much more than an advice service... @ComDevDASL
www.disabilitylambeth.org.uk
David Strong, Director
Welcome message Since our last issue in the Spring our new Hate Crime support service for disabled people has started, our existing services have continued to be extremely busy and we have welcomed new staff to our Advocacy and Into Sport projects. We are half way through the three year contract for the Independent Living and Carers’ Partnership which funds several of our key services. We and our partners are keen that even more disabled and older people and carers hear about the services we offer and use them so please help us spread the word.
sources of funding for our Into Sport project when the current Sport England grant ends in May. We are also organising several special events over the coming months including our annual event to mark Hate Crime Awareness Week, which takes place on 12th October, and an exciting showcase of creative work by stroke survivors on 5th December. In addition, our programme of regular activities such as the Into Sport led walks and rides and the monthly Social Group and Direct Payments Peer Support meetings continue and new participants are very welcome to come along.
Given the pressures on our finances, we have stepped up our fundraising efforts with a special focus on getting the popular London Stroke Choir back on its feet. We have welcomed UK law firm Browne Jacobson as a new supporter of our charity and are hopeful of finding new
You’ll find more about all these services and events, and how to contact us, in the following pages.
Front page photo: Mohamed and Alice have an age difference of 70 years and are lifelong “Brixtonites”, who met via the Into Sport Lambeth Project. Alice says, “I like it because it’s different, it gets me away from here. I get fresh air and I’ve been offered a cigarette but I wasn’t sure what sort of cigarette. We meet people as we cycle, it breaks the ice, people talk to you, everyone smiles, even car drivers, they stop, I do the royal wave. Mohamed's very, very nice, he relates to people and likes talking.”
Contents
8. London Stroke Choir and Community Development
2. Welcome message 3. DASL news
9. Social Group
4. Direct Payments Peer Support Group
10. Into Sport
6. Focus on Hate Crime
12. How to contact us
11. Independent Living and Carers’ Partnership services 5. Be a Good Employer courses
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Fundraising first for DASL We are delighted to have been chosen as its charity of the year for 2016/17 by the London office of major UK law firm Browne Jacobson. This is an exciting new development for us which will see Browne Jacobson’s staff fundraising for DASL projects including the London Stroke Choir (see page 8). Just as importantly, members of the Browne Jacobson team will get involved with DASL events and activities by coming along and helping out, finding out more about the work we do and meeting staff, volunteers, members and service users. We look forward to our partnership with Browne Jacobson over the next nine months. David Maggs, BJ partner, said “ “We are committed to supporting local causes…the work, help and support DASL provides really resonated with our people this year. We are delighted to be supporting a charity that provides such an important service to the local community. The service that the staff and volunteers deliver is invaluable and we hope to highlight the fantastic work they do to improve the lives of local disabled people, as well as raise much needed funds.” An early note for your diaries. DASL’s AGM will DASL AGM, 2nd December take place on Friday 2nd December from 10.45am -1pm here at ‘we are 336’. As usual, you will be able to hear about DASL’s year, take part in a special session on a topic of particular relevance to disabled people and enjoy a buffet lunch. DASL members will receive a formal invitation in early November but anyone is very welcome to come along and we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on the day.
Autism Speciality - New Advocate joins DASL We are very pleased that Matthew Jury joined our Advocacy service in June 2016 as a full time Professional Advocate in succession to Anna Fairbank. Matthew is really pleased to join the team at DASL and is enjoying getting to know everyone in his native Brixton. Before moving back to London a few years ago Matthew spent fifteen years working with children and young people with learning disabilities, Autism and challenging behaviour in a residential respite unit in Brighton. Matthew says, “Working with such amazing young people, building relationships and supporting them to develop communication and cope with the expectations of a society that struggled to cope with them without doubt supplied me with the passion and experience to pursue advocacy as a career”. Before joining Claire Camplin and Tom McDonough in the DASL Advocacy Service, Matthew worked as a Professional Advocate in Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster and Camden. In his spare time Matthew is a keen bass player in a couple of bands. @ComDevDASL
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Managing a Direct Payment? Get together…!
Back in 2012, DASL set up the Direct Payments Peer Support Group. It does what is says on the tin - this is a group of people with lived experience of managing direct payments, who support each other by sharing their personal experiences and tips for how they deal with them.
within the Council.
The monthly meetings are open to anyone who uses a DP Package, which includes people who are managing a direct payment for themselves, their child or family member, and informal carers (usually a family member or close friend who provides unpaid care and support).
Past guest speakers have included Lambeth’s DP Money Management Team, Financial Assessment Team, various managers and Councillors responsible for Childrens’ Services and Adult Services; in addition to these we’ve had specialist speakers on disability and social care.
Two DASL staff, Joseph Healy and Seán McGovern previously acted as Chair and note taker. Recently, this changed when the group told us they were ready to elect their own Co-Chairs who will now be responsible for running the meetings and inviting guest speakers. DASL continue to provide advice and administrative support for the group and the meetings.
Currently the group is working on a Direct Payments Charter and is awaiting the Council’s contribution after receiving DASL’s input. Some of the parents are also helping Seán to put together a consultation document around Children’s and Young People’s Services, hopefully to present to the Council by December.
People with lived experience are the real experts about their lives. It really helps to talk about issues and problems in a group as the members can use their influence to improve the service they receive by engaging with DASL’s contacts @ComDevDASL
Typical issues discussed are: How surplus DP monies can be used Problems with PAs Difficulties finding PAs Poor communications with the Council
The group is vibrant and interesting, and welcomes new members to get involved in planning meetings, working on issues and campaigns and supporting each other. You can get involved by contacting DASL’s Direct Payment Team - full details are on the back page. www.disabilitylambeth.org.uk 4
“Being a Good Employer” Training Skills for Care has awarded DASL a grant to provide access to two training courses in 2016-17 in “Being a Good Employer.” We are working in conjunction with Southwark Disablement Association to offer these courses to people in both Lambeth and Southwark who employ their own care and support staff using a Direct Payment.
Lauren Johnson
We have linked up with PB Partners who will be providing the training in partnership with DASL. The courses are each 10 weeks long and take place here at “we are 336” from 11am - 2pm. Our first course starts on Wednesday 21st September, the second on Friday 9th December. Lunch is provided and attendees will be able to meet other employers, learn how to deal with Francis with Lauren and trainer Margaret difficult situations and become more confident at our last course in May. employers. A certificate of attendance is awarded to those who complete the training. We also arrange a social opportunity so that participants can meet people using other DASL projects. The courses are very popular so if you’d like to find out more about how to book a space, please contact the Direct Payments Team on 020 7501 8960.
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Focus on DASL’s new Hate Crime Project
“I didn’t realise that was a hate crime, I just put up with it.” We want you to know that we will support you if you feel you have experienced a hate incident or crime, have an impairment or long-term health condition and live in Lambeth. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) use the following definitions: A Hate Incident is “Any incident, which may or may not constitute a criminal
offence, which is perceived by the victim or any other person as being motivated by prejudice or hate”. A Hate Crime is “Any incident, which constitutes a criminal offence, perceived by the
victim or any other person, as being motivated by prejudice or hate”. The law can be difficult to understand. What seems like a hate crime may not be, even if it is a really upsetting experience, because of how the law defines different types of crime and hate crime. This can also mean that hate incidents and crimes can go unreported as they are not recognised as such. DASL’s new service, part of the Lambeth Disability Hate Crime Partnership, is being developed to give a welcoming, safe place for you to talk in confidence about any incident or crime you have experienced that you feel was due to your disability. Even if you are not sure, you can contact us to discuss what happened and how you want to deal with the situation. This could involve signposting you to support services, going to meetings with you, or supporting you to report a disability hate crime or hate incident.
Be part of the change, come to our “No Place for Hate” event The main event in Lambeth during Hate Crime Awareness Week is on Wednesday 12th October, from 10am to 2pm at 336 Brixton Road SW9 7AA, including lunch.
Official launch of Lambeth’s new third party reporting centre at “We are 336” What is Disability Hate Crime and how to report it Meet your local police gether o T d n a t Support for victims of crime S #We Interactive activities and workshops
Places are limited, please email lholden@disabilitylambeth.org.uk or call Louise on 020 7501 8976 to book. @ComDevDASL
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Message from Cheryl “In April of this year, I was delighted to become DASL’s first Hate Crime Advocacy And Outreach Worker For Disabled People. During the last few months I have been busy visiting as many people, groups and places as I can, letting people know about the support and help they can get from my new service and from the other organisations we work with in the Lambeth Disability Hate Crime Partnership. To date, we have reached over Cheryl Lewis 600 people. In addition to this I have been carrying out the very important work of providing advocacy support to disabled individuals who have been victims of hate incidents or hate crimes. If you would like me to come and talk with your group or organisation, please get in touch.” The post was developed by the Lambeth Disability Hate Crime Partnership in response to feedback received from service users at several events including the disability hate crime workshops held in 2014 and 2015. Amongst other things, people asked for greater awareness about hate crime where it affects disabled people as well as support in reporting crimes and incidents. We are grateful to Trust for London which has funded the service until March 2018.
this type of hate crime, and holding Lambeth’s main Hate Crime Awareness Event on Wednesday 12th October 2016, see how to book on page 6. If you or someone you know are in immediate danger or feel threatened call 999. If you have been a victim of an incident you can either call 101 for the police or if you would like support to report it to the police contact me at DASL on (020) 7642 2054 or email me at cheryl.lewis@disabilitylambeth.org.uk.
Over the next few months we will be continuing to carry out this crucial work, developing a wide range of accessible information, to give guidance to potential victims as well as the general public about
For more information about hate crime against disabled people please go to our website at www.disabilitylambeth.org.uk/
ther e g o T tand S e W #
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Community Development Update Always lots going on with Community Development and I am still encouraging as many people as I can to become a DASL member. This gives us a stronger voice when we are working with the Council and other organisations to improve and develop services. Also as a member, you get to hear about events, campaigns and other opportunities via our e-bulletins and receive this newsletter by email in glorious colour!
Louise Holden
London Stroke Choir We have been busily fundraising so that the Choir can start again and we have hit our first target. We are thrilled that the Choir can meet again from 12th September. Thanks to all who have donated so far including the brilliant Abs from DASL Into Sport, who completed the 50 mile Thames Bridges Cycle Ride in June and raised £150 for us. In addition, we have great support from Morley College, Guy’s & St Thomas’ Patient Engagement Team and Browne Jacobson LLP. We still very much need donations to secure the future of the Choir so please spread the word. It’s easy to give at http:// campaign.justgiving.com/charity/dasl/ londonstrokechoir
Stroke Recovery Event An exciting event on Monday December 5th at “we are 336” will showcase all the great creative work done around Stroke Recovery, including the London Stroke Choir and ‘Stroke Odysseys’. Please contact Manuela at DASL on 07773 810 264 for more details of the event or if you are a stroke survivor and are interested in joining the Choir.
Disability Awareness Workshops I have been working with Jason from Advising London on developing Disability Awareness Workshops for his ‘Digi-Buddie’ volunteers. We have been piloting the workshops, which focus on local knowledge and the social model of disability, and will be developing these in the future as a service which organisations can purchase from DASL. My thanks and appreciation go to Denise, who has been volunteering on this project and co-facilitating the workshops with me. @ComDevDASL
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DASL and Lambeth Mencap Social Group Drop-in I jointly support the Social Group with Laura VanBemmel from Lambeth Mencap. Streatham Library staff were very helpful in giving us a free meeting space there for our social group when we first started but we recently decided to move to a new venue as the group grew. The White Lion in Streatham is a Community Pub with a focus on supporting local community groups and individuals. They have kindly agreed to give us free use of ‘The Stables’, a lovely big meeting room at the back of the pub. There is level access to the side of the pub and we offer refreshments and a nice relaxed atmosphere. Our first drop in at our new venue had Abs, DASL’s Into Sport Project Worker, and Emma from Disability Sports Coach, who were both very inspiring with many of the group interested in being more active and keeping fit. If you would like to meet other local disabled people and enjoy time relaxing, talking and meeting new friends, we’d love to see you at our drop-in. We meet on the third Wednesday of the month; Drop in anytime between 2pm to 5pm at the White Lion, 234 Streatham High Road SW16. Contact Louise on 020 7501 8976 for more information. To become a member of DASL, or get more involved with your local community, email lholden@disabilitylambeth.org.uk or call Louise on 020 7501 8976. @ComDevDASL
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Don’t let the idea of “Sport” put you off being active with DASL’s Into Sport Lambeth Project Over the summer, 59 people have joined in lunchtime walks, beginners’ cycle rides, leisure centre visits and mystery shopping, sailing, swimming, tandem and side by side cycle rides. One of our stars is 96 year old Alice (featured on the cover), who has discovered how much fun cycling on a side by side companion cycle is! Abs Tripp took over from Tricia Reilly at the end of April as Into Sport project officer. Since then she has started a programme of activities from “we are 336” and worked closely with members of our Access and Advocacy group to develop and undertake a mystery shopping survey of Lambeth’s main leisure centres. As a result of the surveys, disabled people have received free passes for Lambeth leisure centres, renewed their concessionary and disabled sport memberships and helped produce a powerful report for Lambeth Council. Abs is now working with ‘Better’ and Lambeth Council to improve the offer at the centres for disabled people. What would you like to see on offer at your local leisure centre? Do let Abs know.
FREE passes for Lambeth Leisure Centres
could win a prize. Please make sure any other people in your photo are happy for you to enter it. Deadline for entering your photo is 30th September, please include your full name and contact details.
Get in touch if you would like a free pass for one of these Lambeth Leisure Centres:
Brixton Recreation Centre, Clapham Leisure Centre, Streatham Leisure Centre, West Norwood Intrepid walkers from ‘we are 336’ Health and Leisure Centre
Into Sport Photo Competition Taking inspiration from the Olympics and Paralympics, Into Sport has launched a photo competition for disabled people. Just send me your photos of you (by yourself or with your friends and family) taking part in any sport or physical activity and you
Abs Tripp, Abs.tripp@disabilitylambeth.org.uk 07512 566 875 / 020 7738 5656 @ComDevDASL
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Independent Living & Carers’ Partnership (ILCP) The ILCP, in which DASL is a key partner, provides a range of free services to support disabled and older people and carers, including young carers, in Lambeth. It is funded by Lambeth Council and includes information, advice, advocacy, support with Direct Payments and community development.
Enquiry Line and Advice Surgeries Carers’ Advice Volunteer Befriending Community Development with Older People
Carers’ Advice, Support & Development Support for Mental Health Carers Older Carers’ Peer Support Young Carer’s Project
Direct Payments Support
Learning Disability Carers’ Advice, Support and Development
Professional Advocacy
Community Development with Adults with Learning Disabilities
Community Development with Disabled People
Help for Carers
How to contact the ILCP Advice and support for Deaf People 07467 914132 advice@royaldeaf.org.uk
General Enquiries about ILCP Services and Information and Advice Tel: 020 7346 6800 Email: info@ageuklambeth.org.uk Professional Advocacy Tel: 020 7501 8966 Email: advocacy@disabilitylambeth.org.uk Direct Payments Support Service Tel: 020 7501 8960 Email direct.payments@disabilitylambeth.org.uk Carers’ Hub Lambeth Tel: 020 7346 6800 Email: connect@carershub.org.uk Website: www.carershub.org.uk
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Contact Us Write to us at: “We are 336” 336 Brixton Road London SW9 7AA
much more than an advice service...
General Enquiries call 020 7738 5656 or email enquiry.line@disabilitylambeth.org.uk Direct Payments Support: 020 7501 8960 or email direct.payments@disabilitylambeth.org.uk Professional Advocacy: 020 7501 8966 or email advocacy@disabilitylambeth.org.uk Specialist Advice Service: 020 7738 5656 (leave a message) or email enquiry.line@disabilitylambeth.org.uk RAD Advice and Support for Deaf People: 07467 914132 or email advice@royaldeaf.org.uk Into Sport Project: 07512 566 875 or email abs.tripp@disabilitylambeth.org.uk Community Development, Membership, Volunteering, Newsletter and Social Media enquiries Louise Holden on 020 7501 8976 or email lholden@disabilitylambeth.org.uk Services for Stroke Survivors: : 07773 810264 or email manuela.gouveia@disabilitylambeth.org.uk Independent Living and Carers’ Partnership Enquiry Line: 020 7346 6800 or email info@ageuklambeth.org.uk DASL’s main funders are Lambeth Council, Trust for London and Sport England Charity No. 1087399 A company limited by guarantee registered in England & Wales No. 04214688