Networker 02 2013 12/02/2013 13:19 Page 1 Networker £3.50 Where Sold February 2013

Networker 02 2013 12/02/2013 13:19 Page 1 Networker £3.50 where sold February 2013

Benefit Changes Ahead

Are you a carer? Do you need support? Call 01823 255911 Networker 02 2013 12/02/2013 13:19 Page 2 NEW TRAITRAININGNING OPPOROPPORTUNITIESTUNITIES AATT BBRIDGWBRIDGWATERWWAAATTER COLLEGE

Focus, Suite 4, The Courtyard, Higher Comeytrowe Lane, TaTauuntonTA TA4 1EQ, 01823 461876.4

Bridgwater College,College, Bath Road,Road, Bridgwater,Bridgwaterdgwaterr,, Somerset,Somerset, TA6TTAA6 44PZPZ www.bridgwater.ac.uk wwww..bridgwaaterr..ac.uk Networker 02 2013 12/02/2013 13:19 Page 3

About

q Compass Disability Services is an innovative, enlightened and positive organisation. q Our mission is ‘to enable disabled people to have equality of opportunity’. Our values, beliefs, Networker contents and mission have allowed us to spread our Compass Points influence in Somerset, North Somerset and 4...... Network Update Wiltshire, Warwickshire and Birmingham. 11 ...... Network Update q Compass Disability Services is a user-led Network news organisation and our Board of Trustees is 5 ...... Training for Trainers comprised of at least 80% disabled people. 6 ...... Compass Carers q Our principles give us the authority to explore 7-8...... Network news options to give a voice to disabled people. Local news q Compass Disability Services works through 9 ...... Carewatch consultation, representation and service delivery, 12...... Mendip Carer Support Project facilitating various projects. 23...... SCCM 24...... Rhizo Kids National news Editorial or advertising queries: Contact 10...... Mencap Clive Rymer on 0330 333 0089 or email ...... Helplines [email protected] 17-18 Alternative formats: Networker is also Paralympics available in large print, braille, on cassette, cd 18-20 or by email. For further information, contact Cover story Clive Rymer on 0330 333 0089 or email 21 [email protected] Accessible days out Contact: Compass Disability Services 26-29 ...... Paignton Zoo welcomes any feedback on Networker, or any Local Sport of the services it provides. 31 Disclaimer: The views expressed in Have your say Networker are not necessarily those of 33-34 Compass Disability Services.

Networker is produced by Compass Disability Services, Unit 11-12 Belvedere Trading Estate, Taunton, TA1 1BH. Tel: 0330 3330089 or 01823 282823 Email: [email protected] Website: www.compassdisability.org.uk Registered Charity Number: 1099376.

www.compassdisability.org.uk 3 Networker 02 2013 12/02/2013 13:19 Page 4

Compass Points

Richard Pitman CEO Introduces the New Year and a new edition. Well, as we start 2013 and I sit here not funded for, writing my piece for the Networker not such as this knowing whether it will rain or snow, I magazine find myself full of mixed emotions. On which as I look Richard Pitman, CEO, Compass one hand I am concerned for my at budgets for Disability Services fellow disabled people and how the 2013/14 I have continued austerity measures within concerns that we may have to go to services that support us looks set to four editions a year which will make it continue for the foreseeable future. more difficult to keep you up to date These services enable us to live with what is going on. One way in independently, give us the care that which we can support these services we need and provide many other to continue is through our fundraising aspects of support from time to time, efforts and I would encourage you and this is all compacted by the changes your friends and families to visit our in the benefits system that leave many fundraising page on our website for of us confused and uncertain. ideas on how you may get involved. In this issue we have looked to update For 2013 we are already looking to you on the changes from DLA to PIP collect at some of the Somerset which commences in April this year. Carnivals and volunteer collectors are On the other hand I am so excited always welcome. We have had about the launch of Compass Carers interest from people who wish to run this month which will be a new service marathons and do sky dives to raise for carers across Somerset providing money for us. a range of services to enable carers to If you would like to discuss any be supported within their roles, there fundraising opportunities then please is plenty of information about the new contact Michelle Edwards on our main service in this issue. telephone number, 01823 282823. This new contract along with the two Anyway ta ta for now and I hope next others that we secured in 2012 has time my piece will start with how given Compass Disability Services a sunny, dry and warm it is. Happy degree of security for the next few reading. years, however there are a range of services that we provide that we are

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Compass Disability Services

Join the Network and have your say! The Compass Disability Network is a Network of disabled people, their carers and organisations that represent disabled people, which works to improve access and inclusion to services and facilities. Members have an opportunity to participate in consultation events and meetings to give their views on a range of issues that are important to them. Views are fed back to organisations and agencies that develop services such as local authorities and health services. It’s free to join and members can participate as much or as little as they like. Being part of the Network is a great way to meet other people in a similar situation. To join, please call Ellie on 01823 282823 or email [email protected] If you know of anyone that you believe would benefit from being part of the Network or receiving this publication please do spread the word! Taunton Deane Disability Discussion Group At the November meeting of the Taunton Deane communication support can be provided to enable Disability Discussion Group, speakers from you to attend. Please contact Mandy or Ellie on Somerset Advice Network and Somerset 01823 282823 for more details. Community Care Matters were in attendance to The Sedgemoor Disability Forum provide information on their work. Are you a disabled person or carer living in A full copy of the report from the meeting is Sedgemoor ? available on our website under the Compass If so you may be interested in attending our Disability Network Somerset section or you can Sedgemoor Disability Forum. This Group meets contact the office for a printed copy. three times per year at different venues in the The next meeting will take place on 26th March Sedgemoor area from 10.30am until 2.30pm. 2013 from 10.30am until 12.30pm in the Mendip Transport, care and communication support (such Suite at Compass Disability Services. Speakers in as an electronic note-taker or BSL interpreter) can attendance at this meeting will be Carol Harmon be provided to enable you to attend. The purpose Partnership Manager from The Department Of Work of the meeting is give local disabled people and and Pensions; providing an update on changes in carers a chance to come together to be consulted benefits such as Personal Independence Payment. and informed on a range of issues from different A representative from Compass Carers will also be organisations. attending to give an update on the new service. If you are a disabled person or care living in the Taunton Deane area, Transport, care and Continued top of page 6 . . . . www.compassdisability.org.uk 5 Networker 02 2013 12/02/2013 13:19 Page 6

The Network

. . . . continued from page 5 The next meeting will take place on Tuesday 26th Sedgemoor District Councils Benefits Team. February from 10.30am until 2.30pm at the Please contact Mandy at Compass if you would like St John Ambulance Headquarters in Bridgwater. to receive information on this. The topic for this Forum will be Welfare and Copies of reports from all our forums or consultation Benefits. work can be found on our website under the Speakers in attendance will include; Carol Harmon, Compass Disability Network Somerset section. If Partnership Support Manager from The Department you do not have internet access and would like to of Work and Pensions (DWP) updating the group on receive a printed copy, we can arrange this also. current benefit changes and Martin Giles from It’s a tender process Times are hard all round. People are looking for work and if you are in work there is the chance that your hours will be cut or even face redundancy. Benefits too are being changed and that is briefly outlined in the article later in this magazine. For many benefits are being cut and certainly the “cost of living” is increasing. As a charity we are in a rare position of offering new jobs and new paid work to people in our catchment areas and I wondered how we were able to do this. Quite simply it’s through hard work and persistency. We have a Business Development Manager at Compass Disability Services, Rachel. I asked her to outline briefly how she looks at her role. “In days gone by charities were mainly purchase a service and asks interested reliant on a mix of grants and service organisations who meet certain criteria to level agreements (a type of contract) to submit a proposal as to how they would run services and projects. provide the service and how much it Nowadays more public sector funding is would cost. allocated through contracts than grants. Some experts in the field say that for This has meant that securing contracts every ten tenders you submit you should to deliver services has become very be looking to be winning at least one. It competitive. A large part of my job role is can feel very time consuming sometimes writing tenders to secure contracts that for seemingly little reward as there is no enable us to provide services for prize for being second . . . but each time disabled people and carers. The type of you write one it’s an opportunity to services that we want to deliver usually improve your bid writing skills. When you means that we respond to an invitation to win a tender that enables the tender that has been issued by a Local organisation to provide a service that Authority or the NHS. Tendering is the supports individuals to be independent process whereby the commissioner, e.g. and achieve a better quality of life, it the Local Authority or NHS wants to makes it all worthwhile!”

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Compass Disability Services Election of Trustees The Board of Trustees ensures that the organisation is governed effectively and responsibly. It must demonstrate accountability to its users and partners, and must have the skills and information it needs to achieve the organisation’s mission and uphold its values. Compass Disability Services believes that for the Board of Trustees to be fit for purpose, the Board of Trustees must possess a range of skills and experiences that will enable them to effectively fulfil their individual role on the board. For the Board of Trustees to remain relevant it must encompass new ideas and continually seek to refresh policies and procedures in line with the wants and needs of the organisation’s users and partners. To this end it is important that the Board of Trustees is able to regularly recruit new members whilst retaining the stability to govern the organisation. Compass Disability Services will begin the Annual Trustees Election process on the second Wednesday in February of each year. Ballot papers will be sent to all users, allowing four weeks for completed papers to be returned. The process will be determined by the number of people standing for election to the Board of Trustees verses the number of available places on the board, as determined by the Articles of Association. This process is now under way. Should you require any further information or believe you should be issued a ballot paper, please contact the office on 01823 282823 or email [email protected]. Full details of the process are available on request in many formats or in detail on our website at : http://www.compassdisability.org.uk/index.php?page=becoming-a-trustee Reach your target audience in Networker

q Networker is published six times a year with over 3,000 Networker free copies distributed throughout Somerset, producing £3.50 where sold February 2013 an estimated readership of 10,000. q Networker is sent out to Compass Disability Services’ membership of over 1,300 disabled people, doctors

Benefit surgeries, active living centres, day centres, hospitals, Changes Ahead care homes and care professionals.

q Advertisers receive invaluable exposure to a targeted

Are you a carer? Do you need support? Call 01823 255911 audience of disabled people, carers and professionals.

www.compassdisability.org.uk 7 Networker 02 2013 12/02/2013 13:19 Page 8

Local news

Debenhams Head Office supports Compass Disability Services Debenhams Head Office in Taunton have generously donated £150 to Compass Disability Services, following a fund raising initiative. We were kindly nominated as a recipient of the proceeds of a “sample sale”. This really goes a long way to support the work we do. Hinkley Point painters donate vouchers

Hinkley Point power station’s painters have donated £715 of Sainsbury vouchers to help raise funds to change the lives of disabled children. The team of Balfour Beatty painters, based at EDF Energy’s Hinkley Point B station, have been collecting ‘Nectar’ points throughout the year and have chosen Bridgwater based children’s charity bibic to benefit from their wise spending. Andrew Turnbull supervisor of the painters said “We were delighted when bibic told us they could use the vouchers to raise even more funds for the charity. They want to buy toys and games that can be raffled with the aim of raising three times the value of the vouchers. It is a great fundraising idea and we are pleased that we have given bibic the ability to increase their resources.” Simone Joyce from bibic explained why this gift means so much to the charity. “Every single pound that is donated means such a lot to bibic and is used to provide the life-changing support to disabled children and their families. We rarely have the resources to invest in fundraising so the gift of vouchers is an amazing opportunity for us to buy items to raise even more funds. We really hope that we can turn this gift into £2,000 which could be used to provide 40 children with an hour of therapy”.

8 www.compassdisability.org.uk www.compassdisability.org.uk Networker 02 2013 12/02/2013 13:19 Page 9

Local news How much help should you get from Social Care? Social Care in England is changing and local authorities are testing new ways of measuring need and allocating resources to disabled people. A short questionnaire has been developed to help them do this, called the Common RAS. However, this process has not been reviewed to see if it works in practice and many people with disabilities have complained that the amounts of money allocated using such schemes is not sufficient to meet their needs. Given this, the University of Leeds is reviewing how well this new form, together with an additional supplementary set of questions, measures need and they would like your help! They need people who use social care, or their families, to answer a questionnaire on this issue. The project is called E.R.A., reflecting their desire to devise an Equitable Resource Allocation system, for everyone. They are piloting their questionnaire which asks for views on this process. Can you help? Please contact Clive Rymer Email: [email protected] or Telephone: 01823 282823. We will then send you the questionnaire and a pre-paid envelope. The process is completely anonymous and will have no impact on your current personal budget. This is a real opportunity for you to influence how social care funding is allocated – please help if you can!

Frome Carers Group are a self supporting group. We offer the opportunity to all carers to come along and meet other carers in a social and relaxed atmosphere. We arrange talks, outings and entertainment which Your contacts are : gives carers at little time to Joan Paynter themselves. Volunteer coordinator 01373 Attendance is free of charge from 302128 10:30am to 12:30pm on the first Sheila Nicholson Volunteer coordinator 01373 Wednesday of every month in the 461940 Frome Cricket Club, Rodden Sue Potter Road, Frome. Volunteer 01373 463432 www.compassdisability.org.uk 9 Networker 02 2013 12/02/2013 13:19 Page 10

Local news Learn to be a Community Reporter Free Course starting soon! If you want to learn more about ViSTA’s Community Reporting course, or to sign up for a place, then come along to one of our intro sessions in February. This free training will introduce you to community reporting and teach you a range of reporting techniques to help you to make your own news and tell your community stories the way you want to. No experience necessary. You will also get the chance to connect with Taunton's 107.8 Tone FM - Taunton's BRAND NEW radio station which launches at the end of February as they are looking for regular contributors. Introductory sessions are at the Acorn’s Childrens Centre, Roman Road, Taunton as follows: Mon 18 Feb – 10am Tues 19 Feb – 1pm First course runs on Mondays 10am-12.30pm at the Acorn’s Childrens’ Centre : 25th Feb, 4th March, 11th March and 18th March. For more information contact Catherine on 0845 358 0372 or email: [email protected]

Somerset Against Hate Crime 01823 282823

We continue to operate the Somerset Hate Crime Support Service, working with the Police to help improve the service given to victims and support people who have been victims of any form of hate crime. We offer an individual support plan for victims ranging from telephone support to attending court with the victim if the Police are able to bring about a prosecution. We are also able to offer advice on keeping safe and preventing further incidents. Incidents of ‘mate crime’ seem to be on the increase so if you know or are aware of someone who is being befriended for the purpose of ‘abusing or taking advantage’ of someone, it is important that you report it either directly to the Police or to us on 01823 282823 – even if you don’t want to give your name or you don’t have many details please don’t stand by – report it! Remember in an emergency always dial 999 or if you are deaf, deafened or have a speech impairment use the text 80999.

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Meeting Room Hire Meeting Room Hire in Taunton Close to Town Centre & Railway Station Compass Disability Services have, for many years, offered room hire to other Charities, Businesses, Training Organisations and Independent Groups. With the acquisition of additional premises, we are now extending this facility and welcome bookings. We offer a very competitive base rate for our rooms and additional services such as Laptop or Projector & Screen hire and supply of Flipcharts are competitively priced but optional, to give you cost flexibility. Mendip Room per hour £15 day rate £100 ‘Mendip’ can accommodate up to 65 theatre style or 35 boardroom layout

Brendon Room per hour £12 day rate £85 ‘Brendon’ can accommodate up to 40 theatre style or 25 boardroom layout We can adapt layouts as you require.

Projector & Screen Hire £5 Laptop Hire £10 Flip Chart £5

01823 282823 Refreshments Available (please request at time of booking) Tea / Coffee - 80p per serving Tea/Coffee & Biscuits £1 per serving Various lunch options starting from All our rooms are fully accessible, ground £4.50 per person floor. Our rooms have a hearing loop system and the toilets too are accessible. Other catering options We have limited ‘Blue Badge’ parking are available on request which must be reserved when booking, Sandwiches, platters, fruit subject to availability. Ample parking is cakes, savouries, pasties, available at Belvedere Road car park, vegan, vegetarian. about 200 metres away. Please ask for details. www.compassdisability.org.uk 11 Networker 02 2013 12/02/2013 13:20 Page 12

Compass Carers Compass Carers - “The Magazine” Compass Carers is the new magazine, Linda Kerr - Project Manager, Compass Carers specifically designed to support the writes: 4th February 2013 brought with it the ‘carers’ of Somerset. Launching on launch of a brand new service to support people February 4th 2013, this magazine is free who undertake unpaid caring responsibilities. to carers across Somerset and will be Details of this new service are contained within the distributed through a number of outlets carer’s magazine enclosed within this publication. such as GP Surgeries and certain NHS In general terms the new service, called Compass departments, as well as by our staff out Carers, will provide emotional and practical support to help carers in Somerset undertake their caring and around the county at various responsibilities but more than that, to have a life venues. outside caring. The support the Compass Carers team will be able Compass to provide will vary from person to person Carers dependant on their individual needs. Some queries February 2013 will be able to be answered by the staff who operate A new Service the telephone line, others may be more complex. for Somerset OUT In these instances a carer will be asked if they want a member of the team to call and have a chat with NOW them. Fundamental to the aims of the service is the delivery of information and advice in a manner that enables the carer to make an informed decision on ‘Alice’ checks on her neighbour and sometimes cooks a meal for him. the best way forward for them. Could this If you are a carer, or know someone who be you? ? undertakes unpaid caring responsibilities for a Please take this magazine away with you OR Request your own copy by calling 01823 255911 friend or family member, please encourage them to find out more about the service. Specific details of If you are a member of our Network, you the service and how it can help a carer can be should have received your copy of obtained by ringing the Compass Carers Information and Advice telephone line on Compass Carers with this edition of 01823 255911 from 9.00am to 4.30pm, Networker magazine. If you didn’t and Monday to Friday. would like a copy, please contact the Alternatively, most GP surgeries have in post a office on 01823 282823 or email member of staff called a ‘Carer’s Champion’ who [email protected]. will be able to provide advice / leaflets relating to The magazine will be distributed the service. quarterly. This edition is published February and future editions will be If you would like a copy of published in May, August & November. Compass Carers magazine on a The magazine is aimed at offering regular basis please contact the support and information to carers office on 01823 255911 or email irrespective of age, sex or race. [email protected]

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Compass Carers Hunting for Hidden Carers More carers in Somerset are to benefit - Emotional support; from much valued support with the launch - A life outside their caring role; of Compass Carers on 4 February. - Training in practical tasks of caring. Delivered by Compass Disability and It will also develop a support network of funded by Somerset County Council and volunteers – experienced carers who can NHS Somerset, the service aims to work offer some help with household tasks or a with carers to find ways for them to friendly chat over a cup of tea. improve their own well-being and help them have a life outside caring. Richard Pitman, Chief Executive of It is thought that only a fraction of people Compass Disability Services, said: “One of in a caring role consider themselves to be the key challenges facing Compass carers and seek the support that's Carers is reaching those people that do an available. Compass Carers will be working amazing job, but don’t see themselves as to ensure that more people who provide a ‘carer’ – they see themselves as a unpaid care access the help they are husband/wife, son/daughter, friend or entitled to. neighbour. We need to ensure that all Counsellor Christine Lawrence, Cabinet people who undertake unpaid caring Member for Health and Adult Social Care, responsibilities, including those who do said: “If you give up your time, without pay, not recognise or choose to identify to look after a family member, a friend, or themselves as carers, are made aware of a neighbour, who is ill, frail or has a the services provided by the Compass disability, then you are a carer.” Carers’ team. “We know of around 6,000 carers in “Caring for another person can be a lonely Somerset who provide varying levels of and stressful experience. If you need support for someone who could not support and advice or just someone to talk otherwise manage without that support. to, please ring us on 01823 255911 and However, we think that there may be over we will discuss what is concerning you 50,000 carers within Somerset and we and help you find the best way forward.” want to make sure they are aware of the services available to support them, or how Compass Carers will be visiting town they can access these services.” centres with their bright red gazebo to talk The new service will have Carers Support to people on the following dates: Workers who will work with carers on a Taunton - Monday 4th & Friday 8th Feb. one-to-one basis to provide: Yeovil - Quedam Centre, Tues 5th Feb. - Local information about services, Frome Library - Wed 6th Feb. voluntary groups and carer support Street - Clarkes Village - Thurs 7th Feb. groups; - Practical advice, for example, how to Further information can organise respite breaks and find out about also be found at financial assistance or training providers to www.compasscarers.org.uk help them achieve their career goals; or phone 01823 255911

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Roving Reporter

A little while ago I was lucky enough to be Jasmine in a position to get a car. I have been waiting for my new vehicle to arrive now Reporter on the move for roughly nine months. It turned up A couple of editions ago, Compass yesterday. It was such a relief to tick it off Disability Services, formed a my list of things to chase up, it's beautiful relationship with a young lady who just and I have named her ‘Betty’. You gets on with life. As she has become a probably think I’m crazy naming my car regular feature, I have asked Jasmine right? (Editor says – “no Jasmine, everyone should”). (our cover girl from the October edition) As you may know, if you’ve read my to update us on the trials and previous articles, that I love photography. tribulations of a girl around town, in her I was quite excited at the prospect of wheelchair. taking some pictures of the snow that was forecast. With the anticipation building I was devastated when it became clear that for the first time ever I was house-bound for two days, due to the weather! I can't believe we finally had snow in Taunton! I wanted to go out there and take wonderful photographs, but I just couldn't, my poor wheelchair couldn't handle it bless her! Anyway I’ve realised all I have done is moan during this piece so I’ll leave you all “Hi it's me again, I bet you're getting fed with happy thoughts... I'll be on the road up with my face aren't you? I thought I'd soon, so watch out! bore you some more and tell you about my life these last few weeks. Where do I begin? How about by starting off that I am stressed? Yes, that's it, I'm stressed. I have recently been allocated a flat which I am due to move into in a few weeks which is brilliant news. I can't wait to be independent and do my own thing; however this hasn't run as smoothly as I would have hoped. I was supposed to have moved into the flat last week, but I need to have some adaptations for my wheelchair and those adaptions to fit my You can enjoy some of Jasmine’s needs still haven't even started yet. As adventures on ‘You Tube’ by usual, here I am waiting to get access to searching JellyJazz1 the things I need and other people or following the link probably take for granted. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Le3diAYc-hU

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Oliver

and education. But hey, that’s another story. Here we are 16 years on from that Oliver! devastating diagnosis delivered to me by a female consultant paediatrician whose In July 1996 a consultant held eyes filled with tears as she spoke. I my newborn baby in her arms remember thinking ‘My God how awfully and uttered the immortal words sad is this! Even SHE’S crying and it’s not “I am 95% certain your baby has her baby!’ I stand before you however, not as a Down Syndrome.” disappointed or unhappy mum, far from it, I am the proud mother of a teenage son who despite having Down Syndrome is a cool dude, loves life, enjoys a myriad of hobbies and interests, is never ever bored and hopes one day to be a professional landscape and wildlife photographer. All this even though: - It was thought he might not survive to reach open heart surgery at 3 ½ months old

To say I thought my world had ended is putting it mildly. My vision of Down Syndrome was outdated and stereotyped and the future I imagined in that moment, really wasn’t pretty at all. However I gradually deliberately and decisively deleted the grey bleak future I visualised and began replacing it with hope, determination, oh and lots of vibrant colour, fun and a little madness thrown in! - At 18 months was diagnosed with This ‘recipe’ has helped enable the severe hypotonia (the physiotherapist said amazing young man you see on the cover that although I should try encouraging of this magazine and in this article. It also some physical activity he would obviously enabled me to found and create a charity never be sporty) called ‘Ups and Downs Southwest’ which - At 3 yrs old was suspected of having supports children and young people who verbal dyspraxia (and according to the have Down Syndrome, their ‘expert’ would unfortunately be an adult parents/carers, families, and all those with little or no intelligible speech) professionals involved in their health, care - At mainstream primary school

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Oliver

suffered ‘informal exclusions’ for impulsive By the time he started school at 4 yrs 2 and challenging behaviour and was months he could use over 350 signs! He diagnosed with ADHD at 10 yrs old. knew what he wanted to say he just The list goes on but it’s too bleak to needed another way to say it! continue with and pulls us away from the I also taught him to read using methods thrust of this article which is a positive one recommended by Downs Ed International seeking to encourage and inspire. and when he started mainstream primary Needless to say my son has defied all school he had a 'sight vocabulary' of over negative predictions and poor 70 words and was in the top reading expectations. group!! He now owns and enjoys over 300 books. We worked on his speech all the time and the boy who would apparently have little or no intelligible speech is perfectly able to name every bird to be found in the British Isles and any car ever shown on ‘Top Gear’ He has been interviewed live on both BBC Radio’s Somerset and Bristol and in 2012 was Best Man at my wedding, standing up, giving his best man's speech before the assembled guests - not a dry eye in the house.

We did LOADS of physical activity with my little hyperactive boy. My daughter’s friend gave Oliver his skateboard. It turned out to be the perfect tool to learn co-ordination and balance (didn’t do much for the living room carpet and skirting boards) and Oliver became a skateboarder. So much for never being ''sporty'. He also spends When Oliver was 9 years old I was hours playing football and snooker. fortunate enough to meet up with my now At 2yrs old it was noted that Oliver husband Mike O'Carroll, who became laughed and cried without sound. He just Olivers best mate, Father and mentor. couldn't get his mouth into gear yet, so we Mike is a photographer and shares so learned to sign! It was my daughter Anna many 'loves' and 'interests' with Oliver (8 yrs old when Oliver was born) and I including wildlife, the countryside, fishing, taught Oliver to sign. all things marine, bird watching etc.

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Oliver

Oliver wanted to start taking photographs When looking at college options for Oliver 'like Mike'. Mike's patience, targeted tuition it was vital we insisted and demanded the and guidance enabled Oliver to enjoy and best. utilise the world of photography as a tool When we started to look at college options for him to record what he sees in the way for young people with Down Syndrome we he sees it. It is also something that brings found ourselves becoming particularly him a sense of achievement and self disheartened. Being told your son’s only esteem. Oliver now dreams of being a option is ‘Life Skills’ and he can’t possibly professional landscape and wildlife do ‘motor vehicle maintenance’ because it photographer. His dreams came a step would be pointless, is deeply hurtful, cruel closer to reality during a weekend last and unfair “When exactly would you tell November, when we held his first formal him that he’ll never be a mechanic?” photography exhibition at the Old School asked the local college’s Special Hall, Westonzoyland, Somerset. Educational Needs (SEN) representative curtly. “I’m not expecting him to be a mechanic” I replied “but that doesn’t mean he couldn’t ever have a part time job working in a garage?” Needless to say we went to a different college, spilled my passion and commitment onto a lovely, much less condescending SEN representative. We told her all about Oliver’s desire to be a photographer and between us, with much negotiation and information, got my son as the first young person with Down Syndrome on their mainstream Diploma Course for Art Design & Media. Where there’s a will etc. These young people have as much right as you or I to be a valued and contributing member of their local community and society. Life with Oliver is all about 'enjoying the We were thrilled with the turnout, which madness' as my husband describes it. included many people who have played a Although life can be challenging it is positive part in supporting Oliver certainly never dull!! Oliver is funny, throughout his life. I believe many people amazing, and provides his own very came along ‘to be kind’ and were then unique perspective on the world and we genuinely surprised to find that actually, are all much richer for his being here. his photographs are very good and we Oliver wants to be 'a professional photog- were staggered at the numbers of cards, rapher'. After everything else he has mounted and framed prints and canvasses achieved against all the odds, who out we sold. there dares to say he can't!

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Benefits - Change from DLA to PIP Is there a benefit to all this? A balance of information is sometimes hard to find. It has become big business to be a “spin doctor” in industry, in politics and in campaigning. I was alerted to a recent article by “The Hardest Hit” campaign and wondered how true their argument was. I will give you some facts seasoned with opinion from both side and let you decide. It’s important to state at all levels that opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of Compass Disability Services, but offered to encourage debate.

“Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is Disability Living Allowance was introduced the new benefit intended to cut the in 1992 and has not been fundamentally benefits bill at the expense of sick and reviewed or reformed since. There is disabled claimants. PIP will replace confusion about the purpose of the Disability Living Allowance for working age benefit, it is complex to claim and there is claimants and, the government hopes, no systematic way of checking that reduce the current cost of DLA by at least awards remain correct. 20% as a result.” On 8 March 2012 the Welfare Reform Act received Royal Assent. The Act legislates . . . to make the benefits and tax credits systems fairer and simpler by: • creating the right incentives to get more people into work; “Hundreds of thousands of disabled • protecting the most vulnerable in our people will lose their independence under society; the final Regulations for Personal • delivering fairness to those claiming Independence Payment (PIP) published benefit and to the taxpayer. on 13 December. New and highly “To ensure that people continue to receive restrictive criteria for the enhanced the right level of benefit we may reassess Mobility Component (for people with a claimants needs within an award period physical difficulties getting around) have to ensure that it is still correct. This will been introduced. Also the regulations do also be based on individual circumstances not include reference to “safely, reliably, and the likelihood of changes occurring.” repeatedly and in a timely manner” – vital “Individuals attending face to face to ensuring people can really undertake an consultations will be able to take a family activity.” member, carer or someone else with them.” 18 www.compassdisability.org.uk Networker 02 2013 12/02/2013 13:20 Page 19

Benefits - Change from DLA to PIP

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) This is a short condensed guide. Any claim will be subject to the completion and consideration of an application. Disability Living Allowance Personal Independence Payment (DLA) (PIP) is a tax-free benefit for children and adults - - be age 16-64 who need help with personal care or have - - satisfy the daily living and/or mobility walking difficulties because they are activities test for 3 months prior to physically or mentally disabled. claiming and be likely to continue to satisfy this test for a period of at You may get Disability Living Allowance if: least 9 months after claiming. - - you have a physical or mental - pass the residence and presence disability, or both tests - - your disability is severe enough for - - you will not be able to claim PIP you to need help caring for yourself once you are 65 years old but you - - or you have walking difficulties will be able to stay on PIP if you or both claimed or received it before you - - you are under 65 when you claim reached 65. - - you can receive PIP whether you are in or out of work. If you have a terminal illness (that is if you are suffering from a progressive disease where death can be expected within 6 months) you will automatically receive the daily living component enhanced rate. You will also be able to apply for the mobility component and receive it immediately if you qualify. If you are in a Care Home you will be entitled to the Mobility Component so long as you satisfy the qualifying conditions. If you are paid PIP you are free to spend the money in the way that suits you best.

The Activities Tests In order to qualify for PIP you will have score a certain number of points in relation to 12 activities. These are: 1 Preparing food. 9 Engaging with other people face to 2 Taking nutrition. face. 3 Managing therapy or monitoring a 10 Making budgeting decisions. health condition. 11 Planning and following journeys (used 4 Washing and bathing. in the test for the Mobility Component). 5 Managing toilet needs or incontinence. 12 Moving around (used in the test for the 6 Dressing and undressing. mobility component). 7 Communicating verbally. 8 Reading and understanding signs, symbols and words.

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Benefits - Change from DLA to PIP

Each activity has a set of ‘descriptors’ or definitions (please contact us if you need full details). Points are awarded for each activity that you cannot do based on whether you fit a descriptor within those activities. If you can show that a descriptor applies to you for 6 months within a 12 month period you will be awarded the appropriate points. If more than one descriptor applies you will be awarded whichever descriptor gives you the most points. For a descriptor to apply you must be able to reliably complete the activity as described in the descriptor. ‘Reliably’ means whether they can do so: • Safely –the activity must be unlikely to cause harm to you or to another person. • To a necessary and appropriate standard – given the nature of the activity. • Repeatedly – as often as is reasonably required. • In a timely manner – in a reasonable time period. When deciding this a decision maker should take into account any pain, breathlessness or tiredness you feel when carrying out an activity. If you have a fluctuating condition the most appropriate descriptor will be the one which is likely to apply for the greatest proportion of that time. If you are waiting for further treatment, the descriptor that applies to you will be based on your existing situation rather than based on assumptions about any future improvement in your health. • The entitlement thresholds (pass mark) for the rates and components of the PIP are: • Living component (activities 1 to 10) • Standard rate: 8 points • Enhanced rate: 12 points • Mobility component (activities 11 to12) • Standard rate: 8 points • Enhanced rate: 12 points

How will the activities tests be applied? In most cases you will be asked to attend a face-to-face consultation with an independent HealthCare Professional (HCP). At the consultation the HCP looks at your ability to carry out the PIP activities. The HCP will look at your claim form and any medical evidence from your GP or consultant, if you have one. You will be able to take someone with you to the consultation such as a family member or carer. Following the consultation the HCP will advise a benefit decision maker at the Department for Work and Pensions who will be the one who actually decides if you are entitled to PIP and which component applies. The decision maker will also decide the length of your award and the date when it will be reviewed, based on the likelihood of your health condition or impairment changing. Depending on your circumstances you may get a short award of up to 2 years or a longer award lasting up to 5 or 10 years. If you are given a longer award you may still be contacted, during this time, to see if your needs have changed. The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) have produced a PIP Assessment Guide, available at www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/pip-assessment-guide.pdf.

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Benefits - Change from DLA to PIP

Residence and Presence Tests In order to claim personal independence normally you must: • have been present in Great Britain for 104 weeks out of the 156 weeks before claiming (2 out of the last 3 years) • be habitually resident

If you are currently receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and you are between the ages of 16 and 64, when PIP is introduced in April 2013, you will be sent a written invitation to claim PIP to see if you satisfy the rules for the new benefit. If you pass the PIP test you will be awarded it straight away. You will not have to meet the PIP three month qualifying period but you will have to satisfy the nine month test. There are currently no proposals to migrate you onto PIP if you are a child under 16 or an adult on attendance allowance or over 65 and claiming DLA.

PIP and Carer’s Allowance The Government intends that both the daily living components of PIP will act as a passport to Carer’s Allowance in the same way as the middle and higher rate care component of Disability Living Allowance.

Do you directly employ a Personal Assistant through Direct Payment or other means? If you do, there is funding available through Skills for Care to cover the cost of training, development and/or qualifications for you and/or your personal assistant. This funding is from the Department of Health, allocated by Skills for Care. The Workforce Development Fund (WDF) aims to support the ongoing development of people working in the adult care sector. What training will be funded under this scheme? Skills for Care will fund any training, development or qualifications that meet the needs of the individual employer and/or their personal assistant and can demonstrate value for money. Any training must be applied for and paid for by 31st March 2013. If approved, grants will be allocated on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis and will be paid directly into the applicant’s bank account which enable the costs of the training to be paid before the training starts or on commencement of the training. So why wait? Get an application in to avoid missing out. Application form and guidance Download the grant funding application form and guidance from the Skills for Care website www.skillsforcare.org.uk Questions Any questions about this funding? Contact the Skills for Care's Information Officer on 0113 241 1275 or email: [email protected]

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Training & Education

Bridgwater College is located in the heart of Somerset

Bridgwater College has a key role to play, in ensuring that the community it serves can derive maximum benefit from learning and training opportunities. Our commitment to this extends beyond the care and education of young people; we recognise that we also have a vital role to play in meeting the training needs of local employers and their current workforce. The College has an excellent reputation both regionally and nationally as a highly successful provider of education and training. The College: • Is a Learning and Skills Beacon status College • Has been designated an Outstanding College by Ofsted • Received 11 National Beacon Awards in recent years • Meets the Matrix Standard for information, advice and guidance services • Is accredited with the Training Quality Standard for provision to employers Our examination and course results consistently place us amongst the best of all education and training providers in the South West. Bridgwater College caters for more than 15,000 full and part-time students and employs more than 1,000 staff. The student population comprises approximately 3,500 16 - 18 year olds, as well as 700 students following higher education programmes. There is a growing international community, with students studying from over 35 different countries. Bridgwater College is a leading provider of business training to employers across Somerset and have an excellent track record in providing certificated and bespoke training solutions for the business community. Physical Access: Most areas of Bridgwater College are accessible to all students. Corridors are wide and classes are generally timetabled within one building to minimise the need for travel and the risk of getting wet. The majority of buildings feature automatic doors and lifts and there are reserved drop-off and parking bays across the Bridgwater centre. Internal fire doors are held open magnetically and there are fire refuge areas for those who cannot manage staircases. The Restaurant has flexible seating to allow for wheelchair users.

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Commercial

prism advert

Order your bouquets from Charity Flowers ... and raise vital funds for Compass Disability Services! Please help raise vital funds for Compass Disability Services by buying flowers for your loved one this Easter. How to order • Call the 24-hour order hotline 08705 300600 and quote ‘CDS’ • Order online at www.charityflowers.co.uk and select ‘Compass Disability Services’ from the drop down menu.

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Mencap Update Matthew finds his Faith

Matthew is a local man with a learning Spring Harvest is the largest Christian disability who has been living in Mencap festival in the country and is held in supported living services in Warminster for Minehead each year. many years. Mencap have supported Matthew attended this in April 2012 and is Matthew with many different aspects of hoping to go next year and be a volunteer. day to day life for several years. With the support of the team from Matthew recently lost a friend, very dear to Mencap, Matthew also got the opportunity him. “He was my best friend and to become part of an event held at the encouraged me and motivated me to get baptism church this year called Prospects. involved in things in the Christian community. I lost my best friend in November 2010 as he was taken from us suddenly. I lost my motivation and did not want to get involved with things without Sam, but I knew that Sam would want me to carry on and achieve.” Back in August 2011, with the help of his Mencap Support Team, Matthew decided to start a bible study group for people with learning disabilities. “My faith was strong and I wanted to share this with others. I discussed my ideas with a Mencap Support Worker. She supported me to make contact with a local pub called the Masons Arms and they kindly provided me with a venue to hold my group.” This event gave people with learning The first meeting was a great success and disabilities the opportunity to come and Matthew has been holding explore what the church has to offer while meetings weekly ever since. The meetings taking part in craft activities and drama are attended by five to six people with groups. My biggest achievement for 2012 learning disabilities from the Baptist was to be welcomed into the congregation Church that he attends. on 8th January where I was baptised in “We read passages from the Bible and the presence of my family and fellow hold discussions about the passage and church goers. My future goal is to increase ask each other questions.” the number of people attending my Bible Having faith has led Matthew to many study groups and to help organise more other opportunities “the last thing my events in the community and within the friend Sam wanted me to do before he church for people with learning died was to go to Spring Harvest”. disabilities.”

24 www.compassdisability.org.uk Networker 02 2013 12/02/2013 13:20 Page 25

Networker

Mencapap DirecDirect

Learningearning disability advice and services

#FXKEG #FXQECE[ *QWUKPI .GCTPKPI .GKUWTG 5WRRQTV 9QTM

Registereded charity number 222377 (England, Northern IrIreland and Wales);ales); SC041079 (Scotland) 2012.087_09.12

Joanne Lindsay Counselling MBACP www.joannelindsay-counselling.co.uk 07899 048256 or 01823 210077 [email protected] Find your safe space to grow

For some, counselling or therapy is the difference between life and death, for others it’s the chance to feel truly heard, or the opportunity to explore themselves & find out who they are. There is no ‘one therapy fits all’ approach. I have extensive understanding and training in several approaches. I work & adapt my skills to you & your needs. This is “integrative counselling”. My Services I run a relatively low cost Private Practice close to the centre of Taunton with one to one sessions costing £30 per hour. Discounts are available to those on low-income, benefits and students. I also offer affordable workshops and groups across Somerset as an addition to therapy or an alternative option — known as ‘The Ripple Effect’ process. Workshops £50 (4 hours) Groups £200 (2 hour sessions over 8 weeks)

How to Balance your mind, body & weight Understanding yourself Understanding Anxiety Understanding your inner child Understanding Anger How to be more confident How to calm down and think straight How to be happier How to play and have fun Understanding your sub-personalities Understanding Depression Understanding Relationships

www.compassdisability.org.uk 25 Networker 02 2013 12/02/2013 13:20 Page 26 Providing skills, training and leisure courses across Somerset Adults with Learning Difficulties Apprenticeships & NVQs Arts & Crafts Business, Accounting & IT Engineering & Construction English and Maths Exercise & Wellbeing Family Learning Health & Social Care Information, Advice & Guidance Horticulture Languages Legislative Courses Leisure & Time Out Online Courses for Leisure & Health Professionals Performing Arts & Media Return to Learn

Our Disability Team is available at SS&L centres across the county to support adults and young people in learning as required. 0845 688 0488 www.learnsomerset.co.uk Networker 02 2013 12/02/2013 13:20 Page 27

Training and Learning

Each year Somerset Skills & Learning Somerset and you can join at any time. runs over 600 courses in over eighty For those wanting to ease their way back different venues across Somerset, plus a into learning, Somerset Skills & Learning programme of exciting internet based offer a wide variety of leisure courses from learning opportunities accessible from arts & crafts to computing and from your own home computer. Somerset Skills horticulture and floristry to music and & Learning offer a large programme for dancing, there’s something for everyone! adults with learning difficulties including SS&L’s Disability Team are trained and life skills and employability courses. ready to assist and can meet you to make For those going back to work after time an assessment of your specific needs in off, we have lots to offer. The careers order to make arrangements to address advisers offer free, impartial information, these. They are available across the advice and guidance on the best route to county to support as required. take. Maybe you need to plug a gap on Somerset Skills & Learning also offers a your CV or wish to update previous wide range of Apprenticeships, Health & qualifications? If so, there are free Maths Social Care and Higher Education and English courses taking place across courses. For details of everything they offer, call 0845 688 0488 or visit their website www.learnsomerset.co.uk. The next Sedgemoor Disability Forum

will take place on Tuesday 26th February 2013 from 10.30am until 2.30pm at St John Ambulance Headquarters, St John House, Woodlands Court Business Park, Bristol Road, Bridgwater, TA6 4FJ.

Representatives attending this Forum and topics to be discussed are as follows; • Carol Harmon, Department of Work and Pensions will be providing an update on the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and other benefit changes. • Martin Giles, Sedgemoor District Councils Benefit Service will be giving an up date on changes taking place with local benefits. • Lucie CooperWatson, Compass Carers, providing information on the new Carers Support Service in the area. • Elspeth Bridges, Delivering Independence Service, Somerset County Council will be providing an overview of the criteria for care services in Somerset and Direct Payments. Transport, care and communication support can be arranged for this meeting. If you would like to attend, please contact mandy on 01823 282823 or email [email protected]. We are also able to reimburse mileage costs if you are able to make your own way to the meeting.

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Accessible days out

“Carers go free at The Brewhouse!” The Brewhouse tell us they are committed If you are or care for a wheelchair user, or to making all forms of art as accessible as a person with mobility issues, please possible to ensure your visit to their mention this when booking your tickets for performances is an enjoyable one. performances in the Studio. Therefore, they offer a wide range of The Café Bar and restaurant area is facilities and performances to ensure that accessible to all. If you are a wheelchair your experience is comfortable and user please let them know when booking pleasurable. your table in the restaurant and a suitable They outline that they understand the table will be selected for you. difficulties carers face when taking people Accessible toilet facilities are available in to the theatre and are passionate about both the Box O6ffice and up the ramp in removing barriers and ensuring the Café Bar. accessibility for all. In order to encourage more people to experience the fantastic The Brewhouse drama, music, dance and film we host, Theatre & Arts Centre The Brewhouse continues to offer free Coal Orchard tickets for carers. Taunton Somerset TA1 1JL All entrances to The Brewhouse and its Box office: 01823 283244 venues are wheelchair accessible. Three wheelchair positions (3ft 4in x 3ft 4 in) are Admin: 01823 274608 available in the Main House. The Fax: 01823 323116 Brewhouse Studio is easily accessible for Email: [email protected] wheelchair users.

“The Barber of Seville” “Wasted”

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Networker Some days in the life of Compass Disability Services On page six, our Business Development Manager Rachel gives a quick insight into some of the ways Compass Disability Services is put together. Fundraising is an essential part of what we do, but there is a lot of effort that goes on behind the scenes.

We had to purchase a container as We have gazebos for exhibitions storage space was becoming scarce that need to be maintained

New contracts mean more staff so we We hire out meeting rooms which are have taken on new premises maintained with a spring in our step

Training and development is ongoing. Disability is too important an issue to be All staff are involved taken “too” seriously Between July 2012 & January 2013, Compass Disability Services have increased it’s salaried staff numbers by more than 88%. We are currently interviewing for more posts. Each position is filled with full regard to the 2010 Equalities Act.

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National news

Calibre Audio Library is a charity that provides a subscription free, audio book postal and streaming service. This service is for people who cannot see well enough to read print due to visual impairment, dyslexia or a physical disability. The 6,200 fiction and non-fiction digital titles are available on USB memory sticks, by MP3, on CDs or via streaming. Streaming is a service where Calibre audio books are delivered to you live as you listen using the internet, as opposed to ‘downloads’ where the complete book is delivered before you start listening. You can listen to them on internet enabled devices. Internet enabled devices are numerous and can include computers, tablets and smart phones. Many TVs are now internet enabled as are many games consoles. In addition to this new service, our library catalogue now includes a sample audio clip for all digital books. Anyone can listen to the audio sample - you do not have to be a member. For a one-off administration fee of £35 for adults or £20 for under 16’s, people can join Calibre and receive a regular supply of books for as long as they wish. A signed membership form is required. The form can be downloaded from our website www.calibre.org.uk or our Membership Services team can put a form in the post to you. We also offer Group Membership options. Please ask for details You can contact the team on 01296 432 339 or email [email protected].

Radar keys are available from Compass Disability Services

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

Providers of disabled toilets fit Radar locks to ensure their facilities are in good condition. Over 25 years, the scheme has been adopted by over 400 local authorities and many transport, retail and leisure providers.

The availability of appropriately designed lavatories in public places is essential if disabled people are to be able to engage in their communities and take part in everyday activities.

n RADAR keys are available in standard size or with an easy turn/larger head (above) from Compass Disability Services. Orders can be placed by calling 01823 282823 with payment made by credit or debit card (£4.25 each) or collected in person (£3.25 each).

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Local sport Lucy Shuker, Taunton tennis star, in strong Australian Open performance

Ash Priors' British women’s No. 1 Shuker and Buis faced Dutch top seeds wheelchair tennis player Lucy Shuker has Jiske Griffioen and Aniek van Koot in attained a new career high singles ranking Friday’s final and the Anglo-Dutch pairing, this week and after reaching her first playing together in only their second Australian Open singles semi-final. tournament, led 4-3 in the first set and She has also equalled her career best came from a break down to level the doubles ranking after also reaching her second set at 3-3 before London 2012 second Australian Open doubles final last Paralympic silver medallists Griffioen and week at Melbourne Park. Vergeer secured the title 6-4, 6-3. Shuker has moved up one place to No. 6 in the women’s singles rankings to equal the highest ever world ranking achieved by a British women’s player, emulating former British No. 1 and four-time Paralympian Janet McMorran. Shuker reached her first singles semi-final in Melbourne after a stirring recovery to beat Australian world No. 8 Daniela di Toro 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 in her opening match at the Australian Open. Shuker then put up a fine effort against “It was a memorable Australian Open for world No. 4 Sabine Ellerbrock in their me and my results have brought their own semi-final, but the German player held on rewards with my rankings this week,” said to win 7-6(1), 7-5. London 2012 women’s doubles bronze In the doubles rankings Shuker had medallist Shuker. “I wasn’t that far off moved up to No. 4 this week, equalling her Sabine in the semi-final and will keep best that she first attained in 2010. working towards trying to reach my first Second seeds Shuker and Grand Slam singles. In the doubles Marjolein Buis of the Netherlands came Marjolein and I had been finalists at the from behind in the first set of their Sydney International in our first Australian open doubles semi-final to beat tournament together in the build up to the Ellerbrock and Sharon Walraven of the Australian Open, so hopefully we will get Netherlands 7-5, 6-3 giving Shuker a the chance to play together again in the place in her second Australian Open final future after two finals from two since 2010. tournaments.”

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Have your say

Hi, I would like to take this opportunity to ask any of you whether you know of a young person aged 19-25 and has a learning disability would be interested in attending a course at Exeter College? I team lead a course named APEX (adult provision exeter) which consists at present of 2 separate courses one focusing on work skills and the other on life skills, 2 days a week and for 34 weeks of the year term time only. I will be holding an open event on Tuesday 12th Feb from 3 until 6 o'clock at the Guildhall, Exeter. If you think you may know of anyone who might be interested or can pass these details on, I would be grateful. Also if you would like more information please contact me by ringing 01392 400549, or email [email protected]. Many thanks, Sharon Gilborson, Apex Team Leader

Dear Networker, From the editor Thank you for your items on “invisible Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls! If you disabilities”. I believe that not “looking” are sitting comfortably, be very, very grateful. In disabled is a major disadvantage. I have this edition we are questioning the new rules for a chronic condition that means for a great claiming certain benefits. The simple message deal of my week I struggle to breathe is, if in doubt, get help, get advice. Don’t worry effectively. On a bad day I find it hard to walk as far as the toilet and have found & don’t struggle. Get help get advice. myself in hospital several times in the last If you help or look out for another human being, year, when I found breathing almost especially if you don’t get paid, you are impossible. On a good day I can get to probably a carer. Compass Disability Services, the shops, although never on my own. I working as ‘Compass Carers’ have been do get out socially, but again, never alone awarded the contract to provide support and never without ensuring I have taken services for the unpaid carers of Somerset. my array of medication and always with Have a look at the new magazine, Website, my inhaler. Facebook etc. or maybe call the helpline or track However to glance at me you would see a down one of our outreach workers and see if woman. No sticks, they wouldn’t help, no here is some support or advice out there for you. crutches, no limbs missing, no wheel Contact [email protected] chair. or phone Clive on 01823 282823, if you would I am dreading the day when I am on like to contribute to Networker, Compass permanent oxygen but find comfort knowing that people like Compass Carers or one of our many online contact Disability are trying to help even me. S media.

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

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Somerset Disabled CC invite you to Sunday morning coaching sessions at Taunton School Sports Hall (unless marked*) from 10am—12pm

17 February, 23 February*, 3 March, 10 March, 17 March, 23 March*, 7 April, 14 April, 21 April, 28 April.

*Sessions held on Saturdays at Centre of Excellence, County Ground, Somerset CCC.

For further information please contact: Julian Bellew: 0785 5507515 / [email protected] Networker 02 2013 12/02/2013 13:20 Page 34

Useful Numbers & Helplines

Somerset Primary Care Trust North Somerset Primary Care Trust Wynford House, Lufton Way Yeovil, Somerset, Waverley House, Old Church Road, BA22 8HR. Tel: 01935 384000 Fax: 01935 384079 Clevedon, North Somerset, BS21 6NN Email: [email protected] Tel: 01275 546770 Fax: 01275 546769

Somerset Patient Advice and Liaison Service Nth. Somerset Patient Advice & Liaison Service NHS Somerset, Freepost RRKL-XKSC- ACSG Yeovil, Waverley House, Old Church Road, Clevedon, BA22 8HR Tel: 0800 0851067 North Somerset, BS21 6NN Email: [email protected] Tel: 0800 923 2222 (Freephone) Email: [email protected] Somerset Direct Care Connect North Somerset PO Box 618, Taunton, TA1 3WF. North Somerset Council, Town Hall, Tel: 0845 3459133 Minicom: 0800 7834518 Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1UJ. Email: [email protected] Tel: 01275 888801 Minicom: 01275 888805 Email: [email protected] Equality and Human Rights Commission RADAR Freepost RRLL-GHUX-CTRX, Arndale House, 12 City Forum, 250 City Road, London, EC1V 8AF Arndale Centre, Manchester, M4 3AQ Tel: 020 7250 3222 Minicom: 020 7250 4119 Tel: 0845 6046610 Textphone: 0845 604 6620 Email: [email protected] Website: www.equalityhumanrights.com

Agoraphobics United 02392 610391 Anxiety UK Anxious or Depressed? 08444 775774 Autism Helpline Aspergers/Autism 08450 704004 B-eat eating disorders Eating disorder support 08456 341414 Benefits Advice Line 08444 153905 Benefits Advice Support 08008 82200 Macmillan Cancer Support 08088 080000 Combat Stress Services & ex-Services 01372 587087 Disability & Age Discrimination 0161 8298303 Domestic Abuse 0800 6949999 Disability Hate Crime Hate crime advice (Somerset) 01823 282823 Macmillan Cancer Support 0808 80000 ManKind Initiative For male abuse victims 01823 334244 Mindline (Somerset) Someone to listen (Somerset) 01823 276892 NSPCC Helpline Children and Young People 0808 8005000 Sex & Sexuality Discrimination 0161 8298403 Shelter National Helpline Housing advice 0808 8004444 Somerset Against Hate Crime 0756 8109961 Somerset Direct County Support Services 0845 3459133 Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide ------0844 5616855 WomanKind For female Abuse Victims 0845 4582914

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We aim to educate and train young people who are disabled, disadvantaged or disengaged, through sail training and shore based activities, developing their physical, mental and spiritual capacities. We trust they may grow to full maturity as individuals and members of society and that their conditions of life may be improved.

The Break Free Foundation is a new project set up to address the growing unemployment issues with young people in the UK. Using the Marine medium we will be taking young people from all walks of life and initially giving them transferable life skills, on short trips and activities. This will lead on to a Bursary taking the young people to a commercial level. We need your support, please

If you would like to support the ‘Break Free Foundation’ please contact us. There are several supporters packages available or we will gladly accept donations in-kind. As an individual you can support us as well. We have a wish list for equipment / parts we need to complete the boat. If you wish, you can specify a use for the money you send us. If you would rather, you can get the item / supply materials list from us.

Break Free Foundation 2 Gosforth Close Southmead Bristol BS10 6RZ

Telephone : 0751 732 0612 Email : [email protected] Facebook : www.facebook.com/breakfreefoundation Website : www.breakfreefoundation.org Networker 02 2013 12/02/2013 13:20 Page 36

Delicious & Nutritious food for busy Carers. Shops in Taunton & Wells. Home Delivery available 01823 323001

Shops in Taunton and Wells and home delivery available across Somerset Corporation Street, 13 Broad Street, Taunton TA1 4AW Wells BA5 2DJ Tel: 01823 323001 Tel: 01749 677726