DISCUSS! INVOLVE! ENGAGE!
Event Report Mary Seacole Housing Association
PINE-D UK National Event
21 January 2016
Luton, UK
558121-CITIZ-1-2014-1-AT-CITIZ-CIV This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication [communication] reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Event Report Mary Seacole Housing Association PINE-D UK National Event
1. Event Agenda
Provide programme overview [e.g. copy agenda]
UK Event Programme and Notes Time Programme Notes Leader 0900-1030 Preparation of the hall PINE-D Exhibition Setting up exhibitions MSHA Exhibition Luton Borough Council Exhibition National Agency Exhibition A-Plan Insurance display 1030-1100 Registration Tea, Coffee and Biscuits on arrival Diane Hughes Networking Sarah Connelly
1100-1115 MC brings event to order and The Mayor’s speech is prepared and will be MC= Audrey welcomes the Mayor, dignitaries placed o nthe lectern and other participants. Lewis Mayor of Luton The Mayor of Luton opens the event. 1115-1130 MSHA presentation -Powerpoint presentation Elaine Cruise -Film about a vulnerable male client -Film about a vulnerable female client 1130-1150 Introduction QWIZDOM Introduction to QWIZDOM in preparation Lennox Adams So you think you know about for the evaluation near the end of the Europe - Part 1? event. QWIZDOM is the augmentative technology to help participants express their views easily and quickly
QWIZDOM game about geographical and economic features of European Community 1150-1210 So you think you know about A flag game that brings out Information and Paul Wiltshire Europe - Part 2? discussion about social aspects of the
European Comunity
There will be 4 flags per table. A participant will raise the flag and give relevant information in linking the flag to the country or information among other activities 1210-1230 What are my rights in Europe? YES or NO game. Each participant has 2 Maya Patel paddles to raise according to statement linked to Euroepan rights. 1230-1300 European culture Piper from the Irish Forum Performers Turkish dances from Leicester 1300-1330 Lunch The menu reflected a broad taste of Connors Café Europe.
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1330-1345 European culture Turkish dances from Leicester Performers 1345-1420 Evaluation for all participants, Refresher on how to use QWIZDOM Lennox Adams responses to the PINE-D questions The 3 PINE-D questions, as expanded by L Target 76-100 using QWIZDOM and Adams, D Cooper and C Coggins. Each PINE- manual methods D question is split into a number of parts presented in a Powerpoint presentation and QWIZDOM as the augmentative and alternative communication vehicle 1420-1450 European experiences Discussion based on personal European Matthew Contributors include: experiences on topics raised by the Bushnell Donna Kelly audience. Contributors Agnieszka Loch Nicole Christophi Members of the audience taking turns to Peter Cowans lead secions of this part of the programme Lennox Adams including: Martin Blowen - Immigrants - People who have worked abroad - Disabled travellers 1450-1500 Close of the main event The must be mention of the final Audrey Lewis Thanks to all participants conference in Graz in June 2016, which will Thanks to officials be an international event hosted by the City Thanks to dignitaries of Graz. MSHA is to send a minimum of 3 participants. Transfer to Luton Town Hall 1500-1700 Extension activity based at Luton Discussion continues under the guidance of Shohir Uddin Town Hall S.Uddin and M.Drummond concluding with Maureen the completion of responses to PINE-D Drummond questions
2. Event Promotion
Please give a short overview of your event promotion concept and invitation/registration process. [e.g. list dissemination activities, invitation letter, who was approached, publications, posts, online or paper registration...]
1. Methodology
Event promotion followed a clear methodology of disseminating at different levels, see table below and the dissemination log in the Annexes.
Level of dissemination Disseminators
MSHA LBC OTHER
Primary level Internal dissemination Internal dissemination Dissemination to Friends
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to 7 MSHA hostels to LBC Departments of Mary Seacole
Dissemination to Dissemination to Dissemination to sector organisations organisations dealing businesses with disabilities Dissemination by National Agency
Secondary Level Dissemination to Dissemination to Social Dissemination to Keyworkers Workers, Parents, professionals Carers
Tertiary Level Dissemination to Dissemination to Dissemination to clients clients interested parties
Quaternary level Client to client Client to client Individual to individual dissemination dissemination dissemination
2. Planning meetings
The event was considered to be of importance to Luton and so, Luton Borough Council was invited to play a role in planning the event so that the event would be a success. The planning meetings began in May 2015 when the project was launched officially at the Dallow Ward Community Day Event. The Mayor of Luton opened the PINE-D stall and Officers from Luton Borough Council assisted. The PINE- D stall played a role in the “Your Say, Your Way” research, where PINE-D supplied visitors’ responses on matters regarding Europe. The Community Event was a few days before the General Election and PINE-D provided useful information about people’s feelings on the day. A candidate for Member of Parliament visited the stall to air his views. The Community Day tested the efficacy of the 3 PINE-D questions. At the planning meeting that followed the Community Event it was clear that the questions could not be asked in their raw state. This was because people with a disability did not understand the questions and responded - “DON’T KNOW” - to every the questions. Others responded “DON’T CARE”. As a result, the planning meetings that took place between June 2016 and October 2015 were concerned with making the questions more accessible and finding ways to make sure that members of the target audience participated on the day of the event. There were 4 planning meetings and 4 testing sessions in this period. MSHA was grateful for the inputs of Prof. Chris Coggins and Dr David Cooper for their critical evaluation of question accessibility. In November and December 2015 there were 2 further tests of the questions. MSHA and LBC were satisfied that the PINE-D questions were now accessible and that a lighter approach should be taken during the event to maintain the interest of the target audience. Research undertaken during this period indicated that the target audience was not sufficiently knowledgeable in “matters European” to give reliable responses. As a result, it was decided to precede the PINE-D questions with sessions of “edutainment”, where general and pertinent information about the European Union would be taught and discussed. The education portion included:
- Geography of the countries of European Union - General History of the European Union
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- General Economics of the European Union - Important personnel in the European Union - The rights of people in the European Union - Important identifying features of selected countries of the European Union - Some recent events occurring the European Union During the period August 2015 to December 2015 we were disappointed twice when the venues for the PINE-D event mistakenly cancelled our reservation. It transpired that the venues’ computer systems could not record a booking for 2016 during 2015. Despite this, and with the help of LBC, a suitable venue was found.
Planning meetings increased in frequency in January, culminating in a full dress rehearsal a few days before the actual event. The rehearsal included:
- Setting up and testing QWIZDOM for up to 100 participants - Testing Facebook and Twitter - Timing the portions of the event led by a specific person and the work of the Master of Ceremonies - The work of the roving photographer and collector of sound-bites during the event - Dealing with latecomers and early leavers
3. List of invitations to organisation
The list of organisations invited to the event was jointly overseen by MSHA and LBC – the latter having access to all the organisations dealing with disabled people and vulnerable people in the Luton Region. Invitations were accepted from:
- Signposts (for homeless people with a disability) - Elmecom Ltd - A-Plan Insurance (specialists in insuring people with disabilities) - Luton Drugs and Alcohol service - Departments of LBC dealing with Youth and Disability - Spicer and Co - Penrose (for disabled or vulnerable people in supported accommodation) - Luton Borough Councillors - CAFPH (for people affected with HIV/AIDS) - Luton Culture The invitation list was considerably greater including organisations dealing with a broad range of disabilities. LBC was on hand to arrange transport to the venue if required.
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4. Registration of participating organisations by telephone, email and hard copy
Registration for the event was made available by e-mail, telephone or post. This advice was recommended by LBC because different organisations operate in different ways.
5. PINE-D competition for vulnerable and disabled young people
In order to stimulate interest among disabled and disadvantaged young people, MSHA organised a poster design competition. The participants were invited to create a modern, colourful poster to advertise the event. The winning posters were to be used internally at the organisations registered to participate in the event. The winning posters, see below, were displayed at the event and the composers were identified and praised at the event.
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6. Flyers Posters and invitations
The dissemination methodology was supported by the use of:
- Posters and flyers - Invitation cards (see examples below showing the covers of the 4-page documents) - Invitation letters
Each organisation or business invited to participate, received an invitation letter. There were 3 types of invitation letters:
- National Agency type: in which participation required a presentation, exhibition
- Sector organisation type: in which the participation required attendance at the event
- Celebrity invitation types: in which the participation required a speech to open the event and set the tone of the event programme
7. MSHA Newsletters
MSHA uses monthly newsletters to publicize its activities and achievements. The newsletters are posted on the MSHA website, sent out by e-mail or by post to clients, stakeholders, sector organisations and local government agencies. The newsletters in November and December 2015 publicised the PINE-D event to a wider audience by reporting PINE-D preparatory activities and the Event poster. An extract of the December 2015 newsletter follows:
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[min. ½ page]
3. Event Description
Please provide a short description of your event by including information on:
Format, time frame, location, duration, main contents, speakers...
UK Event Statistics
Format: Main Hall: Cabaret style floor arrangement. In order to maximize the event there was an anticipated through flow of participants during the day
Duration and Time frame: 1 day (10h30-17h00) Location: The Hat Factory, Luton and Luton Town Hall
Number of participants registered for the full day’s events: 78 Number of participants attending for a part of the day: 16
Number of participants completing the PINE-D questions: 94 Number of disabled participants: 34
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Speakers and contributors
The Master of Ceremonies (MC) was Mrs Audrey Lewis, Chief Executive of MSHA. Mrs Lewis is a well- known lobbyist for disadvantaged and vulnerable young people in the East of England
Mayor of Luton opened the event and expressed the importance of the project in terms of research
Elaine Cruise: MSHA Manager, specialist in facilitating the development of disadvantaged young people
Lennox Adams: PINE-D Project Coordinator in UK, Lecturer, specialist in the education of visually impaired people
Paul Wiltshire: Bedfordshire Mental Health Network, specialist in the needs of vulnerable and disabled young people
Maya Patel: MSHA Coordinator, facilitator for the development of disadvantaged young people
Matthew Bushell led the discussion on European Experiences. There were contributions from: - Donna Kelly – related her visit to a school fo disabled children in Romnia in 2014 - Nicole Christophi – comparative view of her visit to Romania in 2015 - Agnieszka Loch – a citizen of Poland now living and working in UK - Peter Cowans – disabled traveller in Europe - Lennox Adams – related the problems of travellers with severe disabilities - Martin Blowen – matters of insurance for people with a disability
3.1 Participants profile
Give a clear participants profile [e.g. target groups, stakeholders, decision makers, different countries represented....]
The size of the target audience is 76-100 participants. It was agreed that some 50% of the participants should have a disability. It was agreed that disability could be visible or invisible, classified as follows:
Classification Disability Profile (aged 16-60+) Represented at the UK event Visible disability Visual impairment Yes Physical impairment Yes Invisible disability Hearing impairment Yes Mental disabilities Yes Highly vulnerable Yes Disengaged from society Yes Highly disadvantaged Yes Learning disorder/disability Yes
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In order to attract disabled participants, the invitation card included the statement “Disabled friendly access”. The remaining invitees comprised accompanying staff for the disabled participants, invited guests and volunteers.
The invited participants came from a range of organisations in Bedfordshire, targeted as follow: 25 participants from MSHA, who are able to participate for the full programme; 10 participants from sector organisations, who can participate for the full programme; 20 participants disabled from a range of organisations, who can participate for the full programme, invited from: - Sight Concern - Penrose - Drugs and Alcohol Support Group (SAFE) - Disability Resource Centre 10 MSHA staff 10 accompanying staff from other organisations 10 Independent invited guests from 5 Luton Borough Council, including the Mayor of Luton 2 UK National Agency, Ecorys 10 Volunteers and Assistants A-Plan Insurance (strongly linked to the insurance of organisations dealing with disabled people) Spicer and Co (Accountants for organisations dealing with disabled people) Individuals, including: - Among the invited guests are people who were not born in the UK, but born in another European country) - Friends of Mary Seacole organisation We anticipated, and achieved the target number of participants covering an age range of 16-60+ [min. ½ page]
3.2 Methods
Please describe the methods used at the event in general (e.g. key notes, workshops etc.) but also related to AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communications) to specifically reach the target group
The methodologies underpinning the UK event were based on experience gained from the following:
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- preparatory PINE-D events, such as Dallow Ward Community Day where PINE-D had a stall. The results from the preparatory events were fed into the event planning meetings. - suggestions made by organisations and citizens based on their own events - suggestions made by Luton Borough Council (LBC) based on citizens activities held in 2015 - invited guests from other organisations, such as Tesco Community, also gave opinions for delivering successful large-scale events
Methodology for dealing with the key questions
The 3 key questions were first tested at the Dallow Ward Community Day Event. Despite interest in the PINE-D stall, very few visitors were interested in the idea of European citizenship. Of those expressing an interest, none was British – they came from Poland, Spain and India. Many felt that if they wrote down an opinion then it could be used as evidence against them at a later date. More than 90% of people visiting the stall said “don’t know, don’t care” to the questions posted on the stall. Disabled people felt that the questions did not deal with their day-to-day requirements. The general feeling was that “all matters European” were of little concern to their existence.
In order to get citizens to respond to the key questions, they had to be made more inviting, simpler, less based on knowledge, less based on European experiences and less prone to the influence of the UK media. As a result, a team, comprising: Lennox Adams, Dr David Cooper and Prof Chris Coggins, set about breaking down the key questions into more accessible parts, based on guidelines from the Council of Europe. At the first test, each key question was broken down into 10 parts. The breakdowns were than tested with the following age groups: 16-24, 25-49; 50+ for ease of comprehension, suitability and ease of response. During these tests, there were amendments. Question requiring too much knowledge or experience were withdrawn. This breakdown allowed participants to give clear responses to the key questions. The breakdowns were as follow:
Question 1. How can Europe better Breakdown of Q1 communicate European issues and values to the target group? Q1a. I think British people want to listen to European issues Q1b. I think European issues seem too distant for the British people?
Q1c. I think cultural differences between Britain and Europe get in the way of communication?
Q1d. I think British attitudes get in the way of communicating with Europe
Q1e. I think British people should deal with their own issues first before dealing with European issues
Q1f. I think British people need to know European languages before they can communicate European people?
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Q1g. I think European problems are not British problems - so we should not have a say in their matters
Q1h. I think British people do not know enough about European matters to communicate with Europe.
Q1i. I think Europeans tend to club together and are not friendly towards the UK.
Q1j. I think British people communicate with vulnerable and disabled people better than Europeans.
Question 2: What are the opinions of Breakdown of Q2 people with a disability towards the current European challenges and Q2a. The economic crisis and European debt? concerns? Q2b. The effects of global warming and climate change?
Q2c. Future supplies of oil, gas and electricity?
Q2d. The increasing number of people aged 60+?
Q2e. The increasing number of immigrants from non-EU countries?
Q2f. Countries planning to leave the EU?
Q2g. Increasing unemployment?
Q2h. Free movements between EU countries?
Question 3: What are the needs of the Breakdown of Q3 target group for improved conditions of demographic participation in Europe? Q3a. I would like to participate in political and public life Q3b. I would like to participate in cultural events
Q3c. I would like to have a say in how my neighbourhood is run
Q3d. I would like to have a say in my health care
Q3e. I would like the legal system to protect me in times of crisis
Q3f. I would like friends and neighbours to protect me in times
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of crisis
Q3g. I would like protection against violence and abuse
Q3h. I would like to learn more about how to participate in Europe
Breaking down the questions as shown above also made it easier to classify and report the responses from the participants. This approach also denied participants from making inappropriate comments – a common occurrence in UK for references to the European Union.
Methodology for dealing with the presentation of the UK event
After the Dallow Ward Community Event, it was decided that participants would respond better to a “lighter” approach, meaning that they would respond better to “Edutainment” rather than “Education” and respond better to “group activities” rather than “individual pursuits”.
The Edutainment approach was planned to give the participants the relevant knowledge on the European Union (participating countries, important national facts, Geography, Economics, History, and so on) so that they could give the best informed decision to the key questions. Group activities would be used to encourage discussion and debate without the passion that usually accompanies discussion on Europe. With these approaches, Edutainment would precede any form of discussion or information gathering.
Methodology for dealing with AAC
There was no standard AAC system practised by the organisations invited to the event. It often takes a long time to learn how to use an AAC system efficiently. Moreover, AAC systems tend to be very expensive and geared towards individuals. As a result, it was decided to introduce a system that could be used by all willing participants, as long as they were able to press a button – this was QWIZDOM, see photograph following.
Two QWIZDOM units in use during the PINE-D event
[min. ½ page]
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3.3 Outcomes
In this section describe achieved goals and outcomes of discussions. [Explain which main questions and topics have been discussed, which issues have been raised and have been of specific interest or contributed to debates... Please try to summarise the different opinions]
PINE-D Questions: Results
The combined responses from QWIZDOM and hand-written responses. The results were:
Responses from all participants at the UK event
Question 1. How can Europe better communicate YES NO DON’T Total European issues and values to the target group? KNOW
Q1a. I think British people want to listen to 61 17 13 91 European issues Q1b. I think European issues seem too distant for 25 56 13 93 the British people? Q1c. I think cultural differences between Britain and 55 31 6 92 Europe get in the way of communication? Q1d. I think British attitudes get in the way of 56 30 6 92 communicating with Europe Q1e. I think British people should deal with their 64 21 6 91 own issues first before dealing with European issues Q1f. I think British people need to know European 24 66 4 94 languages before they can communicate European people? Q1g. I think European problems are not British 19 60 11 90 problems - so we should not have a say in their matters Q1h. I think British people do not know enough 44 32 13 89 about European matters to communicate with Europe. Q1i. I think Europeans tend to club together and are 42 36 13 91 not friendly towards the UK. Q1j. I think British people communicate with 43 21 27 91 vulnerable and disabled people better than Europeans.
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Question 2: What are the opinions of people with a IMPORTANT NOT DON’T Total disability towards the current European challenges and TO ME IMPORTANT KNOW concerns? TO ME Q2a. The economic crisis and European debt? 63 13 14 90 Q2b. The effects of global warming and climate 69 14 7 90 change? Q2c. Future supplies of oil, gas and electricity? 75 12 4 91 Q2d. The increasing number of people aged 60+? 62 19 10 91 Q2e. The increasing number of immigrants from 67 15 8 90 non-EU countries? Q2f. Countries planning to leave the EU? 49 22 19 90 Q2g. Increasing unemployment? 69 16 6 91 Q2h. Free movements between EU countries? 62 14 14 90
Question 3: What are the needs of the target group for IMPORTANT NOT DON’T Total improved conditions of demographic participation in IMPORTANT KNOW Europe? TO ME Q3a. I would like to participate in political and 48 27 14 89 public life Q3b. I would like to participate in cultural events 64 11 18 93 Q3c. I would like to have a say in how my 75 8 6 89 neighbourhood is run Q3d. I would like to have a say in my health care 77 3 6 90 Q3e. I would like the legal system to protect me in 80 7 3 90 times of crisis Q3f. I would like friends and neighbours to protect 71 15 3 89 me in times of crisis Q3g. I would like protection against violence and 74 11 5 90 abuse Q3h. I would like to learn more about how to 52 29 9 90 participate in Europe
nmax = 94, nmin = 89, mode = 90
The participants found some difficulty in answering Question 1, despite the positive responses given. In January 2016, communication with Europe was a difficult matter for UK citizens because of the plans for a national referendum on whether UK remains a part of the EU or not.
Question 2 proved the most difficult to answer because it requires knowledge of the concerns and challenges in Europe. There is anecdotal evidence to show that older citizens are more aware of the challenges and issues than younger citizens.
Question 3 seemed the easiest to answer because of the links to everyday life.
The main indicators from the responses are shown in the table following
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Main indicators drawn from the participants at the UK event
Question 1. How can Europe better YES NO DON’T Main Indicators communicate European issues and values to KNOW the target group?
Q1a. I think British people want to 61 17 13 The majority of people want to listen to listen to European issues European issues Q1b. I think European issues seem too 25 56 13 The majority do not think that European distant for the British people? issues are too distant but a significant portion feel that European issues are too distant Q1c. I think cultural differences 55 31 6 The majority feel that cultural differences between Britain and Europe get in the get in the way of communication. A way of communication? significant portion think not. Q1d. I think British attitudes get in the 56 30 6 The majority feel that British attitudes get in way of communicating with Europe the way of communication. A significant portion think not. Q1e. I think British people should deal 64 21 6 The majority feel that British people should with their own issues first before deal with their own issues first before dealing with European issues dealing with European issues Q1f. I think British people need to know 24 66 4 The majority feel that communicating in European languages before they can English is sufficient for adequate communicate European people? communication. Q1g. I think European problems are not 19 60 11 The majority feel that British people should British problems - so we should not not have a say in the matters of other have a say in their matters European countries Q1h. I think British people do not know 44 32 13 The majority feel British people do not know enough about European matters to enough about European matters. A communicate with Europe. significant portion disagree. Q1i. I think Europeans tend to club 42 36 13 The majority feel European conspire against together and are not friendly towards British people. A significant portion disagree. the UK. Q1j. I think British people communicate 43 21 27 The majority feel that British people treat with vulnerable and disabled people people with disabilities better than better than Europeans. Europeans. A significant portion are undecided
Question 2: What are the opinions of people IMPORT- NOT DON’T Main indicators with a disability towards the current ANT TO ME IMPORTANT KNOW European challenges and concerns? TO ME Q2a. The economic crisis and European 63 13 14 The majority understand the debt? importance of European
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economics to them Q2b. The effects of global warming and 69 14 7 The majority understand the climate change? importance of global warming to them Q2c. Future supplies of oil, gas and 75 12 4 The majority understand the electricity? importance of power supplies to them Q2d. The increasing number of people 62 19 10 The majority recognise the aged 60+? increasing number of people aged 60+ but not the significance of it Q2e. The increasing number of 67 15 8 The majority recognise the immigrants from non-EU countries? siginficance of non-European immigration. Q2f. Countries planning to leave the 49 22 19 The majority understand EU? sometthing about countries wanting to leave EU. Many do not know or care Q2g. Increasing unemployment? 69 16 6 The majority understand the importance of increasing unemployment to them Q2h. Free movements between EU 62 14 14 The majority understand the countries? concept of free movement
Question 3: What are the needs of the IMPORT- NOT DON’T Main indicators target group for improved conditions of ANT IMPORTANT KNOW demographic participation in Europe? TO ME Q3a. I would like to participate in 48 27 14 The majority would like to political and public life participate in political and public life. A significant portion do not Q3b. I would like to participate in 64 11 18 The majority would like to cultural events participate in cultural events. A significant portion do not know about cultural events Q3c. I would like to have a say in how 75 8 6 The majority would like to my neighbourhood is run have a say in how their neighbourhoods are run Q3d. I would like to have a say in my 77 3 6 The majority would like to health care have a say in their health care. Q3e. I would like the legal system to 80 7 3 The majority would like to protect me in times of crisis have the legal system
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protect them in a crisis Q3f. I would like friends and neighbours 71 15 3 The majority would like to protect me in times of crisis support from neighbours Q3g. I would like protection against 74 11 5 The majority want violence and abuse protection from abuse and violence Q3h. I would like to learn more about 52 29 9 The majority would like to how to participate in Europe know more about EU participation. A significant portion is not interested
The summary tables combine the answers of people with and without disabilities. The individual responses indicated that the feelings and opinions of the most disabled/most vulnerable/most disadvantaged participants at the event were significantly different from modal responses as shown in the combined table. As a result, a sample of the 13 most disabled/most vulnerable/most disadvantaged participants, (identified at registration) was separated for the sake of comparison against the overall responses shown the combined responses. These responses are presented in the table following.
Responses from the 13 most disabled/most vulnerable/most disadvantaged participants at the UK event Question 1. How can Europe better communicate YES NO DON’T Total European issues and values to the target group? KNOW
Q1a. I think British people want to listen to 8 3 2 13 European issues Q1b. I think European issues seem too distant for 3 9 1 13 the British people? Q1c. I think cultural differences between Britain and 6 5 2 13 Europe get in the way of communication? Q1d. I think British attitudes get in the way of 7 4 2 13 communicating with Europe Q1e. I think British people should deal with their 11 2 0 13 own issues first before dealing with European issues Q1f. I think British people need to know European 5 8 0 13 languages before they can communicate European people? Q1g. I think European problems are not British 6 4 3 13 problems - so we should not have a say in their matters Q1h. I think British people do not know enough 3 9 1 13 about European matters to communicate with
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Europe. Q1i. I think Europeans tend to club together and are 3 7 3 13 not friendly towards the UK. Q1j. I think British people communicate with 6 2 5 13 vulnerable and disabled people better than Europeans.
Question 2: What are the opinions of people with a IMPORTANT NOT DON’T Total disability towards the current European challenges and TO ME IMPORTANT KNOW concerns? TO ME Q2a. The economic crisis and European debt? 5 3 5 13 Q2b. The effects of global warming and climate 8 4 1 13 change? Q2c. Future supplies of oil, gas and electricity? 8 4 1 13 Q2d. The increasing number of people aged 60+? 4 7 2 13 Q2e. The increasing number of immigrants from 7 3 3 13 non-EU countries? Q2f. Countries planning to leave the EU? 3 6 4 13 Q2g. Increasing unemployment? 9 3 1 13 Q2h. Free movements between EU countries? 5 4 5 13
Question 3: What are the needs of the target group for IMPORTANT NOT DON’T Total improved conditions of demographic participation in IMPORTANT KNOW Europe? TO ME Q3a. I would like to participate in political and 5 5 3 13 public life Q3b. I would like to participate in cultural events 7 3 2 13 Q3c. I would like to have a say in how my 6 5 2 13 neighbourhood is run Q3d. I would like to have a say in my health care 8 3 2 13 Q3e. I would like the legal system to protect me in 9 3 1 13 times of crisis Q3f. I would like friends and neighbours to protect 7 4 2 13 me in times of crisis Q3g. I would like protection against violence and 7 4 2 13 abuse Q3h. I would like to learn more about how to 8 4 1 13 participate in Europe
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The main indicators from this sample are:
It was reported that the 13 most disabled/most vulnerable/most disadvantaged participants would have responded more positively if they understood the question/statement better or if they had some personal experience linked to the statement, such as a news report.
Very few 13 most disabled/most vulnerable/most disadvantaged participants had a good understanding of European challenges and concerns and so many selected “NOT IMPORTANT TO ME”. A significant number, when compared with the overall figures, felt that demographic participation in Europe was not for them. All 13 reported that they did not listen much to the news and that they were more concerned about the difficulties of their day-to-day living than national or international matters.
The 13 most disabled/most vulnerable/most disadvantaged participants understood the breakdown of Question 3 very well but a significant proportion considered that demographic participation was not for them. Subsequent interviews indicated that those who had participated in demographic processes, such as voting, are willing to participate further. Those who had not participated required guidance in how to participate in demographic processes. To that end, PINE-D was doing a great service in encouraging this portion to participate further.
[min. ½ page]
3.4 Lessons learnt and future perspectives
Please use this section to share possible lessons learnt, to make further comments and suggestions and to explain your ideas and plans for the future focussing on impact at short and long-term.
There is value in dealing with difficult subjects
MSHA is used to dealing with complex social matters linked to young people. The departure from a “youth focus” has helped MSHA develop as an organisation, whose new aim is to deal with citizens aged 16-60+. The fact the Luton Borough Council chose to act as partner in the project’s activities indicated the value the Council gave to the project as useful to Luton. As project activities progressed it became clear that a legacy was being developed for tackling difficult questions in a non- confrontational way. The fact the several national companies supported the project indicated their support for the EU and the usefulness of the project in the preparation for a UK referendum on the European Union.
We could have launched a much bigger event
MSHA did not anticipate the support for the project that was realized in the second half of the funding period. In planning the UK event we discovered we could have planned an “open” event but we limited our effort an event “by invitation only”.
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Getting support from local government was useful
PINE-D is of importance to the people of Luton and the surrounding region. The findings of PINE-D can be used to improve policies. Luton Borough Council (LBC) recognised this and so agreed to play a joint role in the project. At the end of the project MSHA will provide LBC with a summary of its findings so that the information can be used as part of the “Your Say, Your Way” Policy
Education is always a good policy
Preliminary work identified that most people in the target audience did not know enough about the workings of the European Union to be able to answer the questions. Moreover, the organisations serving the target audience were not in a position to educate their clients. As a result, the background knowledge demanded by the project had to be presented on the day of the event. Consequently, in planning the event all the morning activities were education-based, linked to the questions indirectly.
“Humanising” the event was a good decision
It was jointly felt by MSHA and LBC that the event would be sterile and uneventful if the original format questions were used. Preliminary events suggested as much. The humanising approach used non-formal education, edutainment, discussion drawn from personal experiences, new (but not wholly foreign) experiences and cultural aspects.
Dispelling negativism was necessary
We anticipated significant negativism, based on our preliminary work in the project. For example, most people answered “don’t know, don’t care” at the Dallow Ward Community Day event. This negativism is manly drawn from the UK media and UKIP political party. We felt we had to dispel any negativism in order to extract worthwhile opinions from the participants at the PINE-D event. As a result we aligned the project with the ideals of the YES EUROPE campaign. In so doing we prepared an exhibition based on the publications of the campaign so that the participants can read about the positive effects the European Union has had on the East of England.
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4. Documentation material
4.1 Event
4.2 General dissemination activities
Please send the evidences as separate documents and list them in the annex by referring to this section. (please see Annex 7.1 for documentation material)
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5. Summary of discussion campaign of Facebook page
Please summarise your Facebook activities by providing information on people active on your page, main topics discussed, comments collected, opinions shared, and connections with other groups, profiles or pages...
Facebook and Twitter campaign programme for UK PINE-D Event
ACTIVITY FACEBOOK requirement TWITTER questions
1. People arriving at the 1.1 10 second film clip of 1.1 Are you looking forward to the day’s venue and signing in people arriving and event? signing in 1.2 Uploaded to website 1.2 What do you expect to get from today’s event
1.3 Tweets uploaded
2. The Gallery 2.1 10 second film clip of the Gallery when it is at full capacity 2.2 Uploaded to website 3. Opening ceremony and 3.1 Short film clips of each 3.1 Brief remarks from speakers speeches speaker (5 secs each). Make sure the name of 3.2 Tweets uploaded each speaker is recorded 3.2 Upload to website 4. National agency 4.1 Short film clip (10 secs) 4.1 Report an extract from speaker speaker oralternative 4.2 Upload to website speaker 4.2 Tweet uploaded
5. Introduction to 5.1 Upload introductory 5.1 Report an example of a test question QWIZDOM page from Powerpoint presentation 5.2 Tweet uploaded
6. So you think you know 6.1 10 secs film clip each 6.1 Tweet a response from the audience about Europe 1,2,3 6.2 Upload
7. European culture 7.1 10 secs film clip of 7.1 Tweet a response from the audiene dancers/singers 7.2 Upload 8. What are my rights in 8.1 10 secs film clip Europe 8.2 Upload 9. Lunch 9.1 10 secs film clip of the 9.1 What do you think of the European European flavour at flavour provided for lunch? lunch. Please record
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before lunch is served
10. More on European culture 11. European experiences 11.1Short clips of 2 or 3 11.1 Upload some of the responses selected experiences 12. My opinions about 12.2 Short clips of participants Europe posting their responses and opinions on the flip charts
13. Evaluation 13.1 Short clip of participants 13.1 Tweet the response of a disabled using QWIZDOM person’s view of QWIZDOM
14. The end of the venue 14.1 Record the closing speech, 14.1 What new things did you especially the statement that learn today? the final conference will be 14.2 Were you happy to give your views about European held in Graz, Austria in June citizenship? 2016
Here below is a page from the UK Event at www.facebook.com/Mary-Seacole-Housing-Association- 477737769070900 and twitter.com/pine_d_project
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6. Conclusion to be included in the petition
Please formulate the key aspects/conclusions/recommendations that should be included in the petition, which will contain all the identified needs, ideas and suggestions for the European Commission in terms of the participation of people with intellectual disabilities.
MSHA was grateful to Cllr. Naseem Ayub, former MEP Candidate for East of England, for her critical thoughts in the formation of the recommendations.
Therefore, use the 3 main questions as guidelines:
How can Europe better communicate European issues and values to the target group?
The main indicators are The majority of people want to listen to European issues We recommend that participation in European processes continues, such as participating in European projects, but these are rare in East of England The majority do not think that European issues are too distant, however, a significant minority feel that European issues are too distant (especially if they are disabled or vunerable) We recommend further cooperation projects involving the people rather than projects for only state organisations The majority feel that cultural differences get in the way of communication. A significant portion think otherwise We recommend the use of cooperation projects, sometimes the celebration of cultural differences can be too devisive The majority feel that British attitudes get in the way of communication. A significant portion think otherwise. We recommend the use of cooperation projects in which British attitudes complement attitudes from elsewhere The majority feel that British people should deal with their own issues first before dealing with European issues We recommend that the British people be shown that their issues are Euroepan issues The majority feel that communicating in English is sufficient for adequate communication. We recommend disabled people get the opportunity to travel more in Europe and develop an appreciation for European languages The majority feel that British people should not have a say in the matters of other European countries We recommend that the British people should be shown that European issues are also their issues The majority feel British people do not know enough about European matters. A significant portion disagree. We recommend that the British people be shown that their issues are Euroepan issues The majority feel Europeans conspire against British people. A significant portion disagree. We recommend that disabled people get the opportunity to meet disabled people from
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other countries The majority feel that British people treat people with disabilities better than Europeans. A significant portion are undecided We recommend that disabled people get the opportunity to meet disabled people form other countries
What are the opinions of target group members towards the current European challenges and concerns?
Main indicators The majority understand the importance of European economics to them We recommend that education in this area continues The majority understand the importance of global warming to them We recommend that education in this area continues The majority understand the importance of power supplies to them We recommend that education in this area continues The majority recognise there is an increasing number of people aged 60+ but do not understand the significance We recommend a major education programme for all young disabled people so that they understand the needs of the aged, the need for pensions and planning for the future The majority recognise the impact of non-European immigration, especially the effects in Luton. We recommend that education in this area continues to counter the negative reporting of immigration The majority understand something about countries wanting to leave EU. Many do not know or care We recommend that the benefits of staying in the EU outweigh leaving the EU We recommend a UK campaign stating the benefits of staying in the EU The majority understand the importance of increasing unemployment to them even though most disabled people receive state benefits which can discourage them from seeking employment We recommend that education in this area continues. This is a difficult area that is likely to worsen since the number of unemployed disabled people is increasing The majority understand the concept of free movement in terms of people entering the UK We recommend that education in this area continues
What are the needs of the target group for improved conditions of democratic participation in Europe?
Main indicators The majority would like to participate in political and public life. A significant portion do not want to participate We recommend that people aspire towards this goal The majority would like to participate in cultural events. A significant portion do not know about cultural events
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We recommend that people aspire towards this goal The majority would like to have a say in how their neighbourhoods are run We recommend that disabled people are informed to help them develop a stronger voice if they are to have full access to their neighbourhoods The majority would like to have a say in their health care. We recommend that people aspire towards this goal The majority would like to have the legal system protect them in a crisis We recommend that people with a disability continued to be protected by the legal sysem in crisis The majority would like support from neighbours We recommend that disabled people become more pro-active and meet their neighbours The majority want protection from abuse and violence We recommend that disabled people develop a stronger voice if they are to have full access to their environments We recommend that people with a disability are encouraged to develop a stronger voice if they are to have access to protect their rights The majority would like to know more about EU participation. A significant portion is not interested We recommend that people aspire towards this goal
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7. Annexes
See separate document of evidence.
8. Post Event Activities
Reporting the UK Event to the Luton region
The achievements of the UK Event were reported in Community Magazine, which serves Luton, Dunstable and Bedfordshire. The magazine is also distributed to a number of settlements in the East of England, see www.communitycommunications.co.uk/magazine.htm Issue 77, February 2016.
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