ecdp Magazine - Spring 2011

8/6/2019 ecdp Magazine - Spring 2011

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www.ecdp.org.uk Spring 2011

ecdp helps to shapewelfare reform

On Tuesday 22 March our Chief Executive, Mike Adams,shared ecdps views on the governments Welfare Reform Bill.

Mike gave evidence to the committee considering the WelfareReform Bill. The committee met by the Houses of Parliamentand was made up of 26 MPs. Mike gave evidence on the partsof the Bill which aim to reform Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

and replace it with the Personal Independent Payment (PIP).

In his evidence, Mike challenged the proposed reforms to themobility component of DLA for people who live in a residentialsetting. He highlighted that the fraud rate for DLA at 0.5% islower than the DWPs own administrative error rate. He alsoemphasised the importance of DLA reflecting the extra costsdisabled people face in their everyday lives and suggested thatthe focus of the reforms should be on driving down the cost of

disability rather than on need. Taking this approach has thepotential to reduce the additional costs relating to disabilitythrough an increase in disability-related business activity.Continued on page 2
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National news

ecdp helps shape welfare reform

What you thinkabout the reforms

to Disability LivingAllowance? Let usknow bycontributing to ouronline MembersForum on ourwebsite:www.ecdp.org.uk

continued from page 1The lived experience of ecdp members captured through asurvey carried out last year, as well as our wider engagementwith members on this key issue, underpinned ecdp s DLAconsultation response.

The full transcript and a film of the session, as well as ecdps full views on the proposed reforms, can be accessed through

the ecdp website www.ecdp.org.uk . For more informationon the Welfare Reform Bill Committee, please visit theParliament website: http://www.parliament.uk/ .

For those interested in the wider aspects of the DLA proposalsand their potenti al impact on disabled people, we recommendthe Disability Alliances DLA consultation response:http://www.disabilityalliance.org/r68.htm

Your views on changes to Access to Work: page 6

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National news

ecdps work on Disability Hate Crime

Over the last few months our Lived Experience Officer,Faye Savage, has done a considerable amount of work onthe topic of disability hate crime. This began with adiscussion paper on hate crime published in April 2010, ourdedicated survey and AGM discussions on hate crime atthe end of 2010.

During March, we held a roundtable discussion with avariety of stakeholders, including Essex Police, to discusshow we can work together in order to address the issue ofhate crime and what we should do next.

We will share with you the results of all our work regardingdisability hate crime, and some recommendations forpractical activities it is anticipated will make a difference.

In the meantime, you can listen to two Audioboos on ourwebsite some audio weve recorded and published online

on hate crime. The first is Faye talking about the workweve done on hate crime so far, and the second is Fayesappearance on the Dave Monk Show on BBC Essex, afterhe kindly invited her to talk about this issue and what itmeans for disabled people in Essex.

We have done aconsiderableamount of workon the topic ofdisability hatecrime

Blue Badge Scheme reform

In February, the government announced the biggest reform to the BlueBadge scheme for 40 years. Some of the measures within the reforminclude a new badge design that is hard to copy or forge, introducing anonline application process and raising the maximum fee for a badge thatlocal authorities can charge from 2 to 10.

Further details of the consultation and the responses given can be foundon the Department for Transport (DfT) website: www.dft.gov.uk . You canalso fi nd out more on our website: www.ecdp.org.uk

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4/17

National news

Stand by me seeks lived experience

A new website hasbeen launchedacross the UK toenable witnessesand victims toreport hate crimeonline.

The websiteincludes a secureonline reportingform and providesinformation aboutwhat hate crime is.

You can accessthe True Visionwebsite by visiting:http://report-it.org.uk/

This years Learning Disability Week will take place fromMonday 20 - Sunday 26 June. During that week, Mencap willlaunch a three-year campaign against hate crime, Stand byme.

Stand by me will challenge the police, the criminal justicesystem and the courts to end hate crime against people with alearning disability within a generation.

Mencap is looking for people who have experienced hatecrime due to their learning disability for a campaign whichaims to make sure that stopping hate crime is high on thepolice and the governments agenda. They want to know:

Have you or someone you care for experienced hate

crime?What did people do to you to make you feel unsafe?How did the police handle your complaint?

If you think that you could help Mencap please contact BrendaShavely in strict confidence on 020 7696 5568 or [email protected] leaving your name and atelephone number so she can return your call.

For more information about Learning Disability Week, seeMencaps website: http://www.mencap.org.uk/

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Disclaimer : ecdp passes on information about products, services and events offered by otherorganisations. This does not mean that we endorse or support these organisations. Readers are advisedto check details for themselves and make their own judgements about the merits of organisations.Unfortunately, ecdp cannot take responsibility for the accessibility of content provided by externalorganisations. Views expressed are not necessarily shared by ecdp . Adverts are provided by AffiliateMembers. To find out more about Affiliate Membership visit www.ecdp.org.uk/affiliate-membership/

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National news

Your experiences of Access to Work

We first heardabout changes toAccess to Work viathe social mediasite Twitter.

If youd like to keepin touch with ecdp on a day-to-daybasis then you canfind us on Twitterusing ourusername: @ecdp

To find out more join Twitter atwww.twitter.com

In January 2011 we published a survey on the issue of Accessto Work . This was in response to a number of recentexperiences our members and others had had with regard tosubtle changes that had taken effect with Access to Work.

We have now published a report summarising the findingsfrom this work. Key findings, which are based on the livedexperiences of our members across Essex, include:

The subtle changes introduced to Access to Work throughnew guidance are negatively affecting the crucial nature ofthe support people receive. A key part of what makes thesupport so successful for people is its flexible nature andthe variety of ways people are able to use their funding toform a support package which meets their needs.

Restrictions on these options can and are having seriouseffects on individuals and their work.

Disabled peoples organisations, peer support and word ofmouth are the main ways in which people find out aboutAccess to Work. Only a small minority of people find outabout Access to Work through JobCentre Plus.

The role of assessors in delivering Access to Work isabsolutely crucial: a good assessor can lead to a verypositive overall impression of Access to Work and a poorassessor to a very negative impression of the programme.

A simple appeals process for Access to Work or at leastthe chance to have a second opinion would alsoencourage a sense of accountability, transparency andfairness concerning Access to Work decisions.

Full findings can be found on our website: www.ecdp.org.uk Continue d on page 7

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National news

Your experiences of Access to Work

continued from page 6Our report has been shared both with the Minister for DisabledPeople, Maria Miller MP and Liz Sayce, who is undertaking areview of specialist employment programmes for disabledpeople on behalf of the DWP.

We will follow this up with a number of practical suggestionswe and our members have on Access to Work, which we shallshare on our website. Any perspectives you also have on thiswould be gratefully received.

Thanks to all our members who took part in the survey, andthose who took the time to share and promote informationabout our activity on Access to Work.

If youd like to

read the fullresults of whatour membersthink aboutAccess toWork, visitecdp.org.uk

Choice and control: an ODI project

The Office for Disability Issues (ODI) leads the government's vision ofachieving equality for disabled people.

One of the projects run by ODI focuses on how professionals, such associal workers and GPs, can offer choice and control to disabled people.The Choice and Control web pages use real examples of best practice inproviding services.

ecdp is working with ODI to enable people to contribute their livedexperience of being given choice and control through the servicesprovided to them. If you are interested in sharing your story or would likemore information, please contact Faye Savage on 01245 392310 [email protected]

To see the stories already contributed soon to include those from ecdp

members visit the Choice and Control section of the ODIs website andselect the real life stories link: http://www.odi.gov.uk/

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National news

Personalisation and young disabled people

Images from Action forChildren

ecdp is integrally involved in adult social care and thepersonalisation agenda. To date, working age adults, andparticularly people over 65, have been the focus for reforms inthe social care world.

But we know that personalisation will be a significant driver inchildren and young peoples services in the future, too. This isboth in traditional areas like education and health, and throughPersonal Budgets in social care.

We know some work that is seeking to understand howorganisations can move towards personalisation for disabledchildren and young people. Action for Children hascommissioned some research to understand how it cansupport the move towards personalisation, particularly in

relation to services for disabled children, young people andtheir families.

To support this, it would be great to hear from anyoneinvolved in the development and delivery of personalisedservices or who knows about good examples. A formal callfor evidence can be seen and downloaded on our website:www.ecdp.org.uk

Through the ecdp website, the top lines of the findings will beshared, as well as through the OPM website and from Actionfor Children themselves.

Is there anything ecdp could do better? At ecdp ,we always want to improve what we do and theservices we offer. Tell us what you think by visitingwww.ecdp.org.uk/forum

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National news

User-Led Organisations on Social Care TV

ecdp is fortunate to have been chosen as an exampleof a User-Led Organisation contributing to SCIEsSocial Care TV series, Making Personalisation

Happen.

The film is featured on Social Care TVs website and isdesigned to show that:

ULOs support people to have independence,choice and control over their lives.ULOs are experts in the care needs of people whouse services because they are managed by peoplewho use services.

By drawing on the experience of their members,ULOs can help to shape local authority policy andpractice.Carers of disabled people are also involved in thework of ULOs. They can provide invaluable supportto other carers.

You can view a version of the film, which was createdand narrated by Social Care TV, on our website:

www.ecdp.org.uk . A fully accessible version of the filmis available on SCIEs website:www. tinyurl.com/5rldxe 2.

Would you like touse your livedexperience tosupport otherpeople? If yes thencontact us on 01245392 310 or [email protected] to find out more.

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Affiliate membership news

Estuary Housing Association: working with us

We felt ecdp had the uniqueskills to roll outthis training forus.

Estuary Housing Association is committed to the provision ofgood quality housing, care and support services.

Recently, ecdp undertook a training programme inpersonalisation for over 200 staff and managers. The trainingincluded exploring the social model of disability andunderstanding how this underpins personalisation and howpersonalisation works for clients and residents and thepositive benefits to our staff.

We felt ecdp had the unique skills to roll out this training forus. Feedback was extremely encouraging and we are creatingan action plan to implement this in everyday practice.

Our Supported Housing and Care Directorate are proud to

provide services that meet peoples needs and often exceedtheir expectations. It does not matter what need the personhas or how much support they require.

Our services are based on these values and principles:Every person is uniqueThe support a person gets must reflect their own needs,goals and aspirationsPeople should have control over their own lives

Each person is at the centre of the planning of supportWe believe that where a person lives and the support theyhave should make life better.

At present we can offer Registered Care and NursingServices, Supported Living Schemes and CommunitySupport, where we provide high level support to people withlearning disabilities or mental health issues and physicaldisabilities living in their own homes.

For more information, please contact us on 01702 445252 orvisit www.estuary.co.uk

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11/17

Local news

Buy With Confidence scheme in Essex

Its important to find someone you can trust. The best advicein the past has been to ask your friends for recommendations,get several quotes and try and contact previous customers toget their opinion and see their work. But now you can look fora trader or business with the Buy with Confidence TradingStandards approved mark. Each company on the schemehas been checked by Trading Standards. The tradesmenhave been CRB checked, references have been taken upregarding their work quality, politeness and reliability, andtrading practices and insurances have all been checkedbefore they can be approved.

You can have confidence youll get a good job at a fair price.

For info on BuyWith Confidencebusinesses visittheir website or callContact Essex on08456 037626 .

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Welcoming ecdps latest affiliate members

Your organisationcan also become

an Affiliate Memberof ecdp . There aremany directbenefits includinginclusion in ourmagazine, monthlyemail bulletin andon our website.

Joining isstraightforward anddiscounts areavailable forvoluntaryorganisations andSMEs.

For moreinformation see ourwebsite:www.ecdp.org.uk

Advocacy (Essex) Services LimitedAdvocacy (Essex) Services Limited is the management agentcommissioning advocacy services for citizens of Essex(excluding Southend and Thurrock). Services are free and canbe accessed by adults in the county who have a learning,

physical or sensory disability, are 65+ or are carers.Call 01245 382838 or visit www.advocacyessex.co.uk

RadarRadar is the Royal Association for Disability Rights. We are apan-disability organisation led by people with lived experienceof disability or health conditions. We work in broadpartnerships to have the widest impact. Our vision is a justand equal society whose strength is human difference. Our

mission is to enable individuals, networks and policy-makersto do things differently and better. Google us, join us and bepart of our network.Visit: www.radar.org.uk

Premier CarePremier Care is a leading disability and over 50s insurerproviding outstanding cover, customer service and value formoney. The range of insurance products include direct

payments, personal care assistant, and mobility scooter / power-chair cover.Call 0845 8384709 or visit www.premiercare.info

CHPCHP is an Essex based not-for-profit housing associationproviding high-quality affordable properties to rent and buy. CHP can help older or disabled residents live independentlythrough its sheltered housing schemes and CommunityOutreach a visiting support service. Call 0300 555 0500 today to see how CHP can help you.

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Welcoming ecdps latest affiliate members

FrontlineFrontline works in partnership with Sawyers Church and otherorganisations that share the same ethos to enable andsupport people with a learning disability and high supportneeds to live full and productive lives through their active

inclusion, participation and contribution, mainly within theBrentwood area.

DOTS DOTS are proud to supply ecdp with their copiers andprinters. We look after organisations such as Audi, YMCA,Theatre Resources and virtually all of the counties CABx.DOTS always put our clients requirements first and shouldyou want to saves some money or are considering installing

some new machinery, please contact us.Call David Broomfield on 0845 249 1618

Estuary Housing AssociationEstuary Housing Association is committed to the provision ofgood quality housing, care and support services. OurSupported Housing and Care Directorate are proud to provideservices that meet peoples needs and their expectations.Call 01702 445252 or visit www.estuary.co.uk

Swan Learning Disability FloatingSupportSwan Learning Disability Floating Support is a floating supportservice for adults with Learning Disabilities across Essex. Theservices aim is to empower adults to live independently withinthe community. You dont have to be a Swan tenant to refer.You will receive an assessment and if support areas are

indentified you will be allocated a support worker. The serviceis free and youre welcome to find out more about the scheme.Call the team on 0300 303 2500

Ministerial visits toecdp from Maria

Miller MP (top) andPaul Burstow MP.For more photos oftheir visits andothers like this, visitwww.ecdp.org.uk

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ecdp news

Introducing ecdp connects

ecdp connects (formerly our Self-Directed Support Service,SDSS) was set up in January 2005 to give telephone support

and a range of information, advice and guidance to peopleconsidering a Direct Payment / Personal Budget.

Direct Payments / Personal Budgets are available to anyonewho is eligible for a social care or carers service, as analternative to home care provided by the council. The purposeof Direct Payments / Personal Budgets is to enable a personto purchase their own care (often by employing their ownPersonal Assistants), or by purchasing equipment, offering

more choice and control over what assistance they receiveand when.

In Essex, ecdp connects works in partnership with theIndependent Living Advocacy Essex (ILA Essex), screeningall requests for Direct Payments / Personal Budgets. Theclient is then contacted to discuss their support requirements,and if necessary referred to ILA, who are able to provide faceto face support.

ecdp connects also provides support and information tofamily members, social workers and their colleagues.

We have a rangeof services atecdp to supportyou or your lovedones to havemore choice andcontrol over yourcare andsupport.

One of these isecdp connects ,

which we sharemore informationabout over thenext two pages.

To find out moreabout the otherservices weoffer, as well as

the wide rangeof volunteeringopportunities wehave for peopleof all ages,please visit ourwebsite www.ecdp.org.uk

or contact uson 01245 392300 .

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ecdp news

I didnt realise I was entitled to this help.Its going to make my life much easier ecdp service user

ecdp connects works in conjunction with our payroll service,ecdp pass . ecdp pass can provide vital support for peoplewho use Direct Payments, but for whatever reason feel they

need extra assistance.This support can be provided in areas such as payroll, invoicepayments and employer training, making the Direct Paymentprocess stress free. We also provide Direct Payment Supportto people considering Direct Payments in Thurrock andCambridgeshire. For more information about these services,please see the ecdp connects pages on our website, [email protected] or call 01245 392300.

Free training from ecdp pass

The following training courses are available for all Direct Payment / Personal Budget holders and their Personal Assistants (PAs) during 2011.

PA Training Friday 13 MayACAS Employment Law Update Tuesday 17 May

Employer Responsibilities Friday 10 JuneEmpowering the Employer Tuesday 14 JuneMoving and Handling (am) Friday 24 JuneMedication Awareness (pm) Friday 24 JuneEmergency Life Support Friday 8 JulyHealth and Safety Awareness (am) Wednesday 20 JulyFood Safety Awareness (pm) Wednesday 20 July

All courses are held at ecdp s fully accessible offices, Ivan Peck House,Chelmsford. For further information on the content of courses or to book aplace please contact Debbie on 01245 392 321 or dfrisb [email protected]

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Members contributions

Time, by Steve Collins

ecdp is anorganisationrun by and fordisabledpeople. If youdlike to becomea member, orknow someonewho would liketo, then get intouch using thecontact detailsbelow.

Time stands still for no-one,I stop and watch its true!I wouldnt wait for things to happen,Id make them happen, if I was you!

Friendships come and friendships go,But precious is what they are!You may not even realise,Until theyre just a memory of the heart.

Do not take for granted,What you have right now.The tide of change is shifting,And the tide is moving out.

I wish I had this warningMany years ago.Perhaps the pain of ignoranceWould not even show,

Take heed and listen, friendWhat I offer is good advice.Time stands still for no-one,And this one is your life!

Contact us

If you would like to share your experiences with us, reply to any of thearticles featured in the magazine or send in your own memberscontribution, please contact us using any of the details below:

ecdp , 1 Russell Way, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 3AATelephone: 01245 392 300 Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @ecdp Textphone: 01245 392 302www.ecdp.org.uk

Next magazine:July 2011!

Follow us onTwitter or visit

www.ecdp.org.uk before then!

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Documents

ecdp Magazine - Spring 2011