician.

78 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Footwear Two or more pairs free if needed because of disability (Special) Contact your GP.

Gas Safety Free annual check if you are disabled (or aged 60+) from your gas supplier only. Contact your gas supplier

Healthy Start The Healthy Start scheme currently provides vouchers that can be Food Vouchers spent on: milk; fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables; infant formula. Free vitamin supplements are also available through Healthy Start. Those eligible must have at least one child under four years old and receive one of: Income Support; income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance; Child Tax Credit (but not Working Tax Credit unless your family is receiving Working Tax credit run-on only) with an annual family income of £16,190 or less (for 2011/2012); Income-related Employment and Support Allowance.

Hearing Aids Free for everyone needing one. Contact your GP.

Injury Law Society referral to solicitors that specialise in injury Compensation compensation claims. Half an hour’s free advice from a solicitor. Contact ‘Accident Line’ Freephone 0800 19 29 39 Follow this link for more information.

Low Vision Aids Free for anyone registered partially sighted from a low vision clinic Contact your GP.

Motability Enables you to get a car on contract hire in return for the higher rate mobility component of DLA. Motability Car Scheme Motability Car Information, 70-80 Great Eastern Street London EC2A 3JL Tel: 0800 694 9000 Web: www.motability.co.uk

79 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Permitted work You can do some limited work while claiming Employment and Support Allowance. There are rules about what work you can do and how many hours you can work. You may have to pay Income Tax on your earnings. We recommend you seek independent advice before taking up work while on benefits. You may:

 work for less than 16 hours a week on average, with earnings up to £95.00 a week for 52 weeks  work for less than 16 hours a week, on average, with earnings up to £95.00 a week if you are in the Support Group of the main phase of Employment and Support Allowance  work and earn up to £20 a week, at any time, for as long as you are receiving Employment and Support Allowance  do Supported Permitted Work and earn up to £95.00 a week for as long as you are receiving Employment and Support Allowance, provided you continue to satisfy the Supported Permitted Work criteria

Supported Permitted Work means work that is supervised by someone who is employed by a public or local council or a voluntary organisation, and whose job it is to arrange work for disabled people. This could be work done in the community or in a sheltered workshop. It also includes work as part of a hospital treatment programme.

You may also want to speak to your Personal Adviser at the Job Centre or Pathways to Work about this.

Personal Tax Additional tax allowance for those registered blind. Blind Person's Allowance Allowance for the tax year 2011-12 is £1,980 - there are no age or (blind persons income restrictions. allowance) Contact HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) Priority telephone number: 0845 366 7887

80 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Postage on The Royal Mail Articles for the Blind scheme is a free, first class or “Articles for the Airmail service for people sending items specifically designed for Blind” blind and visually impaired people. Mark envelope: “Articles for the Blind”. Further advice or information : Customer Service Centre tel: 0845 7740740 Textphone : 0845 6000606

Prescriptions Free for people whose disability prevents them going out on their own, people with specified health conditions, people on low incomes and all aged under 16 or over 60. For enquiries about exemption: Tel. 0845 601 8076 You can also get help with payment from the NHS Low Income Scheme. Telephone: 0845 850 1166 Text Relay service: dial 18001 before the number

Radios and CD Free permanent loan for those registered blind under the British Players Wireless for the Blind Fund. Contact Adult Social Services Access Team Tel: 020 8891 7971 Text: 07507 512 733 Textphone:18001 020 8891 7971 Email: [email protected]

Road Tax Exempt for those getting higher rate DLA mobility allowances. (VED) Contact: Disability Living Allowance Unit, Exemption Warbreck House, Warbreck Hill, Blackpool FY20YE Telephone: 0845 712 3456 Textphone: 0845 722 4433 Follow this link for more information.

81 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

School Meals Children can receive free school meals if they attend a state- (Free) maintained school and the family receives: Income Support; or Jobseeker's Allowance (Income-based); Employment and Support Allowance (income related); or Child Tax Credit, or Pension Tax Credit; or the ‘Guaranteed’ element of State Pension Credit ; or financial support from the National Asylum Support Service (NASS) or the Council's Asylum and Resettlement Team . Contact the Pupil and Student Finance Section Tel: 020 8891 7587 Minicom: 020 8891 7539 Email: [email protected]

Sight Tests Free for those aged under 16, or aged under 19 and in full-time education; aged 60 or over; registered blind or partially sighted; diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma; aged 40 or over and considered at risk of glaucoma through family link; eligible for an NHS complex lens voucher.

You are also entitled to a free NHS sight test if: you receive Income Support or Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (not contribution based); you receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit; you receive Income-based Employment and Support Allowance; you are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate; you are named on a valid NHS certificate for full help with health costs (HC2).

Contact your optician.

Swimming Free with GP recommendation if it helps your condition . Contact Pass Council’s Sports Development Team: 020 8831 6133

Taxi Cards Large discounts for black cabs only. Contact Council’s Accessible Transport Unit Tel: 020 8831 6312.

TV Licences 50% discount for those registered blind (free for everyone aged 75+) Tel: 0300 790 6131 Web: www.tvlicensing.co.uk

82 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

VAT Exemption Aids, equipment and services specially designed for disabled people are “zero rated”; you will have to sign a VAT exemption form and state your disability. Some mobility aids for older people qualify for a reduced rate of VAT. Contact the supplier and follow this link for more information.

Wheelchairs Free from NHS if needed permanently. A voucher scheme enables you to pay the extra to get a non-standard chair. Contact your GP or Occupational Therapist.

Wigs and You can get free wigs and fabric supports if you are: under 16; 16- Fabric supports 18 and in full-time education; a hospital inpatient; are a war pensioner and the wig or fabric support is for your accepted disablement and you have a valid war pension exemption certificate.

You are entitled to financial help if you receive either: Income Support ; Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, or Income-related Employment and Support Allowance ; Pension Credit Guarantee Credit; or you are named on, or entitled to an NHS tax credit exemption certificate, or are named on a valid HC2 certificate (full help with health costs) .

Richmond AID Benefits Advice Project

Richmond AID has a team of specialist Benefits Advisors who provide benefits checks, help with form-filling and support on making claims and appeals. Contact Richmond AID at 020 8831 6080 or e-mail [email protected] for an appointment (see also Chapter 1 - About Richmond AID).

For other advice agencies, see Chapter 5 ‘Advocacy Advice and Counselling’.

83 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Local Grants

There are a number of local charitable trusts and funds who issue grants to people with disabilities. Amounts vary between £10 and £350. The majority require you to be referred by a recognised local agency such as Social Services, Richmond AID, the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, your GP or a local organisation like Spear, Age UK, Victim Support etc. Not all agencies are always fully aware of what is available, so you may need to prompt them to make a The following section aims to arm you with the information you need.

Barnes Workhouse Fund Eligibility: People in need who live in Barnes SW13. Also to provide for leisure or educational activities. Grants are one-off. Size: Up to £350 in one year. Cumulative grants over three years may be awarded to a maximum of £1000. Applications to: The Barnes Workhouse Fund Miss M Ibbetson P O Box 665, Richmond, TW10 6YL Tel: 020 8241 3994 Email: [email protected] Web: www.barnesworkhousefund.org.uk

Must be referred by a recognised agency, e.g.: social worker, CAB, health visitor, GP or local charity such as Richmond AID.

Friends of Normansfield Richmond Mencap, 342 Richmond Road, East Twickenham, TW1 2DU Contact: Chairman, Richard Jeffries Tel: 020 8876 1746 Grant applications to: Deborah Carr-Hill, Administrator 37 Uxbridge Road Hampton TW12 3AA Tel: 020 8979 1713

A trust fund dedicated to people with learning disabilities within London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, and previous residents of Normansfield living elsewhere. Grants totalling about £40,000 are distributed to individuals and related organisations or for developments in services.

84 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Hampton Fuel Allotment Trust Eligibility: LBRUT Residents on the Middlesex (Hampton) side of the river, plus Richmond Housing Partnership tenants on the Butts Farm Estate. Details: Grants for help towards fuel bills. In exceptional circumstances, white goods supplied or referrals made to the Furniture Scheme. Size: Maximum grant £400. Individuals can apply for a grant directly.

Applications to: The Clerk 15 High St, Hampton,TW12 2SA (application form required) Tel: 020 8941 7866 Fax: 020 8979 5555 Web: www.hfac.co.uk

Hampton Wick United Charity Eligibility: People in need who live in Hampton Wick and South Teddington, especially the parishes of St. John the Baptist (Hampton Wick) , St. Mark (S Teddington) and St. Mary with St. Alban. Applications in writing (no forms) to: The Clerk, Mr R. Avins Hunter’s Lodge, Home Farm, Redhill Road Cobham, Surrey KT11 1EF Tel: 01932 596 748

Richmond Parish Lands Charity Eligibility: Assistance for people in Richmond, Kew, North Sheen, East Sheen, Ham, Barnes and Petersham. Grants are given for education, heating vouchers for the elderly and small one-off grants to individuals who are in urgent need of financial help. Size: Small one-off grants are up to a maximum of £300 per household. Applications to: The Director, The Vestry House, 21 Paradise Rd Richmond. TW9 1SA Tel: 020 8948 5701 Applications are preferred through nominated welfare organisations Social Services, Spear, Richmond AID, Age UK, Victim Support.

85 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

The Henry Smith Charity Eligibility: People in need who live in Richmond, Kew, Petersham and Ham. Must be agency referrals. Size: £3,000 per annum is allocated in grants up to approx £350. Applications to: The Clerk 8 The Green, Richmond, TW9 1PL Tel: 020 8948 4188

Richmond Aid in Sickness Eligibility: Assistance for people in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames who are unwell, or recovering from illness. Must be agency referrals. Size: Maximum grants of approximately £300. Applications to: The Clerk 8 The Green, Richmond, TW9 1PL Tel: 020 8948 4188

Debt

If you are in debt, it is best to seek advice sooner rather than later on how to deal with it. The National Debtline is a free, confidential and independent advice service on how to deal with debt problems. Tel: 0808 808 4000 Fax: 0121 410 6230 Web: www.nationaldebtline.co.uk

Claims management companies: There are lots of companies out there who say they can get your debts written off for you, or get compensation for you by claiming that your credit agreements are unenforceable. Be very careful! Call the National Debtline before signing up with one of these companies.

See also contact details in Chapter 5 for the Citizens Advice Bureau.

86 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Chapter 13 – Homes, Housing & Homelessness

Council Services

Richmond Housing Register The Council has a legal duty to ensure that vulnerable people are housed in accommodation that will provide a safe and secure environment. This is usually in the form of social housing. Accommodation is provided using a points system, and physical, sensory or learning impairment, mental health issues or health conditions may give extra points. Housing Provision, Civic Centre, 44 York Street, Twickenham, TW1 3BZ Tel: 020 8487 5454 Email: [email protected] Web: www.richmond.gov.uk/home/housing

Richmond Housing Partnership The largest social housing provider in Richmond upon Thames. Head Office, 8 Waldegrave Road, Teddington, TW11 8GT Tel: 0800 0322 433 Fax: 020 8404 5506 Web: www.rhp.org.uk

Resettlement Service The Resettlement Team offers a service to vulnerable people who are moving to permanent or temporary accommodation in the Borough, who need help in accessing essential items and services. Tel: 020 8831 6448 Fax: 020 8831 6014 Email: [email protected]

Adult Placement Scheme This scheme is for adults aged 18 years and over with a learning disability who live in Richmond upon Thames. Placements are in the homes of specially-trained carers and can be long- or short-term. Carers will help you to:  Look after yourself  Keep healthy and active  Learn new skills  Meet people  Enjoy hobbies and support you with activities  Manage your Money  Share domestic tasks like cooking and cleaning

87 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Adult Placement Scheme - Contact the Adult Social Care Access Team 6th Floor Regal House, London Road, Twickenham, TW1 3QB Tel: 020 8891 7971 (prefix 18001 for Textphone Users) SMS Text: 07507 512 733 Fax: 0800 014 8359 Email: [email protected]

Other Housing Organisations

Elizabeth Fitzroy Support Provides practical support and treats adults with learning disabilities as individuals taking into account their unique needs, wants, desires and dislikes. Silver Birches, 2 - 8 Marchmont Road, Richmond, TW10 6HH Tel: 01730 711066 Email: [email protected] Web: www.efitzroy.org.uk

Hampton Parochial Charity (Social Housing) 35 Ashley Road, Hampton, TW12 2JA Contact: Mr Robin Farrer Tel: 020 8979 4333

London & Quadrant Housing Association Osborn House, Osborn Terrace, London, SE3 9DR Tel: 020 8308 6096 Email: [email protected] Web: www.lqgroup.org.uk

Quintus Housing Trust 13 Castle Mews, Hampton, TW12 2NP Contact: Mr Ian Watts Tel: 0208 4817277

Richmond Churches Housing Trust A social housing provider in Richmond upon Thames. 13 Castle Mews, High Street, Hampton, TW12 2NN Tel: 020 8481 7277 Email: [email protected]

88 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Richmond Homes and Lifestyle Trust (RHLT) Runs two residential care homes; one in Hampton Wick and another in Whitton. Also supported living projects: one in Kew and one in Teddington. Tel: 020 8977 5447 Email :[email protected] Web: http://rhlt.org.uk

Richmond Psychosocial Foundation Provides a number of residential care homes and a specialist therapeutic community for people with mental health problems. Clyde House, 109 Strawberry Vale, Twickenham, TW1 4SJ Contact: Elly Jansen OBE, Tel: 020 8744 0374 Email: [email protected] Web: www.rpfi.org

Royal Star and Garter Home Provides nursing and therapeutic care to ex Service men and women and the spouses and partners of ex-service people in need of care. Richmond Hill, TW10 6RR Tel: 020 8439 8000 Email: [email protected] Web: www.starandgarter.org

Roy Kinnear House A residential home with a range of services for adults with profound and mulitple disabilities and complex health needs. 289 Waldegrave Road, Twickenham, TW1 4SU Tel: 020 8891 6734 Email: [email protected] Web: www.roykinnearhouse.co.uk

Shenehom Housing Association Provides residential care for 13 people with mental health difficulties who need medium support to live in the community. 31 Ranelagh Avenue, Barnes, SW13 0BN Tel: 020 8876 2199 Email: [email protected] Web: www.shenehom.org.uk

89 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

United Response United Response is a national charity that supports people with learning disabilities, mental health needs and physical disabilities to take control of their lives. 45a Hampton Road, Teddington, TW11 0LA Contact: Mrs. Jackie McKinney, Tel: 020 8977 5406 Email: [email protected] Web: www.unitedresponse.org.uk

Yarrow Housing – Works with people with learning disabilities and acquired brain injury. 216 Goldhawk Road, London W12 9NX Tel: 020 8735 4600 Email: [email protected] Web: www.yarrowhousing.org.uk

Homelessness Prevention

Richmond Council’s ‘Housing Options Team’ provides advice to residents of the Borough who:  Are threatened with eviction  Are unable to pay their rent or mortgage  Have problems with a landlord  Have problems with a member of their household  Are fleeing domestic violence

They offer confidential advice and can mediate between disagreeing parties to try and address problems. Tel: 020 8891 7409 Fax: 020 8891 7403 Email: [email protected]

Temporary Accommodation Richmond Council has a duty to provide people with accommodation if they are homeless. Contact the Temporary Accommodation Team Tel: 020 8891 7545 Fax: 020 8831 6404 Email: [email protected]

90 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme The Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme helps people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless to find housing in the private rented sector. This scheme is intended to provide accommodation for people who may be in priority need of housing but have not become homeless intentionally. Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme Tel: 020 8891 7409 Fax:020 8891 7403 Email: [email protected]

Appeals You can appeal if you are not satisfied with the assistance offered by the council. Ask for an appeal form from Residential Services or the Civic Centre.

Other Homelessness Advice Services

SPEAR – A charity working with homeless people in and around Richmond Address: 89 Heath Road, Twickenham, TW1 4AW Tel: 020 8288 6506 Email: [email protected] Web: www.spearlondon.org

 Tenancy Finder Team: 020 7036 9771 Email: [email protected]

 Tenancy Support Team: 020 7036 9777 Email: [email protected]

 Outreach Team: 020 8404 1481 Email: [email protected]

 Drug and Alcohol Service: 020 8948 7094 Email: [email protected]

 SPEAR Veterans Support Service – for vulnerable ex-service people in the community to help you to access services and provide a programme of support. Tel: 0208 288 6506 Email: [email protected]

91 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Rough Sleepers’ Hotline: 020 8404 1481

Shelter General Advice: 0808 800 4444

Shelter South London – Specialist housing advice and advocacy service for anyone with a housing problem in London: 0344 515 1540

Homeless UK – Their website www.homelessuk.org has information about hostels, advice and support services for people who are homeless or threatened with homelessness.

Repairs to Your Home

If you are disabled or over 60, you may be eligible for a loan through the Home Improvement Trust's Houseproud scheme. The scheme offers one way to get repairs, improvements or adaptations carried out without any of the dangers posed by ‘cowboy builders‘, or concerns over how to pay for the work. Tel: 08007837569 Fax: 0115 934 9501 Email: [email protected]

For small repairs, try the: Age UK Handy Person Scheme – The Handyperson Service supports residents of Richmond upon Thames who are over 60 years of age or have a disability. They assist with any practical job that helps an older or disabled person, such as:  repairing a curtain rail  replacing broken light switches  fitting new or replacement locks  changing a light bulb if you are not confident on a pair of steps  changing tap washers  putting up a shelf if it would help clear your floor space  replace or re-secure a toilet seat  fit a key safe (available to buy from Handyperson)  garden tidy up service  safety & security check

Tel: 020 8876 0620 Email: [email protected] There is a charge for this service of £30 for up to two hours’ work plus a call-out charge of £5.

92 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Adaptations and Improvements

Wandsworth and Richmond Home Improvements Agency receives referrals from Adult Social Services Occupational Therapy for residents who need adaptations because of disability. It administers the means-tested support:

Disabled Facilities Grant – this can pay for major adaptations to your home, depending on your income, which you may need to maintain your independence .

Grants, discounts and financial help with heating and insulation (see below, under ‘Heating and Energy Efficiency)

Contact: Home Improvements Agency, Civic Centre, 44 York Street, Twickenham, TW1 3BX Tel: 020 8891 7436 Fax: 020 8891 6404 Email: [email protected]

Heating and Energy Efficiency

Richmond's Home Insulation Scheme Discounted rates available to all residents and free to those in receipt of certain benefits and to those aged 70 or above. Freephone: 0800 389 7286

Coldbusters Grant If you are over 60 and receive certain benefits you may be elegible for a Coldbusters Grant toward heating improvements. Tel: 0800 358 6668

Warm Front Grant Homeowners or those renting from private landlords and in receipt of certain benefits may be eligible for grant for insulation and heating improvement . For an application form contact EAGA partnership: Tel: 0800 316 6011 Email: [email protected]

Heating Rebate Scheme Householders aver 60 who own or privately rent and are nor elegible for a Warm Front grant can apply for a rebate on a new heating system. Contact EAGA: 0800 316 2805

93 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Energy Suppliers’ Priority Service Register (PSR) If you are of pensionable age, disabled or chronically sick you can qualify for the Priority Service Register (PSR) by ringing your gas and electricity companies. Customers on the register are entitled to additional services free of charge, such as:

 free annual gas safety checks for qualifying customers,  password schemes,  bills available in large print and braille as well as talking bills,  quarterly meter reading services (if no person occupying the premises is able to read the meter),  having a prepayment meter moved to improve access,  bill nominee scheme, and  priority in an emergency (this could include providing alternative heating and cooking facilities in the event of supply disconnection).

See the website: www.ofgem.gov.uk/Consumers

Recycling and Waste Disposal

Assisted collections These are available for disabled people who are unable to carry bins or recycling containers, which are collected from your doorstep and returned after emptying. Email: [email protected] Tel: 08456 122 660

Bulky Waste Collection Discounted Rates Residents over 60 or with low incomes can get discounts for removal of large items. Tel: 08456 122 660 Information about collection days and more can found on Richmond Council’s Rubbish and Recycling page.

Safety and Security at Home

Telephones – If you have substantial disability and are on a low income, Social Services may pay for some or all of the cost of installing and renting a telephone. Contact Adult Social Services Access Team (see Chapter 2 – Social Services).

Directory Enquiries – If you have difficulty using a paper directory, BT provides a Directory Enquiry Service. Tel: 118 500

94 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Web: www.thephonebook.bt.com (to look up numbers online) Hearing impaired callers can access this service via Text Relay (see below).

Telecare/Careline Service – the Community Alarm Service Telecare is a Council alarm service linked to a control centre providing a 24 hour response service for disabled or older people. Contact Richmond Direct (the Council’s contact centre) to request an assessment. Tel: 020 8891 7971 Text: 07800 002 439 Email: [email protected]

Age UK Personal Alarm Service This is an alarm pendant that can be worn around the neck or as a wrist band and which connects 24 hours a day to a call centre. So if there is an emergency or you have a fall, you can get help quickly.Tel : 0800 011 3846 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ageuk.org.uk/buy/help-at-home/age-uk-personal-alarms

Hearing Impairments - Text Relay

Text Relay Connects people using a textphone with people using a telephone or another texphone. It is a fully automated service so, when required, relay assistants provide a text-to-voice and voice-to- text translation service. Text Relay, PO Box 284, Liverpool, L69 3UZ Telephone 0800 7311 888 Textphone 0800 500 888 Email [email protected]

To use Text Relay from a textphone: Dial 18001 + number To use Text Relay from a telephone:Dial 18002 + number

Text Users Emergency Service Gives textphone access to the emergency services. Textphone: 18 000

95 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Chapter 14 – Computers and I.T.

AbilityNet – Makes computer technology accessible to disabled people. Tel/Text phone: 01926 312 847 Helpline: 0800 269 545 Email: [email protected] Web: www.abilitynet.org.uk

Leonard Cheshire Workability Provides IT training, equipment and support for disabled people. Applicants must be literate and numerate to GCSE level or equivalent and available for and actively seeking work. Tel: 020 3242 0200 Email: [email protected]

U Can Do IT Computer training at home for disabled people in any London borough. For low-income learners, lessons cost £5, increasing with income. Tel/ Minicom: 020 7730 7766 Email: [email protected]

IT Can Help (ITCH) Network Helps disabled people to use computers by adapting or adjusting IT equipment. Helpline: 0800 269545 Email: [email protected]

Queen Elizabeth’s Foundation for Disabled People (Leatherhead) Enables and supports disabled people to increase independence and improve life skills. Tel: 01372 841100 Email: [email protected]

96 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Chapter 15 – Local Groups & Organisations

Access Project Whitton (care of Whitton Day Centre) Tel: 020 8898 3858

Action Against Allergy P.O. Box 278, TW1 4QQ. Tel: 020 8892 2711 Web: www.actionagainstallergy.co.uk Email: [email protected]

Age UK Richmond (formerly Age Concern Richmond) First Contact Telephone Helpline :0845 600 1090 Tel: 0845 601 1149 Email: [email protected]

Alzheimer’s Society South West London Tel: 020 8877 0033 Email: [email protected]

Crossroads Caring for Carers – Richmond Tel: 020 8943 9421

Diabetes UK – Richmond & Twickenham Voluntary Group Contact: Alistair Mackinlay, Tel: 020 8941 1785 Email: [email protected] Web: www.DUKRT.org.uk

EnhanceAble – Day centre in Kingston, an outreach service, an advice service for children, the Parent Partnership Officer for disabled children and a charity shop. Tel: 020 8547 3014 Email: [email protected] Web: www.enhanceable.org

Family Planning Services – South West London Call the number below to find your nearest clinic. Tel: 020 8700 0423 (Tooting based)

FiSH Neighbourhood Care Group – Barnes, Mortlake & Sheen Tel: 020 8876 3414 Email: [email protected]

Furniture Scheme – Richmond Tel: 020 8755 4665

Ham and Petersham SOS Scheme Good neighbour scheme Tel: 020 8948 1090

97 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Hampton & Hampton Hill Voluntary Care Group Good neighbour scheme Tel: 020 8979 9662 Email: [email protected]

HANDS – Twickenham & St Margaret’s Tel: 020 8891 3346 Email: [email protected]

Handy Person Service Tel:020 8876 0620 Email: [email protected]

Integrated Neurological Services (INS) Tel: 020 8755 4000 Email: [email protected]

Iranian Disability Support Association Tel: 07932819687 Email: [email protected] Web: www.iraniandsa.com

Kew Neighbourhood Association Tel: 020 8948 8054

Local Involvement Network, Richmond (LINk) Local individuals and organisations concerned with health and social care services. Tel: 020 8255 8516 Email: [email protected]

Macular Degeneration Society Richmond Tel:020 8832 0917

Me, Too and Co. Tel: 07946 646033 Email: [email protected]

ME Group, Richmond and Kingston Tel: 07984 860 309 Email: [email protected] Web: www.richmondandkingstonmegroup.org.uk

MENCAP ( Richmond) Tel: 020 8744 1923 Email: [email protected]

Middlesex Association for the Blind Tel: 020 8423 5141 Email: [email protected]

Moving On - South West London Stroke Club Tel: 020 8979 5877 Email: [email protected]

98 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

MS Society – Richmond Branch Tel: 020 8941 5995 Mob: 07905 099 080 Email: [email protected]

National Autistic Society - Richmond Branch Contact: Laura Lennuyeux-Comnene Tel: 07810 505982 Email: [email protected] Web: http://web.me.com/richmondnas

Parkinsons Disease Society Richmond and Hounslow East Branch Tel: 020 8977 1846 Email: [email protected]

Pension Service Tel: 0800 99 1234 Fax: 02084813110

Richmond Borough MIND Tel: 020 8772 5687 Email: [email protected]

Richmond & Kingston Accessible Transport (RaKAT) Tel: 020 8481 0031 Email: [email protected]

Richmond Advocacy Group for Mental Health (KAG) Tel: 020 8744 9251 Email: [email protected]

Richmond Backpain Tel: 020 8894 0912 Email: [email protected]

Richmond Carers Centre Tel: 020 8867 2380 Email: [email protected]

Richmond CVS Learning Disability Information - as the Strategic Lead for Learning Disabilities Marian Jennings is a source of information and can signpost people to relevant organisations. Tel: 020 8255 8500 Email: [email protected]

Richmond Counselling and Psychotherapy Service Tel: 020 8948 7881 (answering machine service)

Richmond Dyslexia Association Helpline: 020 8940 4626 Email: [email protected]

Richmond Good Neighbours Tel: 020 8332 9741

99 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

River Thames Boat Project Tel: 020 8940 3509 Email: [email protected]

Royal British Legion Poppy Factory - 20 Petersham Road, TW10 6UR Tel: 020 8940 3305 Web: www.poppyfactory.org Email: [email protected]

Richmond Users Independent Living Scheme (RUILS) Tel: 020 8831 6083 Email: [email protected]

Shooting Star CHASE – Children’s Hospice Service – The Avenue, Hampton, TW12 3RA. Web: www.shootingstar.org.uk Email: [email protected]

Social Enterprise Richmond – Seeks to promote social enterprises in the borough through advice and consultancy. Contact: James Alexander Tel: 07739 169 767 Email: [email protected]

Spina Bifida & Hydrocephalus (Surrey Association for) Tel: 01293 775 775 Email: info@[email protected]

Teddington & Hampton Wick Voluntary Care Group Tel: 020 8943 3112

Three Wings Trust Tel: 020 8831 6175 Email: [email protected]

Twickenham Blind Club Tel: 020 8423 5141 or 0208942 0050

Whitton Network Good neighbour scheme Tel: 020 8755 1336

VISOR - Visually Impaired Society of Richmond Tel: (Mondays) 020 8487 5082 (Wednesdays) 020 8831 6080 Email: [email protected]

100 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Chapter 16 – National Organisations

AbilityNet Makes computer technology accessible to disabled people. Tel/Text phone: 01926 312 847 Helpline: 0800 269 545 Email: [email protected] Web: www.abilitynet.org.uk

Age UK England Tel : 0800 169 6565 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ageuk.org.uk

Arthritis Care Freephone: 0808 800 4050 (weekdays 12-4) Tel: 020 7380 6555 (weekdays 10-4) Email: [email protected] Web: www.arthritiscare.org.uk

Autistic Society (National) Helpline: 0845 070 4004 Tel: 020 7833 2299 Fax: 020 7833 9666 Email: [email protected] Web: www.nas.org.uk

Backcare Tel: 0845 130 2704 Web: www.backcare.org.uk

Benefits Enquiry Line (DWP) Tel: 0800 88 22 00 Textphone: 0800 24 33 55 Web: www.dwp.gov.uk AA/DLA Helpline Tel: 08457 123 456 Textphone : 08457 22 44 33 Email: [email protected]

Bipolar Organisation, The (MDF) Tel: 020 7793 2600 Email: [email protected] Web: www.mdf.org.uk

British Deaf Association Tel: 01772 259725 Textphone: 05603 115295 Fax: 01772 561610 Web: www.bda.org.uk Email: [email protected]

CancerHelp UK Tel: 0808 800 4040

Carers UK Tel. advice line: 0808 808 7777 Email: [email protected] Web: www.carersuk.org

Child Law Advice Line: 08088 020 008 Web: http://www.childrenslegalcentre.com/Legal+Advice/Legaladvicelines/thechildlawadviceline.htm

101 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Citizens Advice Tel: 08444 111 444 Web: www.citizensadvice.org.uk and www.adviceguide.org.uk Community Legal Advice Line: 0845 345 4345 Web: www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk

Continence: Bladder and Bowel Foundation Tel: 0800 011 46 23 Email: [email protected]

Crossroads – Caring for Carers Tel: 0845 450 0350 Web: www.crossroads.org.uk

Deaf children (The National Deaf Children’s Society) Tel: 0808 800 8880 Minicom:0808 800 8880 Web: www.ndcs.org.uk Email: [email protected]

Depression Alliance Web: www.depressionalliance.org Email: [email protected]

Action on Hearing Loss (the new name for RNID) Tel: 080 8808 0123 Text phone: 080 8808 9000 Email: [email protected] Web: www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk

Tinnitus Line Tel: 0808 808 6666 (freephone) Textphone: 0808 808 0007 (freephone) Fax: 020 7296 8199 SMS: 0780 0000 360 Email: [email protected]

Deaf Plus Tel: 020 7790 6147 Text phone: 020 7790 6147 Fax: 020 7790 6147 Email: [email protected] Web: www.deafplus.org

Depression Alliance Tel: 0845 123 2320 Email: [email protected] Web: www.depressionalliance.org

Disability Law Service Tel: 020 7791 9800 Fax: 020 7791 9802 Minicom: 020 7791 9801 Email: [email protected] Web: www.dls.org.uk

102 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

DirectGov – brings together information on central and local government services and benefits. It has a wide range of information and links. Web: www.direct.gov.uk/disabledpeople

Disabled Living Foundation – Free, impartial advice about all types of daily living equipment. Tel: 0845 130 9177 Web: www.dlf.org.uk Email: [email protected]

Centre for Accessible Environments Tel: 020 7840 0125 Fax: 020 7840 5811 Email: [email protected] Web: www.cae.org.uk

Epilepsy Society Tel: 01494 601 300 Web: www.epilepsynse.org.uk

Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) Helpline: 0845 604 6610 Textphone 0845 604 6620 Fax 0203 117 0237 Web: www.equalityhumanrights.com Email: [email protected]

Fish Insurance Tel: 0800 012 6329 Provides insurance for mobility equipment, cars and aids. General enquiries: [email protected] Web: www.fishinsurance.co.uk

Guide Dogs for the Blind Tel: 0118 983 5555 Fax: 0118 983 5433 Email: [email protected]

IBS network (Irritable Bowel Syndrome Network) / Gut Trust Tel: 0114 272 3253 (answerphone) Email: [email protected] Web: www.theguttrust.org

I CAN – educational charity for children with speech and language difficulties. Information Line: 0845 225 4073 or 020 7843 2552 Email: [email protected] Web:www.ican.org.uk

Independent Panel for Special Education Advice Advice line: 0800 018 4016 Tribunal helpline: 0845 602 9579

Journeys - Supporting people to find their own route to recovery from depression Web: www.journeysonline.org.uk Tel: 029 2069 2891 Email: [email protected]

103 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Leonard Cheshire – support services for disabled people Tel: 020 3242 0200 Fax: 020 3242 0250 Email: [email protected] Web: www.lcdisability.org

Limbless Association Tel: 01277 725 182 Out Of Hours: 07795 410800 Email: [email protected] Web: www.limbless-association.org

ME Association ME Connect Helpline Tel: 0844 576 5326 Email: [email protected] Web: www.meassociation.org.uk

MENCAP (England) Tel: 020 7454 0454 Email: [email protected] Web: www.mencap.org.uk

Disabled Motoring UK Tel: 01508 489 449 Email: [email protected] Web: www.mobilise.info

Motability Car Scheme - also Wheelchair and Scooter Scheme Tel: 0845 456 4566. Minicom: 0845 675 0009 Web: www.motability.co.uk

MS Society Tel: 020 8438 0700 Helpline: 0808 800 8000 Web: www.mssociety.org.uk Email:[email protected]

National Centre for Independent Living - resources on independent living, direct payments and individual budgets. Advice line: 0845 026 4748 Textphone: 020 7587 1177 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ncil.org.uk

Outsiders – Support on all aspects of relationships for disabled people (weekdays 11am to 7pm) Tel: 0707 499 3527 Email: [email protected] Web: www.outsiders.org.uk

National Debtline – free, confidential and independent advice on how to deal with debt problems. Tel: 0808 808 4000 Fax: 0121 410 6230 Web: www.nationaldebtline.co.uk

RADAR (Royal Association for Disability & Rehabilitation) Tel: 020 7250 3222 Minicom: 020 7250 4119 Email: [email protected] Web: www.radar.org.uk

104 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

React - works to improve the quality of life for children with life-limiting illnesses living in financially disadvantaged families. Tel: 0208 940 25 75 Email: [email protected] Web: www.reactcharity.org

REMAP (equipment solutions for disabled people) Head Office Tel: 0845 1300 456 Fax: 0845 1300 789 West London Tel: 020 8878 3683 Email: [email protected] Web: www.remap.org.uk

Rethink - Support and advice for everyone affected by severe mental illness. General enquiries: 0845 456 0455 National advice service: 020 7840 3188 Email: [email protected] Web: www.rethink.org

RICABILITY – independent research for disabled consumers Tel: 020 7427 2460 Text phone: 020 7427 2469 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ricability.org.uk

Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) Helpline: 0303 123 9999 Email: [email protected] Web: www.rnib.org.uk

Samaritans – Provides 24-hour, confidential emotional support to any person who is suicidal or despairing. UK helpline: 0845 790 9090 ROI helpline: 1850 609 090 Email: [email protected] Web: www.samaritans.org.uk

Sane – Offers information, crisis care and emotional support. Helpline: 0845 767 8000 Email: [email protected] Web: www.sane.org.uk

SCOPE – pan-disability advice and services. Tel: 0808 800 3333 Email: [email protected] Web: www.scope.org.uk

Spinal Injuries Association Tel: 0800 980 0501 Web: www.spinal.co.uk

Stroke Association Helpline Tel: 0303 303 3100 Email: [email protected] Web: www.stroke.org.uk

Talking Newspapers and Magazines Tel: 01435 866102 Email: [email protected] Web: www.tnauk.org.uk

105 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Text Relay –allows people who are deaf or hard of hearing to use a textphone to access any services that are available on standard telephone systems. Tel: 0800 7311 888 Textphone: 0800 500 888 Email: [email protected] Web: www.textrelay.org

Tourism for All Tel: 0845 124 9971 Fax: 01539 735567 Email: [email protected] Web:www.tourismforall.org.uk

United Kingdom Disabled People’s Council Tel: 020 8522 7433 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ukdpc.net

VITALISE – Short breaks for disabled people and their carers Tel: 0845 345 1970 Fax: 01539 735 567 Email: [email protected] Web: www.vitalise.org.uk

106 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Index Autism ...... 32 A Autistic Society, National ...... 101 AbilityNet, IT ...... 101 Autistic Spectrum ...... 31 Access ...... 103 Access Project, Whitton ...... 97 B Access Team, Adult Social Services .... 8, 81 Backcare ...... 101 Access to Work ...... 70, 74 Barnes Workhouse Fund ...... 84 Accessible Toilet Key ...... 77 Benefit Enquiry Line ...... 101 Accessible Transport ...... 38 Benefits ...... 70 Accident and emergency ...... 12 Bipolar Organisation, The (MDF) ...... 101 Action Against Allergy ...... 97 Blind People, the National Institute of .... 105 Action on Hearing Loss ...... 102 Blue Badge Scheme ...... 44, 77 Addiction, Support Care Agency ...... 9 Bluebird (home care) ...... 37 Adult Placement Scheme ...... 87, 88 Brokerage, Social Care ...... 37 Adult Social Services ...... 8, 81 Bus Travel ...... 40 Advice ...... 25 Advocacy ...... 26 C

Advocacy Group, Kingston and Richmond CAB ...... 25 ...... 27, 99 Cancer Support ...... 14 Age UK England ...... 101 CancerHelp UK ...... 101 Age UK Richmond (formerly Age Concern Care contributions ...... 7 Richmond) ...... 97 Careline ...... 95 Aids and Equipment ...... 47, 103, 105 Carers ...... 8, 11, 17, 34 Alzheimer’s Society (South West London) 97 Carers Allowance (CA) ...... 35, 71 Arthritis Care ...... 101 Carers Assessment ...... 8 Articles for the Blind ...... 81 Carers UK ...... 35, 101 Arts ...... 57 Carers’ Centre, Richmond ...... 34 Aspergers ...... 32 Caring Café ...... 34 Assisted collections ...... 94 Cars and Motoring ...... 44 Attendance Allowance ...... 70 Centre for Accessible Environments ...... 103 Attention Deficit Disorder ...... 31

107 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Deaf Plus ...... 102 (CAMHS) - Richmond ...... 15 Debt...... 86 Children ...... 30, 105 Debtline, National ...... 86 Children's Services ...... 9, 31, 32 Dementia ...... 34 Cinema Concessions ...... 57 Dental Service, Community ...... 11 Citizens Advice Bureaux ...... 25 Dentists ...... 11 Citizen's Advice, National ...... 102 Depression Alliance ...... 102 Coach Travel ...... 40 Diabetes UK – Richmond & Twickenham Community Care Grants ...... 70 Voluntary Group ...... 97 Complaints ...... 10 DIAL-A-RIDE ...... 38 Computers ...... 96, 101 Directory Enquiries ...... 78, 94 Computers and IT...... 96 Disability Employment Advisor (DEA) ...... 67 Concessions ...... 70 Disability Law Service ...... 26 Congestion Charging...... 45 Disability Living Allowance (DLA) ...... 72 Consumer ...... 47, 105 Disability Premiums (Adults and Children) 72 Continence Disabled Facilities Grant ...... 72 Bladder and Bowel Foundation ...... 102 Disabled Living Foundation ...... 103 Continence Service ...... 13 Disabled Motoring UK ...... 45, 104 Contraception ...... 13 Disabled Persons Railcard ...... 42 Council Tax Band Reduction Scheme ...... 77 Disabled Students Allowance ...... 73 Council Tax Exemption & Discounts ...... 77 Doctors ...... 11 Counselling ...... 27 Douglas Bader Sports Centre ...... 55 Counselling Service, Richmond ...... 99 Down Syndrome Support ...... 30 Criminal Injuries Compensation ...... 71 Downs Syndrome Association ...... 35 Crossroads Caring for Carers ...... 34, 97 Drug and Alcohol Services ...... 9, 91 Crossroads Caring for Carers, National . 102 Drug Project ...... 32 Cruse Bereavement Care ...... 28 Dyslexia Association, Richmond ...... 99

D E

Day Centres ...... 22 Eating Disorders ...... 13 Deaf Association,British ...... 101 Education ...... 65 Deaf Children's Society, the National ..... 102 Education Benefits ...... 66

108 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

Elizabeth Fitzroy Support ...... 88 H Employment ...... 67 Ham & Petersham SOS Scheme ...... 97 Employment Benefits ...... 69 Hampton and Hampton Hill Voluntary Care Employment Support Allowance ...... 73 Group ...... 98 Enara (home care) ...... 37 Hampton Fuel Allotment Trust ...... 85 EnhanceAble ...... 97 Hampton Parochial Charity (Social Housing) Entertainment ...... 52, 78 ...... 88 Epilepsy Society ...... 103 Hampton Wick United Charity ...... 85 Equality and Human Rights Commission HANDS – Help A Neighbour in Distress (EHRC) ...... 103 Scheme ...... 98 Ethnic Minorities Advocacy Group...... 27 Handy Person Service...... 98 Eye Tests ...... 78 Handyperson Service (Age UK Richmond) F ...... 92 Health Services and Support ...... 11 Families ...... 30 Hearing Aid Centres ...... 13 Family Fund Trusts...... 73 Hearing Aids ...... 79 Family Information Service ...... 32 HIV/AIDS ...... 14, 30 Family Planning Services – South West Holidays ...... 64, 106 London ...... 32, 97 Holidays ...... 106 Financial assessment ...... 7 Holly Lodge Centre ...... 55 Fish Insurance ...... 103 Home Care Agencies ...... 37 FiSH Neighbourhood Care Group ...... 97 Home Entertainment ...... 62 Footwear ...... 79 Home Improvements Agency ...... 93 Freedom Pass ...... 43 Home Repair Grants ...... 74 Furniture Scheme - Richmond upon Home repairs ...... 92 Thames ...... 97 Homelessness ...... 87 G Homelessness Prevention ...... 90 Home-Start Richmond upon Thames ...... 33 Gas Safety ...... 79 Hospital Bus Service ...... 39 GPs ...... 11 Hospital Services ...... 12 Grants ...... 70 Housing ...... 87 Guide Dogs for the Blind ...... 103 Hydrotherapy Pool ...... 33

109 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

I London & Quadrant Housing Association. 88 Low Vision Aids ...... 79 IBS Network (Irritable Bowel Syndrome Network) ...... 103 M Independent Complaints Advocacy Service Macmillan, Information ...... 14 (ICAS) ...... 19 Macular Degeneration Society Richmond 98 Independent Living (National Centre for Maddison Centre, The ...... 15 Independent Living) ...... 104 ME Association, The ...... 104 Independent Mental Capacity Advocate ... 27 ME Group, Richmond and Kingston ...... 98 Independent Panel for Special Education Me, Too and Co...... 33, 98 Advice ...... 103 Mediation ...... 28 Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit ..... 74 Mencap (Richmond) ...... 98 Injury Compensation ...... 79 Mencap England ...... 104 Insurance ...... 50 Mental Health ...... 10, 27, 105 Iranian Disability Support Association ...... 98 Mental Health Support...... 15 K Middlesex Assocation for the Blind ...... 98 Mobility Centres ...... 46 KAG Advocacy Richmond) ...... 99 Motability ...... 46, 79 Kew Neighbourhood Association ...... 98 Motability ...... 104 L MS Society ...... 104 MS Society Richmond branch ...... 99 Learning Disabilities ...... 10, 99 Mulberry Centre ...... 14, 28 Legal advice ...... 26, 101, 102, 103 Music ...... 57 Leisure ...... 52 Music Therapy ...... 57 Leisure Activities ...... 57 Leisure Card ...... 52, 78 N Leonard Cheshire ...... 104 National Autistic Society - Richmond Branch Libraries ...... 61 ...... 99 Limbless Association ...... 104 National Debtline ...... 86, 104 Local Grants ...... 84 National Organisations ...... 101 Local Groups & Organisations ...... 97 NHS Complaints ...... 18 Local Involvement Network, Richmond NHS Direct ...... 11 (LINks) ...... 98

110 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

O RELATE ...... 28 Residential and Nursing Home Care ...... 75 Open University ...... 66 Respite Care ...... 17 Otakar Kraus Music Trust ...... 57 Ricability ...... 105 Outsiders (relationships) ...... 104 Richmond aid in Sickness ...... 86 P Richmond and Kingston Accessible Transport (RaKAT) ...... 99 PA Finder service, RUILS ...... 36 Richmond Backpain Group ...... 99 Parking Bays ...... 45 Richmond Borough Mind ...... 15 Parkinsons Disease Society Richmond .... 99 Richmond Borough MIND ...... 99 Parks and open spaces ...... 60 Richmond Carer's Centre ...... 99 Patient Advice and Liaison Services (PALS) Richmond Carers’ Centre ...... 8 ...... 12 Richmond Churches Housing Trust ...... 88 Peer Support, Mental Health ...... 15 Richmond Good Neighbours Scheme ...... 99 Personal Tax Allowance ...... 80 Richmond Homes and Lifestyle Trust...... 89 Personalisation ...... 36 Richmond Housing Partnership ...... 87 Poppy Factory, Royal British Legion ...... 100 Richmond Independent Brokerage Service Prescriptions ...... 81 (RIBS) ...... 37 Psychotherapy ...... 28 Richmond Parent Carers Action Group .... 33 Public Transport ...... 40 Richmond Parish Lands Charity ...... 85 Q Richmond Psychosocial Foundation ...... 89 Richmond Royal Hospital ...... 15 Quintus Housing Trust ...... 88 Richmond Users Independent Living R Scheme (RUILS) ...... 36, 100 River Thames Boat Project ...... 100 RADAR ...... 77, 104 RNIB...... 69 Radios and CD Players ...... 81 RNID ...... 102 Rail Cards ...... 78 Road Accident Compensation ...... 75 Rail Travel ...... 41 Road Tax (VED) Exemption ...... 81 Re-ablement ...... 10 Road Tax Exemption ...... 45 React ...... 105 Roy Kinnear House ...... 89 Recycling and Re-Use ...... 94 Royal Star and Garter Home ...... 89 Rehabilitation Centre ...... 16

111 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

S Taxi ...... 42 Taxi Card ...... 43, 82 Samaritans ...... 27, 105 Taxis...... 39 SCOPE ...... 105 Teddington and Hampton Wick Voluntary Second Hand Equipment ...... 50 Care Group ...... 100 Self Directed Support ...... 36 Telephones ...... 94 Sexual Health ...... 18 Text Relay ...... 106 Shelter ...... 92 Text Users Emergency Service ...... 95 Shenehom Housing Association ...... 89 The Henry Smith Charity ...... 86 Shooting Star Children's Hospice ...... 100 Therapy services ...... 18 Shopmobility ...... 40 Three Wings Trust ...... 34, 100 Short breaks ...... 33 transport ...... 20 Social Care ...... 7, 9 Transport ...... 38 Social Centres ...... 22 Transport to Health Services ...... 12 Social Clubs ...... 31, 57 TV Licences ...... 82 Social Enterprise Richmond ...... 100 Twickenham Blind Club ...... 100 Social Groups, Mental Health ...... 15 Social Model of Disability ...... 4 U Social Services ...... 7 United Kingdom Disabled People's Council Spear (Homelessness) ...... 91 ...... 106 Special educational needs ...... 34 United Response ...... 90 Spinal Injuries Association ...... 105 Sport, Inclusive ...... 52 V Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) ...... 75 Vaccine Damage Payments ...... 76 Stroke Association...... 105 VAT Exemption ...... 83 Stroke Club ...... 98 VAT Relief ...... 51 Swimming ...... 53 Veterans Support ...... 91 Swimming Pass ...... 82 VISOR - Visually Impaired Society of T Richmond ...... 100 VoiceAbility ...... 26 Talking Newspaper, national ...... 105 Voluntary Care Groups...... 20 Talking Newspapers, Richmond upon Volunteering ...... 20, 68 Thames ...... 63

112 DISABILITY INFORMATION HANDBOOK

W Y

Warm Front Grant ...... 76, 93 Yarrow Housing ...... 90 Wheelchair hire ...... 47 Young Carers ...... 34 Wheelchairs ...... 18, 48, 83 Youth Clubs ...... 32 Wheelchairs, short-term hire ...... 49 Whitton Network Good Neighbour Scheme ...... 100

113