Rutland Sailability expands services thanks to £23,400 grant
Sailing centre of excellence, Rutland Sailability, celebrated an expansion to its services for disabled sailors on 29 August with an official champagne launch of a brand new rigid inflated boat (RIB) by the High Sherriff of Rutland, Margaret Miles. The purchase of the safety boat, along with a launch and recovery vehicle, was made possible thanks to a £23,400 grant from the LEADER funding programme managed by Opportunity Peterborough with support from Rutland County Council. Based at Rutland Water, Rutland Sailability supports hundreds of disabled sailing enthusiasts to enjoy the sport with over 20 specially adapted boats to cater for all abilities. As a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Sailability Centre of Excellence, Rutland Sailability advises other clubs on how to run successful Sailability centres and even hosted trials for the Invictus Games in 2018. The club attracts hundreds of disabled and able-bodied sailors each year and the new RIB and recovery vehicle means that more people can be accommodated safely on the water at any one time when it is open on Thursdays and Saturdays. Rutland Sailability is run entirely by its 200 members, around half of which are disabled. They volunteer their time on and off the water to run the club and provide hands-on support to more novice sailors. The club ensures that everyone who wants to sail does, and is on the lookout for even more volunteers to meet growing customer demand. Rutland Sailability also hosts regattas, training and fun activities for groups like the Parents Association for Seriously Ill Children (PASIC), Grantham Disabled Children’s Charity and students completing the Duke of Edinburgh Award. These usually attract 170 regular visitors on top of its 200 strong membership. Sarah Forsyth, a volunteer fundraiserat Rutland Sailability said, “Rutland Sailability attracts people from as far afield as Ireland, Scotland and Yorkshire who want to use our facilities, so the addition of the RIB and launch and recovery vehicle has been a huge boost. It doesn’t matter what disability someone has, we will always find a way to get them onto the water. “We are completely reliant on our volunteers to make sure our members and visitors have unforgettable experiences. With these new pieces of equipment we can help even more people sail at any one time and develop their passion for the sport, and we would welcome new volunteers to help us make the most of this extra capacity, whether they’re avid sailors, fundraisers or administrative whizzes. “We’re extremely grateful to Opportunity Peterborough which runs the LEADER programme, Rutland County Council, the Moralitis Group, and the members of the LEADER Local Action Group who have provided so much support throughout the application process.” High Sherriff of Rutland, Maragaret Miles added, “I am delighted to be here to launch this new boat. It’s been an absolute pleasure to meet some of the Rutland Sailability team and the partners involved in securing this funding. Rutland Sailability promotes our region extensively and we are very lucky to have an organisation that helps so many people stay active whilst promoting social inclusion.” LEADER funding aims to boost the rural economy, from supporting tourism and small business growth to aiding the development of agriculture, farm diversification and forestry. Across rural Peterborough and Rutland, the £1.3 million funding programme is being delivered by Opportunity Peterborough with support from Rutland County Council. This work is supported by a Local Action Group (LAG) made up of 13 local volunteers from a variety of sectors and professions. The LAG approves funding for projects with the aim of improving the overall prosperity of the area. Dennis Stanley, Chair of the LAG said, “The volunteers behind Rutland Sailability provide an absolutely outstanding service to their members and visitors alike, sharing their passion for sailing and making the sport accessible for everyone. It’s no surprise it’s one of our region’s most well-established centres of excellence and we’re delighted to have been able to support the club’s brilliant work. Now that Rutland Sailabilty has the equipment it needs to support its growing customer base, this is a great opportunity for more volunteers to get on board.” Cllr Oliver Hemsley, Leader of Rutland County Council said, “As a keen sailor myself I know all about the passion and commitment of Rutland Sailability’s volunteers. The team is absolutely committed to removing any and all barriers to sailing – they do whatever they can to get people out onto the water and this new RIB will be a great asset for them. We’re extremely pleased to see so much support for a club that has a big, positive impact for people in Rutland and right across the country.” Chief Executive of Opportunity Peterborough, Tom Hennessy concluded, “The geographical pull of Rutland Sailiability is spectacular and we hope that more people can volunteer their time to support the club. Their services are in such high demand and this brings a lot of footfall to the region, boosting the economy. The dedication of the volunteers is outstanding and we’re very proud to contribute towards the club’s continued growth so that even more people benefit from this centre of excellence.” Find out more
People with hidden disabilities can access Blue Badges for the first time from today
People with hidden disabilities, including anxiety disorders or a brain injury, can apply for a Blue Badge for the first time from today (August 30). The Department for Transport has issued new guidance to councils in England on Blue Badge parking permit eligibility, along with a new online eligibility checker to make the scheme clearer for people before they apply. In the biggest change to Blue Badges since the 1970s, the DfT has been working with specialists to expand the eligibility criteria for the badges, which now includes people who cannot walk as part of a journey without considerable psychological distress or the risk of serious harm. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “We know that for some people, the possibility of not being able to find a parking space can make even leaving the house a challenge, which is why the Blue Badge is so important. “The scheme, which is already a lifeline for so many disabled people, will make a huge difference to those with non-visible conditions such as autism, dementia, Parkinson’s and arthritis. It is my sincere wish that these changes will improve even more people’s lives.” The Government’s ambitious Inclusive Transport Strategy, changes to the Blue Badge scheme and the Access for All programme will continue the UK’s internationally-leading plans for fully-accessible transport. The Blue Badge scheme already means people with physical disabilities can park closer to their destination than other drivers, as they are less able to take public transport or walk longer distances. Plans to extend the scheme to those with non-visible conditions were announced last summer following an eight-week consultation. It is an important part of the Government’s drive for greater parity between physical and mental health. It will offer a lifeline to people who often find road travel difficult by providing better access to work and other amenities, while also helping combat loneliness by helping them stay connected to family and friends. Minister for Disabled People Justin Tomlinson said: “Today is a pivotal moment for thousands of people with hidden disabilities across the country, many of whom face unacceptable discrimination or even abuse when using disabled parking spaces. “The changes we’re making will be life-changing for these disabled people, allowing them to go about their daily lives without experiencing unnecessary stress or worry.” To help councils with the expected increase in applications, the department has agreed with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to provide £1.7 million in the first year of the programme. The expanded scheme coincides with the launch of a review intended to improve enforcement, and help councils tackle fraudulent use of the badges. At the end of 2018, the Local Government Association estimated that the theft of Blue Badges had risen by 45 per cent in 12 months and was up six-fold since 2013. The review will look at ensuring Blue Badges are used correctly and improving public understanding so that those with non-visible disabilities can use the badges with confidence. A task group will also be set up with key organisations to gather ideas and evidence on how to improve the consistency of council enforcement to tackle fraud and misuse. Tim Nicholls Head of Policy and Public Affairs at the National Autistic Society said: “We are delighted to see the new Blue Badge rules come into force. This will be a huge relief for thousands of autistic people and their families in England, many of whom are so anxious about things going wrong that they find it hard to leave the house at all. “A Blue Badge can be life changing. To live up to this promise, it’s absolutely essential that council officials making decisions about Blue Badges understand autism and the challenges autistic people can face getting out and about.” While the new criteria will give clear and consistent guidelines on Blue Badge eligibility for the whole of England, not everyone with non-visible disabilities will qualify for a badge. It will be up to the relevant local authority to decide if an applicant meets the eligibility criteria, as is currently the case. Councils may need to review parking provision to increase the number of spaces, both in terms of the availability of disabled parking, and the overall number of parking spaces if disabled spaces take up other existing parking spaces. Last year, the Government set out its plans to improve accessibility across all modes of transport in the Inclusive Transport Strategy, which aims to make the UK’s transport network fully inclusive by 2030.
UnLtd joins forces with City & Guilds Group to help social entrepreneurs to thrive
A new partnership between UnLtd and City & Guilds Group will provide funding for social entrepreneurs with bold ideas to create positive change in society. Funding from City & Guilds Group will be used to support UnLtd’s Thrive programme, which aims to improve access to employment by providing more employment and training opportunities for people furthest from the labour market. City & Guilds Group, the global skills development body, has joined forces with UnLtd, the foundation for social entrepreneurs, in a new partnership that will provide funding and expert support for social entrepreneurs to scale up and achieve greater impact. Financial support from City & Guilds Group will be made available to entrepreneurs that run social-purpose businesses which aim to get more people into jobs and training. Whilst current unemployment figures in the UK are low, not everyone with the desire to work is able to gain appropriate, meaningful employment. This is particularly the case for people furthest from the labour market, such as disabled people, refugees, care leavers, ex-offenders, single parents and those who are homeless. Unltd’s Thrive programme offers a mix of finance, six months of tailored expert advice and pro-bono support to help social-purpose businesses to build connections, secure further investment, and really scale their operations. It builds on the learning from UnLtd’s Big Venture Challenge work, a similar programme which supported 120 ventures and raised more than £13 million of investment. Mark Norbury, CEO of UnLtd, said: “I am thrilled that UnLtd is working with City & Guilds Group, a global organisation with a rich and successful history of investing in education, learning and skills development, on our Thrive programme. Our partnership demonstrates a real commitment between our two organisations to improve access to employment for people distant from the labour market and help reduce the disability employment gap. “Inspirational organisations such as Exceptional Individuals, who placed more than 300 talented dyslexic and neurodivergent people into meaningful work in 2018, are helping to change the mind-set of employers by showing that there are significant advantages to creating more diverse and inclusive workplaces. Yet we know that ventures like this need support to grow and scale up to really maximise their social impact. This exciting new partnership will enable us to provide more funding and support to help ventures to make a lasting positive impact.” Chris Jones, CEO of City & Guilds Group said: “Our purpose is to give everyone the chance to develop the skills they need to find meaningful jobs. For so many people, their ability to find lasting work is hindered by circumstances, which too often results in a vicious cycle of unemployment. “The partnership with UnLtd will help us deliver genuine interventions to a social system that leaves behind some of the most vulnerable people. Working with innovative and dedicated entrepreneurs who are driven by the need to make a lasting impact on lives – and economies – is a privilege and we look forward to supporting those who share our vision.” Launched in 2018, Thrive was backed by the then minister for disabled people, Sarah Newton. Examples of ventures on UnLtd’s Thrive programme include: CrackedIt, a smartphone repair service staffed by young ex-offenders; Exceptional Individuals, an employment partnership that gets dyslexic and neuro-diverse people into employment; Fat Macy’s, a catering business that provides employment and training for unemployed homeless people; and Offploy, an organisation that is helping people with criminal convictions into meaningful work.
Introducing the RAD RaceRunnerTM Running Frame
RAD-Innovations LLC Introduces the RAD RaceRunnerTM Running Frame Designed for Disabled Athletes with Balance and Mobility Issues Vermont-based Company Will Help to Develop the Sport of RaceRunning in North America RAD-Innovations LLC is pleased to announce the introduction and availability of the RAD RaceRunnerTM running frame. The RAD RaceRunner running frame is designed for use by individuals challenged with balance, range of motion and mobility resulting from cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, stroke, or amputation, for example. Athletes use running frames to compete in the sport of RaceRunning which is an internationally recognized disability sport. While RaceRunning is established in Europe and gaining interest in other parts of the world, its popularity has been slow to grow in North America. The RAD RaceRunner running frame is made of aluminum and similar to a tricycle without pedals that supports the athlete as they move. Despite significant physical challenges, most athletes can propel themselves on the RAD RaceRunner running frame considerably faster than they can move unassisted. The low center of gravity and frame design offers stability and poise while running or walking. The saddle unit counteracts lateral sway and can also be used as a seat when at rest. The RAD RaceRunner running frame rolls so freely that even someone who is restricted to a wheelchair can propel themselves by their own efforts. “RAD is interested in RaceRunning because we see the RAD RaceRunner running frame as one of the most affordable products that can make a difference in people’s lives,” said David Black, co-owner, RAD-Innovations LLC. “We’ve been providing products to the mobility market since 1999 and with that know-how we have the ability and sourcing to significantly improve the design, quality, cost and deliverability over similar products, as well as the experience to support and train organizations in developing local programs.” RaceRunning as a Competitive Sport RaceRunning is an internationally recognized disability sport and promoted by the Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association (CPIRSA). Athletes compete on a track in distances ranging from 40 to 5,000 meters. Like many other adaptive sports, competitors are classified based on their disability which allows athletes with physical challenges to compete on an even playing field. Originally developed in Denmark, the concept of RaceRunning was designed for foot-pushing wheelchair classes. It provides individuals who cannot compete in a racing wheelchair and/or ambulant run with opportunities for aerobic competition. One hundred twenty athletes from 17 countries competed at the 2019 World Championships held in Copenhagen earlier this summer. There are currently 30 countries with an estimated 500 registered RaceRunning athletes with only a handful from the U.S. RaceRunning was recently admitted as a demonstration sport at the Paralympic Games. RaceRunning in the U.S. While running frames are used in competitive environments, it’s also suitable for anyone who wants to experience the joy of movement. Benefits can include improved muscle tone, range of motion, cardiovascular and joint function. Often disabled persons are isolated and participating in a club-based sport allows them to be more independent, develop friendships and expand social networks. RAD-Innovations will establish a club in Middlebury, Vermont. Efforts in other countries have demonstrated that the growth of RaceRunning starts at the grassroots level with the development of local clubs. Local athletes can try the sport in a low-key, supportive environment, and as a network of clubs expands, competitive opportunities will become available. Two of RAD’s employees have been certified by CPIRSA as RaceRunning coaches. Recently, Kate McKay from Cornwall, Vermont who has cerebral palsy, tried out the RAD RaceRunner running frame. According to her father, David McKay, “She caught right on to it and put a grin on her face. Independence is important to her, and while physical therapy is very regimented, the RaceRunning frame allows Kate to use her body in different ways. One of the best aspects is that it allows Kate to explore using her body for herself. It makes her feel happy.” Product Availability The RAD RaceRunner running frame from RAD-Innovations LLC will be assembled in Cornwall, Vermont and available to the North American market in late 2019. Frames will be available for international distribution as well. Advance orders are now being accepted. Multiple sizes are available and can be customized to individuals’ needs. Contact RAD-Innovations LLC for more information on sizing, cost and delivery. More details are available at www.racerunningusa.com About RAD-Innovations LLC As North America’s adaptive sports and inclusive cycling mobility specialist for more than 25 years, RAD- Innovations LLC designs, manufactures, sells and distributes the world’s best adaptive bikes and products. RAD’s founders, David Black and Anja Wrede, work collaboratively with their clients from the initial concept to the final experience. Every bike and mobility product is specifically tailored to each client’s needs and abilities, ensuring their ride is as unique as they are. Customer support for ordering, assembling and shipping will be based in Cornwall, Vermont.
How airports and airlines are becoming autism-friendly
OmniServ is the biggest provider of assistance for disabled passengers in the UK. Samantha Saunders, its Head of Innovation & Regulatory Compliance, explains why everyone gains when we adapt surroundings and working practices to become more autism-friendly to help people with autism. I recently came across an example of an airport operator going out of its way to welcome autistic children to the world of flying. Their ‘Flying With Autism’ campaign gave 60 children with autism the chance to experience all the regular airport procedures, board a plane and taxi to the runway, before returning to the gate. Airport lighting was changed to predominantly blue, to reflect the global ‘Light It Up Blue’ autism awareness campaign. The point was to give a group of autistic children the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the noise, lights and bustle that surrounds the flying experience. In the height of the school holidays, I suspect there are plenty of parents around the world who’d like to see the airports and airlines they use become a bit more autism-friendly. At OmniServ, we’ve been rolling out a host of initiatives to help make the flying experience better, including enhanced sensitivity training for staff and a lanyard scheme for people who want to make themselves known to airport staff as potentially requiring assistance. It’s not just children with autism who find the airport and airplanes daunting: their families often dread the idea of taking their children on an airplane, and in many cases simply don’t. Everyone, regardless of whether or not they have a disability, has the right to enjoy flying – a right which, for the disabled, is actually covered under laws in most countries around the world. Let’s be honest, a lot of us found our first exposure to the airport environment to be daunting, confusing and stressful – and most of us don’t have autism. Imagine what it’s like for young kids who are already finding the world a strange place to live because of their condition. If we are a caring society, then we should be inclusive, not exclusive. Nobody asks to be disabled – and any one of us could easily develop a disability. In fact, 12 million people in the U.K. currently have a disability of some sort. That’s one in every five people, and the number is growing as the population ages. According to Civil Aviation Authority statistics, U.K. air travel grew 19% between 2010 – 2017. During the same period of time, the numbers of passengers requiring assistance has grown an incredible 47%. As part of our day-to-day work, OmniServ provides assistance for People With Reduced Mobility (PRM) passengers at Heathrow, one of the world’s busiest international passenger airports, as well as at Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Stansted. In total, we help around 1.8 million PRM passengers a year – that we know of. Some of these passengers are children with autism. Autism is often a ‘hidden disability’; it is therefore important to consider everyone as an individual, and not simply dismiss a disruptive child at an airport as unruly or misbehaving. There are some great Internet sites where you can get advice on travelling with autistic children. I’d suggest starting with the National Autistic Society (https://www.autism.org.uk/about/family-life/holidays-trips/preparation.aspx). I suspect though, that most parents with autistic kids will already have done all the research, however this is also a helpful read for those looking to increase their understanding and empathy. The ‘Light It Up Blue’ campaign has been doing brilliant work, because it lets children on the Autistic Spectrum become acclimatised to the airport environment. It reduces the stress on the kids, it reduces the stress on their family, it reduces the stress on the staff who are trying to help, and it reduces the stress on the other passengers. I’m already talking to some of the airports and airlines we work with to see if we can try it out at a UK location soon.
Council Spending On Disabled Facilities Grants Reaches 10 Year High
Freedom of Information Requests submitted on behalf of A Wood Idea have revealed that council funding through Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) is at a 10-year high. Data from 73 councils in England shows that the collective spend through DFGs has grown by over 25%, rising from £75,000,000 in 2009/10 to over £100,000,000 in 2018/19, as an increasing number of people use the grants to fund essential accessibility adaptations to their homes. Of the councils who responded to the requests, Leeds City Council was found to spend the most on funding the grants, averaging £6,508,716 annually between 2009/10 and 2018/19. Manchester City Council followed in second place with an average spend of £4,654,900. Wokingham Council had the lowest DFG annual spend on average at £397,948, based on data supplied between 2014/15 and 2018/19. Slough Borough Council took second place with an average spend of £489,476, followed by Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead’s £534,564. Waltham Forest Council’s spend increased the most across the 10 financial years, jumping from £978,113 in 2009/10 to £2,052,908 in 2018/19. This shows a 109% increase, which correlates with the growth in the number of DFG applications the council received — up from 78 in 2009/10 to 372 in 2018/19. In contrast, Hull County Council’s DFG spend had reduced by 42% between 2009/10 and 2018/19, dropping from £2,180,000 in to £1,247,000. However, the number of grants approved had roughly halved. Overall, councils in the North West had the highest collective average spend over the ten financial years at £25,952,343, averaging at £1,853,738 per year. However, councils in Yorkshire & The Humber are spending the most on DFGs on average, at £2,391,541 per year. Councils in the South East have the lowest average spend per year at £905,125, followed by Greater London with an average spend of £1,066,755. DFGs approved by Sutton Council had the highest value, averaging at £13,751. At the other end of the scale, Milton Keynes Council spends the lowest amount on average, equalling £3,766 per grant. Hollie-Anne Brooks, a respected journalist and a passionate campaigner for disability rights, became disabled a little over 12 months ago, and although she doesn’t have first hand experience of the Disability Facilites Grant she has spoken with countless people who have had their lives changed for the better by the grants. “Although I haven’t personally applied for a DFG, I know full well the positive impact they can have on a person’s life. Small changes matter a great deal and something that may seem minor can have such an enriching impact on the life of a disabled person – both from an accessibility point of view but also in terms of their mental health. Though it’s great that the money is available when people need to access it, one of the major problems we currently have with the grant is awareness. Although it’s positive to see that spending across councils on DFG’s generally seems to be increasing, it’s critical that the people who need it most are aware that these life-changing grants are available to them.” Council DFG Spend Most DFGs Issued1. East Riding of Yorkshire Council – 1,587* 2. Leeds City Council – 917 3. Manchester City Council – 815 4. Liverpool City Council – 431 5. Wirral Council – 390** (2018/19 data not supplied) *based on 6 years of data only, from 2013/14. ** 2018/19 data not supplied. Fewest DFGs Issued 1. Sutton Council – 44 2. Merton Council – 61 3. Slough Borough Council – 62 4. London Borough of Redbridge – 74 5. Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead – 75 Highest DFG Spend on Average 1. Leeds City Council – £6,508,716 2. Manchester City Council – £4,654,900 3. Liverpool City Council – £4,523,800 4. Kirklees Council – £2,547,621 5. Wiltshire Council – £2,274,000 Lowest DFG Spend on Average 1. Wokingham Council – £397,948*** 2. Slough Borough Council – £489,476 3. Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead – £534,564 4. Sutton Council – £601,991 5. London Borough of Lambeth – £609,355 ***Based on the average spend for the data provided between 2014/15 and 2018/19.
Top tips to help someone live independently
Gavin Bashar, UK Managing Director of market-leading provider of Connected Care and Health solutions Tunstall Healthcare, advises ways that carers can help those they care for live independently for longer. According to research released by Carers UK, over 6.5 million people in the UK dedicate their time to caring for their loved ones. For many older people, or those unable to physically care for themselves, independence means being able to stay in their own homes, however this can sometimes have a detrimental impact on the mental and physical health of their carer. With the help of technology, medical advice and support from loved ones, caring for someone at home doesn’t have to be such a mammoth task. Prepare the home “Telecare and telehealth have a vital role to play in supporting carers and the people they care for. Telecare is a system of wireless sensors placed around the home, which immediately detect risks such as fires, floods and falls. As soon as any risk is detected by one of the sensors, an alert is sent to a telecare monitoring centre via a central Lifeline home unit using the phone line or mobile network. Users can also wear a pendant device around their neck or on their wrist, which enables them to request help 24 hours a day, 365 days a year from anywhere in their home. Alerts are received at a specialist monitoring centre where trained operators can talk to the user via the Lifeline and send an appropriate response, such as a family member, keyholder or emergency services. These connected communication systems can also be used to alert a carer in the home directly via a pager, or during the night by a vibrating pad under the pillow. “For carers, telecare offers round the clock reassurance and can give the opportunity to have some well-deserved ‘me’ time, leaving them safe in the knowledge that the person they’re caring for has a means of calling for help when they’re elsewhere in the property or away from home. “Telecare works best when implemented alongside carer support, so it isn’t intended to replace vital human interaction. It does, however, aid carers struggling to manage the emotional and physical needs of their loved ones.” Emergency contacts and procedures “For older people living independently, it’s important to be prepared because in the event of a fall or medical emergency, every second counts. Make sure there is a log of all required medicine, allergies and emergency contact details at an accessible place in the home. It’s important to have a rota of people checking in on the house and leave a key in a key safe, so they can gain entry in the case of an emergency. It’s also a good idea to ensure the key isn’t left in the lock inside the door, preventing access from outside. “Whilst technology can never replace human contact, it can help carers to continue to care, enabling them to leave the house or get a good night’s sleep, confident they will be alerted if a crisis occurs.” Emotional support “Both carers and loved ones can fall victim to loneliness and isolation, so it’s important to ensure both parties are getting the right support. Calling in help from friends and family will alleviate the pressure on carers and allow them to complete day-to-day tasks, go on holiday or see friends. “Not only will this free up time to take a break, it will provide variety and stimulus for the person that is being cared for. Most local authorities and charities offer some kind of sitting or befriending service, in the case where friends and family are not available. Depending on how much support is needed, check-ins may also be in the form of a regular phone or video call. “Other options include investing in a smartphone or tablet, to help the individual living at home to stay connected with friends and family. This also provides the option for a phone conversation where a physical visit isn’t necessary, freeing up the carer’s time to do other things. Many local communities run beginners computer lessons or basic exercise classes, activities which will keep people engaged and help give them a sense of purpose, something we all need.” For more information, please visit: https://uk.tunstall.com/solutions-social-care/
Social care provider holds heart-warming community soup event
A social care provider hosted a Soup Event at Westmead Day Centre to bring the community together and give local organisations the opportunity to raise awareness and pitch for funding for their community project. The event, organised by Optalis, provided an opportunity for members of the community to listen to a variety of community project ideas. Through a secret ballot, attendees chose a project and were awarded with funds raised during the evening, match funded by Optalis, and will be later used by the winning organisation to invest in their ideas. The idea of a Soup Event originated in Detroit and has since been introduced to communities across the UK. It is a crowdfunding event for local people and local causes. The main goal of this event was to support local projects in the Wokingham area. In addition to raising vital funds, the event, held on 18 July, was also a chance to create community connections and networking opportunities. The evening inspired organisations that attended to build relationships and establish future collaborations. Along with bread and refreshments, soup made by the Optalis Bridge that Gap café and Munchbox was also served at the event. Bridge that Gap café and Munchbox provide individuals with learning disabilities an opportunity to gain customer service skills by serving freshly made lunches whilst working towards paid employment. This year, three local organisations attended the event with the purpose of ‘pitching’ their ideas to all attendees. The organisations were Wellbeing in Wokingham Action Group, who support the emotional and mental wellbeing of people in the Wokingham Borough; Kaleidoscopic UK, an organisation supporting families who have experienced domestic abuse in the area; and Building for the Future, a parent-led charity that provide activity, support and therapy for children with disabilities and/or additional needs and their families. The winner of the night, Kaleidoscopic UK, hopes to use the donation to train five of their volunteers to facilitate the freedom programme for children who have experienced domestic abuse, an initiative not currently available in the area, as well as prevention classes in schools, services and other organisations. Jodie Reichelt, Customer Experience Champion at Optalis, commented: “This event combined simplicity and purpose, by providing the opportunity for those who want to fulfil the potential of their community and make it a better place to live. We are delighted that it was a wonderfully rewarding evening which enabled organisations to meet each other and discuss ideas. We would also like to congratulate Kaleidoscopic UK on their win and wish them every success for the future.” Vickie Robertson, owner and founder of Kaleidoscopic UK, added: “I am still speechless and so grateful for taking part in the event. It offered local organisations like Kaleidoscopic UK so many remarkable connections and it was incredible to have won. I would like to thank Optalis for the unique opportunity at their wonderful event.” Optalis provides a variety of tailored care and support services to older people, people with dementia, learning disabilities and/or physical disability and mental health conditions. For more information about Optalis, contact 0118 977 8600 or visit www.optalis.org.
One in seven hospitals charges for disabled parking
One in seven hospital sites now charges for disabled parking, an increase of 12 per cent in a year. The figures, from NHS Digital, emerged as it was revealed that one of England’s flagship hospital trusts is poised to make disabled patients and visitors pay for parking. Disabled people were charged up to £2.70 per hour at 155 hospital sites across England in 2017/18, up from 139 in 2016/17, 135 in 2015/16 and 132 in 2014/15. Hospital parking is free in Scotland and Wales but patients and visitors in England paid a total of £156.8 million in fees in 2017/18. Campaigners said the charges were “disgraceful” and “discriminated” against disabled people. They warned they could lead to patients missing appointments and being prevented from accessing vital care. Matt Hancock, the health secretary, was confronted over the issue last week at a leadership summit at the King’s Fund in London, but did not respond to questions about whether he would support scrapping fees for disabled parking at hospitals. A spokesman for the Department of Health and Social Care said later that “patients and their families should not have to deal with the extra stress of complex or unfair parking charges”, but that hospitals had the power at a local level to decide whether to charge. Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Trust, which serves 1.5 million patients in London, is expected to be the latest to announce a new fee for disabled parking at its Chelsea-based site. The hospital offers free parking to blue badge holders with an appointment letter for that day but managers want to bring in a fixed fee of £3 per day for disabled parking, in a bid to increase revenue by nearly £60,000 a year. Regular parking on the site costs £3 for up to an hour, £7 for one to two hours and up to £40 for a ten to 24-hour stay. The nearest Tube stations are a 15 to 20-minute walk away, making access via public transport difficult for wheelchair users. Kush Kanodia, a disability rights campaigner and an elected patient governor of the trust, raised the issue with the health secretary last week. He said: “Disabled people are less able to afford the charges and they are more likely to be using health services more regularly. It is direct discrimination. “We should be helping these people, some of the most vulnerable in our society, to access care – not putting in barriers and costs.” Rachel Power, chief executive of the Patients Association, said: “Patients who have disabilities have traditionally had access to free spaces at many hospitals, so we are very concerned to see more and more hospitals withdrawing these spaces. “Anyone calling for changes to hospital parking charges needs to reckon with the fact that they bring in funding for hospitals at a time when money is tight. We’d like to see a full funding settlement for the NHS that enables all charges to be scrapped. But the fact that even spaces for disabled people are now being charged for on a wide scale shows that the financial situation is still going in the opposite direction, and getting worse. Jonathan Ashworth, Labour’s shadow health and social care secretary, said: “What an absolute disgrace. We need these car parking charges binned. It’s time ministers intervened and sorted this out.” Disabled patients at Chelsea and Westminister Hospital in receipt of certain benefits can claim back charges by submitting claims to the trust. However, Mr Kanodia described this as putting “an additional administrative burden” on disabled people who may already be struggling to navigate the health system. A health department spokesman added: “Our guidelines make clear that concessions should be offered, including for disabled parking, and we expect trusts to be following these. “We will continue to work with the NHS to ensure these principles are applied consistently to end variation and put the interests of patients first.” A spokesman for the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Trust, said: “This is a very difficult decision to make in a challenging financial climate. An assessment was made that there was inequality in the current system in charging all other groups, including disabled users at our West Middlesex site. We intend to use the income generated to reinvest in facilities and clinical resources for our disabled patients, which include plans to increase the number of disabled parking spaces.”