Most organisations have a robust Equality and Diversity policy, but struggle to drive the point home. Many readers will have seen the Creature Discomforts series of TV advertisements produced by Leonard Cheshire. A few people also use them as a great way to drive home a bit of disability awareness.

The second series of Creature Discomforts ads had now been released and kicks off with “Love and Sex”, featuring Millie the Mouse and Roxy the Rabbit.

Over the coming weeks you’ll see more commercials, and a few surprises, so look out for the new Creature Discomforts characters on TV, posters and radio.

To access the advertisements, go to http://www.creaturediscomforts.org then click "Play the ads" and select the various TV advertisements. If you’d like to know more about the characters, check out the ‘Behind the Characters’ section.

Images © Leonard Cheshire Disability Registered Charity No. 218186

Darzi Unveils Plan To Test Personal Budgets In NHS

Health minister Lord Ara Darzi has announced that personal budgets will be extended to healthcare services in a pilot for 5,000 people with long-term conditions, to enhance choice and control. In his long-awaited report on reforming the NHS, Darzi said that, as with social care, the budget could be managed on the patient's behalf or, in some cases, given as a direct payment. The move will require primary legislation and the intention is to roll it out nationwide.

Critics of the idea of extending personal budgets and direct payments from social care to health have warned that it could compromise the principle of NHS services being free at the point of need. However, Darzi said that the programme would be underpinned by safeguards to ensure that no one was denied treatment as a result of having a personal budget and that NHS resources were put to good use, with appropriate accountability.

Wireless For The Bedridden

This is a national charity which provides televisions and/or radios for people who are housebound and in financial need. They provide a range of brand new televisions on a full maintenance contract at no cost to the recipient. (Where necessary, they also pay the first annual licence fee). Applications need to be recommended and supported by a sponsoring organisation such as Social Services, recognised charity or welfare agency.

Post: Wireless for the Bedridden, 159a High Street, HORNCHURCH, Essex, RM11 3YB.

Freephone: 0800 0182137, Office: 01708 621101, Fax: 01708 620816.

Email: info@w4b.org.uk Web: http://www.w4b.org.uk/

Digital Tv Guidance

Ricability, an independent national research charity, is carrying out tests on the ease of use of digital TV products. The research is detailed and unbiased and the project has been commissioned by the Government for the switch to digital television. Reports are now available on over 120 products, including digital televisions, indoor aerials, set top boxes and digital TV recorders.

There is also straightforward information about going digital, including Help Scheme to provide assistance for some older and disabled people on: www.ricability.org.uk

Post: Ricability, 30 Angel Gate, City Road, London EC1V 2PT. Tel: 020 7427 2460. Textphone: 020 7427 2469. Fax: 020 7427 2468. E-mail: digitalTV@ricability.org.uk

A New Form Of Shower

The Independence Shower which has a chair that swings outside the shower enclosure for transfer from a wheelchair and rotates 360 degrees within the enclosure. The chair can be used by anyone up to 20 stones and can easily be removed if required. It can be installed with less disruption and cost than a wheel-in shower.

For further information see: www.independence-showers.co.uk or call 0870 803 3857.

“Let’s Talk About Sex: Let’s Talk About You And Me”

A new guide on sex and relationships has been published to help all those working with young people with life-limiting health conditions. UK charity ACT (Association for Children’s Palliative Care) produced the guide in response to requests from many parents who found it too difficult to talk about the subject with their children. The new guide, “Let’s Talk About Sex: Let’s Talk About You and Me” is available by calling 0117 922 1556 or download free at the ACT website: www.act.org.uk/content/view/153/1/

Direct Payments

Half of service users using direct payments hire personal assistants without carrying out Criminal Records Bureau checks, says a recent Skills for Care Report. The study found 48% of people did not carry out CRB checks on personal assistants (PA’s) they did not previously know, while 46% failed to seek references

There has been a long debate about checks for PA’s, with disability activists arguing they would compromise user control and safeguarding groups saying they would prevent abuse.

No decision has been taken on whether PA’s should be registered as the social care register in England is rolled out to domiciliary care staff over the next few years.

Most users felt a register of PA’s would assist recruitment but were split on whether it should be compulsory. However, nine out of 10 PA’s backed compulsory registration.

Is This The Job For You?

The Neuromuscular Centre is looking to recruit graphic design students with muscular dystrophy who have the enthusiasm and motivation to study at home or at the Centre in Winsford.

The courses are FREE and are offered at Level 1 & 2. No previous experience or qualifications needed.

For info on this please download the PDF file or call Dee at the NMC on 01606 863464 or drop an email to:

dee.valkering@nmcentre.com

Download NMC Study at Home Info sheet :

http://www.nmcentre.com/PDF%20NMC%20Home%20Study%20Info%20Sheets.pdf

Download Assessment form word document :

http://www.nmcentre.com/Assessment digital.doc

Webby Talents

Promote yourself, share your talents. A new global, social video-networking site for disabled people welcomes your video contributions. Email: team@webbytalents.com Website: www.webbytalents.com

Affordable Vibrating Smoke & Gas Alarm

The FireAngel Wi-Safe vibrating alarm can be placed underneath a pillow or cushion and will vibrate powerfully in the event of a fire or carbon monoxide leak.

When a Wi-Safe Smoke Alarm or a Wi-Safe Carbon Monoxide Alarm is triggered, they instantly transmit a signal to the vibrating alarm, which will vibrate until it has woken those in danger. Until now such systems had to be expensively wired in and were difficult to track down, but they can now be bought from B&Q.

B&Q have launched their Can Do range of specially selected products for making life easier around the home and garden. A Can Do catalogue can be obtained in store or downloaded from their website: www.diy.com

New Motability Guide

Motability have published a new guide about adaptations to provide customers with the information and advice they need when ordering a new car. It gives images of popular adaptations, possible solutions for common mobility limitations, and a checklist for getting the right car and adaptations. Details on the six most popular adaptations, such as push-pull hand controls and left-foot accelerators are also included and there is a series of Frequently Asked Questions based on customer queries and a section on the Forum of Mobility Centres who provide independent information and advice on choosing a car, as well as individual assessments. The guide is available free from Motability by calling 0800 093 1000.

Website For Children's Equipment

A website offering equipment for disabled children and young people has been created by BDF Newlife charity, providing services and support for disabled children and their families, in conjunction with Keep Able, a major equipment retailer.

See: www.newlifeable.co.uk or call 0844 888 0116.

Alzheimer’s Society

The Family Support Team helps to support carers and their families with information and advice sheets on dementia, aspects of caring, looking after the person with dementia; emotional support - a listening ear, advice on what to expect; caring and coping course for carers; cafés throughout the East Cheshire area with a relaxed social atmosphere for carers and people with dementia to meet; subsidised respite care & Vitalise specialist holidays; outings for carers and people with dementia and a library of books and leaflets. Copies of these are available free of charge from the Branch.

If you would like to talk to someone about your situation, or arrange an appointment with one of the Family Support Workers please contact: Alzheimer’s Society, Springbank Centre, Victoria Road, Macclesfield, SK10 3LS. Tel: 01625 503 302.

Email: east-cheshire@alzheimers.org.uk

Sirus Kan-Go 'Drive From Wheelchair'

The Sirus Kan-go is based on the Renault Kangoo Expression. This conversion offers the driver total independence - no more struggling to transfer from your wheelchair to the drivers seat. Simply operate the remote to access the vehicle, lock down into the wheelchair restraint and go! Web: http://www.adaptacar.co.uk/sirus_kango.htm

Blind Gardeners’ Club Spreads Its Roots

The National Blind Gardeners’ Club, run by Thrive and the Royal National Institute of Blind people, have launched two new publications entitled, “Getting on with Gardening” (volumes I and II), they have been produced in large print, Daisy and audio CD, tape and Braille. Social and rehabilitation workers will soon be offered an audio CD packed with gardening information which they can give away to blind and partially sighted people, particularly those who have recently lost their sight.

National Blind Gardeners’ Club, Geoffrey Udall Centre, Beech Hill, Reading RG7 2AT. Tel: 0118 988 5688. Web: http://www.thrive.org.uk/national-clubs.asp

Hoists In 2 More Holiday Inns

The InterContinental Hotel Group has installed ceiling track hoists in the Holiday Inn Birmingham M6 J7 and the Holiday Inn Cardiff City Centre, having previously installed them at three of their hotels in London – the Holiday Inn Kensington Forum, the Holiday Inn Bloomsbury and the Crowne Plaza London Heathrow.

Accessible Aircraft

European Regulation No 1107/2006 on Disabled Persons and Persons of Reduced Mobility (PRMs Regulation) published by the European Commission on 5 July 2006, allows people with reduced mobility, which includes older people and those with a temporary mobility problem, greater access to air travel and ensures they receive assistance when travelling by air. It also stipulates that operators make available safety rules on carriage of passengers with reduced mobility. The regulations apply to any flight leaving an airport in the European Union, and also to flights on European airlines arriving in the EU.

It is now illegal for an airline, their agents and tour operators to refuse to accept a reservation on the grounds of disability or deny a disabled person board an aircraft when they have a valid ticket and reservation.

Equality and Human Rights Commission 0845 604 6610. www.equalityhumanrights.com

Travel Insurance For Disabled Children

Barnardo’s has teamed up with travel insurance specialists P J Hayman and Co to offer the Free Spirit travel insurance package, available to children, young people and their families with pre-existing medical conditions. Any surplus generated by Barnardo’s from this will be re-invested in their work with children. There are reduced premiums for people without medical conditions on the same policy. Quotes and policies can be obtained by calling Free Spirit on 0845 260 1572 or on: www.barnardos/org/uk/freespirit

New Holiday Caravans For Disabled People

A caravan manufacturer has launched a totally new concept of static caravan that enables its customers decide on everything from the layout to the smallest details of the caravan. Features can include remote controls, lowered kitchen worktops, wheel-in shower units or specialised baths, overhead hoists, grab rails or automatic doors. Delivery times as low as 3 to 4 weeks. For more information call 0798 559 2720.

Email info@hulse-ross.co.uk Web: www.hulse-ross.co.uk

Travel Services In The Czech Republic

A new agency, All Seasons Travel, has been established to provide services to visitors to the Czech Republic with a particular focus on wheelchair users. They offer tours and accommodation bookings in Prague and the surrounding regions of Bohemia.

See: http://www.allseasons-travel.co.uk/ or call 01432 354 361.

Disabled Ramblers

The 2008 programme of the Disabled Ramblers is now published and well underway. There are ramblers for beginners and for those who like a challenge at locations around the country. For a list of events email: chairman@disabledramblers.co.uk

Great Business Opportunity

One of the country’s leading holiday and travel companies specialising in catering for disabled people, Accessible Travel & Leisure, has developed a franchise model to develop their services, and also open up business opportunities for disabled people.

For a copy of the Franchise Prospectus and other information contact Andy Wright or Alison Parker on 01452 729739 or see: www.accessibletravel.co.uk

Duty To Provide Information, Advice And Assistance

From the beginning of April, local authorities have had a duty to provide information, advice and assistance to parents and prospective parents of children and young people up to the age 20 under section 12 of the childcare Act 2006. This includes providing parents of disabled with information on the services, facilities and publications that are available to them.

Strategy On Palliative Care For Children

The Government has launched the first ever Children’s Palliative Care Strategy, ‘Better Care: better Lives’, that will enable some of the country’s sickest children to be cared for and die in their choice of settings whether at home or in a hospice together with a further £10m per year until 2011 for children’s hospices and hospice at home schemes.

New Guide To Creating Accessible Play Environments

KIDS have published ‘Inclusion by Design and Management’, which can be applied within a range of play and childcare settings.

Order from: KIDS NDD, 6 Aztec Row, Berners Road, London N1 0PW.

Tel: 0207 359 3073 or publications.ndd@kids.org.uk

Price £20 (£10 for voluntary groups and individuals).

New Tinnitus Website

A new online community from RNID providing support and advice for those with tinnitus is being launched using You Tube style viral films depicting the most common sounds heard by the seven million people who experience the condition in the UK. The question and answer section and forum aim to create an online community where people can share personal experiences, advice and helpful hints. See: www.tuneouttinnitus.org.uk

No Limits 2008

This show is a lifestyle event showcasing living aids, assistive technology, mobility aids, lifestyle, home and leisure products, that are designed to inspire and improve lives.
Through compelling content and exciting activities the show will provide an informative and inspirational event creating a stimulating environment for both trade and consumer visitors to interact with and purchase from exhibitors.

This event will be held on 17-18 September 2008 at Excel, London.

For information call 01442 285 800 or see: www.nolimitsshow.co.uk

Get A Job !!

More than half of people with learning disabilities in employment say their first job helped them gain independence, according to a Mencap survey published last week. Many also said they were taught skills that benefited them throughout their lives.

Web: www.communitycare.co.uk/job

Website For Professionals Working With Disabled Children

A Disability Toolkit website has been developed by The Children’s Society to help professionals working with disabled children and young people. The interactive website is designed as a one-stop information hub that is needed by professionals supporting disabled children in decision – making and participation activities.

Disability Advocacy Project, Unit 2, 51 Derbyshire Street, London E2 6HQ.

Tel: 020 7613 2886. Fax: 020 7729 8768. See: www.disabilitytoolkit.org.uk.

Email: Disability-Resource-Website@childrenssociety.org.uk

Carers Helpline

A flagship 24-hour telephone helpline for carers will be introduced only in England when it is launched next year, the government has said. The 2.7m helpline, which is part of the government’s carer’s strategy, will not be extended to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland because of lack of information about entitlements in the devolved administrations.

Easy Riders Wheelchairs

The Variety Club is encouraging parents of children with mobility difficulties to apply for its Easy Riders Wheelchairs for kids programme. The charity, which supports sick, disabled and disadvantaged children throughout the world, wants applications for electric, lightweight manual wheelchairs and buggies. All applications must be accompanied by a letter from a qualified occupational therapist or physiotherapist.

For further information, please contact the Wheelchair Co-ordinator on 020 7428 8100 or visit: wheelchairs@varietyclub.org.uk

PA Training Guide Launched

Skills for Care have launched a guide to help people receiving direct payments or personal budgets train their personal care staff. The training code advises people employing their own personal assistant on drawing up training plans, helping them gain relevant skills, such as moving and handling, disability awareness, personal care, health and safety, infection control and administering medicines. Many PAs do not have a recognised qualification, such as health and social care NVQ.

Post: Skills for Care, Albion Court, 5 Albion Place, Leeds LS1 6JL.

Tel: 0113 2451716. Email: info@skillsforcare.org.uk

Web: http://www.skillsforcare.org/view.asp?id=1004

Protection Guide

Don’t buy a mobility product without reading this report first “The Mobility Matters Buyers Protection Guide.”

It tells you, in plain and simple language, how you could get caught out. It explains why you could pay too much and why it isn’t always the best policy to choose the lowest price.

To get your free copy call 01270 619 563.

£255m To Help Carers

The government has promised a £255m package to improve the lives of carers. The package includes £150m for respite care, £38m for annual health checks to look after carers' physical and emotional health and £6m to help young carers. The use of direct payments will be encouraged and the carers' allowance is to be reviewed.

The UK has an estimated 6 million carers; half give 20 hours care a week and more than 1 million provide more than 50 hours.

Moving & Handling People 2009

The Disabled Living Foundation (DLF)'s Annual Moving & Handling People conference on 28^th – 30^th January 2009 features an extensive exhibition with related New Products Gallery and Professional Resource Centre.

Contact: Moving & Handling People, Disabled Living Foundation, 380-384 Harrow Road, London W9 2HU. Tel: 020 7432 8006. Fax: 020 7266 2922. Email: mhp@dlf.org.uk.

For the full programme and to book contact

http://dotm1.net/t.aspx?l=1110426&i=316136912

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.