HALF A MILLION PEOPLE ACROSS THE DIGITALLY EXCLUDED

AVERY warm welcome to our 18th anniversary issue There have been many times when we thought we would never reach this milestone

Over the past decade hundreds of well-established local newspapers have collapsed, caused by the powerful surge of the internet and the seismic decline in advertising revenue

But, against all odds, we have been able to get this far How we’ve been able to do so is down to the tremendous and ongoing support we’ve had from organisations who understand the importance of All Together NOW!

They know there are more than HALF A MILLION people across Merseyside and Cheshire who are not internet users and have no other way of accessing the kind of help, advice, guidance and inspiration that only this newspaper provides

It’s hardly surprising that the vast majority of these people are over 65, affected by disability, or simply can’t afford to go online

For 18 years, All Together NOW! has filled this vital gap As tough as it is, we are fully prepared to fight on But we also need a lot more help

I hope you like the edition as much as we have enjoyed producing it

We’re back in July See you then

TOM DOWLING editor

A NEW campaign is under way to fine airlines who fail in their obligations to disabled travellers

In a letter to the Prime Minister, MP Marion Fellows called for legislation to give the Civil Aviation Authority to impose fines on airlines who: l Damage wheelchairs or essential mobility devices l Leave disabled passengers on flights for a prolonged period once the flight has landed l Fail to provide adequate assistance despite prior knowledge of disabled passengers’ needs

Mrs Fellows, Scottish National Party spokesperson for people with disabilities, said well-publicised cases of high profile disabled people like Sophie Morgan, Frank Gardner and Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson are just the tip of the iceberg

She writes: “This Government has made a worthy commitment to make sure that disabled people are able to travel easily, confidently and without extra cost as outlined within the Inclusive Transport Strategy

“However, in the aviation industry, disabled passengers are unable to travel with ease or confidence and regularly face additional costs ”

Move to fine airlines failing disabled flyers Snap to it . . .

THE final call has gone out to people with Down’s syndrome to enter the international photography competition, My Perspective 2023

Every year, budding photographers from all over the world enter, and this year it’s bigger and better, with new categories, a child and adult section, and a new short film category

Winning entries will have their work displayed at a series of UK-wide exhibitions, and all those shortlisted will be invited to an awards night in London

Deadline, May 31 n www downs-syndrome org uk/ourwork/our-voice/my-perspective/

Down’s Syndrome Association Helpline: 0333 121 2300.

Benefits fast-tracked at time of most need

THOUSANDS of terminally ill people are to have disability benefits fast-tracked

People in their final year of life can now get vital financial support six months earlier than they were able to previously

Those who are eligible will not be required to attend a medical assessment, and in the majority of cases, they will receive the highest rate of benefits

This will apply to Personal Independent Payment, Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance

Mark Jackson, Marie Curie’s senior policy and research manager, said: “We are pleased to see these changes come into effect, having campaigned alongside terminally ill people and the Motor Neurone Disease Association to scrap the previous six-month rule ”

Alex Massey, head of campaigning at the Motor Neurone Disease Association, added: “This will enable more people with the disease to access the support they need quickly without the need for a face-to-face assessment ”

Help for the helpers

A NEW effort is being made to support unpaid black, Asian and minority ethnic carers who are not getting the help they need.

Often, they will not even recognise themselves as carers, with some languages lacking a distinct word for “carer”.

Now the Carers UK charity has released a best practice guide to advise organisations on how they can best support people from these backgrounds n Download the best practice guide at www carersuk org

Health Inequalities: Page 6

Hiden costs of cancer

PEOPLE with cancer are also having to cope with soaring daily living costs and the additional worry that comes with it

The research found 83% of people with cancer say unexpected expenses since their diagnosis are impacting their mental health, with over a third (36%) feeling the impact strongly

On top of that, 78% of people are struggling to pay bills as a result of the costs that come with a diagnosis

The poll was carried out for cancer support charity Maggies, whose chief executive Dame Laura Lee said: “It is unthinkable that someone worrying about cancer is also worrying about putting the heating on, getting to their hospital appointment or buying food ”

Pauline Thornley and Councillor

Lake sign the Liverpool Kinship Charter