It can be quite tough out there these days. If you are in work, there is a lot of competition for better jobs. If you are out of work, then the competition is even tougher.

What’s to be done? The local learndirect centre may well have the answer to help you to realise your full potential. Offering training at your own level and pace, in your own time, with no classes and one-to-one support, you have flexibility to learn around your commitments. You can start anytime.

From the main VRDS centre in Northwich, and from our outreach locations in Chester, Winsford and Northwich, we offer:

English and Maths: Many jobs and courses require English and Maths to a good GCSE level. Many employers reject job applications without English and Maths GCSE.

Adult GCSE level qualifications are available, free to eligible learners.

IT Training: These days, a grasp of IT is important for many jobs.A qualification, such as ECDL, is often specified in job advertisements.

Ask about the cost – there is some funding to cover costs for eligible learners, to enable more people achieve the ECDL Essentials qualification as part of a foundation learning programme. For people who really want to get on, the ECDL Extra qualification is a full ITQ. Ask about the best way to do it.

Get into work: People on health benefits may be eligible for the Pathways programme, a full free support package into work and beyond. Everyone can try our great range of support packages for people seeking work, all free of charge, including CV writing, Application forms, Interview technique, even Online jobseeking.

To contact the VRDS Learning Centre, phone 01606 333 673, or call the VRDS Head Office on 01606 888 400. Opposite Bus Stand C on Watling Street.

Free Talking Medication Labels?

If you find reading medication instructions difficult how about using a ‘Talking’ Label? This device gives you all the standard label information in an audio format. White with a large central green button on the front, they are approximately 8 x 5 x 1 cm and attach to your medication.

Although available from Boots, few pharmacy staff are aware of them and may have to contact their Head Office, NHS Coordinator, to order these, which may take over two weeks. If you have difficulties, please contact: Lindsay Armstrong, RNIB North West, The Gateway Centre, 71 London Road, Liverpool L3 8HY. Tel: 0151 298 3233.

New Toenail Cutting Service

Central and Eastern Cheshire Primary Care Trust (CECPCT) and Cheshire East Community Health (CECH) and Caremart are pleased to deliver a new toenail cutting service for people in central and eastern Cheshire.

This new service provides an alternative to private podiatrists for people who are not eligible for NHS podiatry services because they do not have medical conditions which put their feet at risk. Clients will pay £6 for each visit – if in a group/centre setting - or £9, if visited in the home. In addition, there is a one off fee of £10 for the clients personal set of equipment, including clippers. The service will run from Crewe initially with the intention to expand across the rest of the PCT area; to allow the service to be available to all those who wish to use it.

For more information about this service, contact Caremart on 0800 612 2632.

Social Space

This is a community of disabled people and carers who want to chat and have fun with others. They aim to provide disabled people with community fun, information and resources which include health and disability related subjects from coughs and colds to disability benefits and related services. Please leave your wheelchair, frames, support dogs, crutches, gizmos and what nots at the door – we are all about fun; we focus on our abilities not our disabilities.

Visit: www.socialspace.co.uk

State-Of-The-Art Facilities

The Independent Living Centre on New Grosvenor Road, Ellesmere Port is to be officially opened on 20^th September 2010. Following the opening in the morning the Poole Centre will be open to members of the public and staff to drop in for a look around. It will offer free assessments and advice from occupational therapists to Cheshire West residents looking to live independently in their communities. It will also provide a wide range of state-of-the-art facilities and equipment tailored to each individual’s needs. The centre has specially adapted bathroom, bedroom, lounge and kitchen areas to test equipment in a realistic setting and help with every-day activities like washing and dressing.

The Poole Independent Living Centre, New Grosvenor Road, Ellesmere Port CH65 2HB. Opening times: 10.00am – 3.00pm. Mon to Fri. Tel: 0151 337 6399.

Visits by appointment only. If you want advice or information call 0151 337 6336.

Also: The Independent Living Centre, Hartford, 5 Hartford Business Centre, Chester Rd, Hartford CW8 2AB. Opening times: 9.30am – 3.30pm. Mon to Fri. Tel: 01606 881980.

“Dogs For The Disabled”

They train dogs to assist with practical, everyday tasks to help disabled people live life to the full. Typical tasks that a trained dog will be able to help with include: open/close doors, help a person dress/undress, bark to raise the alarm, retrieve items such as a telephones or dropped articles, empty the washing machine, switch the lights on/off, bring in the milk and fetch the post, press a pedestrian crossing button, reach shop-counters and carry a basket, help people to walk by providing a stable base and forward motion. In 2008, Dogs for the Disabled extended its services to help children with autism and their families. Telephone: 01295 252 600.

Dogs for the Disabled, The Frances Hay Centre, Blacklocks Hill, Banbury OX17 2BS.

Mutual Support

If you are living with MS, whether still serving, ex-serving or a dependant, then Mutual Support, one of the three national support groups of the MS Society, can provide the support you need, when you need it. Mutual Support is run by volunteers with direct experience of MS and the Armed Forces, and provides a set of services and activities based on what people affected by MS have said they want. Mutual Support works alongside the MS National Centre. To find out more visit: www.mutualsupport.org.uk

Free Energy Saving Plug

Grass Roots, is offering a free LIME energy saving plug worth £19.99 to people over 70 and those on certain benefits including DLA, income based JSA and ESA, housing benefit, council tax benefit and tax credits with an income below £16,040. The plug helps save energy by automatically switching off the electricity to your connected equipment. You can also switch the plug on/off Distance with a remote control.

Apply at www.energysavingplug.co.uk before 31 Dec 2010, entering the code 'GREEN' on the sign up form and the plug will be sent within 28 days.

Mind The Step

Written and researched by Habinteg and London South Bank University and supported by the Homes and Communities Agency, this publication is an estimation of housing need among wheelchair users in England that examines a range of data on housing for wheelchair users.

The majority of homes in England (84%) do not allow someone using a wheelchair to get to and through the front door without difficulty. Only 0.5% of homes are reported to be ‘accessible and adaptable’.

This report presents a national estimate of 78,300 wheelchair user households that are in housing need (13% of all wheelchair user households) and shows how local authorities can produce need estimates for their area.

The publication is free and can be requested by contacting the Habinteg Policy and Practice Team at aperry@habinteg.org.uk or calling 020 7822 8729.

RNIB Penfriend Audio Labeller

The RNIB PenFriend audio labeller enables you to record your own label on food items (even freezer food) and include 'use by dates' and cooking instructions. As you go around the shop, label items as they go in your basket, so that you know what they are when you get home; add labels to your film and music collections; place notes on medicine packaging and organise household paperwork. The PenFriend works with self-adhesive labels which are uniquely numbered so that the PenFriend can recognise each individual recording and read it back to you.

If you or someone you know has a sight problem, call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 (Monday to Friday 8.45am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 4pm).

National Trust Accessibility

National Trust properties have a good degree of access. Unless otherwise mentioned in the relevant property entry, all properties have adapted WCs. Many properties provide manual wheelchairs for loan. Self-drive and volunteer-driven powered mobility vehicles are available at some larger gardens and parks. Wherever possible, the Trust admits users of powered wheelchairs and similar small vehicles to its historic buildings. This is subject to the physical limitations of the individual building and any other temporary constraints applying on the day. Please telephone the property in advance to check.

Their admission policy admits the necessary companion, or carer, of a disabled visitor free of charge, on request, while the normal membership, or admission fee, applies to the disabled visitor. To save having to ‘request’ a companion’s free entry an 'Admit One' card can be issued. This card is made out in the name of the disabled person, not the companion’s, so there is not a restriction to taking the same person on each visit. To request an Admit One card, please e-mail the name and full postal address of the disabled person to the 01793 817634 or email accessforall@nationaltrust.org.uk for further details.

For a free copy of Access Guide email accessforall@nationaltrust.org.uk or telephone 01793 817 634.

Take Part

The Spinal Injuries Association working group on Continuing Healthcare would like to gather your experiences of Continuing Healthcare funding by asking spinal cord injured people to complete a short online questionnaire. The purpose is to gain evidence of the wide variation in Continuing Healthcare assessment and funding outcomes for people with broadly similar levels of need. We will present our findings to the Department of Health and NHS Ombudsman to highlight regional disparities in funding levels. The survey is anonymous and you will not be required to give your name or address. Please pass this e-mail on to any other spinal cord injured people you know who have applied for Continuing Healthcare. Visit: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DJ97NMX

Is there a fully accessible toilet near you?

There are now over 200 Changing Places toilets in the UK. Standard disabled toilets do not meet the needs of thousands of people, including 40,000 people with profound and multiple learning disabilities. Changing Places toilets have enough space and the right equipment, including a height adjustable changing bench and a hoist.

Without Changing Places toilets, families have to change the person they care for on a cramped and dirty toilet floor. The alternative is to limit outings to a few hours, or not go out at all. The Changing Places campaign aims to change lives through Changing Places toilets.

The government is currently consulting on how to improve building regulations in England. The Changing Places Consortium is calling on it to change the regulations to get Changing Places toilets in all new large public buildings.

Justice?

Raymond Hampshire, 87, was driving home in the evening from a casino when his car struck a scooter, throwing 43-year-old spina bifida sufferer Fiona Buckley to the ground. Miss Buckley suffered a major head injury and broke her pelvis, spine and leg. She died in hospital six weeks later from multi-organ failure due to the injuries in the accident.

Hampshire had cataracts in both eyes and was unfit to be on the road even if he had been wearing glasses, according to an expert. His eye condition gave him "foggy" sight and would have rendered her almost invisible to him, Sheffield Crown Court heard.

He admitted causing her death by careless driving on 6^th December 2008. But Judge Robert Moore took pity on the ex-soldier and gave him an absolute discharge after hearing that an accident expert regarded the victim as reckless for riding on the road in the dark with a black scooter. Police officers later tested Hampshire's eyesight and found he had cataracts in both eyes; he also suffered from age-related macular degeneration which blurs the central vision. The Judge gave the pensioner an absolute discharge, found reasons not to ban him from driving and awarded three penalty points.

Dance Sessions

Dance sessions for disabled people are launched in September across the borough. All sessions are delivered by qualified and experienced staff from project partners Cheshire Dance. Sessions will be tailored to people’s abilities and could include styles like street dance and creative movement. No experienced is required and carers and support staff are welcome. For more information please contact Leanne on 01606 861 770 or email info@cheshiredance.org

Come Cruising

For those who are new to cruising, it is certainly an experience you won't want to miss. With a wealth of entertainment options day and night, a variety of dining choices and an opportunity to go shopping or simply relax, you can never be bored.

Cruise lines are aware of their accessibility obligations, but it is important to research the options and choose a ship that provides the right facilities for your individual needs. Ideal Cruising, Admiral House, 193-199 London Road, Camberley, Surrey GU15 3JS. Open: Mon – Fri 9.00am – 8.30pm. Sat 9.00am – 5.30pm. Sun 10.00am – 6.30pm. Tel: 0845 296 1340. Web: www.idealcruising.co.uk

BEN

This is the UK’s only charity for those who work, or have worked, in the automotive and related industries, as well as their dependants. Whether it's practical, emotional or financial support you need, we are here to help in whatever way we can. We also have a range of care centres across the country.

Helpline: 01344 876770. Text: 07781 472622 (text only). Mon – Fri , 9.00am-5.00pm. Email: careservices@ben.org.uk Web: www.ben.org.uk

Dementia Care

This is a new 48-page publication that aims to help raise awareness about dementia and the range of equipment that can help improve the quality of life for sufferers, their families, friends and carers. It has helpful tips and advice, plus contact details of useful organisations. It also covers personal issues and helpful products.

To request a copy of the brochure call 0845 1218114 (8.30am – 5.00pm weekdays).

‘Not Dead Yet Uk’ Launches ‘The Resistance Campaign’

Not Dead Yet UK was convened by Baroness Jane Campbell of Surbiton. The resistance campaign, launched last month, calls on all MPs to sign the Resistance Charter promising to maintain legal protection for all terminally ill and disabled people. They invite everyone to sign a petition. The full text of both the Charter and the petition can be found on: www.theresistancecampaign.org.uk Visit: www.notdeadyetuk.org

Mobility Scooters On Manchester Trams

Greater Manchester Coalition Disabled People’s information service recently received a number of enquiries from mobility scooter users about travelling on the Metrolink trams. Scooter users were able to access the trams until recently when GMPTE enforced a by‑law prohibiting their use. GMPTE said this was in response to an accident where a scooter user fell off the platform into the tracks.

Scooter user Peter Keeley has set up a Facebook page campaigning for the scooter ban to be lifted (search for “disabled tram ban”). Several MPs have signed an early day motion asking parliament to lift the ban on the grounds that it discriminates against disabled people. GMPTE will be reviewing their policy, but the ban remains in place until the review is carried out. Telephone 0161 244 1000 Email: publicity@gmpte.com

GMPTE, 2 Piccadilly Place, Manchester, M1 3BG

Adjusta Ramp

They design and build home access ramps and steps for mobility scooters, wheelchairs, prams and pushchairs, suitable for permanent or temporary use and come in modules that are re-usable in different configurations.

No foundation, or planning permission is generally required. Tel: 0800 954 9705.

United Utilities Trust Fund

This is a registered charity that aims to help people out of poverty and debt. People unable to meet the cost of water charges who live in the United Utilities area can apply for help. If you wish to apply for a grant write to: United Utilities Trust Fund, FREEPOST RLYY-JHEJ-XCXS, Sutton Coldfield B72, or call 0845 179 1791 or click on 'Application Form' at http://www.uutf.org.uk/Index.html

The Trust is also able to make grants available to organisations to support debt and money advice work. For more details just click on 'Information for Organisations' at http://www.uutf.org.uk/Index.html

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.