Aware Sept 2011

The 40th anniversary of the Chronically Sick and Disabled

Persons Act (1970) coming into effect was celebrated on the 30th

March 2011 at Westminster Abbey.

The Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act transformed the lives of millions, not only people

who were disabled, but also their families and carers, their neighbours and communities.

The key points of the Bill were:

• Rights of access for disabled people to the built environment, including schools and universities

• The world’s first statutory provision for purpose-built housing for disabled people and help in

adapting their homes

• Practical help as of right for disabled people in their homes, including the installation of telephone

for those house-bound, an access to transport and other services outside the home

• The world’s first recognition in law of autism and dyslexia

• The world’s first legislation for the needs of children who are both blind and pre-lingually deaf

• The world’s first Institute of Hearing Research

Working against time with an election looming which halts any legislation

from being passed, Lord Morris drafted the Bill himself in three weeks

and secured a second reading. This was a huge feat in itself. But our

backbench hero went one further and mobilised a wide range of support

in Parliament meaning it got passed on the last day before Parliament

dissolved for a General Election. He remains a fighter for the cause and

an active Patron of Crossroads Care. The act has been described as 'a

Magna Carta for the disabled' - at the time it was revolutionary in

transforming official policy. This was the first such law in the world and

since then, over 180 countries have adopted similar legislation.

The Rt Hon Lord Lloyd of Berwick stated ‘The Act was not the first piece of legislation to deal with

the disabled. There was the National Assistance Act 1948 under which Local Authorities were

given power to promote the welfare of the disabled. But a ‘power’ to do something is very different

from a ‘duty’ to do so; and a duty to promote the welfare of disabled people in general is very

different from a duty to meet their particular needs as individuals. Yet that is what the Act requires.

And it creates a duty which can be enforced in a court of law. In a case which came before the

House of Lords in 1997 I described the passing of the Act as a noble aspiration. And indeed it was.

It changed the whole way in which we look at disability. Today, for example, we take it for granted

that all buildings open to the public will have means of access

for the disabled.

Forty years ago that was revolutionary.’ n

AwareNewsletter of East Sussex

Disability Association

Issue 42 - Sept 2011

actively empowering and supporting disabled people

Lord Morris

ESDA - actively empowering and supporting disabled people - www.esda.org.uk2

Aware - Sept 2011

East Sussex County Council’s Adult SocialCare department have recently changedthe way they give funds to organisationssuch as ESDA. They introduced the Commissioning Grants Prospectus as thenew route for voluntary sector funding latelast year.

Our contract for the Disabled Living Centrewas extended for 6 months and then thework it does was included in the Prospectus. This meant that we wouldhave to apply in order to get the money tocontinue our work. It could also havemeant that we were applying incompetition with others.

However the process did allow us to becreative and think of new ways to get thesame or improved outcomes for disabledpeople. After a lot of thinking, writing,rewriting, more thinking and yet morerewriting we eventually submitted our bidin time for the deadline. Then there was aperiod of nail-biting tension whilst our bidwas assessed. We also met with our Commissioner to clarify our bid and tonegotiate on what we would deliver andhow much money ESCC would give us todo the work. This involved Steph and Ispending a lot of time with calculators andpersuading our Board that we were doingthe right thing.

Our hard work was rewarded with ESCCmaking us a grant to pay for the work ofthe Disabled Living Centre, the InformationService and work to facilitate a network ofUser-led Disabled People’s Organisationsin the county. We’ve got the money overthe next three years and this gives us adegree of stability and breathing space.However it doesn’t stop us from needing toraise more funds to keep ESDA going anddeveloping – indeed in this edition you’llfind a book of raffle tickets to sell (andplease let us know if you could sell somemore). If we sold every ticket we sent outin Aware this would bring in about £10,000– so over to you!n

Contents

Chronically Sick and Disabled

Persons Act............................Cover

Editorial .........................................2

View from the Chairman................3

East sussex Fire and Rescue........4

ESDA services...............................5

ESDA services........................6/7/8

News from Local Groups ......8/9/10

News from other groups ..............11

LINk.............................................12

Volunteering at ESDA .................13

Disability Sports Event ................14

Letters - Notices ..........................15

Events and contacts ................back

Editorial

Nick Tapp

CEO

All too often all we seem to hear is badnews especially in relation to health andsocial care services for disabled people.

And it is true there seems to be a lot outthere to be concerned about: proposals tochange Disability Living Allowance; newreturn to work assessments; social care re-assessments; housing benefit changes;decreased pension pots; postcode lotteriesfor health services; unemployment; pooreconomic growth and so the list goes on.

So it’s good to be able to report some goodnews.

Aware - Sept 2011

ESDA - actively empowering and supporting disabled people - www.esda.org.uk 3

ESDA is a well established and well

regarded user led membership

organisation, with its entire voting

members disabled people.

There is a strong commitment to the

common purpose and goals of the

organisation in all of its Local Groups and

departments and a good deal of effort

goes into ensuring that its criteria for the

success of its activities have a positive

outcome for disabled people.

The organisation is considered to be a

centre of excellence in the delivery of

services related to disabled people. In

addition to providing services directly to

disabled people, much of its work is

ensuring other bodies enable disabled

people have full access to their services.

ESDA is also recognised for its expertise

in the field of assessing the impact of

change on disabled people.

Because of this it has become recognised

as a major player in the commissioning

process, recently set up by East Sussex

County Council, to bid for and take on the

delivery of public services. It has to be

said that while it is considered this is the

right move forward it does place additional

responsibilities on the Board of Directors

to achieve the optimum level of board

involvement with contracting in a way that

adds to, rather than duplicates or obstructs

the role of the Chief Executive. Of course

the Board of Directors in understanding

how important it is to be successful in

bidding for the right contracts have a

natural instinct to support the Chief

Executive and staff in creating effective

bids. And this creates critical governance

questions that will help to steer the work of

the executive. Such as it is established

that the contract is within our charitable

objects, the contract allows for a full cost

recovery and the organisation has the

capacity to undertake the contract.

I am told, by listening to those more

knowledgeable than I am, that the role of

the chair is critical in achieving effective

board oversight of contracts. For example

in steering board discussions on contract

issues, facilitating active board

engagement between meetings –

particularly in connection with the

executive. Ensuring clear decisions are

taken and acted on and ensuring

productive review/evaluation takes place.

It is indeed a challenge, whether it is in the

role of a Board Director undertaking these

important roles in governance or taking up

the variety of leadership tasks. For it is

painfully obvious ESDA cannot be the

excellent user led organisation it strives to

continue to be without some members,

who are able to do so, volunteering to

become leaders.

Because the Chair and the Vice Chair of

the Association are obliged to step down

from positions of leadership with ESDA, in

accordance with the terms of the Articles

of the Association, in October of this year

there is an even greater need for a

volunteer to come forward to take over the

role of leading the Board of Directors and

working with the Chief Executive in

planning the future success of the

Association.

As a disabled person are you willing to

become involved in helping ESDA to

improve its services? Please do let us

know if you are interested. n

View from the

Chair

Tony Powell


Aware - Sept 2011

East Sussex Fire and Rescue

East Sussex Fire and

Rescue Service (ESFRS)

are seeking the active

involvement of community

groups to ensure we have a strong

engagement with a wide cross section of

the public.

We intend to consult extensively with local

communities to ensure we plan to match

the increasing demands and expectations

of everyone we serve in East Sussex and

the City of Brighton and Hove.

If you would like to know more about

getting involved with our consultation

please respond by:

Calling: 0845 130 8855

Email: [email protected]

Writing to us at:

The Community Risk Management Team

East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service

20 Upperton Road, Eastbourne

East Sussex, BN21 1EU

We have three members of staff who use

British Sign Language to carry out Home

Safety Visits to deaf people and to

communicate at community events. For

further information contact us on 0845 130

8855. ESFRS can provide advice and free

smoke alarms.

We would like to visit the homes of people

most at risk from fire in the home and to

discuss fire safety issues that are specific

to them. We will ensure that you have

working smoke alarm(s) within your home

and supply and fit 10 year smoke alarm(s)

where necessary.

Request a visit by:

Calling us FREE on 0800 177 7069

Via our website www.esfrs.org

Via Email [email protected]

Via Minicom 01323 462002

Sussex Police offer an Emergency Text

Service for people who cannot use a voice

telephone. Text your emergency message

giving details of the problem and your

location to 65999. The message is dealt

with by Police Control on behalf of the

emergency services. Contact details for

further info are:

Non-emergency text number 07786

208090

Minicom 01273 483435

Fax 01273 404274 n

News

Aware - Sept 2011


Disabled Living Centre

Our recent Bathing Event, held in

conjunction with AgeUK East Sussex’s

Falls Prevention event was well attended

with some positive comments: -

“It was good to talk to with people for help

and advice”

“I will need these aids and info to help me

live independently when I am on my own”

Drop-in Session:

We have held three, one morning a month

drop-in sessions with one more planned

for 4th August. So far we have had some

mornings with several visitors and some

with none. After the 4th August we will

evaluate the success (or failure) of these

sessions and consider whether to continue

them in the future.

We would like to thank Sarah Morehen,

OT for stepping in to cover one to one

appointments during Jan’s absence.

Accessible Kitchen:

We have been negotiating with a local

company to replace our tired and out

dated accessible kitchen units.

The company has offered us a range of

kitchen units with more modern features;

however, until we can find someone to

install them for us we have been unable to

proceed any further. We need an

experienced kitchen installer who can

donate their time and skills to meet with

the DLC team and the kitchen company to

plan the installation and then to carry out

the installation. If you can help, please

contact Sharon Pummell, DLC Admin

Assistant on 01323 514515.

New equipment on display:

Pride C-1WA Petite Lift Chair on loan from

AJ Mobility, Hailsham

Above:

Sit-U-up Pillow Lift on short term (3-

months) loan from Mangar International

All Zipped Up Duvet Cover

The Wonder Strap Dressing Aid

Flexyfoot Ferrules

Millie

mova

system in

photo n

ESDA Services


Aware - Sept 2011

Fundraising

How you could help ESDA?

Charities, like ESDA, are always trying to

raise funds in order that they can keep

going. We do this in a variety of ways.

These include:

• Events – such as garden parties,

fashion shows etc

• Coffee mornings, lunches and

tea parties

• Tombolas

• Boot Fairs and Table Top Sales

• Raffles

• Bidding for contracts from

statutory agencies

• Grants from other funders –

such as the Big Lottery and

Comic Relief etc

• Sponsorship

• Individual donations

• Legacies

Many people don’t realise how important

legacies are to charities. There are

charities that were set up because

someone left money in their estate to

support a particular cause. Others have

been able to develop and grow because of

a gift in a will. Even more commonly many

charities, like ESDA, have been able to

keep doing what their supporters want

them to do because someone left them

some money. Without them we would not

be able to continue providing the services

that are so important to so many local

disabled people.

An amazing 74% of the UK population

support charities. When asked 35% of

people say they’d be happy to remember a

charity in their will yet sadly only 7%

actually do.

You don’t have to be rich and famous to

make a gift that can make a difference.

You don’t have to choose between leaving

money to loved ones or to charity – you

could do both.

So speak to your solicitor. If you already

have made a will then you can add ESDA

through a written instruction called a

codicil. If you haven’t made a will then do

so straight away – this will make sure that

only people you want to benefit from your

estate do so – and remember ESDA when

you do.

If you want more help with how to go

about writing your will, or how to

remember ESDA, then please get in touch

with us at the office. n

--------------------------------------------------------

Gift Aid it!

You can help us - just by ticking a box! Ifyou are a UK taxpayer, please tick the boxwe can receive an extra 28p from every £1you give at no extra cost to you.

o I am a UK taxpayer and would like all donations I

have made to East Sussex Disability Association for the

four years prior to this year and all donations I make in

the future to be treated as Gift Aid donations.

Name of Taxpayer _____________________________

Today’s date__________________________________

ESDA Services

Aware - Sept 2011


ESDA Coach Service (ESDACS)ESDACS EXPECTS!

ESDA Coach Services Ltd is looking forward

to the arrival of a brand new accessible

coach! The new vehicle, due for delivery

early Autumn, will be a 30 seat Mercedes

Vario sporting the ESDACS blue and white

livery. As with our other coaches in the fleet,

the new coach is supplied by East Sussex

Disability Association and will replace our

oldest bus, the Iveco, after many years good

service.

Thank you!

We have been able to secure the new coach

earlier than planned thanks to some very

diligent work by the ESDACS Board and

ESDA Finance Officer Steph Melling, who

were successful in obtaining SEIF European

Lottery Funding to finance the purchase.

This photograph shows our new coach in

build and will be transformed into the finished

vehicle by mid September, even though it

looks more like a dragster at this stage!

Members of the ESDACS Board inspected

the build process at the manufacturer Mellors

in Rochdale in August and are delighted with

the progress. Mellors are due to deliver on

time and we are looking forward to launching

our new coach in the Autumn of this year.

New Signs

The new coach will be launched with new

signage to help promote ESDA Coach

Services Accessible Coach Hire as we travel

around the County proudly flying the ESDA

Flag. Our other coaches in the fleet will be

also upgraded with the new signs. Watch out

for more on that story together with photos of

our new coach in the next edition of Aware!

Coach Replacement Fund

ESDA Coach Services will continue to

contribute to the ESDA Coach Replacement

Fund to upgrade coach stock as necessary,

so we may continue to provide fully

accessible coach outings for our 19 ESDA

District Groups and many other non-profit

making social, disability and community

groups in East Sussex.

Group Outings

ESDA Coach Services fully accessible coach

hire is available to any not-for-profit social,

disability or community group whose

membership includes at least one member

with mobility difficulties (they need not be

registered disabled) To find out how we can

help plan and provide transport for group

outings please call Wendy Hiscox on 01323

514512 (Tuesday to Friday 9am to 3pm)

email [email protected] or visit

www.esdacoaches.com n

ESDA Services


Aware - Sept 2011

Battle and Robertsbridge‘Strawberry Tea’ clouds had a ‘Silver Lining’

Despite the rain 38 people enjoyed a

fundraising “strawberry tea” in aid of the

Battle & Robertsbridge District of the East

Sussex Disability Association (ESDA). In

addition to the strawberry cream teas

there were cakes, books and bric-a-brac

on sale plus a bumper raffle. This was the

third time the event has been held and a

record total of £520 was raised.

On behalf of the ESDA committee

Chairman Alan Cole and Treasurer

Richard Price would like to thank everyone

who attended and all those who

generously donated cash, the 24 raffle

prizes and all the cakes. The money

raised will be put towards the cost of the

monthly social outings organised by the

local committee for their disabled

residents. The pictures show some of

those who enjoyed the afternoon.n

Information Service

The Information Service has been out and

about to various events recently. We have

attended the Care for the Carers forum at

Ashburnham Place, Crowborough Derby

and Jones Club received a chat about the

services we offer and a demonstration of

some of the smaller pieces of equipment

available from the Disabled Living Centre

and we attended the falls prevention event

held at Uckfield Civic Centre.

We continue to get numerous and varied

enquiries to the Service, these range from

helping with basic benefits enquiries to

helping with finding cleaners and

befriending services for disabled people

who need the extra support to live

independently. We continue to offer DLA

form filling. With this service being used

more and more the waiting list is currently

up to 4 weeks, so if you require assistance

with this form please contact us as early as

possible to avoid disappointment. n

ESDA Services News from local groups

The Disabled People’s Participation group

is a collective database of individuals who

are disabled people or have an interest in

disability issues. The group takes part in

consultations and have participated in

activities on a range of topics. If you are

interested in becoming a member or would

you like more information please contact

ESDA quoting DPPG.

Aware - Sept 2011


Seaford KurlersOur regular meetings on Tuesday

afternoons at the Downs Leisure Centre in

Seaford, are well attended and full of

laughs and daggers drawn competitions.

We have however, not yet been able to

have our return match with the

Littlehampton Social Kurling group

(Dreams). They have a few problems to

sort and then we will compete for the

challenge cup. They are hoping to wrestle

it from our grasp. Not if we can help it

they’re not!

Getting a little ahead of ourselves but still

on the topic of competitions, we will

hopefully take part in the British Club

Kurling Championships on the 1st

October, 2011. These will take place at the

Folkstone Sports Centre. These are very

intense competitions. Wish us luck.

Since I last wrote about the club, we have

been fairly active socially and within the

community. On the 26th April, 2011, a

group travelled to London by ESDA coach

and visited the Titanic exhibition. They

came back saying that it was a really

fantastic trip and exhibition. On the same

day, we had a friendly visit from a few

kurling players from the St. Leonards and

Hastings group. They seemed to have a

good time. At some stage we hope to

arrange a match with them.

On 10th July we helped Wave Leisure with

the Seaford Fun Day. This annual event

has been going for a few years and we like

to help when we can. A group of 10

Kurlers were on hand to demonstrate the

game of New Age Kurling and to show that

it is a sport that can be done by any age

group or disability group, on equal terms.

In recent years we have gained members

from this event. This year however, we

had very few interested people because it

was such a lovely, sunny day, therefore

most people preferred to go to the outdoor

events!! The photograph shows two of our

Kurlers (In red team tops) and

two visitors.

We shall again be helping Wave Leisure to

put on a programme of events in aid of the

Searchlight charity (Newhaven) on a

Disability Day on 20th August, 2011. This

is done in conjunction with the local

Sainsburys also in Newhaven. They have

adopted Searchlight as their sponsored

charity for the year. We will again show

how our sport can be enjoyed

by their members.

The next social event will have taken place

by the time this news item goes to press –

we have a group of 20 members going to

the Houses of Parliament on Thursday

28th July, 2011 – again with an ESDA

coach transporting us there.

June Wood, Club Secretary n

News from local groups


Aware - Sept 2011

DAWNS

We have enjoyed a talk on telecare and a

shopping trip to Tunbridge Wells recently.

At our next meeting we are going to

design a calendar with members art work,

please keep an eye on your web page (on

local groups at www.esda.org.uk) for

updates on this. Future plans include a

wood turning demonstration and story

teller.

DAWNS New Age Kurling

This new club is going well, we play

fortnightly in Ashurstwood. New members

and their carers welcome, for more info

please contact Jo on 07759948788

[email protected] n

Crowborough District Committeeare reforming and are looking for

volunteers. This group are also looking for

visitors, so if you work during the week it

doesn't mean you can't be a volunteer.

Our next committee meeting will be in

September, so please contact Marianne

on 01323 514531 or email:

[email protected] if you

would like to come along. n

CELEBRATING SUCCESSASDAN CVQ – Certificate in Community

Volunteering

Eight of our ESDA volunteers have

successfully gained their CVQ at Levels 2

and 3. The qualification provides

recognition and accreditation of voluntary

and community activities and can be a

stepping stone to further qualifications,

career development and employment. It is

also a reward for their individual

contributions within ESDA.

Congratulations to Stephen Bland, Alan

Holmes, Jo Keel, Phil Kite, Shirley Kite,

Jason Payne, Kim Robertson, Alan Hill.

Another way ESDA celebrates volunteers

is through the ESDA Merit Awards and I

encourage you all to put forward names

for this year’s awards. Please can you let

me have your nominations by Friday

30th September.

Phone: 01323 514531 – email:

[email protected]

Another recent success is that the ESDA

Karten Centre, our computer training

resource at the centre in Eastbourne is

now a registered UK Online Centre which

opens up more opportunities to learners

as well as ESDA.

If you are interested in computer training

please leave a message on 01323 514530

for a call back from the Karten Team or

email [email protected]

News from local groups

Aware - Sept 2011


SussexroamabilityGo cruising

We all met for coffee on the banks of the

Chichester Canal basin before boarding

our boat. When we were ready to board,

the very experienced crew were there to

help us in every way. An elevator for

wheelchairs or scooters was lowered

smoothly to the cabin where we were

made comfortable for the cruise.

The wildlife along the banks of the canal

ignored our boat. We saw fowl and birds

go about their daily lives with confidence.

The wild flowers were a joyful sight. A

graceful heron leisurely took off just as

we approached. Lunch was served on

board while we watched the world go by.

Active members joined the Captain on the

top deck and were treated to a wealth of

his interesting information. It was a happy

and very relaxing day.

Rambling in Kew's Country Estate

Our day was filled with pleasure and

interest when we visited Wakehurst Place,

near Ardingly. Right from the start, the

staff were eager to help us in every way.

The motor scooters we had reserved

beforehand were ready and waiting and

we set off with very useful maps. The

maps explain the different grades of path

so a suitable route for everyone can be

followed. Wakehurst have two motor

scooters and a good number of

wheelchairs for the use of visitors.

These are free of charge,although a

donation towards the cost of maintenance

is welcome.

A variety of different areas all gave a

wealth of interest from water gardens to

sub tropical plantings - all specimens

being in the peak of condition that is

expected of Kew. The wheelchair access

is on level, broad, smooth paths. Our visit

took place on a hot dry day but if the paths

were wet this would have been no problem

to the users of wheelchairs or motor

scooters. Wakehurst Place is very

welcoming to disabled people

The grounds are designed to give a

maximum effect to the trees and plants.

Sculptures blend in naturally and are often

witty and surprising.

Perhaps the wonder of the Wakehurst is

the Millennium Seed Bank. The free video

explains fully and simply exactly how the

seed bank works. Millions of seeds from

all over the planet are kept here in cold

storage. Scientists engaged in this vital

conservation work continually to save the

seeds that are the source of food,

medicine, shelter, and livelihoods.

Our visit to Wakehurst was both enjoyable

and interesting.

If you would like to know more or to join us

on a ramble, please contact:

Sheila Matthews

Tel: 01323 892647

e-mail: [email protected] n

News from other groups


Aware - Sept 2011

Final Annual Review MeetingOn 14th June 2011 the LINk held its third and

final Annual Review Meeting under the current

legislation, in Uckfield.

Following the formal adopting of the annual

report, the audience heard updates from key

note speakers about the development of

HealthWatch, both nationally and locally.

Speaking on national developments of

HealthWatch England the LINk welcomed

Frances Hasler (HealthWatch Development

Lead, Strategic Communications and

Marketing Directorate, Care Quality

Commission) and Barbara Deacon, East

Sussex County Council, Health Policy Officer,

gave an update on the HealthWatch

Development Group.

There was a lively discussion about the

proposed changes with both Frances and

Barbara taking questions from the floor.

Local HealthWatch is set to be launched in

October 2012 following the government’s

“pause” in the Health and Social Care Bill and

you can keep up to date on the developments

and take part in focus groups to shape Local

HealthWatch over the coming months.

Another important review presented at our

annual meeting was the Wheelchair Services

Review.

Pat Newton & Theresa Hodge presented the

findings of the review, which included:

• Frequent concern around inadequate

funding / resourcing of the service

• Provision of cheapest option instead of

thinking long-term

• Difficulties with transport to assessments

and appointments

• Concern around timescales of referrals,

assessments, repairs / maintenance,

appointments and general contact with

the service.

An action plan has been drafted by the

services outlining how they plan to address

the recommendations made in the review and

is available from the LINk office 01323 514510

Looking forward…. it is very much business

as usual, many of you use our local hospitals

and the LINk would very much like to hear

about your experiences, especially around

leaving hospital, dignity and nutrition on the

wards. We would be very pleased to receive

positive experiences too; where services are

working well for our community, it is vital we

promote the service to help individuals have

greater choice.

The second big issue the LINk is looking into

is dignity and nutrition in care homes – again

please share your experiences, whether you

are a family member or a carer, we would like

to hear from you, whatever your experience

good or bad.

To stay up to date with the LINk at any time

please contact the team on: 01323 514510 or

email: [email protected] or text:

07968 119 806 n

LINk

Final Annual Review Meeting

Aware - Sept 2011


The Positives of Volunteering

I have always enjoyed helping people in the

past but I had never given volunteering a

second thought. But during the seven

months I have spent volunteering with

ESDA how my thoughts have changed.

Having been diagnosed as medically unfit

for my past employment which was

physically demanding I was told to get a job

in an office, even attending learning centres

for numerous courses in Information

Technology (IT) to boost my office skills, it

was still not enough to boost my confidence

in applying for an office position, so

volunteering was suggested to me as a way

forward.

My experience of volunteering at ESDA has

been both satisfying and rewarding. I was

extremely nervous at first but I feel that this

cantankerous male has made progress,

thanks to the positive attitude of all the team

members. Everybody is treated equally and

with respect.

I am grateful for the chance to use some of

my skills and indeed learn new ones.

Feeling worthwhile and valued is so very

important to wellbeing and I’m starting to

feel that way again. With a more positive

outlook, I aim to gradually expand the help I

can offer within ESDA. It took a few weeks

to learn the ropes properly but with the help

of other volunteers and the staff I became

confident in my roles and was made to feel

right at home.

My roles within ESDA are –

Volunteer Drivers Assistant with ESDA

District Committees and Local Groups, in

this position I go on trips out with the Local

Groups as an escort on the coach and help

at the destination of the visit.

Volunteer IT Trainer - in a purpose built

Karten suite designed for disabled persons.

This is self explanatory, I help in the Karten

Room with the delivery of IT, to a small

group of people who have signed up to

learn basic computing.

Volunteer receptionist, where I answer the

telephone and signpost people towards the

right service within ESDA, and last but not

least Gardener / Handyman, which means I

have changed a few lightbulbs and rebuilt

some of the accessible garden. We were

lucky enough to have Jewsons builders

merchants donate to us some timber which

was used to help rebuild the vine area

above the decking.

Many people question “working for nothing”

how wrong they are. The more you put in,

the more rewarding the experience.

Voluntary work is definitely a two way thing,

the experience you gain and the sense of

achievement at the end of the day. n

Volunteering at ESDA

Peter

Kingsland


Aware - Sept 2011

Other news

Disability Sports Event Sunday 18th September 2011

from 11am until 3.00pmAt Bexhill Leisure Centre,

Downs Road, Bexhill, TN39 4HS

Come along to find out more about what sports are available locally.The day also includes the launch of an exciting new disability sport-

group called PODS 1066.

For information call Harold or Adrian 01424 731034 01424787583

Aware - Sept 2011


Letters- Notices

Dear ESDA

Dear ESDA

Thank you for helping me with deciding

which piece of equipment was most suitable

for my needs. My Soxon is wonderful, I can

now pull on my socks without help from my

family, and my long handles shoehorn helps

me put my shoes on independently as well.

Thank you

Mrs P

I am a Blue Badge holder, and you sent me

a copy of the Rough Guide to Accessible

Britain. So thank you for this, it has been

most useful for when I travel out of the area

with my husband.

Many thanks again

Sally

Access Eastbourne

Access Eastbourne is a new and excitingwebsite that shows how accessibleEastbourne is. It contains reviews from localdisabled people on their experiences of visits to Coffee Shops, Hotels, Restaurants,Local Services, Shops and Transport.

How to use Access Eastbourne

Simply select a category from the menu anda map of Eastbourne will load showing all ofthe locations reviewed on this website.Select the "More Info" link and the reviewwill open.

Get Involved

We are seeking disabled people with arange of impairments, who live in or aroundEastbourne, to become reviewers.

Submit a Comment

Let us know what you think of the locationswe've reviewed on this website. Find a location, and submit your review online.

Submit a Location

Is there a location missing from our theAccess Eastbourne guide? Let us know.

Feel free to get in touch

If you have any suggestions, queries or difficulties with the site, then please don'thesitate to contact us using one of thefollowing methods:

Telephone: 01323 514500Fax: 01323 514501Email: [email protected]: 07564 932 445 n

We are sad to announce that Ann Curd

Vice President of ESDA, recently passed

away. Ann was a founding member of

Bexhill District Committee and a

dedicated Chair for some thirty five years

before retiring.

Denis Rodd, who many will

remember as a Trustee of the Association

as well as Treasurer for Bexhill DC, also

recently passed away.

Ivy Doyle, who was Chair of Newhaven DC

for a number of years and very active as a

Holiday Escort, has also died.

We remember them and extend our

condolences to their families.

Please note that the views or articles in the Aware newsletter are not necessarily the views of ESDA.

East Sussex 1 Faraday Close, Eastbourne BN22 9BH

Disability Tel: 01323 514500

Association Fax: 01323 514501

Text: 07564 932445

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.esda.org.uk

Form Filling Service [email protected] - 01323 514500

Disabled Living Centre [email protected] - 01323 514515

Information Service [email protected] - 01323 514521

Meeting Room Hire [email protected] - 01323 514500

Local Services [email protected] - 01323 514500

Registered charity no. 1042071. Registered in England & Wales as a company limited by guarantee no. 2979027.

Events and contactsEastbourne Disability Roadshow, Devonshire Halls, Eastbourne, E Sussex

15 September 2011 10.30am – 2.30pmFree admission

Refreshments

Exhibition of goods, facilities and services in Eastbourne for disabled people.

For more information log on to www.eastbourne.gov.uk/DIG

or visit Eastbourne’s Disability Road Show on Facebook

Advance Notice of AGM

ESDA AGM will be held on 21st October 2011 11am

at Beechwood Hall, Beechwood Lane, Cooksbridge, Lewes, BN7 3QG.

Tea/coffee and Danish pastries will be served from 10.15am

Changes To Reporting Of Hate Crimes

East Sussex Safer Communities Partnership have announced that from 1st August 2011hate incidents must be reported directly by phone, email or in person, initially to

Sussex Police and local District and Borough councils – with reporting points expected to

be extended to include some community groups in the coming months. The Safer

Communities Team will be offering training to the voluntary and community sector, with

more information available from Seon Mill on 01323 466529 or via email to

[email protected].

Documents

Aware Sept 2011