London 2012 is seeking volunteer performers for the biggest show on Earth. Do you think you could perform in front of an audience of millions of people from around the world? The search is on for volunteer performers for the Paralympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

The Artistic Directors are searching for 5000 volunteer performers to fill roles as general all-round performers. They are looking for both disabled and non-disabled applicants, and previous experience is not required. Anyone with a positive attitude, huge amounts of energy and a willingness to perform in front of a stadium audience and to millions of people around the world can apply for an audition.

To be eligible you must be aged 18 years or older on 1^st March 2012 and be able to meet the rehearsal commitments. The closing date for applications is 22^nd February 2012. For further information visit:

http://www.london2012.com/games/ceremonies/get-involved/casting-information.php

New Guide To The Capital

Anyone with a mobility or accessibility issues, will find the Time Out Open London Guide a great asset in getting the most out of the Capital city.

Time Out Open London allows visitors to meticulously plan their stay in London, from arrival to departure, and gives them the most inclusive visitor experience possible, as well as planning for and enjoying the 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games.

The guide covers a range of accessible sightseeing, walks, shops, nightlife and activities.

Visit: www.timeoutguides.co.uk

Help Save The Independent Living Fund

The Independent Living Fund is a national resource to help disabled people live independent lives in the community rather than in residential care. The fund can be used to employ people to give personal and domestic care in your home.

In 2010 the government announced the fund would be scrapped in 2015 and it was immediately closed to new applicants.

Local authorities have had their budgets slashed so now only provide basic care. The loss of ILF will mean that many disabled people will have no choice but to go into residential care, or place more responsibility on family carers.

Please sign the e-petition at: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/24368

Advice Services To Help You

There are useful services out there that you can turn to if things go wrong:

Personal circumstances changed? Benefits have been changed?

If you are a disabled person living in the Northwich, Winsford or Frodsham area (Vale Royal}, then you may need to consult with the VRDS Benefits Advice service. The changes to benefits can have a serious effect on you, so take action now if you are affected. The service is completely free.

Just ring 01606 888 400 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday or Friday between 10.00am and 3.00pm, and ask for a Benefits Advice appointment.

We can even come to your home if mobility is an issue.

Need debt management advice?

There are drop in sessions run by Cheshire West Citizens Advice, offering free-of-charge debt management advice.

Drop in Gateway Opening Times:

Northwich, 48 Chesterway: Mon/Wed/Thu 9.30am – 3.30pm

Winsford, Brunner Guildhall: Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu/Fri 9.00am – 4.00pm

Evenings: Wed 5.00pm – 7.00pm and Sat 9.00am – 12.30pm

Responsible Reform

A new report shows that overwhelming opposition to the Coalition’s disability benefit reforms was kept hidden by the Government in their response to the Personal Independence Payments consultation. The Spartacus Report, which was researched, written and supported entirely by disabled people, claims that MPs and Peers were misled by the Government over the extent of hostility towards disability benefit reform. The report is based on the responses from disabled peoples’ organisations to the Government consultation on DLA reforms, which were made public following a Freedom of Information request.

The consultation indicated a large amount of opposition to key areas of the reforms such as raising the qualifying period for PIPs from three to six months and the removal of the lowest rate of support for disabled people.

The authors of the report now hope to use their findings to persuade members of the House of Lords to back an adjournment calling for a pause to reforms for six months. Visit: http://www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/news/latest-news

Free Insulation Offer For All CW&C Householders

Householders throughout West Cheshire are being urged to cash in on the chance to insulate their homes free of charge. Cheshire West Warm Zone (CWWZ) is offering all homeowners and private tenants the chance to improve the energy efficiency of their property, cut their fuel bills and protect the environment, subject to survey.

The special scheme has been made possible thanks to additional funding from Scottish Power, enabling the Warm Zone to provide thousands of homes with cavity wall and loft insulation measures during 2012.

To apply for the free insulation, telephone CWWZ on freephone 0800 0337873, or local number 0151 356 6484, or visit the website www.cwwz.co.uk. They will then arrange to carry out a free energy survey at your home, to determine what work is needed, and organise installation.

Since September 2011, CWWZ has installed insulation at almost 600 homes across Cheshire West and Chester, and received approximately 2,500 self-referrals from homeowners.

Changes To The Motability Scheme – Update

Last month “Disabled Motoring UK” was contacted by numerous disabled people worried about the changes to the Motability scheme. The main areas of complaint were the fact that vehicles are now restricted to an Advance Payment of £2,000 and the nominated driver has to live within five miles.

Motability has now clarified their policy change and “Disabled Motoring UK” believe that most people will still be able to get the car they need, and that the nominated driver rules are not are harsh as they were originally led to believe.

Motability now say that if your disability need is such that you need an automatic, estate, coupe or diesel version of a core vehicle then that is fine and other individual requests will be considered on a case by case basis.

The biggest change to the nominated driver rule is that your nominated driver can live further away than 5 miles if they are only temporary (up to 30 days), a paid carer, and a separated parent or if you are a resident in a care home. WAVs are also excluded from this five mile rule. Motability are still looking at their policy changes.

MPs’ Survey Provides New Evidence Of Care Cuts

Nearly two-thirds of local authorities in England have reduced their spending on support in the community for disabled and older people, according to a survey commissioned by a committee of MPs.

The survey, carried out for the Commons Health Select Committee as part of its review of public spending in health and social care, found budgets for community support fell by nearly 10 percent this year, compared with 2010-11. At the same time, charges for users of care services were set to rise in 2011-12 from 13 percent to 13.5 percent of the total social care budget. Across the 67 councils that responded to the survey, social care budgets fell by an average of 1.1 percent between 2010/11 and 2011/12.

The report concludes that, despite “government assurances”, local authorities are “having to raise eligibility criteria in order to maintain social care services to those in greatest need”. It adds: “The overall picture of social care is of a service that is continuing to function by restricting eligibility, by making greater savings on other local authority functions and by forcing down the price it pays to contractors for services.”

The committee said it hoped that the government’s response to the Dilnot Commission’s proposals on the funding of long-term care and support, due this spring, would “set out how a sustainably funded system will continue into the future”.

Easyjet Loses Disability Discrimination Case In France

A French court has found the British low-cost airline Easyjet guilty of discriminating against three disabled passengers in 2008 and 2009. The court fined Easyjet 70,000€ (£58,000) for not allowing the unaccompanied wheelchair users onto a plane at Paris CDG airport, citing safety concerns.

A lawyer for the three passengers described it as a "landmark ruling". Easyjet has denied any "discriminatory intention" and says it may appeal.

The three passengers who brought the case were told they could not check in for their flights because they did not have a helper to assist with their evacuation in the event of an emergency.

The company will face further similar charges at another court case in Paris in March.

The St. Vincent De Paul Society

The Society aims to tackle poverty in all its forms through the provision of practical assistance to those in need. The concept of need is broader than financial hardship, so visiting the sick, the lonely, the addicted, the imprisoned and those suffering from disabilities form a large proportion of the Society's work.

The Society makes one off grants and small donations to anyone in need, towards food, clothing, fuel bills or small holiday grants. Applications must be submitted by an organisation, Social Worker or similar professional on an individual’s behalf.

St Vincent de Paul Society, 5th Floor, 291-299 Borough High Street, London SE1 1JG. Tel: 0207 407 4644. Email: info@svp.org.uk Web: www.svp.org.uk/index.htm

BLUE BADGE REFORMS

Major reforms have now been brought into effect to crack down on Blue Badge fraud and abuse.

As of the 1^st January 2012, local authorities can only legally be able to issue new design Blue Badges. In the new design we will see very significant changes which will be much harder to copy, forge and alter. The new Badge will be made from fused PVC layers, use complex printing patterns like those used in passports, and include holographic features, Braille and a digital photograph. The Badge will be printed and distributed from a single specialist printer, Payne Security.

A new charging policy will also be introduced in Scotland and England: Scottish authorities will now be able to charge up to £20.00 for a Blue Badge and English authorities up to £10.00. The online application process is now in place and can be accessed at: www.direct.gov.uk

THE FAMILY HOLIDAY ASSOCIATION

The charity helps to provide breaks away from home for economically and socially deprived children and their families. Typically, the families are affected by severe financial hardship and with extra difficulties such as long-term or terminal illness, violence or abuse, depression, disability or overcrowded and inadequate housing. The Association can make a modest grant towards the cost of a break. The Family Holiday Association works with local authorities, GPs, social workers, voluntary and statutory bodies. A grant helps to cover the cost of accommodation, travel and food money for one week, usually at a UK seaside holiday centre or caravan site run by organisations such as Butlins or Haven. Alternatively, the charity may help to fund a break in another area, perhaps with relatives.

Please contact: The Family Holiday Association, 3 Gainsford Street, London SE1 2NE. Tel: 0203117 0650.

Personal Independent Payments Consultation

The Department for Work and Pensions has released the second stage of their Personal Independence Payments consultation.

This consultation is intended to seek views on the second draft of the assessment criteria for Personal Independence Payment and in particular on the changes that have been made since the first draft, the proposed descriptor weightings and entitlement thresholds and the draft regulations.

The consultation can be found at:

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/pip-assessment-thresholds-and-consultation.pdf

The Short Break Individual Payments Scheme

Funding can be used for a wide and extensive range of activities. Examples from the past 18 months include:

· Short break holidays in the UK for child and a parent/carer

· Individual swimming sessions at a local health club

· Annual membership to a range of local and UK wide attractions, e.g. Chester Zoo, Blue Planet Aquarium

· Payment of transport costs for child to attend community activity group

· Spa treatment for child and parent

· Purchase of specialist equipment, e.g. adapted bicycle, sensory play equipment

· Employment of a PA, or use of an agency to provide support for children to participate in activities of their choice.

· Horse riding, dance classes, martial arts classes, play groups, sport clubs, tickets to sports matches, cinema, circus skills, concerts, festivals, outdoor pursuit days, cycling, leisure courses(card making etc), experience days and much, much more!

Funding can be available to use within two weeks of initial registration. Applicants must be in receipt of higher rate DLA (care and/or mobility) and no Social Care active or financial input. Families could receive up to £364.65 to spend before 31^st March 2012.

Short Break Individual Payments Advisor, Cheshire Centre for Independent Living.

Tel: 01606 872760 (extension 224).

Sunrise Medical Sterling Little Star Mobility Scooter

The Little Star is a compact, yet feisty 4 wheel scooter that's easy to manoeuvre around the home or shopping centres. Its lightweight and compact size makes it portable by car and easily dismantled without tools. Simple to operate, with finger control levers, the Little Star can travel up to a speed of 4 mph and achieve up to 8 miles between charges.

Despite its simplicity, the Little Star comes with a range of practical features such as an ergonomically designed hand wheel for tiller adjustment, a padded seat and flip back armrests to make access easy. It can also be quickly folded down for storage, with a small easily removed battery pack making the Little Star a highly practical package at an affordable price.

Prices range from £390 to £650 plus – shop around and don’t forget VAT exemption.

If you wish to try it, Hartford Independent Living Centre has a demonstration model. Please ring and book an appointment. Telephone: 01606 881 980.

Cheshire East Disabled Children's Toy Library

This is a free service available to parents and carers of children age 0-19 who live in Cheshire East and have a disability or additional needs.

From Monday 6^th February the toy library will be available at Cheshire Carers Centre, Brierley Business Centre, Mirion Street, Crewe CW1 2AZ from 10.30am to 2.30pm - do call in to view the resources, join the library and find out more about other available services. The Centre hopes to develop the sessions into Parent Support Sessions, meeting new Parent Carers and gaining support from each other. These sessions will be offered on the first Monday of each month. Parents and carers can request a catalogue should they not be able to access the drop in sessions.

For more information or to request a catalogue, please contact:

Cheshire's Disabled Children's Database. Tel: 01606 828151 extension 8.

Email: dcd@cheshirecarerscentre.org.uk

For Sale – As New

Rascal Micro Balance Scooter – ONLY £300 – Car transportable

For more information contact 01606 592475 or email nick@vrds.org.uk

Thinking Of A New Hobby – Photography?

Two organisations have been set up for disabled people and can provide help and support.

The Disabled Photographers Society: We can offer advice or help with modifications and can advise on or supply supports so that you can take photographs. We offer Technical Support and help for Disabled Photographers . . . you just have to ask.

We act as a source of information on all aspects of photography for disabled people. We collect and modify photographic equipment which we loan to members, such as camera supports. All we ask is that members remember to renew their annual subscription to the society. Web: www.disabledphotographers.co.uk

The Disabled Photographers Society, PO Box 85, Longfield, Kent DA3 9BA.

Photographers with Disabilities: We support disabled photographers who wish to develop their photographic skills through contact with other disabled and like-minded people. Web: www.photographerswithdisabilities.com

Photographers with Disabilities, 13 Goose Green, Frampton Cotterell, Bristol BS36 2EB.

Renault Reduce UK Range

Renault UK have announced a dramatic shake-up of its range, axing the Laguna, Espace, Modus, Wind and Kangoo in the UK from February 2012. They will also cut about one-third of their 190 dealerships. The cut backs are part of a big drive to improve the profitability of Renault in Great Britain.

They also plan to stop the majority of rental and Motability sales to improve profitability. Such sales are hugely subsidised, so instead they plan to focus on retail and core fleet business where they have to discount less. As part of the changes, Renault UK forecasts a significant reduction in sales in 2012, and 2013 levels will only be on par with 2011.

For WAV customers who are affected by the withdrawal of the Kangoo model, there will still be 29 similar small WAVs available, including the Peugeot Partner, Citroen Berlingo and Fiat Qubo, all available from £695 AP. If you have any queries call Motability on 0845 456 4566, or visit their website: http://www.motability.co.uk/main.cfm

New Funds For Housing Adaptations

An extra £20 million has been pledged for the fund to elderly and/or disabled people, including families with disabled children, to carry on living independently at home.

The Disabled Facilities Grant is worth a total of £200 million this year, and is to pay for necessary adaptations. The extra funds were announced by the Housing Minister, Grant Shapps, as part of a £51 million programme to support independent living.

New Disability Living Allowance Form For Children

The government will launch a new Disability Living Allowance (DLA) claim form for children across the UK from 6^th February 2012. This has already happened in the West Midlands and will happen in all other areas between now and the end of March.

The new child Disability Allowance form should help reduce the difficulties parents have reported in completing the old-style form, but it is still essential that families continue to seek information and advice about completing the form.

For more information, call the Contact the Family freephone helpline on 0808 808 3555.

Airline Faces Legal Action Over Website Access

A disability charity has begun legal action against a budget airline over its failure to make its website accessible to blind and partially-sighted customers. RNIB says bmibaby has failed to take action to ensure that customers who use screen-readers or cannot use a mouse can book flights on its website, despite being alerted in 2010.

A bmibaby spokesperson said: “We commissioned a report from RNIB and received the results of the audit in November 2011 in which they detailed what we needed to do on our website. We are currently working through the proposals and investigating solutions”.

Slight Improvement In Access To Work Figures

The government has welcomed new figures which show a slight rise in the number of disabled people granted funds to make their workplaces more accessible. The figures show the number of new customers helped rose from 2,320 in the first quarter of 2011/12 to 2,660 in the second quarter. Despite the modest rise, the first half of 2011/12 still saw a drop in new customers helped compared with the same period in 2010/11. A Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson said: “We are pleased with the rise in figures, but would like to encourage more people to sign up to Access to Work.”

For information on AtW, visit: www.direct.gov.uk and search Access to Work.

The Talisman Trust

They assist individuals in the UK whom the trustees consider to be “deserving”. From time to time, they also assist other charities with similar objectives. In general, the relief of poverty includes grants for education, health, housing, disablement or disability. Guidance as to the application of grants for relief of “poverty” can be found from the Charity Commission of England and Wales, and the trustees pay careful heed to the commissioners’ modern definition of “poor”. Applications must be submitted by an organisation, Social Worker or similar professional on an individual’s behalf and posted to: The Talisman Trust, Basement Office, 354 Kennington Road, London SE11 4LD.

Millions Could Be Helped With Telecare And Telehealth

Paul Burstow MP, Minister of State for Care Services, has re-affirmed his commitment to working with industry to improve the lives of millions of people by publishing a Concordat with the four trade associations representing the Telehealth and Telecare industry. Over the next five years the Department of Health will work to bring the benefits of assistive technology such as Telehealth and Telecare to millions of people with long term conditions.

Telehealth and Telecare use electronic equipment to read vital health signs such as pulse, weight, respiration and blood oxygen levels, which can be read remotely from a different location. It means that people can stay in the comfort of their own homes with the peace of mind that a doctor or nurse will be alerted should there be a problem.

Important disclaimer:

Please note that much of the information in this newsletter is acquired from third parties. The views expressed may not in any way reflect the views of Vale Royal Disability Services.

If you have any news that you would like us to publish, or comments you want to make, then send them to us. To receive your personal copy of this newsletter, just telephone us on 01606 888400 or email office@vrds.org.uk.

Published by: Vale Royal Disability Services, 4 Hartford Business Centre, Chester Road, Hartford, Northwich, Cheshire, CW8 2AB. Editor: Christine Pickthall MBE.