Enable November/December 2020

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A weekend break in Dorset

ADE ADEPITAN Our new columnist talks disability in limbo

The UK’s leading disability and lifestyle magazine

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November / December 2020

MEET ME HALFWAY

A HELPING HAND Charities reveal how they’re continuing to help during the pandemic

Understanding autism after diagnosis in adulthood

THE FACE OF CARE How can caring roles impact your relationships?

DODDIE WEIR The rugby legend discusses his fight against MND

Welcome The UK’s leading disability and lifestyle magazine ADE ADEPITAN PHOTO: © IAN WALLMAN

Grab your glitter and get cosy as you revel in the latest issue of Enable…

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EDITOR’S PICKS...

44 A VIRTUAL MERRY CHRISTMAS Enjoy the festivities this winter has to bring with our top pick of virtual events.

51 TAKING PRIDE IN THE POSITIVES There’s no denying COVID-19 has been challenging, but positives are starting to come to light.

Three charities share how COVID-19 has boosted vital resources to help the disabled community.

67 DISABILITY IN LIMBO Introducing our new columnist, Ade Adepitan!

TV presenter and Paralympian discusses how disabled people are still being left behind as lockdown restrictions lift.

s we come into the final months of an extremely strange year, the uncertainty of winter can be a daunting prospect. Throughout lockdown I’m sure many people faced extreme periods of isolation or loneliness, and, as the festive season arrives, loneliness is still an issue.

I had the pleasure of speaking with RAF veteran Marjorie on page 18 as she discusses the impact loneliness has on her life, and how you can spend some time befriending this Christmas.

We also connect with carers giving back to their loved one on page 13 and how this can change relationships. It has been a mentally and physically draining time, and as a carer it is imperative you look after your own mental health – discover how on page 22. And, get to Know Your Rights this year on Carers Rights Day over on page 16.

Although this has been a year on pause, there is exciting news for people living with motor neuron disease (MND) as the first trials of their kind have started (albeit with a delay due to COVID). On page 10 we speak with Doddie Weir about his experience with the disease, raising vital funds to help find a cure, all whilst recording a podcast in lockdown to raise awareness and education of life with MND. From Strictly Come Dancing, the campaign for Changing Places to gaining new skills and qualifications online, there is a lot to enjoy in the last issue of Enable in 2020. Whatever you do this festive season, we all hope you are safe Get in touch and well.

See you in 2021! editor@enablemagazine.co.uk facebook.com/enablemagazine twitter.com/enablemagazine

Lorne Gillies, Editor

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EDITOR Lorne Gillies lorne.gillies@dcpublishing.co.uk STAFF WRITER Emma Storr emma.storr@dcpublishing.co.uk EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Ade Adepitan Tim Rushby-Smith Alisdair Suttie DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Lucy Baillie lucy.baillie@dcpublishing.co.uk

ENABLE MAGAZINE www.enablemagazine.co.uk

FUNDRAISING

Some of the team are running 165k in November and others are walking a marathon a week, all to raise vital funds over the winter months.

From festive cheer to Scrooge, we’re digging out our best Christmas knits this winter to celebrate Christmas jumper day; well, it would be rude not to! Ho, ho, ho.

PUBLISHER Denise Connelly denise@dcpublishing.co.uk

SALES Marian Mathieson marian.mathieson@dcpublishing.co.uk

Behind the scenes

CHRISTMAS TIME

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DC Publishing Ltd, 198 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4HG Tel: 0844 249 9007

ONLINE

The Enable website is continually updated with the latest news, discussions and interviews in the world of disability. Our top read is our interview with RNIB to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Equality Act.

©DC Publishing Ltd 2020. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any way without prior written permission from the publisher. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of DC Publishing Ltd. The publisher takes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers within the publication. Every effort has been made to ensure that information is accurate; while dates and prices are correct at time of going to print, DC Publishing Ltd takes no responsibility for omissions and errors.

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You could win a weekend break in Dorset, go to page 47 to enter!

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What’s inside November/December 2020

Interview

Spotlight

10 THE FIGHT AGAINST MND WITH DODDIE WEIR The campaign to provide hope and education for people with MND.

18 YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND IN ME Loneliness is a growing issue; one woman shares her experience.

Voices 20 SAM: INCLUSION ON SCREEN The cast and crew of S.A.M. speak about disability representation.

26 WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED? Our columnist Tim Rushby-Smith looks to the future post-COVID. 67 DISABILITY IN LIMBO Ade Adepitan talks disability in limbo in his brand-new column for Enable.

81 STRICTLY COME JJ CHALMERS Veteran JJ Chalmers chats preparing for Strictly Come Dancing.

82 PETITIONING FOR RIGHTS

Disability lifestyle vlogger, Gem Hubbard talks about her petition fighting to unblock disabled parking bays.

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51 TAKING PRIDE IN THE POSITIVES Charities discuss the positive impacts the pandemic has had on their services.

55 FIGHTING FOR SOCIAL CARE Mencap are campaigning for change, their new CEO reveals how.

Care 13 CARERS: CHANGING RELATIONSHIPS In what way can caring affect your relationship and who can you turn to?

16 KNOW YOUR RIGHTS ON CARERS RIGHTS DAY This Carers Rights Day it’s time to get informed and discover your rights.

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PHOTO: © IAN WALLMAN

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WIN

A weekend spring break in Dorset with Ellwood Cottages on page 47!

Health 22 UNDERSTANDING ANXIETY It’s a daunting world at the moment, recognising and managing anxiety as a carer is critical.

25 DECODING STRESS We all have stress, but when does stress become debilitating?

28 MAINTAINING BALANCE FOR A HEALTHY LIFE Prepare for a healthy diet and nutrition ahead of the winter months.

31 DIABETES: MAKING THE DIFFERENCE A specialist shares how you can help prevent lower limb amputation.

Life 34 A HELPING HAND Charities share what they’re doing during the pandemic and how you can help, too.

37 MAKING THE ACCESSIBLE AMEND Purple Tuesday founder Mike Adams reveals how businesses can make amends.

42 CHANGING PLACES: IMPLEMENTING A HUMAN RIGHT Everyone has the right to use a toilet. One campaign is taking it to the top.

44 VIRTUAL MERRY CHRISTMAS Panto season and meeting Santa doesn’t have to be cancelled this year after all!

Support 48 BEAT THE WINTER BLUES Stay warm and financially stable this winter with our top tips.

Employment 70 RECOVERING FROM REDUNDANCY 2020 was the year of redundancy, but there is light in your career journey.

61 PRODUCT ROUNDUP The best products on the market to make your life more independent.

72 WELCOME TO THE NHS WORKFORCE The team at NHS Lothian share how you can join the team.

64 MEET ME HALF WAY Two autistic people share their experiences of being diagnosed in adulthood.

74 YOUR WORKPLACE RIGHTS From benefits to reasonable adjustments, it’s time to shine in your role.

68 BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS A look at this year’s theme for International Day of People with Disabilities, highlighting hidden disabilities.

Education

Travel

Motoring

40 HOP ON DISABILITY TRANSPORT Move from A to B with ease as organisations make their transport more accessible.

58 REVIEW: RENAULT ZOE Alisdair Suttie gets behind the wheel of the new Renault ZOE for a test drive.

77 ADVANCE YOUR SKILLS BSL to online degrees, we check out the best of learning online.

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News

Siponimod approved for active secondary progressive MS

UNPAID CARERS FEAR BURNOUT AND EXHAUSTION UNPAID CARERS LOOKING AFTER vulnerable loved ones during the coronavirus pandemic reveal they are concerned about how they will cope over the winter months.

Carers UK hosted an online questionnaire where almost 6,000 unpaid carers shared their views.

Eight in 10 shared that they had been doing more, with fewer breaks, since the beginning of the pandemic.

Furthermore, three-quarters of respondents said they were

exhausted; 58 per cent of carers said they had seen their physical health affected by caring during the pandemic; and 64 per cent said their mental health had worsened.

Carers UK is calling on vital services including day centres to be up and running as a matter of urgency.

The charity is also encouraging the government to ensure that people receiving Carers Allowance get an equivalent payment increase to those getting Universal Credit.

SIPONIMOD (MAYZENT) HAS BEEN approved on the NHS as the first ever oral treatment for people living with active secondary progressive MS (SPMS) in England, Wales and Scotland.

The daily tablet is the first new treatment for SPMS in over a decade.

The only other treatment available for SPMS is injected, but siponimod has also been found to be more effective in reducing relapses and delaying cognitive impairment.

The drug has also been found to reduce the risk of disability progression by 37 per cent compared with a placebo.

A decision is set to follow in the coming months for use of the drug in Northern Ireland.

Autistic teenager’s death potentially avoidable finds indpendent review OLIVER MCGOWAN’S DEATH HAS been ruled as “potentially avoidable”, after the autistic teenager died after being prescribed an anti-psychotic drug.

In 2016, Oliver died at Southmead Hospital, Bristol, after a rare side effect from olanzapine, which was administered to sedate him.

The learning disability mortality review (LeDeR) into Oliver’s death highlighted

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that if the 18-year-old had been assessed correctly on hospital admission with staff reading his hospital passport, Oliver may never have had to require intubation and to be sedated.

A 2018 inquest ruled the use of olanzapine was appropriate, with Oliver’s parents calling for a new inquest.

A police investigation into Oliver’s death is ongoing.

The Eclipse Cross Design SE with no Advance Payment.

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Motability Stock Available Visit mitsubishi-motors.co.uk to find your nearest dealer.

Fuel economy and CO₂ results for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Design SE Manual / MPG (l/100km) (combined): 36.2 (7.8) / CO₂ emissions: 177 g/km.

The Motability Contract Hire Scheme is administered by Motability Operations PLC (Registered Company No. 1373876), City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London, SE1 9HB. To qualify you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance, the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of the Personal Independence Payment, War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement or the Armed Forces Independence Payment which will be taken in lieu of the four weekly rental. No advance payment on the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Design SE Manual. Terms and Conditions apply. Please ask the dealer for full details. Rentals valid for applications placed between 1st October and 31st December 2020. Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO₂ figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend upon a number of factors including the accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load.

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News BOOK TO BREAK THE MOULD

Hate crime continues to rise while police charges fall

ACTIVIST SINÉAD BURKE HAS released her debut children’s book, Break the Mould, which celebrates everything that makes us different.

Teacher, author, podcaster, and little person, Burke’s career has focussed on changing perceptions of disability and educating others.

Break the Mould looks at the power of being different, using your voice to be an ally and show friendship to others, the book is dedicated to everyone – children and adults – to find their own place in the world.

FIGURES REVEALED AFTER A Freedom of Information (FOI) request from Leonard Cheshire and United Response show that hate crime figures have continued to increase whilst police charges have fell.

Violent disability hate crime continues to rise across England and Wales, with only one in 62 cases receiving a charge from police.

During the period of 2019/20, 7,300 disability hate crimes were reported to police but the number

of police charges didn’t equate to the number of crimes reported.

Elements of violence have increased by 16 per cent, compared to earlier figures, with 3,628 reports to police involving an element of violence.

“As this abhorrent crime continues to rise year on year, it’s time for the authorities, government and online platforms to start taking this damaging behaviour more seriously,” commented Leonard Cheshire and United Response.

PIC: © RNIB

PROTOTYPE PREGNANCY TEST FOR VISUALLY IMPAIRED AND BLIND WOMEN

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THE ROYAL NATIONAL INSTITUTE of Blind People (RNIB) has released a prototype pregnancy test for blind and partially sighted women.

Launching the Design for Everyone category at the annual RNIB See Differently Awards, which celebrate businesses and designers putting accessibility first, the campaign aims to raise awareness in the design community.

The campaign was created by Angus Vine and Helen Rogerson, while product designer Josh Wasserman developed the prototype pregnancy test.

Two years in the making the test features a large, tactile button that becomes raised when the result is positive. The prototype uses the same technology as other pregnancy tests but changes the output from a digital screen to a mechanical button.

It is hoped the prototype test will help more blind and partially sighted women to regain a sense of privacy and dignity when taking a test, without the need for an interpreter knowing the results of a pregnancy test before the woman.

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SEARCH SUZUKI MOBILITY TODAY Fuel economy and CO2 results for the Suzuki Vitara in mpg (l/100km); Combined 39.8 (7.1) to 49.7 (5.7). CO2 emissions 160g/km to 128g/km.

Figures shown are for comparability purposes; only compare fuel consumption and CO2 figures with other cars tested to the same technical procedures. These figures may not reflect real life driving results, which will depend on a number of factors including the accessories fitted (post-registration), variations in weather, driving styles and vehicle load. *From Nil Advance Payment available on SZ4 and SZ-T 1.4 Hybrid models only. **Available on SZ-T & SZ5 models only. Optional extras are available at additional cost. Model shown: Vitara 1.4 Hybrid SZ5 available from ÂŁ999 advance. Motability Scheme vehicles are leased to customers

by Motability Operations Limited (Registered Company No. 1373876), City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HB. To qualify you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), the Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS) or the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP) and applications must be made with participating Dealers between 1st October 2020 and 31st December 2020. Prices are correct at time of print; cars are subject to availability and may change.

Every day, six people are diagnosed with motor neuron disease. The condition, which is so far behind any other illness medically, is still in dire need of funding and awareness. This is what rugby legend Doddie Weir is fighting for

THE FIGHT AGAINST MND

with Doddie Weir S

cottish rugby legend Doddie Weir was revered for his time performing in the sport, earning 61 caps.

Now, Doddie is facing his biggest match: finding a cure for motor neuron disease (MND).

Doddie has been committed to finding a cure and new treatments for MND, after announcing his diagnosis in 2017 on World MND Day. Preparing to celebrate the third year of his foundation, My Name’5 Doddie, and four years of living with MND there are many reasons to rejoice for Doddie as he continues to battle a condition with a very limited life expectancy.

CELEBRATION “The only people I think are upset about being three years in are my trustees, because they thought they were only signing up for six months,” laughs Doddie. “Here we are, still living after all these years and hopefully we’ll get a couple more in as well.”

To date, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation has helped to raise £5million in funding for people living with MND, their loved ones and the professionals working to find a cure. Doddie

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You never know, one of these trials might work in slowing down the disease

continues: “It makes me very humble to see what people have been doing behind the scenes. At the charity we’ve had major success, not because of me, but because of the hundreds and thousands of people supporting behind the scenes.”

The vast majority of funding raised by Doddie’s foundation is invested into MND research, and, despite lockdown, 2020 looks to be a significant year in terms of MND support.

enable

interview

THE DODCAST Alongside members of the foundation, just before lockdown Doddie started a podcast – The Dodcast – which covered a range of topics including interviews with researchers in the field.

Doddie explains: “Up until now there was very little, if any, information available to MND patients. People still go online to self-cure; I’m trying to reach out to a few people to try and let patients know what is going on. People are sitting at home thinking they’re doomed. The foundation is trying to let people know that there is hard work going on behind the scenes, and we’re slowly getting there with The Dodcast.”

In one episode, Doddie is joined by Jill Douglas, the foundations CEO, Sean McGrath, medical strategy lead for the foundation, and Professor Ammar AlChalabi of King’s College London to discuss clinical trials underway for MND. Doddie says: “At the moment I don’t think there is enough information being passed out. We need to try and educate everyone about what is and isn’t good for you. I feel The Dodcast helps in that way, and gives people the chance to email in and ask Ammar questions, and I’m hoping when I’m on The Dodcast that I ask the questions that listeners would quite like to hear an answer to.”

Doddie Weir

PIC: © SCOTLAND SHOP

STEP FORWARD In a landmark movement to find a cure for MND 2020 saw the start of clinical trials, the first of their kind in the history of MND research. Doddie enthuses: “This year was going to be a fantastic year, there were two to four trials set to be starting in January, which gives everyone with MND that little glimmer of hope.” Unfortunately, the pandemic halted the trials until June.

“I’ve had MND for nearly four years and I’m very fortunate to be eating,

drinking, talking and walking, some are not that fortunate,” explains Doddie.

“We’re a long time behind cancer, but we’re finally there that people with MND have a chance and you never know, one of these trials might work in slowing down the disease.”

At present there is only one drug that can help people with MND, however this only improves life expectancy for several months.

“The only other drug I see is positivity.

Positivity is the thing that drives me on and helps get me up in the morning, it could have a lot to do with my sporting background. My rugby game is against MND, my daily fight is with MND; and, during my career I didn’t like to give in too often,” laughs Doddie.

With trials now underway, Doddie still in relatively good health, and the foundation going strong, despite the hardships of 2020 and the coronavirus pandemic it looks to be that MND research is going in the right direction – but more can always be done.

EDUCATION Alongside Doddie, former rugby player Rob Burrow was diagnosed with MND in 2019, just two years after ending his playing career. Rob commented: “First it comes for your voice. Then it takes your legs. It tries to rob you of your breath.

But it can’t sap your spirit.”

Appearing in a BBC Breakfast documentary, Rob Burrow: My Year With MND, the show followed Rob and his young family from diagnosis and campaigning to raise awareness.

Similarly, a young Glasgow veteran Stuart Carmichael has revealed his battle with MND for the last two years and his wish to see his children grow up.

Doddie, Rob and Stuart all have similar goals and reasons to fight: to spend more time with their families and find a cure. Although heart-wrenching to see more people opening up about their experiences, the increased awareness of the condition will encourage further education, which is imperative to find a cure.

“It is such a horrific disease, it affects the whole family,” emphasises Doddie.

“The big thing for me is to try and get the word out to our MND patients to say that there is a lot going on behind the scenes, because it’s such a complicated issue don’t give in.”

FINDING A CURE

For more information visit, My Name’5 Doddie Foundation (www.myname5doddie.co.uk). Advice can be found from the MND Association (www. mndassociation.org), MND Scotland (www. mndscotland.org.uk) or call MND Connect on 0808 802 6262.

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CARERS: Changing relationships

Becoming a carer for your partner or loved one can change the way your relationship works.

We speak to one carer about her experience and how her caring role has affected her marriage

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aring for your partner can cause complex changes in your relationship. Rosemary has been a carer for her husband, who has Parkinson’s and a degenerative spinal disease, for the last seven years.

ROLE REVERSAL When she became a carer, Rosemary’s routine completely changed and she had to leave her job as a nanny and registered child minder. In the last year Rosemary’s husband has lost a lot of his ability to walk, leaving him less mobile and increasing her caring responsibilities.

“My caring role is a lot of cleaning, cooking, personal care for him, but he can still get in and out of the shower,” explains Rosemary.

This leaves Rosemary with little time to rest or care for herself, it has also caused a shift in the way their relationship works.

“It’s changed a lot, I’m more like his mum now,” admits Rosemary. “He was always like my carer, he always did things for me and now the roles have been reversed so it has taken a while to get used to, I still feel resentful sometimes and I think that’s normal.

“Even the physical relationship has changed because my husband is so ill and on high doses of a lot of medicine, when that wears off he’s in a lot of pain so he’s sad a lot,” continues Rosemary. “It’s hard for me to watch.”

CONCERN With her husband’s condition deteriorating and appointments delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, Rosemary is concerned about his physical and mental wellbeing.

“We need a stair lift now because my husband is struggling with the stairs, but there’s no [social work] visits at the minute so coronavirus has made it really difficult,” explains Rosemary.

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“I think it will be years before he gets a stair lift and it could be too late then which is horrible to say,” she continues. “The way he walks now is like a toddler and it makes me worry because he falls into things and could hurt himself.”

As well as her husband’s mental wellbeing, the current situation and responsibility is also affecting Rosemary’s mental health, she says: “My husband gets very depressed and he is in pain all of the time and that rubs off, it can be very negative at times.

“It’s not easy but we try to keep it light and make jokes about things.”

It’s not easy but we try to keep it light and make jokes about things GUIDANCE There is still uncertainty around when treatment will return to normal, but Rosemary feels more support for unpaid carers could be implemented.

“I get carers allowance but a little bit more money would also be wonderful and just someone I could talk to would be nice, someone in the same situation,” admits Rosemary.

Having someone to talk to who understands her situation would fill a gap for Rosemary who misses the socialisation of the workplace. The recent shift to online resources has also meant Rosemary feels lonely and unable to access essential support.

“With the virus everything has gone online and I’m not really into that,” emphasises Rosemary. “I prefer reality and meeting up with people but obviously that’s not happening so now I feel isolated and cut off.”

FAMILY Rosemary’s relationship with her husband has undeniably changed, but other relationships in her family have adapted in different ways.

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THE POWER OF TALKING Becoming a carer can feel overwhelming and put a strain on your relationship.

Relate relationship counsellor Peter Saddington believes communication is essential to maintaining a strong relationship.

“Most relationships start with a couple that is equal in terms of their abilities within the relationship,” explains Peter. “If that changes through illness or some other reason, the relationship in a sense goes through a stage almost of bereavement.”

Finding a way to work through this stage along with any feelings of guilt or resentment will help you to define what the relationship will look like moving forward.

“Talk honestly about what each person is going to do and work with what each person can realistically do,” suggests Peter.

Along with talking to your partner, speaking to a trusted loved one or a professional can help, Peter urges: “Ask for help for yourself, don’t just absorb everything: if you get that support you will probably manage it and make a really good job of it.”

Creating the space to talk about your expectations and needs will lead to a stronger relationship in the future.

“It’s obviously going to feel different in the relationship and it can be really tough, you didn’t sign up to become a carer for your partner,” emphasises Peter.

“If your relationship survives such a dramatic change, it is much stronger.”

If you would like more advice on speaking to your partner about how you feel or want to contact a counsellor, visit www.relate.org.uk

The couple’s son often comes over to offer help, allowing Rosemary to spend a few hours out of the house, but the changes in the relationship with their daughter has left Rosemary shocked.

“She’s estranged us because she couldn’t cope with my husband’s diagnosis,” reveals Rosemary. “That’s a downside, family not being able to cope because my husband has changed.

“There’s nothing you can do, you just have to accept it and that’s the most difficult thing.”

Although this change has left Rosemary disheartened, she tries to remain positive and not look too far ahead, something she would encourage new carers to keep in mind.

“It’s not as bad as we would have thought seven years on, I feel not

thinking ahead too much is important because everyone is different,” explains Rosemary.

Becoming a carer can change and affect each individual relationship in its own ways, but it is still possible to keep your connection. Entering your caring role without expectations of how your loved one’s condition will progress and seeking support can make your situation easier.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

If you are caring for a partner and want to seek support, contact: Carers Network www.carers-network.org.uk Carers Trust www.carers.org Carers UK www.carersuk.org

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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS ON

Carers Rights Day As a carer it is imperative you know your rights and have access to guidance. Carers Rights Day is an annual event ensuring you are supported. Ruby Peacock, head of policy and public affairs at Carers UK speaks to Enable about this year’s event

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hy is it important for carers to know their legal rights and entitlements?

Caring can be a hugely rewarding experience but it also comes with its challenges. We know that caring can have a significant impact on a person’s health, wellbeing and finances.

That’s why it’s so important that carers know where they can turn to for support to help look after their own needs.

Many people don’t always identify themselves as a carer straight away – on average, more than half of carers (54 per cent) take over a year to recognise their caring role, and that is often the main barrier to them getting the support they need.

In what way will Carers Rights Day celebrate or highlight the imperative work of unpaid carers?

Unpaid carers have carried out a vital role throughout the coronavirus pandemic, largely behind closed doors without the attention that NHS workers and paid care workers have received. conversations about caring are the norm, It has been a challenging time, with the so that when people start a caring role majority (70 per cent) providing more they recognise it earlier and they know care than they did before the pandemic where to turn for help and advice. and many coping without outside support they may have relied For any carers reading this, what on before. Carers Rights advice do you have for them Day will highlight the during this time? experiences of carers Caring through the pandemic The theme through the pandemic, has been a difficult and for this year’s and the need for carers worrying time for most. For event is: Know to be supported so that some carers it will have been their lives aren’t put on particularly difficult getting a Your Rights hold. break from caring. Breaks are so important for recharging the What do you wish more batteries and maintaining good people knew or understood health. Make sure to look after you – about carers? whether it’s to read, write, cook, or do Many people underestimate the impact some gardening. Finding moments for that caring can have on someone’s life, as yourself can be really beneficial. well as the fact that most of us will care It’s also important to know that you’re or be cared for during our lives. Caring not alone. Why not join one of Carers can impact anyone; we all have a 50:50 UK’s Care for a Cuppa video chats to chance of becoming an unpaid carer talk with other carers who understand by the age of 50. It is important that the ups and downs of caring. You may

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Unpaid carers have carried out a vital role throughout the coronavirus pandemic find the Carers UK forum helpful – it’s a supportive, online community of current and former carers who can support you through everything caring has to throw at you.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

If you have a specific question about caring, call the Carers UK (www.carersuk.org) helpline number on 0808 808 7777 from Monday to Friday, 9am - 6pm, or email, advice@carersuk.org

YOU’VE GOT

A FRIEND IN ME

Loneliness is the secret pandemic that is affecting the lives of many disabled and elderly people. Even through times of isolation it’s important to know, there is someone you can reach out to

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“Loneliness, unless you’ve been there, you don’t understand it,” emphasises Marjorie. “I’m nearly 98 and I’m going blind and I belong to Blind Veterans. I’ve not got any family or friends, and as I’m losing my sight, I can’t watch television, I can’t read or write so it’s very lonely on your own.”

ISOLATION For Marjorie, loneliness and isolation have been a prominent factor in her life – and she is not alone in feeling this way. Everyone will experience loneliness at some point in their life, however, for many disabled and elderly people this is

more prominent. Despite living in the modern world, people are experiencing isolation unlike ever before.

Marjorie has been living in independent accommodation for nearly 10 years, and although Marjorie currently lives in housing with 60 occupied flats, Marjorie explains that people no longer reach out.

“I never had any brothers or sisters, I’ve more or less been a lonely person since I was a child,” Marjorie continues.

“It’s not a nice thing, it can really get you down being on your own day in and day out.

*FIGURES FROM SENSE, WWW.SENSE.ORG.UK

ne prominent factor that has become even more evident during our time in lockdown is that we as people thrive on human contact. Spending time talking to friends and family on the phone, over video calls, going for walks and giving a loved one a hug: social connection is vital for positive mental and physical wellbeing.

Unfortunately, many people are living life in isolation and with mounting feelings of loneliness. In fact, figures show that half of all disabled people feel they are lonely, with one in four people feeling lonely every day*.

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REACHING OUT We can all work together to help tackle loneliness. Late MP, Jo Cox was an advocate for eradicating loneliness. Prior to her death, Jo Cox said: “I will not live in a country where thousands of people are living lonely lives forgotten by the rest of us.” Jo was a true advocate to combatting loneliness, setting up a crossparty Loneliness Commission with her colleague Seema Kennedy MP, which was then taken forward in 2017 in Jo’s memory after her death. The Jo Cox Loneliness Commission saw 13 organisations come together to shine a light on loneliness across the UK. Some charities involved with the commission include Age UK, Carers UK, Sense (www.sense. org.uk), and the Alzheimer’s Society (www.alzheimers.org. uk). All these charities provide befriending services that you can reach out to for a befriender or even if you want to donate some time to become a volunteer.

“It is nice to have someone to ask for an opinion or ask for help. I’ve got to the stage now where I can’t go anywhere so I just try and do the best I can. I try to stay as well as possible. I do believe loneliness is a large cause of ailments as well.”

As a member of Blind Veterans (www.blindveterans.org.uk), a charity supporting veterans of all ages to rebuild their lives after sight loss, Marjorie was put in contact with Age UK. Founded to ensure older people have somewhere to turn to for support, Age UK also run a befriending service including telephone friendships.

CAMARADERIE From regular telephone friendship services to a 24-hour helpline service, Age UK is just one charity working to ensure people are not left alone. Prior to lockdown, Marjorie was part of a small group of members who came together to keep each other company, share stories and even had plans to meet up independently at a half way point for tea and a chat.

For Marjorie, who served in the Royal Air Force (RAF), the groups have been reminiscent of her time during the War. A time that Marjorie remembers fondly.

“The camaraderie was great,” laughs Marjorie reminiscently. “I had to rough it quite a bit, but it was fun. We made fun out of it. But it all seems so long ago now.

“On our Wednesday afternoon there are five others apart from me, and some of the stories that are told I really enjoy listening to.

“I suppose it is like going down memory lane. One man was in the RAF too, a bomber command, and he tells us about a raid he was on over Germany.

He’s interesting, and after the War he went entertaining on the cruise ships singing and playing his music,” continues Marjorie.

“It’s interesting to hear these stories. It’s nice to have that sense of camaraderie again.”

SIMPLE PLEASURES Reaching out was imperative for Marjorie to get a sense of companionship, friendship and meet fellow kindred spirits. During the festive months – paired with the testing times we currently live in – isolation and loneliness can be exacerbated.

Finding solace in simple pleasures whilst contacting a befriending service can help you feel at one with your community.

“As I can’t read or write I’ve got talking books, I get quite a lot of enjoyment out of books, especially the ‘who done it’s’. I like listening to things like this and then the time goes so quickly,” Marjorie emphasises. “Other than this I can’t do much at all. I would really love someone to come and have a cup of tea and a chat, or a biscuit and piece of cake.”

Everyone needs to feel wanted and have someone to talk to. Although Marjorie’s Wednesday group is on hold due to the pandemic, she has weekly befriending calls which help diminish feelings of loneliness. If you’re feeling isolated, reaching out to a local befriending service is sure to help you find your sense of community once again.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Marjorie

Discover more about Age UK’s (www.ageuk.org.uk) friendship services by calling The Silver Line on 0800 4 70 80 90.

Befriending Networks (www.befriending.co.uk) also provides a directory of befriending services.

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SAM:

INCLUSION ON SCREEN Seeing someone you relate to and connect with on the big and small screen is why we tune into the creative arts. However, in the past many members of society were still left out, now, a new film is celebrating disability and sexuality

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sexuality. Neil continues: “It’s incredibly important for disability to be seen on the screen like all marginalized groups, and LGBTQ+ relationships, too, as people with a disability are part of the LGBTQ+ community; we just tend not to see these stories, we want to change this and get visibility on these stories, and most important getting people to have conversations they probably have been nervous to talk about.”

S.A.M. is changing the narrative

VISIBILITY Whilst working with young adults with learning disabilities on a theatre production, it became apparent that there was one theme the young participants felt the arts overlooked.

“We asked the group what they felt wasn’t visible in TV, film, and theatre when it came to disability,” enthuse Neil and Lloyd, the writers and directors of new short-film, S.A.M. “Sexuality kept coming up, the young people felt that they weren’t seen as having a sexuality, or romance.

We wanted to challenge people’s perceptions on this topic and thus S.A.M was born.”

THE NARRATIVE S.A.M. is a coming of age film exploring sexuality and disability that tells the story of two young men, both called Sam. Actor George Webster, who has Down’s syndrome, falls in love with local lad Sam, played by Sam Retford – changing perceptions on love, disability, and

It’s incredibly important for disability to be seen on the screen like all marginalized groups

Read the extended feature online now at, www.enablemagazine.co.uk 20 enablemagazine.co.uk

PERCEPTIONS And George, who has been acting since the age of eight, fervently agrees: “I hope it changes people’s minds because it’s not wrong to be different. It shows that, even though you’re in the LGBTQ+ community or if, like me, you have a learning disability then you can do things just like other people can.”

Working directly with learning disability charity Mencap during production, the team were committed to ensuring people were represented throughout the filming – both on and off camera – and ensure S.A.M. reaches the learning disabled community.

“Don’t assume things about people because that is wrong, we all need to have the same opportunities,” George emphasises. “Being in a leading role shows others that we can do things. It shows that it’s not something to be afraid of because you can do anything – don’t let anyone say that you can’t do it.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Learn more about the work Mencap do by visiting, www.mencap.org.uk and follow the production on Twitter, @SAM_FilmUK

IMAGES: KENNETH JAMES

hen it comes to disability, sexuality and romantic relationships are often overlooked. Take this into the creative arts, disability and sexuality is starting to become more of a norm on screen; however, combined, there is still work to be done.

Writers and directors Lloyd Eyre-Morgan and Neil Ely, known professionally as Eyre and Ely, are set to change this narrative with their new short-film S.A.M.

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UNDERSTANDING

Anxiety

At times, feelings of anxiety can become overwhelming and even debilitating. If you are a carer you might be feeling enhanced anxiety due to the pandemic, so reaching out for help is vital

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nxiety is a natural response that affects everyone, but when feelings of anxiety begin to take over day-today life, it becomes a barrier. That’s why recognising feelings of anxiety and seeking support is so pertinent.

IDENTIFYING ANXIETY The symptoms of anxiety can be split into three categories: psychological, physical and behavioural.

Nicky Lidbetter is the chief executive at Anxiety UK, a user-led organisation supporting people who have anxiety, stress, anxiety-based depression or a phobia that is affecting daily life.

“There’s the psychological symptoms like having thoughts of ‘I can’t cope’ and being worried that you’re losing control,” identifies Nicky. “Along with psychological symptoms people with anxiety experience physical symptoms and often struggle to understand that.”

Anxiety causes a release of adrenaline, leading to increased heart rate and muscle tension, but there are other physical symptoms that can easily be mistaken for different issues, Nicky explains: “People say they have a sore head all of the time or they constantly feel sick or have no appetite, these can be classic symptoms.

“If you haven’t had anxiety yourself then you don’t understand how awful it can be.”

Your symptoms could be labelled as behavioural if you are doing things differently than usual or not doing things any more out of fear.

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has raised enhanced concerns about mental health, and anxiety is no exception.

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“Our long-term study of how the pandemic is affecting people’s mental health indicates that people are feeling increased anxiety,” explains Jolie Goodman, programmes manager for empowerment and later life at the Mental Health Foundation.

“As a society, we are facing greater uncertainty: Huge change, loss for what we probably did not appreciate we had and we feel collectively less safe than we used to.”

At its highest, Anxiety UK saw a 440 per cent increase in calls to its free helpline during lockdown.”

SUPPORTING CARERS In a time where carers are often faced with extra responsibilities and stress, both their mental and physical health are also at risk.

One service supporting carers experiencing anxiety is the Oxfordshire Carer’s Support Service which is run by mental health charity Rethink.

Rosamund (Ros) Forbes is a mental health recovery worker at the service.

“With the person they are supporting often there is a lot of anxiety around them and the unknown,” sympathises Ros. “It’s different than anxiety for someone who cannot pin point the reason why.

“This anxiety is actually born out of their circumstances and so I think it’s important to normalise it for people.

What they’re feeling is a natural response and there’s nothing wrong with them.”

As other healthcare services remain on pause or turn to virtual appointments, carers have been left to pick up the pieces with little idea of when things will return to normal.

“In the giving of care, we can also end up having our own wellbeing eroded and it’s so important to look after yourself,” reinforces Nicky. “It doesn’t have to be formal, it can just be scheduling in time for yourself.”

Ensuring you are healthy as a carer will help you to better care for your loved one or dependant, Ros says: “We do know it’s hard for carers to take time out for themselves and you can’t know what’s going to happen to the person you care for but you can try to keep yourself well.”

SEEKING GUIDANCE Without proper help and support, anxiety can lead to further health problems, Ros continues: “I always refer to anxiety and depression like a married couple, they always hang out together, so the stress of the anxiety will ultimately lead to depression and it’s a vicious cycle.”

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I always refer to anxiety and depression like a married couple, they always hang out together

There are many ways to seek support for anxiety and how it is affecting your day-to-day life might influence where you turn to for help.

“It’s good to share your experiences and get tips from others who have been there,” suggests Nicky. “There’s no need to suffer alone, there’s a lot of help and support out there now, we are no longer in the dark ages of mental health.”

Numerous organisations exist to support people struggling with mental health problems including anxiety, but alongside these services your first port of call should be your GP. They can rule out any physical conditions that could be contributing to your anxiety and refer you for specialist support.

“Being able to manage stress and challenges will have a positive impact on your overall wellbeing,” stresses Jolie.

Whether you have previous

ANXIETY AND DISABILITY Although anxiety can affect anyone, it can be particularly detrimental to people with existing health conditions and exacerbate certain symptoms leading to physical reactions.

“Things like auto-immune conditions which flare up and those flares can be triggered by anxiety, once they are triggered it becomes cyclical, the more you are unwell with your illness the more you might feel

experiences of anxiety or have recently experienced high levels of anxiety for the first time, it isn’t shameful and you are not alone. Seeking support at an early stage will help you to manage your anxiety and live a mentally healthy life.

depressed or anxious,” explains Nicky.

“Especially for people who have disabilities and long-term conditions, I’m in that camp too and I know from my own living that it’s important to look after your mental health, if you don’t then you pay for it with your physical health.”

If you feel that anxiety is increasing symptoms of your disability, speak to your healthcare provider.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Anxiety UK www.anxietyuk.org.uk Rethink Mental Illness www.rethink.org Mental Health Foundation www.mentalhealth.org.uk

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Decoding

STRESS T

here’s no denying the coronavirus pandemic has created higher levels of stress for everyone, with disabled people, those with underlying health conditions or who have been impacted financially being particularly affected.

In June 2020, nearly half of the population had felt anxious or worried during a two-week period due to the pandemic, and groups affected by socioeconomic inequalities have been more likely to experience panic and loneliness, exacerbating feeling of stress.

WELLBEING Neil Shah is the founder and chief destressing officer at the Stress Management Society, a non-profit organisation supporting people and organisations that experience stress and poor emotional wellbeing.

“Stress has gotten worse because of the demands now placed on society, especially in the last seven months when we have found ourselves living in an episode of Black Mirror,” explains Neil.

Cases of burnout and stress were increasingly common before the pandemic, but the impact of COVID-19 on the economy and people’s emotional wellbeing has created an environment where feeling stressed is the default.

“Stress isn’t a good or bad thing for people to experience,” explains Neil. “It’s how you utilise stress that will determine its impact.”

Stress causes a physical response that can be necessary and helpful, but if this physical reaction isn’t required it can be detrimental to your health and wellbeing.

“When people stay stressed for an extended period of time they get exhausted and it can have an effect on their mental health, poor mental health can turn into mental illness and in the same way that if you have a poor lifestyle, it will affect your physical health,” emphasises Neil.

Along with the effect on your immune system and overall health, stress can exacerbate the symptoms of some disabilities.

Continued changes of restrictions and regulations around the coronavirus can cause increased feelings of stress.

The Stress Management Society discuss the effect of stress and asking for help

RECOGNITION How we recognise and process stress is essential, Neil says: “The key is knowing ourselves and knowing if we’re happy, and to notice that change and when it isn’t serving us, to be able to seek support and to ask for help.”

Despite extreme stress due to the pandemic, it has also provided the opportunity to form stronger connections with loved ones and evaluate our goals.

Reaching out to your network when you are feeling stressed is vital, but a greater response to mental health problems both during and after the pandemic is needed to help people living with stress.

“What we are doing right now in relation to stress and mental health is woefully inadequate, and not proportionate to the risk it poses to society,” reveals Neil.

“The key thing is that you don’t know it’s a problem unless we talk about it.”

Stress should be taken seriously by everyone, but in order to address the issue and increase support services, the dialogue around stress and mental health need to be destigmatised.

The key thing is that you don’t know it’s a problem unless we talk about it

FOR MORE INFORMATION

If you are experiencing high levels of stress, you can access resources and support through The Stress Management Society (www.stress.org.uk) or Samaritans on 116 123.

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Tim Rushby-Smith

What have we learned?

As we prepare to wave goodbye to a strange and stagnant 2020, our columnist Tim Rushby-Smith takes a look at the positives to come out of the pandemic for the new year ahead

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hen we finally get to the end of this year, there will be much to reflect on. Life will certainly not return to the old ‘normal’ any time soon, if at all.

In many ways, this year will not reach a conclusion on the 31 December, as the capricious nature of COVID-19 makes it likely to have a few final tricks up its metaphorical sleeve.

Amidst the horrifying impact of the disease, the pandemic has also provided many of us with one or two lessons along the way.

REASSESS For some the coronavirus pandemic has offered a vital reappraisal of what’s truly important in life. This might involve forging stronger family ties. For others there has been joy to be found in hobbies or simple pleasures like a morning walk. For many, preparing meals (and moving away from lazy eating habits) has led to a greater appreciation of food.

Perhaps people will be more aware of the impact of isolation. Maybe the disruption to supply-chains has made us less likely to take for granted reliable access to the products and services that we rely on – both of these were already issues for many people living with a disability prior to the pandemic.

As for my personal epiphany, I suspect I am not alone. It turns out that it was not a lack of time preventing me from completing that big creative project I have always told myself I would one day accomplish.

TANGIBLE Does that mean I have nothing to show for 2020? Far from it. There are some things I have more of now than ever before.

• Patience – Except when it comes to those who spout conspiracy theories that insult the efforts of the healthcare workers and scientists on the front line.

• Confusion – As to just what I have to do to get the kids to do some housework.

• Masks – With them comes an irrational suspicion of everyone not wearing a mask, even if I am only talking to them on a video call.

• Tinned goods – It’s the first time in my life that I have found myself hoping for a zombie apocalypse just so I can clear some cupboard space in the kitchen.

• Appreciation for those who work in healthcare – In truth, I always did appreciate them, especially after I broke my spine, but some thank you’s deserve to be shouted from the rooftops at every opportunity.

It’s time to dream big. Here’s to 2021, new vaccines, better social support and a greater appreciation of each other.

We’ve got this now, people. Baked bean martini, anyone?

“

Perhaps people will be more aware of the impact of isolation

“

Beyond The Break, by Darren Longbottom and Tim Rushby-Smith is published by Ebury Press in Australia and is available internationally as an eBook

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Living with a Spinal Injury

Nutritional Guide Whether your spinal cord injury was recent or some time ago, there may be areas of your health that are linked to your injury that you’re looking to improve for you to feel like you can live your best life.

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Maintaining balance for a healthy life As we approach the colder months, looking after your health should be a top priority. Having a healthy, balanced diet can help sustain your overall wellbeing during the winter period

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aintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for everyone, but alongside feeling healthy and supporting your overall wellbeing, it can be especially helpful to avoid exacerbating the symptoms of some disabilities.

Ensuring your food is nutritious and beneficial can help to uphold a healthy weight all year round, but as winter approaches and there are less opportunities to get active outdoors, a balanced diet is essential.

With access to different services like physiotherapy interrupted or restricted and centres for physical activity operating on reduced hours due to the coronavirus pandemic, continuing a healthy diet at home can help in everyday life until things return to normal.

FOOD GROUPS Consuming enough of each food group can help decrease fatigue, improve bowel functions, keep bones healthy and improve muscle strength.

Each food group comes with its own benefits for your health, the major food groups are: proteins; carbohydrates and sugars; fats; fibre; vitamins and minerals.

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A heathy diet is about eating a variety of different foods from each of the main groups every day, this means eating more of certain foods and less of others.

The amount you should consume is based on your age, gender, how active you are and your goals. It is important to discuss this with your doctor or specialist nurse before making big changes to your diet.

Particular food groups can be important if you have a disability like diabetes – how much you eat of each food group will affect your blood sugar levels.

BALANCE Proteins are essential for growth and tissue repair, making them especially important with conditions including MS and muscular dystrophy. Foods such as beans, nuts, eggs, meat and fish contain high amounts of protein and work to keep your muscles healthy.

Incorporating oily fish like salmon and sardines into your meals as a source of protein will also provide omega-3 which can help protect the heart.

Dairy products including milk, cheese and yoghurt are also great

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and pomegranates, are in season all sources of protein, but alongside year round so can be a staple in your meats, will ensure you intake the balanced diet. right amount of fats. These products As we enter winter, apples, are essential to the health of bones, clementines, dates and pears are teeth and muscles. Although fats are coming into season and will be more important in a balanced diet, choosing readily available. Apples, clementines low-fat alternatives to dairy products and bananas are all good sources can ensure you don’t consume too of vitamin C which is beneficial for much saturated fat which can lead to boosting your immune system weight gain. and wound healing, while Carbohydrates are pears and dates are great starchy foods like sources of fibre. potatoes, rice, pasta Always consult When thinking and bread. These are with your doctor about what vegetables broken down in the or a dietitian before to include in your body into glucose and meals, brussels sprouts, used by our cells as making changes celery, leeks, lettuce, fuel. Although starchy to your diet parsnips and sweet foods are key to a potatoes are all in season. healthy diet, some can Celery reduces inflammation also raise your blood sugar and supports digestion, sweet quickly. For this reason, some potatoes support gut health, and starchy foods are better than others. brussels sprouts are high in nutrients.

Eating wholegrain bread, wholewheat pasta and brown rice is better for your body and is a source of fibre.

PLANNING If your disability affects your digestive Maintaining a balanced diet may health, increasing your fibre intake sound easy, but how you plan your can help. meals, shop and eat can all pose Alongside saturated fat, you barriers. When planning meals for shouldn’t have high levels of processed yourself or the person you care for, sugar in your diet, found in products consider the individual circumstances such as cakes, fizzy juice and sweets. and requirements.

While these items aren’t nutritionally If you have problems holding rich, they can be eaten as a treat cutlery or keeping dishes stable so occasionally. rely on things like ready meals, there is Through eating the right balance adaptive equipment that can support of main food groups, you will receive you. An occupational therapist can the vitamins and minerals that are help you discover ways to make meal essential for good health. When times easier for you or the person you thinking of what fruit and veg to add care for. to your plate, try to keep it as colourful This could include referrals to as possible, having a wide variety will specialists if you struggle with loss of help you get the vitamins and minerals appetite or swallowing. you need.

Understanding portion sizes Alongside each food group, and traffic light systems on food keeping hydrated is equally important packaging can promote awareness or to maintaining a balanced diet. Water understanding to create a balanced intake is essential for the body to diet. The NHS Eat Well (www.nhs.uk) process nutrients and function at resources provide guidance on this the optimum level, and is used in system and other tips, or you can ask various chemical processes happening your primary healthcare provider to in our cells. refer you to a nutritionist for tailored advice and support.

SEASONAL

Most fruits and vegetables can be purchased all year round, but eating what’s in season can help you get the highest levels of nutrients.

Some fruit and veg, including bananas, cabbage, onions

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Speak to your doctor, specialist nurse, a dietitian or disability-specific charities for further advice on diet and specific disabilities.

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DIABETES: Making the difference The most common cause for preventable lower limb amputation can come from complications from diabetes. Nurses worldwide provide vital education to millions living with the condition, each one making a difference to your health

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id you know: One in ten people over the age of 40 in the UK are living with a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

In fact, 3.8 million people across the UK have been diagnosed with diabetes, this figure rises to an estimated 415 million worldwide – expected to rise to 642 million people with diabetes by 2040.

DIABETES NURSE Awareness and education around diabetes has never been at a more pivotal point. Each year on 14 November, people across the world come together to raise further exposure around the condition during World Diabetes Day (WDD).

This year’s theme for WDD (worlddiabetesday.org) is The Nurse and Diabetes, aiming to raise the profile

of the crucial role nurses play in helping to support people living with diabetes.

Diabetes specialist nurses (DSNs) provide a vital service for the millions of people living with the condition.

Central to good patient care, DSNs help patients to be confident in self-care management to ensure those living with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes are managing their condition effectively. And ensuring you manage your diabetes is critical.

LOWER LIMB LOSS “Diabetes is the most common cause of lower limb amputations in the UK,” emphases Natasha Marsland, senior clinical advisor at Diabetes UK. “Someone living with diabetes is 20 times more likely to experience an amputation than someone without the condition.”

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Natasha continues: “It is vital that all people living with diabetes know how to look after their feet and check them regularly to look out for the signs of foot problems. It is crucial that people with diabetes know how important it is to seek medical attention if they spot any signs of foot problems. A matter of hours can make the difference between losing and keeping a foot.”

With good diabetes care, it is estimated that 80 per cent of amputations could be prevented.

This is where continued checks with a DSN and your local doctor can help ensure your health is cared for in the best way to meet your needs. Plus, eye screening tests – diabetes can cause serious risks to your eyesight, so looking after your eyes is another important aspect of your care – to good diet and foot health.

Due to the nature of diabetes, people experience neuropath, which is a long-term complication of diabetes meaning people can lose the feeling and sensations in both their legs and feet.

“This means that someone with diabetes may not notice minor injuries which can develop into infections or ulcers,” explains Natasha. “Unhealed ulcers and foot infections are the leading cause of diabetes-related amputations.”

In fact, early in 2020 Diabetes UK revealed that diabetes leads to more than 176 leg, toe or foot amputations every week in England. Natasha adds: “For good health and good diabetes management, it is important for everyone to maintain a healthy, balanced diet, exercise regularly and live well. It’s also important that people reduce the risk of neuropathy by keeping blood sugar levels in target range.

“That said the most important point we want people to remember is that most foot problems can be prevented with good, regular foot care. This means your own daily foot checks, and getting your feet checked at least once a year by a GP or a member of your diabetes team.”

Alongside managing your health with your GP or DSN and the support of charities, this WDD there is a lot of research to celebrate.

6 million more diabetes nurses are needed worldwide

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RESEARCH Alongside supporting people living with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, Diabetes UK provide vital funds to help further facilitate research. Natasha continues: “The work we support helps us understand the causes of diabetes, bring about life-changing breakthroughs in care, treatment and prevention and bring us closer to a cure. In 2019 we invested over £6.8 million in diabetes research and agreed to support 35 new studies.”

One such study included looking at the potential of treating the root cause of Type 1 diabetes via immunotherapies.

Already, findings have shown that an immunotherapy (called Teplizumab) has delayed the onset of the condition by three years. Another promising trial from Diabetes UK is their innovative DiRECT study, short for Diabetes Remission Clinical Trial, which is already showing that remission of Type 2 diabetes is possible for some people via weight loss.

Natasha enthuses: “The results are so promising that NHS England will be piloting a remission programme for 5,000 people with Type 2 diabetes, inspired by DiRECT. And NHS Scotland has rolled out similar initiatives.”

The research is invigorating and a positive step in the right direction.

But, for people on the ground, there is support on a more personal level, too, which is important for your health.

TALKING “We know that living with diabetes and its potential complications can be difficult,” empathises Natasha. “You’ll have ups and downs. Try to talk to your doctor or nurse about anything you are worried about. You’ve got the right to specialist psychological support if you need it.

Diabetes UK also has a forum where you can speak with others living with the condition, learn more about diabetes and also stay updated on coronavirus and a diabetes diagnosis.

The charity’s Learning Zone, which already has over 60,000 people participating, can also be a safe haven of knowledge and understanding to ensure you know how best to look after your form of diabetes.

Natasha concludes: “The important thing to remember is that you are not alone, and that there is help and support whenever you need it.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

You can contact the Diabetes UK team on 0345 123 2399 or visit their website, www.diabetes.org.uk

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Charities are the backbone of support and guidance for many disabled people and those that care for them. After a challenging year in terms of funding, charities reveal how they’re fighting back to help you and how you can give back

A HELPING HAND CAN DO ATTITUDE Leonard Cheshire www.leonardcheshire.org Supporting people to live, learn and work independently, Leonard Cheshire provides a lot of hands-on help to thousands across the UK. But, for the 2,500 people in 120 residential services supported by Leonard Cheshire, lockdown had a significant impact.

Despite the challenges, the team were committed to providing personal protective equipment (PPE), ultimately delivering an estimated £4million worth of PPE. Alongside keeping people safe and protected, Leonard Cheshire have been keeping disabled people connected in these difficult times.

“During the spring and summer, it was great to see people who live with us meet relatives and friends in the open

air, but obviously this will be difficult in the winter,” explains interim CEO, Hugh Fenn. During lockdown, the charity ran several campaigns, including a PPE campaign – raising £80,000 – plus received vital funding from the National Lottery Community Fund. These donations have been integral to ensure disabled people are not left behind.

Hugh continues: “I think the pandemic has intensified a lot of the issues that disabled people faced before March 2020, including isolation, financial insecurity/benefits issues, and employment anxiety. The response to our PPE campaign showed that people rally round in times of crisis and I hope we can maintain that kind of community spirit.

“As we prepare for a possible second wave of this pandemic, and with the

Individual interviews from charities are available online, www.enablemagazine.co.uk

34 enablemagazine.co.uk

door step applause back in the spring a fading memory, I’d like to think we can maintain public support for our frontline workers in social care.”

And Leonard Cheshire remains committed to getting their service users into paid employment through their Can Do programme. Hugh adds: “Despite the challenges thrown up by the pandemic, Can Do continues to offer important skills development and confidence building with activities that could lead to a City and Guilds certificate or an SQA Award. It’s an important bridge for young disabled people looking to find employment and improve their CVs.” From helping people into paid employment to reuniting families after lockdown, it’s good to see the commitment from the team at Leonard Cheshire and supporters.

enable life

FURTHER AFIELD Motivation www.motivation.org.uk Motivation is a charity committed to providing wheelchairs to people in developing countries and working to eradicate the stigma around disability through education. As lockdown reached Uganda, the impacts of COVID-19 on education and disabled children were felt by the charity and service users.

Fred Semakula works with Motivation and directly with disabled children in Uganda and their families, he says: “At the start, it was full of uncertainty and fear.” But the charity set up remote calls to keep families connected and educated on disability.

“The remote calls ensured that, despite the stalling of field activities, we were still together in spirit and could connect with them during a really difficult time. They also allowed us to tailor our support to their specific needs and identify the most vulnerable.”

Now the charity is running a new appeal, Gift in Motion, where you can donate a virtual gift to help change the life and opportunities of disabled children in Uganda. “First and foremost, I want to thank those that support Motivation’s work. Your contribution makes a huge impact in the lives of people with disabilities and their family member,” enthuses Fred.

“In a country like Uganda, where disability is still not a priority for competing needs and scarce resources, the government’s support is very low. When you buy one of the Gifts in Motion, you play a tremendous role in helping Motivation to provide some support.”

TIME TO GET INVOLVED There are many ways to participate with a cause that is close to your heart and also give back to your local community, especially during the season of giving. Why not reach out to help some of the local and national charities below?

Alzheimer’s Society www.alzheimers.org.uk Hosting a range of volunteering opportunities throughout the UK, there are many ways you can help someone in your local area living with dementia.

Befriending services to help tackle loneliness and isolation, assisting information programmes or getting involved in community and peer support, anyone can get involved in volunteering and use your skills to help a person living with dementia.

Free Wheel North www.freewheelnorth.org.uk This Glasgow based cycling development charity helps people of all ages and abilities to cycle as part of their everyday life. With a range of adapted bikes, trikes, hand-crank cycles, tandems and gocarts there are options for all abilities, and you can volunteer to help teach people how to ride a bike and get involved with their weekly cycle rides.

Volunteering Matters volunteeringmatters.org.uk Providing volunteering opportunities across England, Wales and Scotland, Volunteering Matters brings people together to overcome complex issues in society through the power of volunteering. Partnering with communities to overcome diversity, tackling social isolation and loneliness, developing skills to helping young people lead to change, this is a fantastic chance to give back to others.

Remember, volunteering doesn’t just have to be a way to help your community during the festive season, from small monthly donations (the price of your weekly coffee addiction) to lending a helping hand in the local community garden every other week or committed days, there are many ways you can give back.

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enable life

Making the

ACCESSIBLE AMEND

The way we interact with services and purchase goods has drastically changed throughout 2020, and Purple Tuesday is helping organisations to make their customer services and digital platforms accessible

N

ow three year’s old, Purple Tuesday is a call to action for businesses to improve their customer experience for disabled people and their families, both commercially and socially.

Disabled people and their families have a spending power of £274billion which isn’t always tapped in to by businesses; it is estimated that only 10 per cent of businesses in the UK have a strategy to access this market. This is a stark contrast to the 75 per cent of disabled people that have left a store or online shop due to poor customer service or poor accessibility.

“I think what COVID-19 has and will continue to demonstrate are two major things. One is the fact that for so many businesses and digital platforms, basic access is still not in place,” explains Mike Adams, founder of Purple Tuesday.

“Disabled people have felt more isolated than other groups during lockdown and much of that is to do with the fact that accessibility of websites is poor, but many basic issues can be resolved at no cost overnight.”

CHANGES Taking place on 3 November, this year’s Purple Tuesday theme is Make the

Amend, Mike says: “It takes practices from those who have made it a success in previous years and deploys that in [an] organisation rather than [businesses] thinking they have to create something and be innovative.”

The main catalyst behind this theme is the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, which has left many businesses without the staffing or facilities to put new ideas into practice. Activities surrounding Purple Tuesday will now take place online, including a live stream of Piccadilly Circus turning purple, but the biggest change is the increase in participants.

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Last year, around 2,500 organisations took part in the day, rising to 4,000 in 2020.

“We’ve got nearly 4,000 examples of practices that have been used by organisations that we have worked with across all sectors and sizes before,” reveals Mike. “We have stuck to it being free to participate and all we ask is that an organisation makes at least one commitment to change their practice around something in the next 12 months.”

EXPECTATIONS From buying food and clothing to products and insurances, online shopping is increasingly becoming the premier way to purchase goods and services, making accessibility more important than ever before.

“I suspect online shopping will become more and more the norm, if it does and websites become the gateway to doing this, then we must make sure that the gate isn’t closed for 22 per cent of the population in the UK who have a disability,” stresses Mike.

In a time when regaining the trust and support of consumers is essential to businesses’ survival, Purple Tuesday isn’t just about making organisations accessible for disabled customers.

“I really do think that there is a need to connect and re-connect with disabled customers who have struggled during lockdown, this is a way of showing organisations’ social impact, which is going to become important as well as the bottom line,” emphasises Mike.

“More consumers both disabled and non-disabled are really quite clear about what they expect from brands and this is a demonstration of their social impact and commitment to diversity and inclusion.”

This year, using tried and tested solutions, the day provides organisations with an opportunity to open up the disability market at no extra cost, resulting in increased customers and an increased income stream during a difficult time for the economy.

PROACTIVE There is no one better to support businesses in putting in the right solutions than disabled customers themselves, that’s why this year’s Purple Tuesday theme is encouraging

38 enablemagazine.co.uk

Mike Adams, Purple Tuesday founder

Disabled people have felt more isolated than other groups during lockdown and much of that is to do with the fact that accessibility of websites is poor organisations to be proactive with tried and tested solutions.

“There is so much good practice out there and you just adopt something that is already proven to work,” encourages Mike. “Last year a lot of staff in organisations, particularly frontline staff, taught themselves hello and goodbye in British Sign Language and that was really impactful for the D/deaf community.

“The uptake in staff that enjoyed doing that meant they wanted to learn more than two or three words.”

A method which has been popular in recent years is the introduction of the sunflower lanyard scheme within spaces open to the public like supermarkets and train stations.

The scheme allows people with hidden disabilities to wear a sunflower printed lanyard so staff know they might need assistance and can proactively offer help.

“We are now also seeing adoption of not every disability is visible signage on things like car parking spaces and accessible toilets,” reveals Mike.

“Those are some of the straightforward things to do and can be

done by simply putting in signage, we know how it works and what needs to be done,” reassures Mike. “We have top tips on broad changes organisations can make to their websites to become more accessible too.”

The nearly 4,000 practices that Purple Tuesday will be showcasing can work for any sector and any organisations, big or small, but a lot are just simple tweaks, Mike says: “In many ways what you apply is a level of common sense and most organisations do provide a good customer experience, they just need to think about how that works for people with different impairments.”

As employers are being urged to put more accessible practices in place, it is hoped that services become more accessible both on and offline.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

To help spread the word about Purple Tuesday or to see how your organisation can get involved for free, visit www.purpletuesday.org.uk

We all welcome a little extra assistance now and again, particularly when travelling alone. Thistle Assistance is an initiative to help you feel safer and more comfortable when using public transport.

thistleassistance.com

HOP ON

Disability transport

Getting from A to B with a disability can come with some additional hurdles and advance planning.

However, as we manoeuvre through the pandemic, more advice and services are becoming available for disabled travellers to utilise public transport effectively and safely

ACCESSIBILITY There are many ways you can ensure travelling on public transport with a disability is as seamless as possible.

Firstly, when you know your final destination it’s important to contact your travel provider – be this your local bus service or train line – to book assistance.

Always ensure you check the timetables from your provider as some services may have been changed, rerouted or cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic.

When travelling around London, Transport for London (TfL) have multiple different facilities available to ensure their services are as accessible as possible. TfL (tfl.gov.uk) provide a Turn-up-and-go service on the London Underground and London Overground at many stations where pre-book assistance at stations is unnecessary – meaning you have one less item on your travel to-do list.

With the Turn-up-and-go service members of the TfL team will accompany you from the station entrance to the platform at the start of your journey; help you get on/off the train with support of a ramp; alongside meeting you off the train at the end of your journey.

Similarly, if there are any unplanned disruptions or network issues you will receive suggestions on other accessible, step-free routes.

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GUIDE DOGS When travelling with sight loss, blindness or a visual impairment, utilising public transport may become a necessity. Where possible, Guide Dogs (www.guidedogs.org.uk) advise that you contact your transport provider in advance of your journey, particularly any planned train journeys, to let the operator know that you will be travelling with a guide dog.

This is simply to ensure that when you arrive there is plenty of space for both yourself and your guide dog.

GET APPY In terms of transportation, coronavirus has resulted in some positive changes and adaptations for the disabled community. First Bus announced updates to their mobile phone App in June of this year meaning people could live-track bus capacity.

With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, ensuring safe travel is priority. The updated mobile App now enables customers across the UK to live track the location of their next bus – and buses later on in the timetable – alongside live available capacity.

enable travel First Bus was the first major bus operator to roll out such a service, reducing uncertainty around bus capacity. For wheelchair users the service also highlights when disabled access seats are free or to capacity.

Alongside First Bus, a small number of train Apps have also fast-tracked their live capacity visibility on mobile Apps.

TfL launched their updated App in August to ensure safer travel. The App allows users to see quieter times to travel, re-routed information if you decide to swerve public transport, alongside step-free access and step-free interchanges between lines for people with accessibility and mobility needs.

THE PASS The Disabled Persons Railcard (www.disabledpersons-railcard. co.uk) provides a range of offers with an average saving of £131 per year on all rail lines. You will be eligible for the railcard if you: Receive Personal Independence Payments (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA); have a visual impairment; hearing impairment; epilepsy; or receive Attendance Allowance or Severe Disablement Allowance.

After you receive the railcard, you will be able to buy discounted train tickets and enter a range of exciting competitions or register for a wide selection of additional offers.

The Disabled Persons Railcard costs £20 for one year or you can choose to purchase the card for three years at a price of £54.

When travelling on the bus, you can also apply for a disabled person’s bus pass. Each local council across England, Wales and Scotland can provide you with a disabled bus pass to use when travelling by bus.

Download, Doing Transport Differently to build your confidence with public transport

First Bus (www.firstgroup.com) also have a Safe Journey card that you can download for free, print and then show it to your driver detailing if you need help with any part of your journey. Options on the card include: Speaking slowly if you are hard of hearing; having patience if you find speaking difficult; are visually impaired; have a hidden disability; to asking for the driver to wait until you sit down prior to moving. You can also request for the drive to alert you when you get to a certain stop.

COVERED UP Face coverings and masks are now compulsory on all public transport.

This is to ensure the safety of yourself and your fellow passengers. However, some people are exempt from wearing face coverings. On 24 July the UK Government announced that disabled people are exempt from wearing face coverings, this includes autistic people, those living with dementia, anxiety and panic disorders, to breathing difficulties or if you’re someone who relies on lip reading.

If you are exempt then free exemption cards are available to print or display on your mobile phone. It is important to know that the exemption cards are

not necessary by law, it is a personal choice to show that you are exempt from wearing face coverings.

DOING IT DIFFERENTLY Even with additional support, having the confidence to use public transport can be hard.

Doing Transport Differently, available from Disability Rights UK (www. disabilityrightsuk) for free, is a guide written for and by people with lived experience of disability, meaning you are guaranteed to get the first-hand information you’re looking for.

For the fifth of disabled people that still experience hurdles when using public transport this guide is hoped to ensure all disabled people can get out and about. Providing key information about accessing public transport, benefits, to getting the right access for your needs: Doing Transport Differently will see you doing transport right.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Further advice and information on accessible travel can be found at Scope (www.scope.org.uk) and through the government website (www.gov.uk).

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enable life

Changing places:

IMPLEMENTING A HUMAN RIGHT Everyone should have access to a toilet when out and about, but for some of the 14.1 million disabled people in the UK, this isn’t a reality. Changing Places reveal the need for more facilities and the new legislation making a difference

BASIC RIGHT Karen Hoe is a Changing Places development officer at Muscular Dystrophy UK (www. musculardystrophyuk.org), part of the Changing Places Consortium, she says: “It’s a basic dignity and human right for many people that aren’t able to go out if there isn’t an accessible Changing Places toilet.

“You can’t imagine what it’s like if people go out and there’s not an accessible toilet for them, it’s unbearable.”

Karen often hears of issues that pose a risk to disabled people’s health when a Changing Places facility isn’t available.

42 enablemagazine.co.uk

“Many people speak of issues of not being able to change pads and some people have a massive issue restraining from fluids and then have had infections,” reveals Karen.

LEGISLATION Campaigners are constantly trying to raise awareness of the need for more Changing Places toilets, leading to big changes in legislation: from 2021, Changing Places toilets will be mandatory in new, large public buildings in England.

“A lot of campaigners have strived to get this awareness and getting the standard of rules changed to make these mandatory in building regulations going forward,” explains Karen. “It opens [buildings] up for a whole community, to be able to go and access all of the

“

It opens buildings up for a whole community

“

H

aving access to a Changing Places toilet can be the difference between someone feeling able to leave the house or feeling stuck inside.

Despite this, there are still just over 1,500 facilities throughout the UK. A Changing Places toilet is a specialist facility for people who have a disability and additional needs, they include equipment like a ceiling hoist and track, changing bed and a toilet that has space for transfers on both sides.

The facilities are more than an accessible toilet. Changing Places allow space for multiple people or carers, and are a necessity for a portion of the disabled community.

stuff that non-disabled people can already do.”

While this update to legislation covers new buildings, organisations without the space to install a facility are now turning to innovative solutions to boost accessibility.

COMMUNITY Organisations are increasingly turning to external Changing Places pods, Karen highlights: “It’s a way to reach a wider audience and a whole community so everyone can come and visit you and enjoy a day out.”

Alongside the change to building legislation, more funding will be made available to install Changing Places toilets at 37 motorway service stations across the country.

“If people are making a car journey and need to stop off, now everyone can do that, that’s another milestone,” emphasises Karen.

These advancements will make a difference to the lives of people who require Changing Places facilities, but more education and awareness is needed to give everyone who needs it access to a facility.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

To find out more or to locate a Changing Places facility visit www.changingplaces.org

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Available online for free, to help people of all abilities start to plan their days out, a new, refreshed edition of The Rough Guide to Accessible Britain is available.

ACCESSIBLEGUIDE.CO.UK

VIRTUAL

Merry Christmas The festive season will look different this year, but that shouldn’t dampen your Christmas spirit.

This year’s virtual Christmas will make events more accessible and inclusive

T

here’s no denying this festive season will seem different to previous years, but that shouldn’t leave you saying bah humbug, there are still plenty of ways to get in the festive spirit.

This year, Christmas is going virtual. A greater shift to online events will mean Christmas is more affordable and accessible with no need to get transport or navigate new shop layouts.

It also removes the race to get tickets for your favourite festive events.

As well as being more accessible, this year’s virtual Christmas will be safer if you are concerned about coronavirus and your disability.

Festive Events Letter or phone call from Santa Dates throughout December www.santa.co.uk Your loved ones don’t have to miss out on their annual visit from Santa if your local event has been cancelled or you are shielding.

Sign up to receive a letter, video call or sack from Santa to arrive on your chosen day. Each message is personalised with video calls arranged at your chosen time. This is perfect for little ones who become overwhelmed in crowds and avoiding disruption to your usual routine.

Place2Be virtual Christmas Carol Concert 3 December, 6:30pm www.place2be.org.uk

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Children’s mental health charity Place2Be is taking their annual Christmas Carol Concert online.

Book your ticket for 3 December to enjoy a night of carols, celebrity readings, festive fun and more. The event will be live streamed from St Marylebone Parish Church in Central London and will raise funds for vital children’s mental health services.

Jack and the Beanstalk Panto Online 4 December 2020 - 10 January 2021 pantoonline.co.uk Is there panto this year? Oh no there isn’t. Oh, yes there is with the newly introduced Panto Online. With many pantos cancelled in many towns and cities across the land, Blue Peter legend Peter Duncan has returned with his biggest ‘Here’s one I made earlier’ challenge to date.

Bringing you Jack and the Beanstalk – a socially distanced pantomime with ingenious sets, fabulous costumes, a real beanstalk, from 4 December, Panto Online is streaming directly into your home so everyone can enjoy a panto in 2020.

Tickets are on sale now for £20.

enable life

WINTER FINANCES

Festive Tours World’s Biggest Virtual Christmas Market 14-28 November www.christmasmarket2020.com Visiting a traditional Christmas market either at home or abroad is a festive ritual for many people. Many Christmas markets around the country have been cancelled this year, but you don’t need to miss out. The world’s biggest virtual Christmas market will take place in November, bringing vendors, live entertainment, recipes and more in a daily schedule of online events.

Last Christmas: London music special virtual tour 20 December, 7:30pm www.walks.com Grab a hot chocolate and your favourite festive snacks for a Christmas tour around London. This musical tour will visit the locations featured in the movie Last Christmas and will have you singing along to all of George Michael’s Christmas hits. You’ll get to explore London’s West End and hear hidden stories about its history along the way.

Lights over Lapland virtual tours www.lightsoverlapland.com Take a journey to Lapland without the hassle or expense of travel with a virtual tour. Using virtual reality videos captured last season, Lights over Lapland have six virtual tours for you to experience from the comfort of your sofa. See sled dogs hit the snow, take a tour of a reindeer herding village, witness Sweden’s Ice Hotel and more.

Christmas is an expensive time for everyone with holiday celebrations alongside increased bills due to the winter weather: Taking care of our spending is paramount.

Paula Searle is vulnerability product manager at StepChange, the UK’s leading debt advice charity, she says: “Over the festive season we can be faced not only with gifts to buy for our loved ones, but seasonal expenses such as higher energy bills.”

It is normal to feel your finances are out of your control over the winter months.

“The best thing you can do to ease the financial pressures of Christmas is to plan ahead – it’s not too late to do this and there’s support available,” reassures Nick Hill, money expert at the Money and Pensions Service.

“Setting a budget can help you avoid spending more than you can manage and will give you a clear picture of what costs you need to cover for gifts, food and other expenses,” advises Nick.

If after making a budget you are still worried about how you will cover your Christmas and winter expenses, consider what gifts you will be giving this year.

“Most people would much prefer their loved ones to have a financially happy New Year than a swanky present,” suggests Paula.

Alongside the cost of Christmas, ensuring you can cover increased energy bills and stay warm is especially important for disabled people.

“The winter is a costly time, but it can be even harder if you’re prone to falling ill due to a disability and find yourself unable to work as much or at all,” admits Nick. Depending on your situation, you could be entitled to government help to cover the increased cost of bills over the winter.

“You could be entitled to government help through a warm home discount, a winter fuel payment, or a cold weather payment,” reveals Paula.

If you are concerned about money over the festive season or further into the winter, you don’t have to suffer in silence.

You could start by speaking to a trusted friend or family member, or by getting in touch with organisations like StepChange (www.stepchange.org) or the Money and Pensions Service (www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk).

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Keeping our communities safe and warm all year round As the gas network for the North of England, Northern Cumbria and much of Yorkshire, we’re committed to keeping our customers safe and warm no matter what the weather’s doing outside.

Whether we’re working in the streets or homes of our communities, we’ll always go the extra mile to ensure everyone on our network gets the best customer service 365 days a year.

Priority Services Register

How do I sign up?

Some of our customers need extra support if there’s an unexpected interruption to their gas supply.

We can add your name to the Register. All you need to do is call our Customer Care team on 0800 040 7766 option 3 or email customercare@northerngas.co.uk

If you have a disability or illness which means you might struggle without your gas supply, even for a few hours, it’s a good idea to get added to the Priority Services Register.

When you’re registered, you may also be entitled to a number of free benefits via your gas supplier, including free gas safety inspections of appliances and pipework (on your side of the gas meter).

If you’ve got an elderly or vulnerable neighbour or relative with children aged under 5 who you think might also benefit from this service, why not make them aware of the Priority Services Register too?

Or, if you live in Yorkshire or the North East, chances are your electricity distribution network is Northern Powergrid.

Smell gas?

You can register on their Priority Services Register here: northernpowergrid.com/care

Call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you live in the North West including Cumbria, your electricity distribution network is likely to be Electricity North West. You can register on their Priority Services Register here: enwl.co.uk/power-cuts/priority-services-register northerngasnetworks.co.uk/network-supply/ priority-customers/

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WIN

A WEEKEND SPRING BREAK IN DORSET

Indulge during a relaxing weekend break in the heart of rural Dorset with a stay at the stunning and fully accessible, Ellwood Cottages

C

omplete with superb disabled access and facilities, Ellwood Cottages is sure to provide a relaxing break away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. And we’ve teamed up with the cottages to provide one lucky winner the chance to win a three-night weekend break in Barnes Cottage, which sleeps up to four people from 19 March to 22 March 2021.

Named after Dorset writers Hardy, Barnes and Blyton, the wheelchairaccessible cottages have been lovingly restored to provide comfortable, tastefully furnished, year-round, single storey self-catering holiday accommodation for disabled people, their families, friends and carers.

Barnes Cottage sleeps four people in two bedrooms, and comes complete with a full height adjustable profiling bed and a pair of Zip and Link beds. Also included in the cottage is a wet-room style shower room, and the entire cottage is wheelchair accessible.

Outdoors there are spacious landscaped gardens with tables and chairs for guests’ use, providing stunning views across fields with farm animals and wildlife, to Bulbarrow Hill and Ibberton Hill. With hopes of a warm spring and relaxing staycation, could you be our lucky winner?

Discover more about Ellwood Cottages by visiting, www. ellwoodcottages. co.uk

HOW TO ENTER To be in with the chance of winning a spring weekend break at Barnes Cottage, simply send us your name, contact details and where you picked up your copy of Enable to competitions@dcpublishing. co.uk quoting Ellwood Cottages. Or visit www.enablemagazine.co.uk/ ellwoodcottages All entries must be received by Monday 30 November 2020. Good luck!

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: All entries must be received by Monday 30 November 2020. The prize is a spring weekend break for three-nights during the dates, 19 March 2021 to 22 March 2021, in Barnes Cottage, which sleeps up to four people. The prize is non-transferable, non-refundable, dates cannot be amended, and there is no cash alternative and cannot be sold to another party. Transport to and from Dorset and the cottages is not included. One entry per household. The publisher’s decision is final.

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WARM HOME

BEAT THE

winter blues It’s the most wonderful time of the year; even so, it can also be the most stressful and financially draining time. Despite the uncertainty of Christmas celebrations this year, it’s important to get winter confident

48 enablemagazine.co.uk

Keeping warm and comfortable during the winter months is essential, and during the pandemic it’s more important than ever before to ensure you look after your immune system.

If you’re living with a disability then you may be entitled to a range of benefits to ensure you can heat your home without going over budget.

The Cold Weather Payment is made available to people if the average temperature in your area is recorded as, or forecast, to be zero degree Celsius or below over seven consecutive days.

You’ll get £25 for each seven-day period of very cold weather between 1 November and 31 March. The scheme is scheduled to start from 1 November in 2020. You may be eligible for the Cold Weather Payment if you are receiving Pension Credit, Income Support, incomeThere is help based Jobseeker’s Allowance, out there to Universal ensure you have Credit and other a successful additional benefits. winter Additionally, a Winter Fuel Payment could see you getting between £100 and £300 tax-free funding if you were born on or before 5 October 1954.

Under the Warm Home Discount Scheme you could get £140 off your electricity bill for winter 2020 to 2021.

The discount will not be paid to you directly; rather it is a one-off discount on your electrical bill between the months of September and March.

Applications for the 2020 to 2021 scheme opened on 12 October 2020.

To be eligible for the scheme you must be on a low income, meeting your energy provider’s criteria; or you get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit. It’s important to know that the discount will not affect your Cold Weather Payment or Winter Fuel Payment.

Make sure to visit the UK Government (www.gov.uk) to check what you are eligible for and use the benefits calculator.

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Looking after your finances is essential to ensure you enter 2021 in the black

IN THE BLACK There’s no denying that many if not all of us have overspent at some point during the festive period. However, as we embark on the worst recession in recent history looking after your finances is essential to ensure you enter 2021 in the black and financially confident.

Credit cards to overdrafts, loans and funding, to everything in between: Talking money is a tough subject to broach. That makes it even more important that you acknowledge your financial situation to get you back on track.

If you are really struggling, or even if you want to ensure you’re doing the right thing, Citizens Advice (www.citizensadvice.org.uk) can provide free, impartial financial advice.

Remember, you’re never alone, no matter how bad you think a situation is.

There are a range of options to help you get out of debt and becoming more aware of your spending and your money. The National Debt Advisory (www.nationaldebtadvisory. co.uk) can help if you have debt ranging from less than £5,000 to more than £20,000 and a debt adviser will speak to you to help you run through your options prior to arranging an affordable repayment scheme.

GRANTS Further advice on heating your home can be found from British Gas Energy Trust (britishgasenergytrust. org.uk) – anyone can request information; you don’t have to be a customer. British Gas Energy Trust is just one organisation that provide grants if you are in debt to your energy provider.

The charitable trusts can help consumers to get on top of their energy and fuel payments.

Additional grant providers include nPower Energy Fund, Scottish Power Hardship Fund, Ovo Debt and energy assistance, E.On Energy Fund and Bulb Energy Fund. Unlike the British Gas Energy Trust, the above companies offer grants specifically to current customers.

When applying for a grant you will need to provide detailed information, but Charis Grants (www.charisgrants.com) can help to ensure you are supported with your application.

Similarly, the Energy Saving Trust (energysavingtrust.org.uk) is another vital tool to get information on how to cut your bills, whilst also reducing your carbon emission. In Scotland, the Warmer Homes Scotland scheme has been designed to help vulnerable people to install a range of heat saving measures. Potential measures include wall insulation, central heating and draught proofing – all designed to ensure you are safe and warm in your own home.

From interest free loans, grants, to benefits and financial advice, there is help out there to ensure you have a successful winter to welcome in the New Year.

STAY WARM WITH SGN www.sgn.co.uk

Dedicated to keeping their customers safe and warm, SGN can offer extra help, free of charge, to people who need priority support either temporarily or long term.

SGN’s services are designed to support people who are over 65, pregnant or have children under five, have long-term physical or mental health conditions, have a disability or have additional language or communication needs. For circumstances not listed, the team at SGN may still be able to provide support – call their Careline on 0800 975 1818 or email customer@sgn. co.uk SGN can connect eligible homes to their gas network for free or at a reduced rate, as well as offering funding towards the installation of central heating, through their Help to Heat scheme. Plus, their free locking cooker valve safety device allows those with Alzheimer’s or autism to stay safe in their own homes.

The Priority Services Register helps SGN identify customers who need priority support in a gas emergency. By registering for this free service, you will receive extra help if you’re without your gas supply, such as alternative heating and cooking facilities.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Find out more about these services and many others at www.sgn.co.uk/ extra-help

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spotlight

TAKING PRIDE in the POSITIVES 2020 has been a difficult year for everyone, but especially the disabled community. In a time where it was hard to see the positives, three charities highlight the extra support they put in place and what they have learned

WELLNESS DEMENTIA UK www.dementiauk.org As lockdown was announced in March, Dementia UK knew that their Admiral Nurses would no longer be able to work in the same way. Ensuring their nurses were supported was essential.

“We had to find a way to connect with our nurses and check in with them, to ensure that they were OK,” explains Suzanne Wightman, an Admiral Nurse professional and practice development facilitator at Dementia UK. Suzanne and her colleagues responded promptly to ensure that the Admiral Nurses’ needs were met and that they, in turn, could effectively support families affected by dementia.

“We quickly arranged virtual 1:1s, regional peer sessions and support groups for Admiral Nurses in each care setting alongside regular webinars to

Receiving a comfort bag

respond to the changing educational and support needs of the nurses,” explains Suzanne.

Many Admiral Nurses described high levels of stress and emotional burden as they were supporting families who were experiencing distress due to closed support services, deaths related to COVID-19 and separation due to visiting restrictions. The support and

education provided by the team really helped.

The virtual meetings created an opportunity to share innovative ideas, Suzanne and one group of nurses recognised that many people on their caseloads were more isolated than most due to being unfamiliar with technology.

The team quickly came together and created comfort bags for people living with dementia and their loved ones. These were made bespoke for each family.

“The response was humbling, and it enhanced the bond that families have with their Admiral Nurses,” explains Suzanne.

The pandemic has highlighted new ways of working for the Admiral Nurses to not only improve their practice but also support for families affected by dementia.

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spotlight OUTREACH MND ASSOCIATION www.mndassociation.org Through the challenges of 2020, the MND Association has seen positives when helping service users.

“We wanted to reach out and support as many people as we could and we contacted everyone – just under 4,000 people – living with MND in our remit,” reveals Nick Goldup, director of care improvement for the MND Association.

The charity was happy to hear that this engagement was well received and many people living with MND felt that they wanted this as ongoing support which the Association now provides to around 1,500 people living with the disease.

Staff from different roles were redeployed, some taking up roles with the charity’s helpline which saw a major shift, Nick explains: “The helpline used to be people calling in and we reacted to people’s calls, now we call out: Within two weeks of being made aware of someone living with MND we contact them from the helpline.”

MND helpline

As a whole, the charity took a co-ordinated approach, contacting care centres and regional teams along with the people they help to best understand how to provide support.

“A lot of NHS services had gone from face to face to virtual, so we wanted to understand these changes so that we could support people living with MND and also raise issues with the NHS if we felt it was needed,” reveals Nick.

“We also wanted to give support practically and emotionally, so we set up support groups and we signposted to services.

“We make emergency grants of up to £250 available, which, so far,

130 people have used to fund specific equipment or support - that was done in partnership with Doddie Weir’s foundation.”

The charity also launched a commitment to supporting carers, introduced extra guidance for children and young people who have a loved one with MND, created a new information hub on their website and more.

“It’s amazing how it took a pandemic for this to come to fruition, but if one positive can be taken it’s that we’ve been able to change our services and how they engage in a really positive way,” emphasises Nick.

Keep in Touch was already in development when lockdown started, but it was originally created to become a befriending service operated by volunteers. The charity moved quickly to implement the service when it was needed, and will continue the services post COVID.

“We implemented it with staff who had the capacity to do it,” explains Ed. “That was for people who may have been really isolated and needed immediate contact.”

Now a successful service, plans are still in place to expand Keep in Touch with volunteers later this year, using the knowledge gained this far.

A main positive has been the speed of development, Ed highlights: “Under normal circumstances it would take longer to get that up and running because we would’ve spent a lot more time thinking and putting money into development, but we had to move quickly under the circumstances.”

There’s no doubt that many positives are here to stay, despite the challenges.

An increased use of technology, better connections between Admiral Nurses and the people they support and more proactive support will continue to be utilised, opening more doors between organisations providing support and disabled people.

COMMUNITY MS SOCIETY www.mssociety.org.uk Building a sense of community has been a key focus for many charities throughout the coronavirus pandemic, but this was especially important for the MS Society.

More than 130,000 people live with MS in the UK and many were asked to self-isolate at home during lockdown, creating a need for the MS Society to work quickly to tackle loneliness when face-to-face meetings were inaccessible.

The charity quickly created two services: Time to Chat, a virtual meeting service, and Keep in Touch, a one-to-one phone service.

Ed Holloway, director of services at the MS Society, says: “Loneliness already disproportionately affects those living with MS, so there’s always a need for these things. Our groups across the UK are fantastic, but for some people they are unable to access them – making sure people feel connected and supported at home is vital.”

52 enablemagazine.co.uk

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spotlight

FIGHTING FOR SOCIAL CARE Members of the disabled community continue to be left behind due to lack of awareness and accessibility to services. Learning disability charity, Mencap is working to fight for improved social care, Lorne Gillies speaks exclusively to Mencap’s CEO Edel Harris to discover how

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del Harris has worked alongside people with a learning disability throughout her career, and in March of this year, Edel was announced as the CEO of Mencap.

Committed to changing social care for people with a learning disability, Edel started off her career with Mencap in a significant way: Meeting Prime Minister Boris Johnson on her very first day.

Unfortunately, not long after we all found ourselves in a national lockdown

to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Despite this setback, Edel and the team at Mencap have taken this opportunity to further their dedication and campaigning to change the face of social care for the 1.5 million people across the UK living with a learning disability.

CHANGE TO CARE “This is one of my passions: Social care reform,” enthuses Edel. “It has to start with the individual, and, what we currently have is overly complicated,

inefficient systems and processes around the public pound, meaning the person gets lost somewhere and often is fitted into a service that is available rather than a personalised offering.”

Social care is a vital tool to help people with a learning disability live independent, fulfilled lives. However, many people still too often see social care as a service for the elderly. With limited resources and knowledge, people are losing out on the care and support that would best suit their needs.

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spotlight Unfortunately, due to lockdown figures revealed by a Mencap survey found that even more cuts have been executed, leaving people with nowhere to turn. In fact, seven in 10 people with learning disabilities have had their social care cut or reduced during the coronavirus crisis; with four in five family carers forced to take on more unpaid care for their family members.

It is evident that changes to the face of social care are needed.

AUTONOMY Edel continues: “Without any doubt, the social care sector has to start to be viewed as a contributor not a burden. I would like to hear our government talking about social care in the same way as hospitality, manufacturing; as something that should be invested in rather than a drain on society. If you change the narrative you change mind-sets.

“If there is anything good that comes out of COVID, the light on the profession I hope that a proper robust workforce plan can be introduced,” Edel adds. “If it doesn’t happen then we will never be able to retain, train and develop good people. Thirdly, the way services are commissioned needs to change.

“If you’re the individual with a learning disability and you need support to live your best life then you should be at the heart of deciding what that looks like. We can make better use in society by putting people in the driving seat, because they know what they need and what they want for the best life.”

Edel’s son, Ross, has a learning disability and hires his own personal assistants (PA). “The difference this personal approach has made to his life is quite phenomenal,” enthuses Edel.

Ross has complete autonomy on when and how he receives certain types of care and support, rather than this being decided for him by a third party, however well meaning. A focus on more self-directed support should be the norm across the board.

THE FUTURE It is yet uncertain what life will look like in a post-COVID world, but charities like Mencap and other organisations they are working closely with, including Sense

“

The social care sector has to start to be viewed as a contributor not a burden

(www.sense.org.uk) and the National Autistic Society (www.autism.org.uk), to name a few, are committed to ensuring the future is bright for people with a learning disability.

And, the best way this can be achieved is by listening directly to people with a learning disability. “It’s vitally important for a charity like Mencap, and anyone, to do their very best to walk in the shoes [of someone with a learning disability] and have an understanding of what life is like,” says Edel.

“But, I have to stress, everyone is unique in their experience and has their own strengths and weaknesses, personal traits like everyone else: It’s really important that we treat everyone as an individual and draw out their experiences on the areas that need to be addressed.”

Currently working on their Big Plan – expected publication in January 2021 – Mencap is listening to people with a learning disability, their loved ones, and working in partnership with other organisations and charities, whilst campaigning for change on a government level, too.

As the future seems uncertain with lockdown rules changing daily, Edel and the Mencap team as a whole is working to end continued restrictions on family visits to assisted living accommodation, whilst colleagues within Mencap continue to problem solve and think outside the box to ensure people with a learning disability are not left behind again or any more, no matter what the outcome of another lockdown may be.

Whatever the future may hold, Edel advises: “Whether you have a learning disability or not I think this winter is going to be challenging for all of us, so please engage as much as you can with the services and people available to you.”

Working as a united front is the one way we can all change social care awareness and can change perceptions of disability from the ground up. Edel concludes: “Our proposed vision is for the UK to be the best place to live for a healthy happy life if you live with a learning disability.”

“

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Follow Mencap’s campaign for improved social care by visiting their website, www.mencap.org.uk and get advice or someone to listen by calling the helpline on 0808 808 1111 or email, helpline@mencap.org.uk

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REVIEW

RENAULT ZOE The Renault ZOE is one of the most affordable electric cars and now it comes with greater battery range, writes Alisdair Suttie as he takes the car for a test drive

INSIDE The first thing you notice with the Renault ZOE is how easy it is to get in and out of, thanks to the driver’s seat being set higher than most rivals. It also gives excellent all-round vision and fine comfort.

The updated ZOE’s 10-inch digital main instrument display is clear to read. You can also scroll through different screens depending on what information you prefer to see alongside speed and range.

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A seven-inch infotainment screen sits in the centre of the dash, though upscale GT Line models have a larger 9.3-inch display. Both are a cinch to use and keep the cabin free of too many buttons.

In the rear, there’s sufficient space for two adults and headroom is very good. At 338-litres, the boot compares favourably to most superminis, though the opening isn’t as wide as some. With the rear seats tipped down, there’s up to 1225-litres of cargo capacity.

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The first thing you notice with the Renault ZOE is how easy it is to get in and out of

You can get the Renault ZOE for £399 DLA advance payment or your total Mobility allowance for weekly rental.

Find out more at, www.motability.co.uk

EQUIPMENT The entry-point ZOE Play has LED headlights and 15-inch alloy wheels, hands-free entry and ignition, automatic headlights and wipers, and cruise control. It comes with plain black cloth upholstery, air conditioning, electric front windows and Renault’s EASY Link infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto working through a seven-inch touchscreen.

The Iconic model adds larger 16-inch alloys, rear parking sensors, traffic sign recognition, and assistance for lane departure and lane keeping. The seats are trimmed in good-looking recycled fabric, while climate control and wireless phone charger are included. The infotainment gains sat-nav and there are twin USB chargers for rear passengers.

In the top-level GT Line, you have rear privacy glass, all-round parking sensors with rear-view camera, and Blind Spot Warning. Inside, the infotainment uses a bigger 9.3-inch screen.

DRIVING The ZOE is remarkably easy to drive as its electric motor means it works as an automatic in normal Drive mode. Switch to B mode and you get greater regenerative braking to top up the battery as the car slows and means you rarely have to touch the brake pedal. Add in supple suspension and nimble handling, and the ZOE is a very good supermini.

When it comes to power, you have a choice of two electric motors. The R110 is standard in the Play and Iconic models, with the more powerful R135 an option in the Iconic and standard in the GT Line. The R135 is brisker when overtaking and is the one we prefer. Both motors have similar ranges and the R110 can offer up to 245 miles on a full charge to the R135’s 238mile maximum.

Renault supplies a free home wall charger with the ZOE, which takes around nine hours to fully charge the battery. Using faster public chargers, you can add 90 miles of range in 30 minutes using the plug hidden behind the bonnet’s large Renault badge. It’s simple to use and soon becomes part of your usual driving routine to charge up regularly.

SUMMARY Low running costs and excellent comfort make the ZOE a very good supermini that just happens to be powered by electricity.

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Product Roundup The top adapted products on the market sure to make your life more accessible MOBILITY

ATILA POSTURE WALKER Atila, £572.25 exc VAT www.completecareshop.co.uk, 03330 160 000

Fitted with adjustable hand brakes on the handles and easily adapted, the Atila posture walker is designed for children with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or children with reduced mobility. Large rear wheels and double castor wheels at the front make the walker easy use. The bright colour is also great for children.

HEALTH

MOBILITY

Amazon, £7.50 www.amazon.co.uk

Ardoo, £1950 exc VAT www.ardoohoist.com, 0115 718 0676

CLEAR PANEL FACE MASKS

Face masks and coverings are now common place, but they are not practical for many disabled people.

Clear panel face masks are available for people who are hard of hearing, D/ deaf and BSL users or others working directly with members of the disabled community. Single and multi-pack masks are available.

PORTABLE HOIST

10% OFF RRP for Nov/Dec

The Ardoo portable hoist is ideal for day trips and staycations. Easily folds up and fits in the car boot. Weighing only 23kg, the hoist can be used in bathrooms, tight spaces, and providing lifting from wheelchair, stairlift, toilet, bed and floor. Can be operated by one carer and converts to Stand Aid.

STYLE

WARM LINED WATERPROOF Able2Wear, £60 exc VAT www.able2wear.co.uk

REHAB

HIPSHIELD

Essential Aids, £78.56 exc VAT www.essentialaids.com, 01273 719 8899

Available for both men and women, the hipshield provides padding to reduce the dangers of hip fractures for the elderly or those in post-operative care. Each pack contains three shields, which absorb and deflect any impact away from the hipbone. Discreet and comfortable to wear, the shields can be worn both day and night.

Able2Wear provide a range of winter garments for wheelchair users – ideal for the winter months ahead. Their warm lined waterproof is available in navy and purple, and cut specifically for wheelchair users. The jacket features a detachable hood, full-length openended zip with adjustable wrist length for pushing and no catching.

HEALTH

AUTOMATIC PILL DISPENSERS Pivotell, from £95 www.pivotell.co.uk, 01799 550979

Pivotell Automatic Pill Dispensers are widely used by the NHS and Local Authority Social Services to help vulnerable adults take the right pills at the right time, and remain living at home. With antibacterial protection in the plastics, proven to kill surface bacteria and viruses to 99.5% in just two hours.

MOBILITY

DMO ESSENTIALS SINGLE SHOULDER ORTHOSIS

DM Orthotics, Starting from £170 www.dmorthotics.com/shop, 01209 219205

The DMO Essentials Single Shoulder Orthosis is designed to stabilise the shoulder, elevate the arm to assist in pain relief and realign the shoulder blade to enable greater comfort, function and range of movement. This product is also available in both adult and child sizes.

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t Enable, we pride ourselves on bringing you the latest news, interviews, real life stories and must-have disability products on the market. If you are looking for information and advice pertinent to disability, then look no further than the awardnominated Enable Magazine.

Exclusive interviews with disability game changers to discussions with carers, family members and beyond: Enable Magazine is so successful due to our dedicated readers.

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Amazing growth giving years of continued use

MEET ME HALFWAY Receiving a diagnosis of autism in adulthood can come with a range of emotions from joy, relief to concern.

Many adults diagnosed later in life will have had to mask to fit in causing health problems, discussing autism in adults is key

A

wareness around the autistic spectrum is increasing thanks to campaigning from charities and individuals. With more information around autism and Asperger’s Syndrome available, parents are able to get a diagnosis for their children sooner.

As parents find out more about autism, more adults are starting to connect the dots and see that they too are autistic and have gone throughout their life without diagnosis. Lee Corless is just one-person who found this to be his journey.

DIAGNOSIS When Lee first reached out to his doctor for a diagnosis in adulthood, Lee was met with reluctance and brushed off. Soon, Lee and his family were researching autism as they expected his son was autistic. “My son, my middle child, was diagnosed when he was young and my wife has always maintained that

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a lot of what we see in him can be seen in me,” explains Lee. After years of fighting for a diagnosis, it took just three months for Lee to be officially diagnosed as autistic. Lee recalls: “I think, in the first month, it was very difficult to take on board. I don’t know if it was all the years of fighting to get a diagnosis or the years of fighting in the corporate world to get ahead and year on year being told the same feedback and not understanding why; that first month was very strange. It left me in a state of shock and knocked my confidence; It did take a little while to sink in.”

Catherine Leggatt, employment pathways coordinator for the National Autistic Society, has had a successful career supporting people like Lee who have been diagnosed in adulthood.

For Catherine, she can sympathise with adults fighting for their own diagnosis and coming to terms with it.

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A lot of people are welcoming and a lot of people are grateful for the information

Y

“

“I’ve had really serious mental health problems, meaning I’ve needed to be hospitalised, and healthcare professionals have even looked for diagnoses’ such as schizophrenia in my younger days as there was little or nothing known about autistic women like me,” shares Catherine about her experience as a young woman.

“Educational psychologists, involved when I was in school, often reported that I was obviously highly intelligent but emotionally disturbed.”

Mis-diagnosis or delayed diagnosis until adulthood could be attributed to lack of information and awareness in the past, but also, many autistic people experience masking.

MASKING Some autistic people mask where they mimic or perform social behaviour or interactions in a manner that is deemed ‘normal’ or standard to wider society.

Lee, who works with J.P. Morgan, experienced this directly throughout his

career in the corporate world. Making notes for himself when to make eye contact during a meeting, or being deemed as unprofessional for sitting with his arms crossed in meetings, when in fact this was a comfort mechanism for Lee. “For many, many years it has been on me to fit in, not the other way around to meet me at least half way,” emphasises Lee. “That’s all I’ve ever asked for; I’m not asking people to change the world I’m asking people to meet me half way.”

Masking not only leaves people continually second guessing or thinking about their actions, but it can have a significantly detrimental impact on a person’s health and wellbeing. Lee adds: “Last year at the age of 46 I had a heart attack, part of that I think is due to the years of not knowing, fighting and battling without support, it puts pressure on your body and your system.”

Catherine agrees: “Women tend to be diagnosed less, and they are more likely to come through for a diagnosis via a referral for mental health than anyone else. Autistic men tend to be more obvious, but that is also a huge sweeping statement, because we do have men who are like myself: senior managers or doing really well professionally and masking to an extremely high degree, living with complex mental health conditions because of that masking.”

Unfortunately, more autistic people are experiencing poor mental health due to lack of understanding of autism, masking, and over exertion in the workplace leaving people physically and mentally drained at home. But, disclosing your diagnosis is imperative for your wellbeing.

“I’ve had great support from my wife, she is my biggest supporter and help, but equally I’ve had that from my employment and individuals from J.P. Morgan. Without this support I don’t know where my health would have been,” Lee says.

DISCLOSURE At J.P. Morgan Lee has been part of their Autism at Work initiative since 2016, where Lee has spoken at events to raise awareness of being autistic, in employment and trying to succeed in the corporate world where autistic characteristics can be misconstrued or come across in the wrong way.

Lee explains: “Within my corporate work I’m looking at how we can support personnel coming in, and in my personal life I’m looking at starting programmes to support individuals.”

Prior to getting involved with the initiative, it was rare for someone in a leadership role to be autistic or to openly discuss their diagnosis in a wider professional setting.

“The most surprising thing you will find is when you open up to someone, they always know someone who is on the spectrum,” Lee adds. “A lot of people are welcoming and a lot of people are grateful for the information.” Openness and honesty will help further drive awareness of autism and help people reach out for support when they need it most.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Further advice and support is available from the National Autistic Society (www.autism.org.uk) or you can call the Autism Helpline on 0808 800 4104.

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enable voices

DISABILITY IN LIMBO As the world begins to re-open, many disabled people are left in limbo. Our new columnist, Paralympian and TV presenter Ade Adepitan talks life on hold and the importance of re-opening accessible sport

T

o say 2020 has been a strange year might be the biggest understatement of the decade, maybe even of the century.

You know things aren’t quite right when you meet up with friends for the first time in months; you stare at each other awkwardly from the prescribed two-metre distance trying to work out which one of you has eaten the most pies during the UK’s enforced sabbatical.

“

BIZARRE I remember the first time I caught up with friends once restrictions were eased; it was a socially distanced surprise birthday party for my wife in our local park. Everyone was in good spirits, probably relieved to finally meet people outside of their bubble face-to-face.

A few days later a friend came over to my house to service my wheelchair.

His name was Jack and we play in the same wheelchair basketball team, The London Titans. We hadn’t seen each other for months so whilst Jack busily removed and greased the bearings on my front wheels we had a good catch up.

All pretty normal stuff, until I asked how lockdown had been for him.

STRAIN The expression on Jack’s face visibly changed from cheerful to perplexed, then sad. I don’t think he realised it, but even his body language changed.

The stress and strains of spending so much time on his own not knowing when, or if, things would ever return to normal had taken its toll. It was clear that our lockdown experiences had been very different.

A true test of any society is how it treats minority groups in times of trouble

“

PHOTO: © IAN WALLMAN

Ade Adepitan

“I spent almost four weeks alone at home, feeling vulnerable, wondering if there would be a place for people like me in societies new normal.”

Sadly, for many people with disabilities, Jack’s experience will sound all too familiar.

sometimes, extremely traumatic accidents. A true test of any society is how it treats minority groups in times of trouble. This pandemic has exposed yet another massive failing in the systems of our society.

Every time we face huge challenges like these people with disabilities are often the ones left behind. We live in a world motivated by money, those of us seen as least profitable are deemed as not worth investing in especially during tough times. The question is: Does this approach really equate to a better society?

SPORT Whilst non-disabled sports like football, cricket, and rugby have returned to play, wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby are stuck in limbo.

For many, sports have given them the independence, confidence, and self-worth they never thought they’d find again whilst trying to put their lives back together following,

Read Ade’s extended column over on the Enable website, www.enablemagazine.co.uk

Keep up to date with Ade by following his YouTube channel, Adepifam, www.youtube.com

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enable life

BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS

Each year, 3 December marks International Day of People with Disabilities, a United Nations-sanctioned day celebrated worldwide. This year, hidden disabilities and the impact of the coronavirus on isolation and mental health are in the spotlight

O

n 3 December every year, International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPWD) is celebrated, highlighting the importance of removing barriers for all people living with a disability, both visible and invisible.

The day raises awareness of the importance of creating inclusive, accessible and sustainable societies in order to build an accessible future for disabled people.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES Bringing to light the barriers faced by disabled people in all aspects of their lives, from day-to-day accessibility to joining the workforce and reaching goals, IDPWD is a key event in the disability calendar all over the world.

In 2020, the awareness day is particularly important due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on mental health. Throughout the pandemic people with disabilities have felt isolation, disconnect, disrupted routines and diminished services than other groups in society, leading to greater concerns around mental wellbeing.

As much as it is crucial for the world to continue to fight against the coronavirus, it is also crucial to raise

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awareness of the support disabled people need during this time and in the future.

AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING This December during the annual celebration of people with disabilities, the IDPWD 2020 theme of not all disabilities are visible will focus on spreading awareness and understanding of disabilities that are not immediately apparent.

The day will focus on: mental health conditions; chronic pain or fatigue; sight or hearing impairments; diabetes; brain injuries; neurological disorders; learning differences; cognitive dysfunctions and more.

Awareness of hidden disabilities has risen in recent years with the introduction of things like the sunflower lanyard scheme and not all disabilities are visible signage around toilets and parking spaces, but more is needed to support the estimated 450 million people living with a mental or neurological condition throughout the world.

Stigma and discrimination are still rife around hidden disabilities, with more awareness needed to break down

barriers for these people as well as the disability community as a whole.

For the 69 million people estimated to sustain traumatic brain injuries each year worldwide and the one in 160 children identified as being on the autism spectrum, greater understanding and education around hidden disabilities is key to living a fulfilled life and feeling accepted.

TAKING PART This year’s IDPWD is completely virtual.

The main way to get involved, help spread awareness and contribute to the breaking of barriers for the disabled community is to get online.

Using social media, disabled people can share their experiences, what they wish people knew about their disability, and the barriers big and small that they face in society.

A greater conversation around hidden disabilities will help to reduce stigma and create a more inclusive, accessible future for the disability community.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Learn how to get involved and what support is available is available by visiting, www.idpwd.org

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RECOVERING FROM REDUNDANCY If you have recently been made redundant you might not know what to do next or where to turn to for support. We look at your rights and what financial help is available

70 enablemagazine.co.uk

enable employment

T

hroughout 2020 the possibility of being made redundant is at the forefront of many people’s minds, often for the first time. From May to July 2020, redundancies increased by 58,000 compared to 2019, and by 48,000 compared to the last quarter– the largest increases seen in 11 years.

Being made redundant can be disheartening and difficult to process, but it is important to remember that it is nothing personal. Many organisations have been forced to close or reduce their workforce in recent months, but there is support available if you have been made redundant.

PROCESS Redundancy is a form of dismissal from your job and happens when your employer needs to reduce their workforce. If you have been selected for redundancy, by law your employer has to consult you.

The consultation process usually includes face-to-face meetings with the person leading the redundancy changes, but for safety or if you work remotely, these consultations can take place over the phone.

These meetings are a chance for your employer to talk about the changes they are making and why you are at risk of redundancy. It is also an opportunity for you to ask questions or make suggestions including how you have been selected and any issues you are having with the process.

FINANCES If you meet the requirements for redundancy then you may be entitled to redundancy pay. The amount you receive will depend on several factors and what is in your contract.

If you have worked for your employer for at least two years, you could qualify for statutory redundancy pay. The amount of redundancy pay you can get is based on age, weekly pay and the number of years you have worked with your employer. Keep in mind: Your weekly pay is the average you earned per week over the 12 weeks before the day you got your redundancy notice.

If you have been on furlough because of coronavirus, your redundancy pay will be based on what you would have earned normally.

sure to check your contract, your Alongside redundancy pay, there is employer can always give you more other financial help available. Make redundancy pay but not less. sure to check if you are eligible for any If you have been made redundant benefits. because your employer is insolvent, Universal Credit is a key benefit if which means your employer you are on a low income or are cannot pay its debts, you can unemployed. This is a meansapply to the government tested benefit so will be for support. You can apply affected by any savings or Everyone has to the government for a capital you or your partner rights when they redundancy payment; has. On Universal Credit holiday pay; outstanding you could receive £409.89 are selected for payments like unpaid a month, but you can get redundancy wages, overtime and more if you have rent to pay commission; money or if you have children. you would have earned Jobseeker’s Allowance is the working your notice. If you lose main out of work benefit that can your job, you may also be eligible for be claimed, this is a payment of up to unemployment benefits. £74.35 a week. The amount you receive depends on if you are receiving other benefits and this benefit is claimed HELP through the Jobcentre Plus.

If you have been selected for You can apply for Employment redundancy but you are unsure of Support Allowance if you have a the process that was followed you disability or health condition that should seek advice from an impartial affects how much you can work. This organisation. Acas (www.acas.org. gives you money to help with living uk) and Citizens Advice (www. costs and support to get back into work citizensadvice.org.uk) can provide you if you are able to. Information on all with information and resources to help of these benefits can be found on the you understand this process. government website.

If you think that you were unfairly selected or your employer didn’t follow a fair redundancy process, you can YOUR RIGHTS appeal a redundancy decision.

Everyone has rights when they are Check with your employer and selected for redundancy and you can’t see if they have an appeal process to be selected due to your disability or follow, if they don’t you can write to because you need adjustments in the them explaining why you think the workplace. If this happens, it is classed redundancy is unfair. You can get help as discrimination. from staff representatives like trade You have redundancy rights if you unions or you can ask a senior member are legally classed as an employee and of staff who was not involved in the you have worked continuously for your selection process to come to meetings employer for at least two years before with your employer. they make you redundant.

If your appeal is rejected or there Alongside redundancy pay, your was not a consultation about your employer must provide a notice period redundancy, you can make a claim to the before your employment ends. Make employment tribunal (www.gov.uk) and seek compensation.

The employment tribunal can help with other unlawful treatment including discrimination. The tribunal To seek advice if you feel you is independent of the government and have been discriminated against will listen to you and the person you are or selected for redundancy as a making a claim against before deciding. result of your disability you should If you have been made redundant, contact Disability Rights UK remember this isn’t the end of the road (www.disabilityrightsuk.org) for your career. Seeking support will or speak with an employment make the process less stressful for you lawyer. and alleviate some financial concerns.

WHO TO CALL

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enable employment

Welcome to the

NHS WORKFORCE The team in NHS Lothian run the careers activities, and can help you get inspired about everything NHS

D

id you know the NHS is the largest single employer in Scotland with over 350 job roles – everything from engineers to software designers, healthcare scientists to wheelchair therapists and more.

As an Awards Aware employer, this means NHS Lothian value and recognise youth awards and are an official endorser of Duke of Edinburgh so all activities will be recognised in an application.

There is no wrong path to achieve your ambitions, even if you are not quite sure yet what that might be. Offering a wide range of opportunities to grow your skills; develop your ambition; build on your strengths; and also help grow your interests.

WHAT’S ON OFFER There are many different opportunities available from NHS Lothian, including:

MEET THE TEAM The dedicated workforce team at NHS Lothian is on hand to help you onto the path for your future career.

Andrea MacDonald Specialist Education Lead: Workforce Development

Cheryl Dickson Early Careers Project Support Managers

Louise McAtamney Early Careers Project Support Managers

Hayley Greig Workforce Development Administrative Assistants

Vicky Smith Workforce Development Administrative Assistants

Heather Fleming Workforce Development Administrative Assistants

• Work experience • Routes to volunteering, including specific programmes for young people • Career insight activity and events • Employability programmes to build your skills for the workplace, including Princes Trust Get into Healthcare, Project SEARCH and Career Ready • Modern Apprenticeships in clinical and non-clinical roles at a variety of levels • Activities to support you with applying for posts, values-based care and additional core learning • An opportunity to develop yourself in a variety of exciting roles and settings • Permanent positions offering accredited education, mentoring and career structure • Roles with meaning and purpose so you can really make a difference

72 enablemagazine.co.uk

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on NHS Lothian initiatives, email, careersforall@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk, or follow their social media channels: @NHS_Lothian @yourNHSLfuture @nhsl-volunteering

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NHS Lothian Opportunities Over 100 career paths – one employer We recognise the value that everyone brings to our organisation.

Through our ‘Job Interview Guarantee’ we will consider you on your abilities and guarantee an interview where you meet the essential criteria for the post. We have a wide range of jobs at entry and qualified level and offer great opportunities such as DFN Project SEARCH a business led work preparation programme for young people with disabilities – and much more.

Further information on NHS Lothian initiatives; www.careers.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk email: careersforall@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk vacancies: https://apply.jobs.scot.nhs.uk @NHS_Lothian @yourNHSLfuture

Earn

Learn

Progress

SKILLS

AMBITION

You can build on the skills you are good at

You can match your skills to those we need

STRENGTH

INTEREST

You can support your career goals

You can develop your interests into a career

Awards Aware awardsnetwork.org

Your workplace rights All employees have rights like the right to paid holidays and to be paid at least the national minimum wage, but if you are disabled you have additional rights in the workplace

K

nowing your rights and the adjustments that you are eligible for is imperative to ensuring you can complete your job role to the best of your ability. It’s easier than you might think at first to get on top of your employment rights.

to make reasonable adjustments during the interview process or if they want to increase the number of disabled people they employ.

It is not a legal requirement to disclose your disability to a prospective or current employer and you should only do so if you feel comfortable.

RIGHTS

REASONABLE ADJUSTMENTS

More than one in four workers in the UK have a long-term health condition or impairment and have extra rights at work. Many of these rights are covered under the Equality Act 2010 which includes areas like: application forms; interview arrangements; terms of employment; dismissal or redundancy.

These rights protect you from being discriminated against in the workplace due to a disability or long-term health condition and apply from the beginning of the recruitment process.

An employer who is recruiting staff can make limited enquiries about your health or disability, but only to ensure the recruitment process is accessible,

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One of the main reasons people disclose a disability to their employer is to receive reasonable adjustments at work.

“If an employee with a disability would like their employer to make reasonable adjustments for them, then they may well have to disclose their condition to their line manager or HR department,” reveals Julia Dennis, head of diversity and inclusion at Acas.

Acas is an organisation providing information, advice, training and other services for employers and employees to help prevent or resolve workplace problems.

“Employers have a duty to make adjustments where the employee has a disability and faces a substantial disadvantage,” explains Julia.

Reasonable adjustments are unique to each individual and their requirements, but common adjustments include: providing additional services like an interpreter; adapting the workplace, for example providing ramps; moving you to a more suitable workplace; providing special equipment or adaptive technology.

“The Equality Act 2010 comprises the three requirements when making adjustments: changing the way things are done such as adapting a policy on working hours, making changes to the physical environment, such as altering access to a building, providing aids and services such as assistive IT software,” identifies Julia.

A reasonable adjustment on working hours can include time off for appointments or more breaks. Before asking for an adjustment, it can be

enable employment

helpful to ask other people in a similar situation what they found useful.

“A disabled person does not have a responsibility to say what adjustments should be made,” stresses Julia.

“However, because of their day to day experiences, a disabled person will often be the expert on their own needs, and it’s likely they will welcome the opportunity to suggest ways to support them.”

If you are off work while your employer arranges for reasonable adjustments to be made, this shouldn’t be classed as an absence from work.

ACCESS TO WORK If the support you need at work isn’t covered by your employer making reasonable adjustments, you could get help through the Access to Work scheme (www.gov.uk).

In order to take advantage of the scheme you need to have a paid job, or be about to start or return to one.

The scheme includes a grant to help cover the costs of practical support in the workplace. Your workplace could include your home if you work there some or all of the time.

The money from an Access to Work grant doesn’t have to be paid back and won’t affect your other benefits. This grant can pay for: special equipment, adaptations or support worker services; help getting to and from work.

RESOLVING CONFLICT It is unlikely that an employer won’t adhere to your rights in the workplace, but if this happens there is support available to help you resolve the issue, Julia explains: “If an employer does not make reasonable adjustments for an employee or job applicant with a disability, it may count as discrimination under the law.

“If the employee feels they have not had reasonable adjustments put in place or been discriminated against, they can try and raise the issue informally with a discussion with their employer or manager, or they may take it to their employee or trade union representative to take forward for them,” advises Julia. “If none of this helps, then they may be able to take it to an employment tribunal.”

There are organisations who can help you learn about your rights or resolve conflict if you feel you have been discriminated against.

Check the government website (www.gov.uk), contact Citizens Advice (www.citizensadvice.org.uk) or talk to Acas (www.acas.org.uk).

Employers have a duty to make adjustments where the employee has a disability

RETURNING TO WORK If you are about to return to work after an extended time off, it can be helpful to catch up with your employer, Julia says: “It is good practice when an employee returns to work following a period of absence to have a ‘return to work’ meeting.”

During this meeting you can discuss any adjustments you had in the past, if these have changed and any new adjustments you may require.

A phased return to work can help you to ease back into working life after a long period of absence. This phased return to work can count as a reasonable adjustment, it could include gradually building up to your working hours or working from home before you go back to the office.

This can be arranged directly with your employer with advice from your GP, nurse or occupational therapist.

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Apply for money for training If you employ your own care and support using a direct payment from health or social care, or your own money, you can apply for money for training.

The money can be used to pay for training to develop the skills of your personal assistants and to improve your knowledge as an employer.

It can pay for the direct cost of training and qualifications, travel costs and the cost of hiring replacement support whilst your usual PA is attending training.

It can be used for different types of training like moving and assisting, first aid, communication, dementia awareness, diabetes awareness, risk assessments, skills for employers, and qualifications.

Apply now: www.skillsforcare.org.uk/iefunding

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20/12/2019 14:59:24

enable education

Advance your skills Knowledge is one of the most powerful tools we can utilise in our personal and professional life.

More than ever before education and training has become accessible thanks to the digital age

DISTANCE LEARNING There are many benefits to distance learning, especially if you are living with a disability or limiting condition that means attending university or college classes could be difficult. Plus, distance learning means you can not only learn in the comfort of your own home, but you can learn in your own time, meaning you can carry on in employment until you have obtained your final grades – distance learning really does have it all.

And, the main attraction: Distance learning will see you getting the same qualification as you would in face-to-face learning. With uncertainties surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, learning at home has never been more appealing.

Distance learning will see you using a range of different educational materials and processes. You will be expected to complete course activities and assignments with regular support from your tutor, and you’ll also get to interact with your fellow students utilising online technology.

On some courses you may have to attend a day or weekend class working directly with other students on a certain task or project.

Top tip, if you’re looking to learn whilst in full-time employment, speak with your employer about your thoughts of learning whilst you work if the training will be mutually beneficial.

You never know, your employer might be able to provide some funding for your course qualifications.

On the job learning is perfect if you’re looking to take your career to new heights, progress your learning and make yourself more appealing to future employers if you decide to change path or position. In some instances, specific companies will partner with official organisations to create customised programmes if that is what will be most beneficial for your career and learning. Otherwise, there are a range of organisations and courses where you can advance your knowledge.

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enable education

GOING ONLINE One of the leading online learning providers is the Open University (OU). At the OU they are dedicated to ensuring their learning and education is open to all, meaning accessibility is at the forefront of everything they do – after all, education should be accessible to everyone.

There are many ways the OU can tailor your education, including providing specialist equipment, accessible study materials all the way to tailored assessments.

Plus, certain courses can provide residential schools. At a residential school you will experience the unique opportunity of gaining practical skills and experience and you can attend the OU’s residential school for one day to a full week.

Make sure to order your prospectus from the website (www.open.ac.uk/courses/do-it/ disability) today.

Cambridge Online (www. cambridgeonlineeducation.com) also offers a range of distance courses including GCSE AS, A level courses and tuition in art, music, physics, psychology all the way to Latin and law. You can also get a prospectus for all courses by visiting the Cambridge Online website.

BRITISH SIGN LANGUAGE www.british-sign.co.uk Learn a new language online with the comprehensive and detailed course in British Sign Language (BSL) from british-sign.co.uk. Introducing British Sign Language (BSL) is ideally suited for those who know a couple of signs all the way to complete novices, or for staff training and educational use. With nine lessons throughout the course you can learn everything from the alphabet, introducing yourself and your family and progress to learning signs for travel, transport and confirming if you are hearing or D/deaf.

Each lesson comes complete with a list of signs and featured videos, and you can complete each section at your own pace. Introducing British Sign Language features videos and interactive assessments where you can keep track of your progress. Plus, you

can always go back to videos and revise any vocabulary. At the end of the lessons there is a short test featuring BSL videos where you can answer a range of typed and multiple questions.

You can retake assessments as often as you like and watch your score and knowledge of BSL improve. Once you complete the course and achieved at least 85 per cent on the final assessment you will receive a certificate to acknowledge your learning.

Due to the uncertain times we live in, Introducing British Sign Language is running on a donation’s basis, but the course usually costs as little as £25.

Designed to be studied over 16 to 20 hours and the course can be accessed for one year.

Go from fingerspelling the alphabet to confidence when using BSL.

YOUR BENEFITS Learning on campus or at home, there are financial aids that you could be eligible for.

Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSAs) can help to cover additional costs if you live with a mental health condition, long term illness or any other disability.

It’s important to note that the amount of funding you receive will be dependent on the method of learning you are undertaking – how much funding you receive depends on your individual needs, not the household income. Full-time students will likely receive a larger benefit than part-time students, but it’s important to apply for DSAs no matter the length or type of study you are undertaking.

DSAs can help to pay and cover the various costs that come with education.

From helping with the cost of specialist equipment, such as computers or adapted technology, non-medical helpers, additional travel due to your disability and other add on costs that you may incur to facilitate your needs.

After your application has been received and you are deemed eligible for DSAs, you may be required to attend a needs assessment meeting.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Visit UCAS (www.ucas.com) and the Open University (www.open.ac.uk) for further advice on your learning, and Citizens Advice (www.citizensadvice.org.uk) to discuss what benefits you are entitled to.

78 enablemagazine.co.uk

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Pay what you can: During this difficult time, to make it easier for more people to learn British Sign Language, you can decide what you wish to pay (minimum contribution of £3).

Let us help you reach your

potential

United Response is an award-winning charity with over 40 years experience supporting people with disabilities and mental health needs.

We’ve been cheering at the sidelines as they’ve celebrated passing exams, first jobs and moving into their own homes. We’ve even donned a hat for the odd wedding or two.

We’ve witnessed the heart-stopping moment when someone who’s been voiceless for a decade is finally given the means to communicate and say ‘yes’ - or just as empowering, ‘no’.

Find out how we could help you: 0800 0884 377 get.support@unitedresponse.org.uk www.unitedresponse.org.uk

Registered charity no. 265249

The Motability Scheme enables disabled people to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair without the worry of owning and running one. Parents and carers can drive on behalf of the customer.

The vehicle should be used by, or for the benefit of, the disabled person.

Making life easier for disabled people

“We went on our first family camping trip.

Something we couldn’t have done without the new car.”

Sam, Elisabeth’s mum

Who can join the Motability Scheme?

You may be eligible to join the Scheme if you receive one of the following: • Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

• Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

• War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS).

• Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP).

What’s included on the Motability Scheme?

Insurance Breakdown assistance Servicing and repairs

How Motability, the Charity can help We can provide charitable grants for: • Car adaptations to help make travelling as comfortable as possible.

• Vehicle Advance Payments for larger, more expensive vehicles.

• Up to 40 hours of driving lessons, to ensure disabled people have access to driving tuition in specially adapted cars as necessary.

To find out more visit motability.org.uk or call 0800 500 3186

Tyres and battery replacement

To find out more about the Motability Scheme visit motability.co.uk or call 0800 093 1000

Motability is a Registered Charity in England and Wales (No.299745) and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Reference No. 736309). The Motability Scheme is operated by Motability Operations Limited under contract to Motability. Motability Operations Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Reference No.735390).

enable voices

Strictly Come J J CHALMERS Royal Marines Commando to gold medal winner at the inaugural Invictus Games, celebrated sports presenter, and now, Strictly Come Dancing contestant: JJ Chalmers talks overcoming challenges Congratulations on joining Strictly! What made you sign up?

I’m extremely lucky for the career I’m in, as a TV presenter this is one of the perks and opportunities. I just jumped at the chance for a whole host of reasons, but most of all because it is just a massive challenge and an amazing adventure.

Do you have any prior dancing experience?

I’m coming from zero. As a kid, like everyone in Scotland, I learned how to do country dancing, but just so I could go to people’s weddings not so I could compete, let alone in front of 10 million people. I hope I’ve got a bit of rhythm and timing from that.

How, if at all, will your dances be tailored or adapted to facilitate your injuries?

I’ve sought the advice of my surgeons and rehab to look at where the problem areas could be, and how I should start pre-habbing them.

I know where my physical weaknesses lie but that’s only one part of it. It is a domino effect when your body becomes unbalanced. It’s just tailoring my body for what it is going to be doing. My body is going to move in a way it has never done before.

You’ve mentioned before that your life is all about facing challenges. What challenges do you think you will face during Strictly?

I’m going to be challenged by everything because I’m going to be out of my comfort zone all the way down to how I’m wearing my hair and the fake tan. At the same time, that is the point. It is going to be a huge physical and mental challenge, but that’s what I live for.

How do you hope this exposure will further educate and raise awareness of disability, acquiring a disability, and the Armed Forces?

I think it is very similar for veterans and people with a disability.

I didn’t come to this show as a dancer I need to focus and learn, just like everyone else. There’s no difference between me and Bill Bailey or Nicola Adams; we’re here to be the best dancers we can. I am going to dance on that stage to the best of my ability, and I hope there is a veteran or a child with a disability who sees there is nothing stopping them from giving this a go.

Tango and Cha-Cha into the ballroom every weekend with Strictly Come Dancing, live on BBC One every Saturday night.

For any readers who may be nervous about trying something new, like ballroom dancing, what advice do you have?

Just try it, what do you have to lose from getting out there and trying?

You need to believe in yourself and back yourself to give it a try.

Don’t miss JJ’s extended interview over on the website, www.enablemagazine.co.uk enablemagazine.co.uk

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enable voices

PETITIONING FOR RIGHTS

As lockdown eased and shops and cafés reopened, disability lifestyle vlogger and wheelchair user Gem Hubbard found that many disabled parking bays had been blocked off without any alternative offered. Now, Gem is fighting for change

W

TAKING ACTION

hen the nationwide lockdown started to ease, disability lifestyle vlogger Gem Hubbard (@wheelsnoheels_) was looking forward to one thing: Taking her mum out for lunch for a special birthday.

Before the big day arrived, Gem needed to carry out her usual errands including shopping in her local area, but the experience wasn’t what she expected.

“The first shop I went to visit all of the disabled bays had been blocked off and there were no suitable alternatives,” reveals Gem. At the second shop Gem travelled to she had a similar experience. Half of the disabled parking bays had been blocked off, but a long queue to park left her worried she wouldn’t get one of the limited spaces.

Already on edge, the day came for Gem to take her mum out for her birthday lunch, she remembers: “The disabled bays had been blocked off and used for extra outdoor café seating and I just lost it and broke down.”

When Gem decided to share her experience on social media, the response was massive. Gem has now received countless accounts of disabled parking bays being removed, re-purposed or blocked off via social media.

“I’m inundated with pictures every day, and every day I see them it hurts just as much as the first one I saw,” expresses Gem. She knew something had to be done and decided to start a petition calling for disabled parking to be brought back because access is a right, not a privilege.

The petition calls for local councils to enforce that disabled bays are not blocked off, or to provide the correct equivalent if there is no other choice.

“We have to have our parking close,” stresses Gem. “We have to have our bays with enough space to get our wheelchairs up to the car, to get to the shop because it takes a lot of effort and pain to get into the car, let alone to go those extra steps into the shops.”

As the petition approaches 12,000 signatures, Gem is encouraging more people to write to their MP and local council in the hope the unjust removal of disabled parking bays is stopped.

ANXIETY

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The disabled bays had been blocked off and used for extra outdoor café seating PICS: @WHEELSNOHEELS_

Feeling like she wasn’t able to leave the house or do something nice, Gem’s mental health began to deteriorate.

“I became very anxious and depressed,” explains Gem. “These things that we have fought so hard for, to be whipped away in a matter of months without consideration is so disheartening and soul destroying, it was chipping away at a piece of me.

“I’ve never had to take medication before for my mental health but now, or at that period of time, I did.”

After rearranging the birthday lunch at a different location, Gem was so anxious about parking that she drove six miles the night before to see what alternatives would be close by if spaces were blocked off. This is a task that nobody should have to consider prior to a nice lunch.

Gem is campaigning for change

FOR MORE INFORMATION

If you have been affected and would like to write to your MP or local council, you can find letter templates on Gem’s website, www.wheelsnoheels.co.uk

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19/10/2020 10:25