Newsletter - November 2009 - Issue 13
Welcome to Disability Backup's Newsletter; please scroll down to see all the notices.
In this issue:
- Next Forum meeting: Disability Hate Crime Friday 20th November 11-1pm City Edge
- E Panel recruitment
- Crown Prosecution Service Questionnaire attached
- Update from the Parking Services and mobility team
- Focus Group dates
- Language Code update
- Feedback from previous meetings including Hackney LINk
Disability Forum
When? 20th November 2009 11-1pm
Where? City Edge, 125 Mare Street, Hackney, E8 3RG
What?
* Disability Hate Crime
Cindy Fayenfumni Hackney's Community Prosecution Coordinator. Come and
have your say about Crime in Hackney. Please take a look at the
questionnaire attached: Word format or PDF.
Hackney Matters is the name for Hackney's online citizens' panel of local people. The panel is a group of 2000 local people from all walks of life who are regularly asked to give their views on issues of importance to local residents.
Hackney Council values residents' views, but realises that we don't always get to hear from people in all our communities.
Our Consultation Consultants Continental Market Research will be looking to recruit more people to join the e-panel on the 20th November.
Please contact Catherine on 0207 275 0088 ext 209 to arrange transport or for more information.
Feedback from previous meetings
Forum Meeting:
We had a really positive Forum Meeting on the 29th October.
Thank you to everyone who brought food for us to enjoy.
The group completed questionnaires about topics for future groups and we had a prize draw where members won Radar keys and accessible holiday guidebooks!
Focus Groups dates for your diary
16th November
1-3pm
Hackney Museum Focus Group
Hackney Museum
The last focus group was a great success and we will be meeting monthly with the Museum. We are developing a 'sensory' exhibit to explore how our senses affect us. This will be launched in July/July 2010.
24th November
1-3pm
Service First Focus Group
Hackney Town Hall
This is to replace the cancelled meeting due on the 15th Oct.
Parking team update
The parking team has issued the following update:
You no longer need to display your Blue Badge clock when using your
Companion Badge to park in 'Disabled Bays' and 'Resident Only Bays' in
your home CPZ.
You may have received a booklet specifically aimed at disabled drivers
and residents. This booklet can be downloaded from the Council's
website: www.hackney.gov.uk.
Should you have any questions regarding disabled parking please contact
us on 020 8356 3000 or email: info@hackney.gov.uk
Mobility team update
We had a very positive meeting with Hackney's Mobility Team and discussed the issues regarding Blue Badges. We have agreed that we will work closely with the team to make the process easier for people.
The Mobility Team will work on an article for our newsletter to explain the process better, they did inform us that the main reason that the process takes so long is due to the GP's referral. If you are thinking of applying for a Blue Badge, book an appointment with your GP and let them know.
Last minute notice:
Hackney LINk Lunchtime Consultation on the Government Proposals to change the National Care Service
Monday 9th November
12pm - 2pm
1-9 Sidworth Street, Hackney, E8 3SD
Do you or your family require additional care and support in order to lead an independent life?
Do you want to have a say in the way that the National Care Service is funded and shaped in the future?
Come along and...
- Find out about the Government's proposals for ways to reform the care and support system for adults in their Green paper called "Shaping the Future of Care Together".
- Come and have your say
- Free lunch while you discuss the issues
- See the new Hackney LINk offices
Please book your place by ringing Esther on 07958 202137.
Big Care Debate- Cuts to DLA update
Health Secretary clarifies Government position on disability benefits. The Secretary of State for Health has made it clear that Disability Living Allowance for the Under 65s will not be affected by Government plans to create a National Care Service.
Speaking at the National Children and Adult Services Conference in Harrogate, Andy Burnham MP said: "I am encouraged by the response to our Big Care Debate and welcome the fact that other political parties are beginning to put their ideas on the table. There are big differences between what we are saying but we are beginning to create what I wanted to see - unstoppable momentum for legislation in the next Parliament.
"But, while the debate is moving quickly, I do want to stress that the door is wide open for discussion. We are still in a consultation period. No decisions have been made on funding options. We are still listening - about funding, about structures, and about how to build a forward-looking system of care.
"One avenue I do want to close down, however, is the debate and controversy over Disability Living Allowance.
"We recognise that this is an important benefit for disabled people, and I can state categorically that we have now ruled out any suggestion that DLA for under-65s will be brought into the new National Care Service.
"This is because, whilst there will be increases in the numbers of disabled people of working age who need care, the majority of the people needing care in the future will be older people.
"However, we do think there may be a case for bringing together elements of some disability benefits, such as Attendance Allowance, with social care funding, to create a new care and support system to provide for the needs of older and disabled people."
Language Code Launch
We are working to get the Council to sign up to our code, We have collected over 30 signatures so far, keep collecting signatures and return to Catherine.
News/Information
Contact Catherine on 0207 275 0088 ext 209 to put something here!
New Group 'Hackney Unites a coalition for social justice', so that we could undertake some tasks that were dear to our hearts. Over the next 12 months we plan to:
- Stop the BNP
- Celebrate our communities
- Create a Workers Advice Centre
If you are interested in this project then we need your help. We have an agreed constitution with democratic structures which put ordinary members in the driving seat. However to ensure that we have robust financial accounting we will be establishing a management committee responsible for finance and meeting the organisation's legal obligations. We are looking for a minimum of five trade union, faith or community organisations to affiliate so that we can constitute our formal management committee. There is no affiliation fee for group membership at this current stage.
We are also keen to sign up individual members (membership is £1 per month)
Want to know more?
Contact us at:
HackneyUnites@btinternet.com
PO Box 44656
London
N16 5YX
Polite reminder for Professionals: Please note that the Forum Meetings and Focus groups are for disabled people to air their views. Those representing organisations are asked not to attend the Forum unless disabled themselves or having been invited first. Please contact Catherine to give your views on any topic raised.
All outcomes of the Forums will be made available on the website and newsletter! Many thanks!
Contact us
Disability Backup
Hackney Family Backup
The Print House
18 Ashwin Street
London
E8 3DL
Phone: 020 7275 0088
Fax: 020 7241 0088
Text: 07593 508 288
Text Phone: 18001 020 7275 0088
Email: catherine@hfbu.org.uk
Registered Charity No: 1017015 - Company Registration No: 2422896