Garden transformation by volunteers at learning disability service in Barnet
Learning disability service run by national charity Hft has been given a makeover thanks to the hard work of volunteers who have been involved with their garden transformation. The generous group from Welbeck Health Partners embarked on a two-part volunteering mission, seeing them raise funds for a much-needed garden renovation at their local Hft service in Barnet, which supports ten adults to live in their own homes, and then bring the ambitious project to life. To raise the £2,000 needed for the garden work, the health professionals took on fundraising activities ranging from a bake sale to a sponsored swim by the organisation’s CFO. A team of 25 then spent a day in October getting their hands dirty at the service, where they transformed the outdoor area from an unused basic space to a sensory garden for people supported at the service, all of whom have sensory impairment. Tasks taken on included clearing the garden, painting walls and a shed, assembling and digging new flower beds and fitting a brand new water fountain. The volunteers also had the chance to meet people living at the service, who showed them round and even helped out with planting flowers, herbs and vegetables. Lorna Bird, Programme Coordinator at Hft, said: “We’re so grateful to the team from Welbeck Health Partners for taking the time out to see this project through from start to finish. The renovation has been a huge success with staff and people supported at the service, who are delighted with the new and vibrant space, which is full to the brim of sensory equipment. It’s great to see a vegetable and herb patch that will come in handy for cooking, and several benches to provide a space for people to relax and enjoy their new environment.” Incorporating a range of sounds and textures, the garden transformation is designed to stimulate all five senses and allow people to experience the outdoors in a safe and stress-free environment. Sensory items include a path in the middle of the garden made up of four different textures, colourful flowers set to stimulate the sense of smell, a shed painted in different colours and a wall painted with blackboard paint. Karen, who is supported at the Hft service, said: “I was very pleased and excited to see our new garden transformation. The blackboard wall is brilliant – I can use it to write down my thoughts. I’m also excited to see the flowers grow.” Ben Harrison, CFO at Welbeck Health Partners, said: “It was such a pleasure to be involved in this garden transformation project – helping Hft with their goal of boosting independence and fulfilment for their residents. It was great to see our team working through the extremely challenging October weather to build the key foundations of the sensory garden – and even better to see them working with many of the residents to plant up the borders and get the garden transformation off to a great start. “We wish Hft and the residents all the best and will be back in the Spring to check on the green shoots of progress.” Hft currently supports more than 2,500 people with learning disabilities across the country. This includes supporting people with learning disabilities to live independently in their own homes, providing employment services to help people develop skills and experience for work and helping people to pursue hobbies, make new friends and get involved in their local communities. For more information about learning disabilities, please visit www.hft.org.uk/resources-and-guidance
How my home lift has helped to change my life!
After a catastrophic fall from a ladder whilst putting up fairy lights with his two children in Christmas 2017, Edward Bridger-Stille was left unable to walk again. The classic car auctioneer was rushed to hospital for an eight-hour operation after rupturing his spleen, breaking five ribs, his collar bone, his wrist and his back in two places. Edward spent an agonising four weeks in and out of intensive care and a further six months in a spinal rehabilitation centre following his accident. He credited the loving and unconditional support of his family for encouraging and supporting him through these unimaginable events. On his return home, Edward’s life had changed forever. The family’s much beloved West Sussex home wasn’t accessible for a wheelchair and he was met with the difficult, life-altering decision of whether they could continue to live there. Edward said: “I didn’t want to lose my life or the house. We had to make it work for everybody.” In the hopes of restoring his independence and save uprooting his family, Edward decided to install a Cibes home lift. It’s a decision that has changed all of their lives for the better. Edward said: “I have a relatively normal life thanks to our Cibes home lift. I can go to bed, go to the bathroom and go downstairs to join my family with ease. “The children have seen me lying in a pool of blood and now they’re seeing me recuperate and live my life again.” Edward’s inspirational story is why Cibes is passionate about creating long-lasting, high quality accessibility solutions, so that people don’t have to give up their homes and can live life as independently as possible. “I’m extremely grateful to my Cibes home Lift. It’s been a real lifesaver,” Edward explained. “I wanted an external lift. It was the best option to not take up room in our home, but we really love the modern feel the lift adds to our slightly older house. “The lift we have is really aesthetically pleasing with a simple minimal design and glass surround. The lift is great quality and has proved very reliable for us.” The Cibes A5000 is a popular home choice lift, holding up to 500kg and can be installed in two to three days with fully customisable options including the ability to be adapted for outdoor installation if there is no room for a lift inside the building. Although his life has been altered forever, Edward has continued to progress in his recovery and has even returned to work in a limited capacity. Edward has also began learning how to fly and volunteering with Aerobility British Flying Charity saying: “it’s really helped me and has injected some much-needed fun back into my life.” Speak to Cibes Lift UK today about accessibility in your premises. Call 0800 085 0269 or e-mail info@Cibeslift.co.uk.
Opening event for new Adult Day Care Centre success!
The official opening of the new Adult Day Care Centre – Hwb Cyfle – was celebrated recently. Officers and members of Flintshire County Council, along with representatives from their partner organisations and local politicians, were present to mark the special occasion of the newly built Day and Work Opportunities Centre at Shotton. The new centre provides a single-storey adult day care centre specialising in community daytime facilities and social care services for vulnerable adults with varying degrees of learning disabilities. The services at the centre are operated by Hft, a charity which supports adults with learning disabilities. Hft are the preferred partner of the Council to run these services with and for us. The event included an interactive demonstration of services available and a tour of the building as well as a ceremony where a time capsule was buried in the sensory garden. Flintshire has led the way with all key partners in developing this centre which aims to better integrate health, social care and the third sector, to help empower people with learning disabilities to access more opportunities in their local community. The facility, and the service, are cutting edge in Wales. Flintshire County Council’s Chief Executive, Colin Everett, said: “The Council recognises the importance of essential services for people with a learning disability. We have allocated £4 million to building this facility, demonstrating our commitment to the future of this key service. The new building is state-of-the-art and has been enjoyed by service users, their family members and our staff since it opened its doors in June. We are so proud of our achievement and our clients love their new base. ” Hft’s Divisional Director, Andrew Horner, said: “Since partnering with Flintshire County Council over 18 months ago, our goal has been to combine our expertise to support people with learning disabilities to live the best life possible. During that time we have supported 12 people to gain employment locally and introduced a diverse range of meaningful activities to support people to engage within the local community. “The new building demonstrates Flintshire County Council’s commitment to supporting us in the delivery of positive outcomes for the people we support and will help us to further enhance services moving forward as we continue to support people locally to take control of their lives and live with more independence and choice.” The project has been delivered by Kier and Managing Director at Kier Regional Buidling North West, Peter Commins, said: “At Kier, we commit to creating wider value for people and communities in everything we do. We work hard to have a positive social impact and are thrilled we have been able to leave a lasting legacy for the people of Flintshire during the delivery of the Adult Day Care Centre in Queensferry.”
All-terrain wheelchairs available to Ferry Meadows visitors
Nene Park Trust is excited to announce that two all-terrain wheelchairs will be available to help visitors with access needs explore Ferry Meadows in the New Year. Ferry Meadows, Orton Meadows, Orton Mere, Woodston Reach, Thorpe Meadows and The Rural Estate together form Nene Park – Peterborough’s and the region’s favourite place to get outdoors and enjoy nature. Thanks to a generous and thoughtful donation, specifically given for the purpose of improving the visitor experience of those with access needs at Ferry Meadows, Nene Park Trust has been able to place an order for two all-terrain wheelchairs from The Mountain Trike Company, a wheelchair company who produce and manufacture all-terrain wheelchairs from their premises in the UK. The revolutionary and award-winning all-terrain wheelchairs, as seen on BBC’s Countryfile, offer users the freedom and independence to travel off the beaten track and to explore and enjoy the outdoors with friends and family. Ferry Meadows will be the first venue in the area to offer Mountain Trikes for use by the public. Visitors will be able to choose the all-terrain wheelchairs that match their needs at Ferry Meadows; Susan Evans, Access Development Officer at Nene Park Trust said: “We are absolutely delighted that we are going to be able to offer this service at Ferry Meadows and hopefully open up this well-loved Park to people who may not have been able to visit before, as well as helping existing visitors explore further and in more comfort. We know how much access to quality green space matters to the health and wellbeing of everyone, so to be able to provide equipment to help people with mobility impairment explore the Park is really exciting.” Tim Morgan, CEO and Founder of the Mountain Trike Company, says, “We are thrilled that Nene Park Trust have chosen our all-terrain wheelchairs for visitors with limited mobility to access all areas of Ferry Meadows. With accessible changing room facilities already in place, the addition of the Mountain Trike and MT Push will enhance the visitor experience and I am sure visitors of all abilities will keep returning to discover all that Nene Park has to offer.” The all-terrain wheelchairs will be provided at Ferry Meadows alongside the extremely popular mobility scooter loan service the Park already offers. This service is made possible through continued donations from users and supporters, alongside other fundraising efforts. For updates on the launch of the all-terrain wheelchairs at Ferry Meadows, due early 2020, keep an eye on the Nene Park website www.nenepark.org.uk and social media pages or speak to the team at Ferry Meadows Visitor Centre or on 01733 234193.
How to make your garden accessible
There are so many health benefits to gardens – from improved sleep to better mental health, how to make your garden accessible. A study by researchers Soga, Gaston & Yamaura published on Science Direct found: “Participating in gardening activities has a significant positive impact on health. Indeed, the positive association with gardening was observed for a wide range of health outcomes, such as reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms, stress, mood disturbance, and BMI, as well as increases in quality of life, sense of community, physical activity levels, and cognitive function.” As a garden is such a communal space, a disability should not stop you from using yours. There are lots of measures you can take to ensure your green space is easier to maintain and that you can get to every part of it without any problems. This guide from Arbordeck timber and composite decking specialists will advise on making your garden accessible so that you can get out in the open air and enjoy working and relaxing in your garden – as long as the British weather permits! Taking care of flowerbed When it comes to the garden, i.e. when you’re trying to reach flowers and plant them, it gets harder to bend down for long periods of time and tend to them properly. However, if you’re worried about this, then raised flowerbeds can be a great way of avoiding this difficulty altogether. If you’re able to bend down for a short while, or you’re in a wheelchair or mobility scooter, then you should have flowerbeds that are 18-24 inches off the ground. Alternatively, if you can’t bend down at all, then you should opt for flowerbeds that are 30 to 36 inches off the ground. For mobility scooters, you need sturdy pathways to accommodate easy navigation. The paths should be around 3-4 ft or 91-121cm wide; providing you with enough room and access to every corner of your garden. Don’t forget about turning space too. Try to ensure that your pathways are made of a surface that isn’t slippy and provides you with enough grip so that you don’t fall. If you use a gravelled surface, then this should provide enough safety for anybody using your garden. If you use flagstone or tarmac, then these are cost-effective materials that will last a long time and offer your ground support in terms of grip and safety. Creating a relaxing space Your garden may be accessible, but it also needs to be enjoyed. This means you need a place to zone-out and relax. If you place an outdoor sofa or bench in the corner of your garden, then this can become a mini-retreat within an already tranquil setting – providing you with greater comfort within your garden. For a more alternative approach, you could embed seating areas within your plants to create a floral atmosphere while you’re sitting relaxed. Think about decking For many gardens, laying down some decking boards can create a centre-piece that hosts all of your outdoor activities. It can be a place where you sit and admire your green space! If you’re older and think decking would be a good idea for your garden, it’s important to choose the right boards that will be a reliable safe space within your garden. You should also think about other aspects of your garden too. Some people may require assistance from handrails, for example, which should be built in by professionals. Gardens are a great space where you can socialise with family or friends and if you make it more accessible for yourself and others, then you can enjoy it for years to come without any compromises.
Introducing: It’s Everyones Journey.
It’s Everyone’s Journey is a campaign launched by The Department for Transport, with the aim to “make a big difference together”. The Government looks to introduce an accreditation scheme modelled on their previous Disability Confident employment programme, as part of their campaign. So far, the campaign has been backed by non-user led charities, such as Scope, Alzheimer’s Society, Parkinson’s UK as well as transport operators like British Airways, the Rail Delivery Group and LNER. However, initial support was given from Transport for All, the user-led charity which campaigns on accessible transport in London, has now decided that they shall not be an official partner. Kirsty Hoyle, the Transport for All’s chief executive stated that she was not comfortable with committing them (Transport for All) to be an official partner of this campaign, until at least, it was clear that it was not being seen as a replacement for the pledges that currently stand within the governments’ 2018 Inclusive Transport Strategy. According to the website for the new campaign, the scheme is due to be launched early next year and will provide the transport operators with the chance to “earn one of three Inclusive Transport accreditations” which will be publicly recognised with their work to improve accessibility on their services. However, this accreditation scheme doesn’t fill everyone will the most positive feeling. David Gillon is a leading critic of Disability Confident, stated that “the idea of an accreditation scheme fills me with dread”. The government’s campaign points out that disabled people are thirty per cent less likely to travel than non-disabled people, which will clearly impact their access to jobs, healthcare and a social life. It says that one in four disabled people say negative attitudes from other passengers prevent them from using public transport. And it adds: “With your support, It’s Everyone’s Journey will increase awareness of the issues faced by disabled travellers and improve their confidence to use public transport too.” It has been announced that partner organisation will be working alongside the Department for Transport to help communicate the improvements that will be happening at local and national levels in order to make public transport more accessible and inclusive for disabled people. This will be followed by an advertising campaign at the start of next year that will “challenge how we all use public transport and encourage everyone to reflect on how common, and often unconscious, behaviour can impact others”.
How far has accessible housing come since the 70s?
The idea of accessible housing goes back decades – yet the UK is struggling with a housing crisis in which those with disabilities are the most disadvantaged. Earlier this year, the Government announced a new Equalities Hub which will focus on tackling injustices in the workplace and at home. Part of the hub’s work is to ensure a higher standard of living for disabled people. Victoria Galligan spoke to Habinteg housing association’s Chief Executive Sheron Carter about the history of accessible housing in the UK, the latest standards in housebuilding and how to get help if you feel trapped in your home… Habinteg is a housing association with a difference – its properties are all built using an accessible design model which means people with disabilities can get around easily, and residents are housed within mixed housing so they are not isolated from the rest of society but integrated within it. Sheron explains: “Habinteg was set up in 1970 and it has an interesting history. Back then, if a person had a disability they would likely live in a care facility.” Leading figures from the world of disability were interested in alternative forms of accommodation for people with disabilities. Sheron adds: “They visited Sweden to look at integrated housing – a model called Fokus had been developed there and it was very forward-thinking, with a cluster of around 15 houses or apartments, of which some had been built specifically for disabled people.” This type of independent housing, situated among communities rather than separate to them, was revolutionary at the time but now seems like simple common sense – why would someone with a disability want to live outside the community and be marginalised from their friends and family? Sheron added: “When they came back they approached Scope [which back then was the Spastics Society] and said: ‘We need to do something to change things here for disabled people’. This is how Habinteg was born – the word is a combination of the Latin habitus integrans, or ‘integrated housing’.” The first innovative scheme was developed in Tottenham and Habinteg’s aim since then has been to go wherever it is needed most – the housing association now offers nearly 3,300 homes nationwide and works with 86 local authorities. Building accessible homes as standard The aims of Habinteg are two-fold: to not only build and manage accessible homes but to encourage the housebuilding industry to create homes which meet accessibility standards from the off – even if the intended residents are not disabled. More homes are needed – but one housing association alone cannot offer the number of accessible homes which the UK needs. However, by working together with Government, housebuilders and disability organisations the hope at Habinteg is that the standards of accessible housing will be adopted on a wider scale. This will help people to stay in their own homes longer, should they become disabled or as they age and become less mobile. Sheron says: “Our organisation can show how it is possible to design, build and manage accessible and adaptable buildings. But we also promote integration and integrated housing among other organisations. Our homes are in England and Wales – from Middlesborough in the North, to Wales, Cornwall, the Midlands and all along the South-West Corridor.” The model on which Habinteg homes were built in the 70s has changed over the years but the ethos remains the same – to create integrated, accessible and adaptable housing which will meet the needs of everyone in society. And the building standards of accessible housing have also changed – The 2015 optional accessible, adaptable dwelling standard (Building Regulations, Volume 1, M4, Category 2 standard) has already been adopted as a mandatory baseline for new builds in London – meaning all new homes in the capital are now built to this standard. The wheelchair standard (Building Regulations, Volume 1, M4, Category 3 standard) is more detailed and split into two parts a) Wheelchair adaptable (providing space and layout features, but not fully fitted out), and b) Wheelchair accessible (ready and fitted to accommodate wheelchair-user household). The future of accessible housing Habinteg’s research on housing, “A forecast for accessible homes”, predicts that less than a quarter of homes built outside London by 2030 will be suitable for older and disabled people. That means that those looking for an accessible home will be tied to certain areas – resulting in people with disabilities becoming “trapped”. This does not only mean trapped in the literal sense of not being able to get in and out of a home which is not suitable for disabled living, but also trapped once a resident has found an accessible home. Sheron says: “People experience real joy when they are allocated an accessible home. But further down the line, if they ever want to move, it’s so difficult to find an alternative in a different part of the country that they become trapped in that accessible home.” The need for more accessible and adaptable homes is clear – they are not currently readily available. With an ageing population, the need for people to stay in their own homes for longer and be able to live near their place of work or their family means the UK is heading for an accessible housing crisis. It is not acceptable for families to be placed on seemingly endless waiting lists until a suitable property becomes available. Thankfully, Habinteg and other housing organisations, together with disability rights groups, are pushing the Government in the right direction to create accessible homes. How to access information on accessible housing So what should you do if your home is not suitable for your needs, or you want to move to an accessible property in a different area? Sheron recommends that you contact your local authority in the first instance, saying: “This is a good starting point, and your LA can access the housing register for you.” An occupation therapist (OT) will also be able to help. Sheron says: “OTs are invaluable – they work with the housing
OmniServ trials innovative mobility aid at London Stansted airport
The Wheellator converts from walker to wheelchair, allowing PRM passengers to reclaim mobility for themselves OmniServ, the UK’s leading airline and airport assistance services provider, is partnering with London Stansted airport to trial a new mobility solution, the Wheellator, which combines the benefits of a wheeled walking frame and a light-weight wheelchair. Passengers with low to medium level mobility issues can use the frames as walkers and regain some independence, as well as get vital exercise. If they get tired, they can turn the frames round and use the Wheellator as a seat for a short rest. Or, if necessary, the Wheellator can be pushed by a relative, friend or assistant as a wheelchair, or can be moved by the user themselves. Samantha Saunders, Head of Innovation & Regulatory Compliance at OmniServ, says: “OmniServ is committed to delivering the best possible experience for all passengers at airports, including people who find it difficult to make their own way through the terminals. The great thing about the Wheellator is that it provides passengers with mobility issues the option to define and adapt the support they need, allowing them to maintain their independence.” On the decision to trial the Wheellator, Lucy Martin, Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM) Manager at London Stansted Airport says: “It’s important that every passenger, regardless of any disability or assistance requirements, can travel confidently, easily and conveniently through London Stansted and we’re delighted to support OmniServ in offering this innovative new way to move more independently through the airport. We are always striving to improve the experience of travelling from London Stansted and this gives passengers another choice of assistance, if they require it, so they can relax and enjoy their time at the airport and the wide range of destinations on offer.” The Wheellator was originally developed in 2013 by manufacturer Tukimet Oy, a walking aids specialist based in Finland. It has been imported into the UK by mobility aids specialist Polymorit since 2017. Polymorit’s sales and operations director, Howard Payne, says: “The Wheellator is a tough but light-weight mobility aid, which was designed to be used outdoors and inside. Airports are a perfect environment for an adaptable aid such as the Wheellator, and we hope there will be passengers with reduced mobility who will be happy to try out an alternative to a standard wheelchair.”
Learning disability service in Stroud celebrates ‘Good’ rating
A learning disability service providing “outstandingly individualised outcomes” in Stroud has been awarded an overall rating of ‘Good’ and given an ‘Outstanding’ in one of five key areas by the Care Quality Commission. The learning disability service is run by national charity, Hft, and supports seven people to live independently in a residential setting. A published report following its inspection described the service as being “tailored to meet the needs of individuals” and found that people were “given opportunities to live a fulfilled and meaningful life.” Adult social care services are inspected by CQC to determine whether they are safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led. The Gloucestershire service was rated as ‘Outstanding’ in the responsive category and ‘Good’ in the other four. The report follows the success of a neighbouring Hft service in Stroud, which was rated as ‘Outstanding’ in December last year. Inspectors noted that staff members had a creative and person-centred approach to support, meaning that people were able to “exercise more control over their lives and experience greater levels of inclusion, independence and choice” and that people were empowered to be involved in the local community. An example cited in the report featured a person who was supported to carry out a litter pick after commenting on the amount of litter on the streets. They were then supported to contact the local authority and local MP to raise their concerns, leading to them carrying out a community litter pick event, which boosted their confidence and developed new skills and knowledge. Another example of people benefiting from opportunities to explore new activities and challenge themselves included a person who had been referred by their GP to a therapeutic art group. After finding out the group was to be disbanded, the person was determined it should continue and is now being supported to find a new venue, secure funding and facilitate the running of the group. As part of the inspection, feedback was gathered from supported people and their relatives who were found to be “extremely positive” about care at the service, reporting that people were supported “in a sensitive and compassionate manner by a very caring staff team.” One relative said: “It’s definitely an impressive place. They cater to everyone’s level of need.” Kathleen Howitt, Registered Cluster Manager, said: “The people we support are at the heart of everything we do and we have a brilliant staff team here who continually go the extra mile. We are delighted with our recent inspection rating, which we feel is a great reflection of our ongoing commitment to supporting people with learning disabilities to live the best life possible.”