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February 2012

BBC Somerset bus to attend May exhibition ... Canine Partners assistance dogs (above) set to wow the crowds ... and much more!

latest news:

Somerset dressagestar targets London2012 medal glory

Get to gripswith the PIP

Networker

2 www.compassdisability.org.uk

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3www.compassdisability.org.uk

q Compass Disability Services is an innovative,enlightened and positive organisation.q Our mission is ‘to enable disabled people tohave equality of opportunity’. Our values, beliefs,and mission have allowed us to spread ourinfluence in Somerset, North Somerset andWiltshire.q Compass Disability Services is a user-ledorganisation and our Board of Trustees iscomprised of at least 80% disabled people.q Our principles give us the authority to exploreoptions to give a voice to disabled people.q Compass Disability Services works throughconsultation, representation and service delivery,facilitating various projects.

Networker is produced by Compass Disability Services, Unit 11-12 Belvedere Trading Estate, Taunton, TA1 1BH.

Tel: 0330 3330089 or 01823 282823Email: [email protected]

Website: www.compassdisability.org.ukRegistered Charity Number: 1099376.

About

Editorial or advertising queries: Contact GregJackson on 01823 282823 or [email protected] formats: Networker is also availablein large print, braille, on cassette, cd or by email.For further information, contact Dominic Brown on 01823 282823 or [email protected]: Compass Disability Serviceswelcomes any feedback on Networker, or any ofthe services it provides.Disclaimer: The views expressed in Networkerare not necessarily those of Compass DisabilityServices.

Networker contentsCompass Points

Local news

National news

Associate member news

Feature

....................Accolades for staff of the year5.................Disability Somerset exhibition6-7..........................News from the Network8-9

........................................Step back in time11

........................Alan’s record-breaking trek14

.................................Hate crime: Report it!15.....................................Libraries reinstated16

........................Care system overhaul talks24

...............................Focus on dementia28-30

.................Getting to grips with the PIP26-27

Accessible days out.....Haynes International Motor Museum18-19

Sport......................Deb targets Paralympic glory32

Have your say.......................................Blue Badge views33

...............................Funding boost for Mind22


Compass Points – News from the organisation

OVER the past 11 years, Cathy andJoe Magill have been two of themain stalwarts of Compass DisabilityServices.

They have worked tirelessly asTrustees, Chair (Cathy) andSecretary (Joe), and in the manyother roles they have been involvedwith in the organisation.

In January, Cathy and Joe decidedto step down as Trustees.

They have had a long history ofcommunity work, from their fosteringin Ireland – which I believe was over50 children – to their work withCompass Disability Services andalso local disability groups in WestSomerset.

We all started in the ‘disabilityfield’ back in 1994 when Joe justneeded to get Cathy out of thehouse and I was working as anadvocate in the area – she hasblamed the two of us ever since!

I am sure that our past and currentTrustees will join me in wishingCathy and Joe all the best in thefuture.n We would like to wish all our

readers a happy New Year. Welcome to 2012’s first issue of

Networker – I hope you enjoy it!

End of an era as Cathy and Joe stand down

COMPASS Disability Services is recruiting newTrustees with a range of skills to join the existingboard.

The organisation is looking for people who arecommitted to its mission, values, aims andobjectives and are passionate about the work itdoes.

As a Trustee you would be expected to ensurethat the organisation complies with its governingdocuments, charity law, company law and anyother relevant legislation or regulations.

Trustees also use their specific skills,knowledge or experience to help the board reach

sound decisions. Becoming a Trustee will involve:• Scrutinising board papers• Focusing on key issues• Providing special expertise• Leading discussions• Promoting the organisation and enhancing

and protecting its reputation• Being a good ambassador for the

organisation.For more information please contact Paula

Ingrey on 0330 333 0089 or email:[email protected]

Do you have the skills to become a Trustee?

Richard Pitman, CEO, Compass

Disability Servicesn Joe and Cathy Magill.


Compass Points

COMPASS Disability Services’ staff of the yearreceived their awards at the charity’s annual winteraway day at Yeovil Court Hotel, before Christmas.

Staff members took part in a number ofchallenging team-building tasks throughout the day,before the awards, Chrismas dinner and festivitiesin the evening.

Everyone got their creative hats on to tackle the‘build and flow’, ‘lights, camera, action’ and ‘piece ittogether’ tasks devised by Operations Manager

Michelle Edwards.Awards were handed out before dinner, with Dom

Brown named innovator of the year, Amy Irvineservice champion and Rachel Bye star of the year.

Winners were nominated by colleagues andselected by the managers - CEO Richard Pitman,Michelle and Sara Dean, who each received theirown awards. The evening ended with party gamesand sing-a-longs led by talented, in-housemusicians Joe Brown, Julian Pugsley and Dom.

Accolades for staff of the yearn Compass Disability Services staff are pictured at the winter away day in December.

n Award winners Dom, Rachel and Amy arepictured with CEO Richard.

n Compass Disability Services managers Sara,Michelle and Richard with their certificates.

Compass Points


Disability Somerset, so much

NATIONAL charity CaninePartners will be attending theDisability Somerset exhibition –demonstrating how assistancedogs help disabled people.

Canine Partners helps disabledpeople enjoy greaterindependence and quality of lifethrough the provision of specially-trained dogs, whose well-being isa key consideration.

Dogs are carefully matched tothe applicant’s needs and lifestyle.They are trained to help witheveryday tasks such as openingand shutting doors, unloading thewashing machine, picking updropped items, pressing buttonsand switches.

The charity aims to train dogs tomeet the needs of people witheven the most complex

disabilities, including members ofthe Armed Forces.

It takes between 15-18 monthsto train a canine partner fromselection at eight weeks oldthrough puppy training andadvanced training until they arepartnered with a disabled person.

Canine Partners receives nogovernment funding and reliessolely on public donations.

For further information visitwww.caninepartners.org.uk orphone 08456 580480.

• Thursday May 10, 2012• 10am-5pm• Sedgemoor Auction

Centre (just off jct 25 of theM5, near N. Petherton).

Details

Demonstrations

Workshops

DISABILITY Somerset is theSouth West’s only majorindependent living exhibition.

An impressive variety ofcompanies, organisations andcharities have signed up toexhibit, while a number ofdemonstrations and workshopswill make it an unmissable eventfor disabled people, carers andprofessionals alike.

Disability Somerset, organisedby Compass Disability Services

proved a big hit when it made itsdebut last year. More than 100exhibitors showcased a superbrange of equipment andservices, with over 1,000 visitorstaking the opportunity to viewthe range of support available.

The following workshops, aimedat professionals working in healthand social care, will be deliveredat Disability Somerset:n Dementia Awareness, by

Stuart Wright of Brunelcare.Stuart was a guest speaker atthe recent Dementia Congress.n Introduction to Telecare

Technology’s MedicationReminder Service. Up to 50% ofolder people may not be takingtheir prescribed medicines asinstructed. Telecare’s servicehelps people to comply with theirmedication regimen The Equality Act 2010, by

Equality South West.Workshops relating to

personalisation and the future ofhealth and social care, andmanual handling are alsoplanned. For full details, visitwww.disabilitysomerset.org.ukand click on ‘workshops’.

To book a free place at theworkshops call 01823 282823.

Compass Points


more than just an exhibition!

DISABILITY Somerset is a free event for visitors,but by registering for tickets, you could be entitled toa free event goody bag.

The first 500 ticket-holders to arrive will receive agoody bag which will contain a number of free gifts,magazines and disability-related information.

You can register for tickets by going to the eventwebsite www.disabilitysomerset.org.uk andclicking on ‘Get tickets’ on the menu.

Alternatively, you can call the office on 01823282823 to register.

VenueAll areas of the arena are fully accessible withample parking, flat level access and accessibletoilets throughout.Wheelchair / scooter hireTAUNTON-based Orchard Mobility will be providingfree wheelchairs and mobility scooters for hire.

If you would like to reserve a scooter orwheelchair, please contact Paula on 01823 282823or email [email protected]

Orchard Mobility has over 30 years experienceworking in the mobility sector and supplyingdisability services. They offer a full range of mobilityequipment in Somerset and the surrounding areas.BusesFirst Bus’s 21 and 21a services will stop at theSedgemoor Auction Centre on the day of theexhibition. Service 21 runs from Taunton toBridgwater to Burnham, via Brittons Ash, and 21afrom Taunton to Bridgwater to Burnham, viaMonkton Heathfield.

Tickets

Accessibility

Exhibitors

n BBC Somerset will onceagain be attending DisabilitySomerset.

Emma Britton will broadcastthe Morning Show live from theBBC, also interview visitors,exhibitors and take part inactivities.

Emma, pictured left, cuts theribbon to open the 2011 event.

THERE’S still time for your organisation or companyto sign up and exhibit at Disability Somerset.

You can view all the relevant information bylogging on www.disabilitysomerset.org.uk, andclicking on ‘For exhibitors’ in the menu.

There, you will be able to access stand prices,floor plan, booking form, terms and conditions.

To receive a hard copy pack or or for moreinformation, contact Greg or Steven on 01823282823 or email [email protected]

The website also features a list of exhibitors whohave already signed up.


Compass PointsCompass Points – News from the Network

NETWORK members had their say on importantparking issues at a meeting held at CompassDisability Services in December.

The meeting, attended by 21 members, was partof a 12-week consultation – which ended onJanuary 20 – concerning Somerset CountyCouncil’s draft parking strategy.

The strategy explains how much parking newdevelopments need to provide, and how this shouldbe designed and managed. This includes parkingfor blue badge holders and a number of othervehicles which have special requirements.

Participants were invited to give their views on thekey parts of the strategy relevant to disabled people.

Among issues raised was the need to stop abuseof blue badge usage and the need for an increase inblue badge spaces provided, particularly in publicareas.

Other parts of the strategy discussed included thedesign and layout of parking spaces, provision ofspaces in railway stations and anti-social parking.

A report has been sent to participants and toSomerset County Council. The results of the

consultation will be used to guide the draft of thefinal strategy to be adopted by the council. n TWENTY-one members attended a Network

consultation meeting in December to give theirviews on proposals for a single organisation toprovide a range of services for carers in Somerset.

The meeting was commissioned by SomersetCounty Council, which will be using the results tofeed into the drafting of the specification for Carers’Services in Somerset.

THE Compass DisabilityNetworker is a network ofdisabled people, their carersand organisations thatrepresent disabled people.

It works to improve accessand inclusion to services andfacilities.

Members participate inconsultation meetings andforums to give their views on arange of issues that areimportant to them.

Views are then fed back to

organisations and agenciesthat develop services, like localauthorities, health services andother statutory bodies.

Consultation meetings ofteninvolve a representative from aparticular organisation – forexample a planning officerfrom the local council.

The Network is free to joinand members can participateas much or as little as they like.

Members can attend regularmeetings and consultationevents or simply receive a freecopy of Networker.

If you would like to join,please contact us for amembership form. If you wouldlike further information, pleasecall Mandy Seaman on 01823282823 or [email protected]

Members consulted on parking strategy

Join the Network and have your say!


Compass Points – News from the Network

SOMERSET CountyCouncil is proposingto reduce its fundingfor bus services from2012 due to cuts infunding.

This could meanbus operators running fewer busesor stopping some services. Thecouncil has said: “Due to the currenteconomic situation we must reducethe discretionary or supportedservices that we provide.

“This means that difficult choiceswill need to be made about where weprovide support in the future, butdoes still leave the council withapproximately £1.6m to providesubsidised public transport services.”

As part of a the public consultationinto the reductions (which closed lastmonth) the Compass DisabilityNetwork held a meeting at the

Princess Hall inBurnham in January,to give disabledpeople a chance toraise their views.

A number ofconcerns were raised,

including the risk of disabled peoplebeing isolated because they live in arural community and the fact otherservices such as the Slinky Bus arenot provided in all areas.

After the meeting, participant,Cathy Magill raised her concerns:“The village I live in is on a main busroute. There are six villages in ourarea that don’t have doctorssurgeries, shops or post offices, andbus services are being withdrawnfrom all those six villages. Theshortest distance any of them willhave to travel to the nearest bus istwo miles.”

q Thursday,February 9, 10.30amto 2pm – SedgemoorDisability Forum atthe Canalside,Huntworth,Bridgwater. JeremyDamrel from energysupplier EDF will beattending to discussproposals for HinkleyC Power Station.Representatives fromAvon and SomersetPolice andSedgemoor DistrictCouncil will also bepresent to discuss theHinkley C project.q Tuesday, March27, 10.30am to12.30pm – TauntonDeane DisabilityDiscussion Group, atCompass DisabilityServices offices,Taunton. MartinePrice, Head of PatientExperience atMusgrove ParkHospital, will beattending.q Transport can beprovided to enableyou to attendmeetings. Please call01823 282823 formore details.

Networkdates foryour diary

WWW.SOMERSET.GOV.UK

AS part of the public consultation, Somerset County Council proposed threeoptions regarding the reduction in bus services.

Option One – Reducing the supported rural bus network and focusingthe Council's available funding on ensuring the services within and betweenthe larger towns, which carry the greatest number of passengers, aremaintained. However many people in our rural communities who do nothave access to a car would find it increasingly difficult to access services.

Option Two – Using the Council’s available funding to ensure ruralcommunities continue to have a supported bus network, and reducingsupport for the services operating within and between the larger towns.

Option Three – Reviewing all services which are supported by theCouncil and considering the value of each route on a case by case basis.n For full details of the options proposed by the council – including which

services would be withdrawn – go to www.somerset.gov.uk/bussurvey Theconsultation is now closed, but the results will be published on February 20.

Bus services to be reduced

Council’s proposed options


Compass Points

Jill tells story of her extraordinary lifeA USER of Compass Disability Services’ directpayment support service has written a bookdetailing her extraordinary life.

‘Walking on Wheels’ is the autobiography of JillBrown, a user of Compass’s Wiltshire DirectPayment Support Service.

Jill worked as a physiotherapist until beingdiagnosed with a rare form of muscular dystrophy,aged 34.

“As an active, outdoor person, I was devastatedwith the diagnosis – and by suddenly becoming awheelchair user – but refused to be downbeat anddecided to carry on doing what I could,” said Jill.

Living by the adage “what you don’t use youlose”, Jill remained as active as possible, continuingto swim, while also developing devices andtechniques to assist other disabled people.

Jill also worked tirelessly for a number of charitiesand organisations, including Dogs for the Disabled,the Riding for the Disabled Association and Remap.

The book was released at a special book signingat Waterstone’s in Salisbury in December.

‘Walking on Wheels’ is published by HobnobPress.

CRUCIAL issues relating to health and social care inSomerset are now being discussed and debated on thenew online forum – www.care-matters.org.uk

Care Matters aims to enable service users, peopleworking in the sector or those who simply have aninterest in health and social care to raise importanttopics, share information or debate issues.

To join the discussion or start a thread, all you needto do is log on and set up an account.n Congratulations to Neal and Tom Winsborough

who won the www.carematters.org.uk free prize draw.Neal and Tom won luxury hampers – we hope youenjoyed the goodies over Christmas!

YOUR opportunity to discuss health and social care issues

11

Compass Points

A step back in time ...

“BACK in 2001, we had agroup of disabled peopletirelessly representingdisabled people’s views ona whole range of groups.

As we enter 2012 andapproach our first VIP(Voice and InfluenceProject) session of theyear, we are again trainingrepresentatives andworking with public bodiesto ensure disabled peopleare represented at keypoints when decisions arebeing made.”

– Richard Pitman.

In this feature, Compass Disability Services CEO Richard Pitman looks back at issues ofNetworker from the past, to see how the local disability scene and the sector in which it operateshas changed. Once again, we feature an article in the very first issue of Networker, published inFebruary 2001.

We can make things happen! (From Feb, 2001)“In the last six months, SAIN’s [Somerset Access andInclusion Network – the original name of Compass DisabilityServices] advisors on County Committees have achievedmuch.

Here are some examples: Membership of severalsignificant working groups, Welfare to Work, Quality Mark forBuilders (housing adaptations), Home Care Charges andvarious questionnaires.The Poverty Commission in its report failed to mentiondisabled people. We have been assured that this mistakewill not be repeated. We shall watch this closely to see thataction follows words. It took six months to get email versionsof Committee papers and agendas for a visually impairedrepresentative, but we got there in the end.”

Nat talks to WS Labour PartyCOMPASS Disability Services Project Coordinator NatStevens attended a branch meeting of the WestSomerset Labour Party before Christmas.

The aim of the visit was to give members an overviewof the work carried out by Compass Disability Services.

The meeting was attended by 12 members who saidthey found the talk informative and had many questions.n Nat is pictured with Andy Lewis, chairman of theWest Somerset branch of the Labour Party.

ww.compassdisability.org.uk

Find Compass Disability Services onFacebook and follow us on Twitter!

Reach your target audience in Networker

NetworkerFebruary 2012


latest news:



q Advertisers will receive invaluable exposure to a guaranteed and highlytargeted audience of disabled people, carers and professionals.

q Networker is published six times a yearwith 3,000 free copies distributed throughoutSomerset and North Somerset, producing anestimated readership of over 10,000.

q Networker is sent out to CompassDisability Services’ membership of 1,300disabled people, doctors surgeries, activeliving centres, day centres, hospitals, carehomes and care professionals.

Accessible, affordable meeting rooms for hireIdeal venues for conferences, meetings, classes and presentations

The Mendip: Accomodates up to 65 peopletheatre style and 35 boardroomThe Brendon: Accomodates up to 40 peopletheatre style, 25 people boardroomLocation: In the centre of Taunton, just five minutes from thetrain station

Catering: Flexible refreshment and catering options availableAccessibility: Ground floor level access to all rooms,accessible toilet facilities

Call us on 01823 282823 for further details

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Local news

IntrepidAlan inepic trek

A NORTH Somerset man hasbecome the first visually impairedperson to trek from the coast ofAntarctica to the South Pole.

Alan Lock, from Clevedon,completed the 600-mile journey toraise awareness and money forcharity Sightsavers.

During the 39-day trek Alanfaced howling arctic winds, snowwhite-outs, temperatures as lowas -35°C and sunlight for 24 hoursa day, dragging a sled weighing60kg.

The 31-year-old explorer suffersfrom a condition called maculardegeneration, which he wasdiagnosed with whilst training for acareer as an engineer and officerin the Royal Navy in 2003.

Eight years on, and working intelecoms, Alan’s central vision isgone.

Alan said: “It feels amazing tohave made it to the South Pole.Reaching the pole, having beenonly one of a handful of people tohave ever walked here, is afantastic experience.

“Having such a personalexperience of the impact of visualimpairment, I am incrediblypassionate about supporting thevital, but often neglected, area ofavoidable blindness so it has beenwonderful to raise money for sucha worthwhile cause.”

Joining Alan on the trek –named Polar Vision – were hissighted team mates AndrewJensen and Richard Smith. Theymet while studying for an MBA inAmerica. Helping the teamcomplete the challenge was guideHannah McKean who has madethe trek five times – more thananyone else in the world.

“Trekking for over nine hourseach day, we have been losing upto 9,000 calories a day,” said Alan.“We’ve also suffered many fallsand bruises whilst trekking across

the rough terrain as there aremany big drops and jumps whichI’ve relied on my team-mates toguide me through.”

Since losing his vision, Alan hascompleted 10 marathons,including the 151-mile MarathonDes Sables in the Sahara Desert,and been to a number of mountainsummits including the highest inEurope, Mt. Elbrus. In 2008 Alanset a Guinness World Recordwhen he became the first visuallyimpaired person to row across theAtlantic Ocean.

The team has raised over£15,000 towards their two chosencharities – Sightsavers and theUS charity, Guide Dogs for theBlind.

If you would like to sponsor thetrekkers, visit www.polar-vision.org

n ABOVE: Alan in training for his 600-mile journey. INSET: Alanhas a well-earned drink during the record-breaking effort.

Local news

IF you have answered yes to anyof these questions you may havebeen a victim of hate crime.

Hate crime is any criminaloffence motivated by prejudice, forexample because of someone’sdisability.

If an incident occurs but nocriminal offence was committed,this is known as a hate incidentand Avon and SomersetConstabulary still want to knowabout it.

Hate incidents can feel likecrimes to those who suffer themand can escalate to crimes or canlead to neighbourhood tensions.

Avon and Somerset policeofficers are aware of the corrosiveand damaging effect hate crime

has on victims and communities. The police take all hate crime

seriously, and victims who reporthate crime to them can expect toreceive a professional andthorough service.

The police are particularlyconcerned when people tell themhate crime is not being reported. Itis not ‘something you have to putup with’ – it is a crime.

Offenders may also be targetingother, more vulnerable membersof society. The police need toknow about hate crimes so theycan take action to stop them andrefer the victim on, if they wish, to

other agencies who will be able tooffer practical and emotionalsupport.

The police message to allmembers of the community inAvon and Somerset is that hatecrime is taken very seriously.Don’t put up with it and don’t let itaffect your family, business orcommunity. Report it.

The police also recognise thatsome people may not want toapproach them directly. There areother ways you can report hatecrimes and Compass Disability isone of several organisations whohave trained staff that you canreport to.

They will pass this informationon to the police on your behalf, ifyou wish, or to any other relevantorganisation.

For a full list of other ways toreport hate crimes and incidentsplease visit:www.dontstandforitreportit.org

n Have you been harassed or bullied at work or in the street because you are disabled?n Have you suffered damage to your home or property because you are disabled?n Have your children been bullied, assaulted or harassed because you are disabled?

HOW TO REPORT HATE CRIME:n In an emergency always phone 999n General Police Enquiries 101n www.avonandsomerset.police.uk

Hate crime: Report it!



Local news

LIBRARY services in Somerset which were underthreat from public spending cuts will be officiallyrestored by Somerset County Council.

However, their future will still be the subject of an18-month review of all council services to begin inApril.

Somerset County Council lost a High Courtchallenge from campaigners last year against itsplans to cut funding from 11 libraries, reduceopening hours at others and scrap some of itsmobile library routes.

A judge ruled the council had not gatheredenough information on its equalities impactassessment to decide whether the changes wouldadversely affect people with protectedcharacteristics.

Last month, officers recommended the authorityreinstates all services to “ensure the council iscompliant with the requirements of the courtjudgement”.

Library services in Bishop’s Lydeard, Bruton,Castle Cary, Dulverton, Highbridge, Milborne Port,Nether Stowey, North Petherton, Porlock,Priorswood, South Petherton, Sunningdale,Watchet and Wiveliscombe had faced closure.

The proposals also include spending £600,000 on

new self-service machines at busy centres includingTaunton and Wellington.

The council is now working to reinstate libraryopening hours as soon as it can. This may behelped by the self-service technology scheduled tobe introduced to the busiest libraries during 2012.

The council’s website says: “The Council stillneeds to consider the future funding of the LibraryService in light of the current financial climate andthe fact that all other services are being reviewedover the next 18 months, remembering that wewere aiming to save £1.35m over three years.”

Libraries to be reinstatedHowever, their future is the subject of an 18-month review starting in April

Free support programme for carersST John Ambulance is running afree support programme for carersin Taunton this month.

The course is aimed at peoplewho care for someone at homeand who would like to acquiremore skills and knowledge.

It is run over four, three-hoursessions :– introduction and thecarer’s role; first aid andpreventing falls; safer moving andhandling, continence and benefits;memory loss, dementia and stressmanagement.

The course in Taunton takesplace on February 27, March 5, 12and 19, from 10am to 1.30pm.

For further details or to book aspace, please contact Emily Langon 01278 726740 or [email protected]

Local news

Mencap supports people with a learning disability in Somerset and North Somerset and across the UK to achieve their goals.

Our aim for 2012 is to support even more people. What’s yours? Whether it’s a new job, hobby or place to live, Mencap can help.

Discover Mencap’s support services near you: Go to www.mencap.org.uk/newyearnewme Call Mencap Direct on 0300 333 1111

Registered charity number 222377 (England, Northern Ireland and Wales); SC041079 (Scotland) 2011.114–01.12

NATIONAL learning disability charity Mencap is encouragingpeople with a learning disability in Somerset and NorthSomerset to set New Year’s resolutions.

Last year Mencap Direct received a 100% increase incalls in January, and Mencap is expecting an even busierstart to 2012.

Mencap Direct, the charity’s national telephone service,will enable individuals wishing to set themselves new goals,such as learning skills or taking up a new pastime or hobby,to speak to an adviser to discuss their needs in more detailand help them set plans and find the support that's right forthem.

If you want to speak to someone about your New Yeargoals, or to find out more about their services please visitwww.mencap.org.uk/newyearnewme or call Mencap Directon 0300 333 1111.

People with a learning disabilityurged to set goals for New Year

YOU can report non-emergencycrimes to the police by dialling 101.

It can be used 24 hours a day,seven days a week and is availableacross all areas of England andWales.

Call 101 to contact the police toreport less urgent crime anddisorder. For example, if your carhas been stolen, your property hasbeen damaged, you suspect druguse or dealing, to report a minortraffic accident, to give the policeinformation about crime in yourarea, or for a general enquiry.

You can call 101 for non-emergencies



Accessible days out

FROM contemporary supercars,such as the Jaguar XJ220 andFerrari 360, to nostalgic classics,the Haynes International MotorMuseum,near Yeovil, has aunique collection of 400 cars andmotorcycles.

The world-famous ‘Red Room’contains 50 beautiful red sportscars from around the world,including the 1981 LamborghiniCountach 400s and 1965 ACCobra. That is one of 11 displayhalls, which starts with ‘The Dawnof Motoring’, covering the periodup to 1910.

The ‘Veteran, Vintage,Edwardian and Classics’ hallfeaures the USA timeline, Jaguarcollection and the Duesenberg,while the Hall of Motorsportdepicts the varied disciplines ofmotorsport, such as the 1996Ferrari Formula 1 Type F310 and

1954 Jaguar D-Type LongnoseReplica.

The British Hall charts 60 yearsof tradition from the 1917 MorrisCowley to a very rare 1977 Rover3.5 Estate, and the MillenniumHall features a collection of futureclassics from the last 25 years –the 2000 Ferrari 360 Spider and1998 Jaguar XJ220.

There are also many attractionsfor children – old-fashioned pennyarcade games, Sega Rallymachines and a racing carsimulator.

Outdoors, there is a goodclimbing frame, diggers (£1 perride) and ever-popular go-karts.

The museum was the brainchildof John H Haynes OBE,Chairman and founder of theinternationally-acclaimed HaynesPublishing Group.

The whole ethos of the HaynesPublishing Group was builtaround his enthusiasm for cars,motoring and business.

It is this life-long passion thatturned John Haynes into a

collector, not just of fine cars, butof the memorabilia that surroundsthem.

Now numbering well over 400vehicles, it is time for the museumto grow yet again and work hasalready begun. The front face ofthe museum will be updatedgiving it a very modern, stylisticfeel while at the same time addinga new reception, shop, restaurant,improved conferencing facilities,landscaping and of course muchmore exhibition space. Themuseum will remain open allthrough this metamorphic periodand is due to open at Easter2013.

Nostalgic classics to

q What – Haynes International Motor Museum. q Where – Sparkford, Yeovil, Somerset BA22 7LH.q Entry – Adult £9.95; Child (4-15 yrs) £4.95; Senior citizen £8.95; Disabled adult £8.95; Disabled child£3.95; Family A (1 adult, 1 child) £13.50; Family B (2 adults, 3 children) £29.95.

Details


Accessible days out

THE Octoberissue ofNetworkerfeatured thescience anddiscoverycentre At-Bristol in the‘Accessibledays out’ section.

We also offered free ticketsfor a family with a disabledmember to go along and reviewthe facilties. This is Chris’sreview.

“Thank you so much toCompass for the opportunity totake my family to At-Bristol for theday. I am a wheelchair user andhave a wife and three children.

On arrival my vehicle wasunable to get into the car park sowe parked on double yellow linesnext to the Aquarium.

I told the staff where I wasparked and they were more thanhelpful and let me stay there allday. They were also veryinformative and ensured we wereaware of where toilets and liftswere.

The whole place is veryaccessible and most of theinteractive displays could beaccessed in my wheelchair whichmeant I could be involved with thechildren.

Most of the displays were alsovery tactile and colourful which, Ipresume, would be an advantagefor a visually-impaired person. Allin all we had a great day out andreally felt like a family. We woulddefinitely go again.”

HAYNES International Motor Museum staff have a goodunderstanding of accessibility requirements.

In the main car park there are five regular-width spaces, butif you turn left as soon as you drive through the gates, you willfind several wider spaces nearer the museum entrance.

Carers are permitted free entry, as long as they produceevidence of their status, ideally with a registered carer’s card.

Indoors, every part of the museum is very accessible forwheelchair users, with wide paths and only the occasionalgentle slope. A wheelchair can be hired and booked inadvance.

Also, a guide can be booked in advance to providespecialist tours for deaf and visually impaired people and ifyou have any special requirements, helpful staff will provideadvice over the phone.

The self-service restaurant serves hot and cold food and achildren’s menu is available. There are also picnic tables ifyou want to bring your own food.

supercars

Accessibility


News from our associate members

AN exciting new project hasbeen undertaken in whichcarers are trained to helpstroke survivors useARROW.

ARROW – which standsfor aural, read, respond,oral, write – is an easy-to-use, computer-basedprogram designed toimprove reading, spelling,speech and listening skills.

One learner wanted to be ableto hold ‘pub-type’ conversationsagain. After three to four monthsof practising selected ARROWmaterial at home, on his own, heachieved this aim.

Another adult wanted toimprove his fluency and wordrecall. He, too, made progressafter practising with his carer,which gave him far greater self-belief.

Another adult revealed he wascapable of copying basic speechafter 20 months of virtual silence.

A carer said: “It’s easy to useand has helped his speech andconfidence. We are aiming forhim to work ARROW on his own.”

Studies undertaken byBridgwater College with ARROWprojects in Somerset, Devon andBristol involved hundreds ofdisabled learners of all ages andabilities.

Marked and sustainedimprovements were achieved inreading, spelling, listening andshort term memory skills.

The studies have been

published in ‘Self-Voice aMajor Rethink’ by Dr ColinLane available from TheARROW Centre, based inCannington, Bridgwater.

ARROW can be deliveredby tutors, carers, selectedvolunteers and sometimes bya learner working alone athome.

The program targets thosesuffering from stroke, head

injury, learning andcommunication and/or listeningproblems.

Adults with hearing aids canimprove listening and attentionskills within one hour of training.ARROW uses simple andstraightforward learningtechniques.

Training days are available andfurther information can beobtained from the ARROWCentre, by calling 01278 652863or [email protected]

ARROW improves conversation and learning

STAFF and volunteers at People Can(formerly Novas Scarman) SomersetFloating Support Service enjoyed afantastic Christmas Party.

Support worker Elaine Di Campondonated her band for the afternoon andsang beautifully with the service usersjoined in, to make it a great day.

There was a fantastic buffet prepared by serviceusers, games, and even Santa Claus came and leftlovely presents for everyone.

This is just one of the events People Canhold regularly throughout the year, all ofwhich service users and volunteers arefully involved in.

People Can works in partnership withindividuals aged 16 and over who may beat risk of homelessness and require theskills in how to sustain a tenancy,

For further information please contact People Canon 01823 256566 (West team) or 01458 259619(East team).

Staff and volunteers enjoy Christmas party



CHILDREN with dyslexia and other learningdifficulties are getting help from a surprisingsource – music.

National charity Bibic has worked withmusic-based therapy – JohansenIndividualised Auditory Stimulation (JIAS) –since 2008.

JIAS is used to address AuditoryProcessing Disorder, a learning difficultythat has previously not been well-recognised.It has been found to be a factoraffecting many children with other disorderssuch as dyslexia and ADHD.

The therapy involves listening to a seriesof individualised music CDs for 10 to 15minutes-a-day through headphones. JIAShas been developed to stimulate the nervepathways into and within the brain,specifically between the right ear and theleft hemisphere of the brain.

David Card’s son Ben has DevelopmentalDelay and suspected Auditory ProcessingDisorder and is using JIAS as part of theprogram designed for him by Bibic.

David said: “Ben is doing fantastically –he has developed so much over the last fewmonths. He has become a complete chatterbox, he never stops talking, and hisvocabulary is increasing at a tremendousrate.”

Bibic helps children with conditions likeautism, cerebral palsy, down’s syndrome,developmental delay, brain injury, andspecific learning difficulties like ADHD,dyslexia and dyspraxia. Bibic has beenoperating since 1972 using amultidisciplinary approach.

Bibic works with children throughout theUK and is always happy to have an informalchat with parents. You can contact Bibic on01278 684060 or for more information go towww.bibic.org.uk

Children benefit from music therapy

n Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is adisorder in a child’s ability to process sound.n It means that the child does not hear speechand non speech sounds in the way the majorityof the population do.n APD is thought to affect 5% of school-agechildren.n This leads to difficulties in their ability tolisten to and comprehend spoken language,especially in noisy situations.n This can affect the development of languageand speech, as well as reading and spelling.n The child can appear to be disobedient whenin fact they have not understood what is beingasked of them.

What is Auditory Processing Disorder?

n ABOVE: Ben Card,who has benefitted fromJohansen IndividualisedAuditory Stimulation.

ASTER Living has gainedTelecare Services Association(TSA) accreditation forconforming to the higheststandards set out in theTelecare Code of Practice.

Aster Living, previouslypart of Flourish Homes inSomerset, is a care andsupport charity workingacross south and south westEngland.

Their team of over 350professional care and supportemployees offers a widerange of services tothousands of customers,helping them stay safe andindependent at home.

Telecare alarms are just oneof these services becauseAster know living at home is

much easier when you've gotbackup in an emergency.

A telecare alarm is a smallbox that sits by your phoneand a pendant you weararound your neck or on yourwrist.

If you press the pendant itcalls for help straight away,24 hours-a-day, every day ofthe year.

Aster Living also has arange of sensors to helpcustomers stay safe at home.

For example, a sensor thatknows if you've fallen anddials for help, one to remind

you to take your medicationor another that can tell ifthere's a fire or flood.

If you’d like to know moreabout any of Aster Living’sservices, please call 0800 6940303, [email protected] or visitwww.asterliving.co.uk



SOUTH Somerset Mind has received £5,000funding from National Mind to start a new carerssupport project in Yeovil.

The funding will enable the charity to provideinformal training workshops free of charge to peoplewho are caring for people with mental health issues.

The money will also enable the start of a newcarers support group which will meet regularly at thecharity’s headquarters in Yeovil.

Marsha Miles, Chief Executive of South SomersetMind said: “There are a large number of registeredcarers in Somerset, however there are also a largenumber of carers unknown to statutoryorganisations.

“Our project aims to reach all types of people who

are caring for people with mental health issues andwho may not be getting support from any otheragency”.

The series of workshops will be held on February27 and April 16. For a full list of dates and timesplease visit www.southsomersetmind.co.uk or callMarsha Miles on 01935 474875.

Funding boost for Mind project in Yeovil

Stay safe with a telecare alarm



MANY people devote much of their time and energyto looking after someone else without thinking aboutthemselves.

The Expert Patients Programme CommunityInterest Company (EPP CIC) has developed aprogramme to help carers make time for their ownhealth needs and take control of their own lives.

And, this month the programme is coming toBridgwater and Wellington.

The course runs over six weekly half-daysessions, led by two trained tutors who haveexperience of being a carer.

The aim is to help carers develop their existingskills to help them cope with their caring situationand be more realistic about the impact of theircaring situation on themselves and their family.

Jane Cooper, Somerset Contract Manager, said:“Looking after a friend, relative or neighbour issomething many people do, but often forget that it’s

just as important for them to look after their ownhealth and well-being.

“Carers who take steps to look after themselvesare less likely to develop health problems as a resultof their caring situation and, in the long run, mayalso be in a position to be able to continue caring forlonger.

“Participants on the course often comment on howmuch they have benefited from being in a groupwith others in a similar situation to themselves.

“The courses really can make a difference and Iwould urge people to attend a course and find outmore.”

The Wellington course starts on Wednesday,February 22 and the Bridgwater course onThursday, February 23.

To find out more or to register, call freephone0800 988 5520, email [email protected] orvisit www.expertpatients.co.uk

Carers’ courses come to Wellington and Bridgwater

THE Halcon Centre in Taunton isa residential respite unit, offeringshort breaks to adults agedbetween 18 and 65, who aredisabled and/or have sensoryimpairments.

The centre provides 16bedrooms, each fully equippedand with en-suite wet rooms.

Within the home there are alsothree unit kitchens that have beenadapted for use by people whoare physically disabled.

The Halcon Centre is part of theSomerset Care Group, the largestnot-for-profit company inSomerset. Located in a quietresidential area, the centre is just

under a mile away from Tauntontown centre.

An informal, non-institutional

and flexible approach to care istaken by all staff, which includes apersonalised care plan createdwith the service user.

The centre is fully funded bySomerset County Council, butalso accepts privately-fundedpackages.

The staff team at the HalconCentre are well established andtrained to deliver the highestpossible standard of 24-hoursupport.

For more information or if youwould like to look around theHalcon Centre, please contact theManager, Kevin Mellor, on 01823329916.

Halcon Centre offers short breaks for disabled adults


National news

CROSS-partydiscussions aimed atoverhauling the caresystem for disabledand older people inEngland began lastmonth.

Talks betweenHealth SecretaryAndrew Lansley, LibDem care servicesminister Paul Burstowand two members ofthe Labour healthteam started ascampaignersdemanded “urgent”and “fundamental” reform to careservices.

Similar talks broke down before the2010 election, but in an open letterpublished in the Daily Telegraph acoalition of government advisors,charity directors and independentexperts claimed this opportunity mustbe seized.

The letter said: “We shouldcelebrate the fact that we are allliving longer lives, particularlydisabled people and those with long-term conditions.

“But the unavoidable challenge weface is how to support the increasingnumber of people who need care.

"It is currently a challenge which weare failing to meet – resulting interrible examples of abuse andneglect in parts of the care system.

“This comes at huge cost to thedignity and independence of older

and disabled people,but also to oursociety, family life andthe economy: anestimated 800,000older people arebeing left withoutbasic care – lonely,isolated and at risk.

“Others face losingtheir homes andsavings because ofsoaring care bills.”

Signatories includethree advisers whohave been leadingthe Department of

Health’s consultation on reform,alongside crossbench peers andrepresentatives of the British MedicalAssociation, Age UK, Carers UK, theBritish Red Cross, and the TUC.

To coincide with the start of thetalks, charity Age UK released figuressuggesting 81% believed thegovernment should do more tosupport the care needs of the elderly.

Michelle Mitchell, Charity Directorof Age UK, said: “This is a strongmessage to the Government that thepublic believes it should be doingmore to help older people with theirsocial care needs.

“We want this Government to bethe one that shows the vision anddrive to sort out the care system onceand for all, providing this generationand future generations of olderpeople with the support they need inlater life.”

n To get state-fundedsocial care, individualsare means-tested.n Each council sets itsown threshold for howincapacitated a personhas to be to be eligible.Most have increased thebar in recent years.n If someone qualifies,the amount of savingsthey have is taken intoaccount – those withunder £13,000 receivefree care.n Between £13,000 and£23,250 individuals haveto contribute to thecosts. Above the higheramount they have to payfor all of it themselves.n A review, carried outby economist AndrewDilnot, recommended anew partnershipbetween the state andindividual. n Dilnot recommendedpeople needing careshould be responsiblefor the first £35,000 ofcosts with the statecontributing the rest.n The cross-party talkswill use theserecommendations as thebasis for trying to reachagreement on thefunding situation.

Talks begin into overhaulof the ‘failing’ care system

The social care system

THE Government suffered threedefeats in the House of Lordsover disability-related proposalsfor its new Welfare Reform Billlast month.

Peers voted by 260 to 216 toprotect up to 15,000 youngdisabled people from cuts toEmployment Support Allowance,which has replaced incapacitybenefit.

The government wants toremove the so-called ‘youthprovision’ that allows some youngpeople to receive contributoryemployment and supportallowance (ESA) even though –due to disability or illness – theyhave not been able to work andbuild up National Insurance.

But it is argued it would have a“devastating” effect on disabledyoung people or those with long-term illnesses.

Peers also voted 234 to 186 fora two-year limit on claims forESA, rather than the proposedone year and, voted 222 to 166 toexempt cancer patients from alimit.

The defeats mean themeasures will be removed for thetime being from the government'sflagship welfare reform billpending a decision by ministerson how to respond.n Baroness Tanni Grey-

Thompson’s (pictured below)

attempt to ensure changes todisability allowances are trialledbefore they are introduced wasnarrowly defeated in the House ofLords last month.

As part of the Welfare ReformBill, Ministers want to amend thesystem to make sure claimantsundergo more testing, butopponents say this will mean500,000 people will lose benefits.

Lady Grey-Thompson wanted areview of the new assessmentplans for disabled claimants to becarried out, but her proposalswere rejected 229 votes to 213.

Lady Grey-Thompson, acrossbencher unaffiliated to apolitical party, said: “There needsto be careful scrutiny of who willbe affected by these changes.

“For me there's a real concernabout whether it could lead to adeterioration of people's health.”


National news

What is the Welfare Reform Bill?n One of the government's key flagship policies,which it says will mark the biggest overhaul of thebenefits system since the 1940s.n It introduces the Universal Credit – a singlebenefit to replace six income-related, work-basedbenefits with the aim of simplifying the benefitssystem and ensuring people are better off in work.

How will disabled people be affected?Other changes in the bill have proved controversialand the government has suffered a series ofdefeats in the Lords (see main article). Thosechanges include:

• Recipients of contributory employment support

allowance (ESA), including people recovering fromserious illnesses like cancer, to be means-tested forthe benefit after one year.

• A 12-month limit on payment of ESA to peoplejudged able to work some time in the future. Youngpeople who have never worked due to disabilitieswill no longer be able to claim the contributoryelement of ESA.

• Disability Living Allowance (DLA), introduced in1992 to help disabled people cope with their extradaily costs, to be replaced with a PersonalIndependence Payment (PIP). Upfront medical testsand regular assessments introduced.q Your frequently asked questions on the

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) areanswered on page 26

Government defeated over welfare changes


Special feature

n What is PersonalIndependence Payment (PIP)?

• A new benefit to help disabledpeople live full, active andindependent lives.

• It will replace Disability LivingAllowance (DLA) from April 2013for eligible people of working age(people aged 16-64).

• DLA has been in place foralmost 20 years largelyunchanged, the new benefit willbetter reflect today’sunderstanding of disability whichhas changed in two decades.

• If you are already getting DLAyou will have to be reassessed forPersonal Independence Payment.

• It will help towards some of theextra costs arising from having along term condition.n How is entitlement to PIPassessed and decided upon?

• The assessment for the newbenefit to decide a person’s needsand entitlement will be carried outby an independent healthprofessional.

• The assessor will consider theevidence provided by the personclaiming and professionals thatsupport them on a regular basis.

• Most people will also be askedto a face-to-face consultation withthis assessor as part of the claim.

• The assessor will provideadvice to a benefit decision makerat the DWP. As is now the casewith DLA the benefit decisionmaker will then use all of this todecide entitlement.n What are the parts to PIP?

• A Daily Living component anda Mobility component. Awards willbe made up of one or both.

• Each component will have tworates – standard and enhanced.

• Awards of (PIP) will be basedupon the individual, the impact ofthe disability or health conditionand the extent to which they areable to live independently.n I receive DLA – will I beentitled to PIP?

• Everyone will be individuallyassessed against the newentitlement criteria.

• This means the DWP will look

at personal circumstances and theimpact that your condition, ordisability has on your ability to livean independent life.

• Entitlement will depend on howyour ability to carry out daily livingand/or mobility activities isaffected by your condition ordisability, not what type of healthcondition or disability you have.

• DLA in the past focussed onphysical disability. PIP will takeinto account the needs of thosewith mental health, intellectual,cognitive and developmentalimpairments.n When could I see a change tomy DLA award because of theintroduction of PIP?

• There will be no changes toyour DLA benefit award resultingfrom the introduction of PIP,before April 2013. Between 2013and 2016 the DWP will reassesspeople who get DLA for PIP.

• The DWP will contact peoplewho get DLA before they arereassessed for PIP to explain howthis will happen.n Will people on DLA be toldbefore they are reassessed?

• Yes. All those of working agewho get DLA and will need to bereassessed against the newentitlement criteria will be told in

Personal IndependenceSince last summer’s announcement that Disability Living Allowance (DLA) would be replaced bythe Personal Independence Payment (PIP), confusion and misunderstanding has been widespreadamong disabled people. To address this, the Department of Work and Pensions has sought toexplain some of the most common questions and concerns and the main questions are includedin this feature, which hopefully goes some way to clear up much of the confusion.


Special feature

advance.• The work to reassess people

who get DLA for PIP is expectedto take around three years and willstart from April 2013.n Will there be automaticentitlement to PIP for peoplewith certain conditions?

• No. The DWP wants to treateveryone as an individual. Thebenefit will go to those individualswhose impairments impact moston their ability to participate insociety.

• The only exception is forpeople who are Terminally Ill (thisis defined as under DLA as thosewho are not expected to live formore than six months).n I currently have a life orindefinite award of DLA – will Ihave to have an assessmenteven though my condition hasnot changed / is never going tochange?

• Everyone of working age whogets DLA will need to bereassessed for PIP because thenew benefit will have differententitlement criteria.

• Individuals with the mostsevere health conditions ordisabilities, or those who areterminally ill, are unlikely to needto attend a face-to-faceconsultation. This will be decidedon a case-by-case basis.n Are these changes drivenpurely to reduce costs?

• No, DLA has been in place foralmost 20 years largely

unchanged and no longer properlytakes into account the needs of alldisabled people.

• It does not have some of thechecks that are a key part of otherstate benefits and it needs to bebrought up to date.

• The cost of DLA has risen byalmost 30% over the last eightyears. Only around a third of thatincrease can be accounted for bydemographic change.

• The amount the DWP expectsto spend in 2015/16 on workingage individuals, is around thesame level we spent in 2009/10.n If I am awarded PIP will I needto undergo furtherassessments?

• Possibly. Awards of PIP will bebased upon the individual person,the impact of the disability orhealth condition and the extent towhich they are able to liveindependently. Over time, people’sconditions can change and theDWP wants to make sure theirbenefit reflects their needs.n How long do I have to wait toqualify for PIP?

• There will be a six-monthqualifying period and the healthcondition or disability must beexpected to last for a further sixmonths as well.

• Individuals will not necessarilyhave to wait six months, as thequalifying period starts when theindividual’s eligible needs arisenot when they make a claim.

• For example someone might

have had difficulty walking for sixmonths or more when they applyfor PIP and the condition isexpected to last a further sixmonths.n My child is under 16 yearsold and receives DLA. Will theybe affected by the introductionof the PIP?

• No. Children in receipt of DLAmay remain on this benefit untilthey reach 16 provided that theycontinue to satisfy the eligibilitycriteria. They will then need to bereassessed for PIP.n Will pensioners receivingDLA be affected by thesechanges?

• No. At the moment, PIP will notreplace DLA for those over 65.n Will people who getAttendance Allowance (AA) beaffected by these changes?

• People who get AA will not beaffected by the introduction of PIP.

n The DWP’s full list offrequently asked questionsabout the PIP are availableonline at www.dwp.gov.uk/pipn It also includes informationon a consultation which runsuntil April 30, and the draftassessment criteria.n As ever, we would bepleased to include your viewson PIP in Networker’s ‘haveyour say’ section – see page33 for more details.

Payment (PIP) explained


February focus: Dementia

DEMENTIA is one of the biggesthealth and social care challengesfacing the UK today.

In less than 20 years there willover a million people living with aform of dementia. One in three ofus, if we live to 65, will die withthe condition yet only 40 per centof people with dementia everreceive a diagnosis.

Without a diagnosis, people canstruggle to access vitalinformation and support, causingundue distress to the individualand their families.

It is possible, however, that withthe right support you can live wellwith dementia, which is whyAlzheimer’s Society campaignsto raise awareness andunderstanding of dementia andimprove access to quality careand services.

Alzheimer’s Society is amembership organisation working

to improve the quality of life ofpeople affected by dementia,providing information and over2,000 services across England,Wales and Northern Ireland.

It also invests around £2 millioninto a research programme everyyear, provides training for healthand social care professionals andcampaigns for the rights of peoplewith dementia and their families.

What is dementia?Dementia is more than just

forgetfulness, and is not a naturalpart of the ageing process.

The term ‘dementia’ is used todescribe a collection of symptomsand a gradual loss of the skillsneeded to carry out dailyactivities. Symptoms include lossof memory, mood changes andproblems with speech andreasoning. Dementia is caused bydiseases of the brain.

Who gets dementia and whatare its causes?

There are 750,000 people withdementia in the UK. Dementiamainly affects people over 65 andits likelihood increases with age.

In rare cases, diseases thatcause dementia can be inherited.

However, having a parent withdementia does not significantlyincrease your risk. Instead itappears to be a combination ofgenetic and environmental factorsthat lead to the the diseaseswhich can lead to dementia.

Dementia: Key facts• There are currently 750,000 people with dementia

in the UK. • There are over 16,000 younger people with

dementia in the UK. • There are over 11,500 people with dementia from

black and minority ethnic groups in the UK. • There will be over a million people with dementia

by 2021.• Two thirds of people with dementia are women. • The proportion of people with dementia doubles

for every 5 year age group.

• One third of people over 95 have dementia. • 60,000 deaths a year are attributable to dementia. • Delaying the onset of dementia by 5 years would

reduce deaths directly attributable to dementia by30,000 a year.

• The financial cost of dementia to the UK is over£23billion a year.

• Two thirds of people with dementia live in thecommunity while one third live in a care home.

• Only 40 per cent of people with dementia receivea diagnosis.

One of the major health

What support is available topeople with dementia and theircarers?

Dementia is progressive, whichmeans the symptoms willgradually get worse over time.

Over time a person withdementia will come to relyincreasingly on their carer, who isoften a long-term partner oranother member of the family.

Many people with dementiawish to remain independent andstay in their own homes for aslong as possible. Adaptations can

be made to homes to make thismore feasible, and developmentsin assistive technologies arehelping to promote greaterindependence for longer.

Alzheimer’s Society offers arange of services for people withdementia, their families andcarers. Our core services includeprovision of information and peersupport activities such as Singing

for the Brain® and Memory cafes.

What treatments are there?Although restricted by the

National Institute of Health andClinical Excellence (NICE), thereare treatments available that canslow down the progression ofAlzheimer’s disease.

A GP can also make referrals toother health professionals suchas community nurses andsuggest helpful services such ashome care and support, meals onwheels, and residential carewhich are available through socialservices, to support both peoplewith dementia and their carers inmanaging the condition.

Drugs In most instances there are no

means of curing the diseases thatcause dementia. However, thereare drugs available that may helpalleviate some of the symptoms insome cases.

n Continued on page 30



• Alzheimer’s Disease – The most common cause of dementia.Short-term memory is usually the first noticeable sign.

• Vascular dementia – If the oxygen supply to the brain fails, thiscan cause the symptoms of vascular dementia.

• Dementia with Lewy Bodies – Symptoms include disorientation,and problems with planning and problem-solving.

• Fronto-temporal dementia (including Pick’s disease) – At first,personality and behaviour changes are the most obvious signs.

Types of dementia

Risk factors• Age – One in 50 people

between 65 and 70 has someform of dementia compared toone in five over the age of 80.

• Gender – Women are slightlymore likely to developAlzheimer’s disease than men.

• Genetics – Genes do playsome role but their specificeffects vary considerably.

• Medical history – Specificmedical conditions can increase

risk, including MS, Huntington’sdisease and Down’s syndrome.

• Environmental and lifestylefactors – Diet can affect aperson’s risk.

• Smoking – Smokers are twiceas likely to develop Alzheimer’sdisease than others.

• Alcohol – Consumingexcessive amounts of alcoholover a prolonged period of timeincreases risk.

challenges of our time



CampaignsAlzheimer’s Society runs a

number of campaigns focusing onkey issues affecting people withdementia, their family and carers.

These campaigns range fromthe awareness-raising ‘WorriedAbout Your Memory?’ campaign –which aims to highlight thesymptoms of dementia andencourage anyone worried aboutthemselves or someone they knowto visit their GP – to ‘Putting Care

Right’, which aims to improve thequality of care for people withdementia.

To find out more aboutcampaigning on dementia issuesnationally and locally, sign up toAlzheimer’s Society Campaigner’sNetwork – www.alzheimers.org.uk/campaignersnetwork

For further information, go toAlzheimer’s Society’s website:www.alzheimers.org.uk or call theDementia Helpline: 0845 3000336.

You should seek help if your memory is not asgood as it used to be and especially if you:• Struggle to remember recent events, but can

easily recall things that happened in the past;• Find it hard to follow conversations or

programmes on TV;• Forget the names of friends or everyday objects;• Can’t recall things you have heard, seen or read;• Find it difficult to make decisions;• Notice that you repeat yourself or lose the thread

of what you are saying;• Have problems thinking and reasoning;• Feel anxious, depressed or angry about your

forgetfulness;• Find other people comment on your forgetfulness.n If you are worried, it is important to visit yourGP sooner rather than later to determine thecauses. Should it be dementia, the sooner youreceive a diagnosis, the sooner you can takecontrol and start planning your future.

Worried about your memory?

• In 2010 there were an estimated 8,592 peoplewith dementia in Somerset. Of these, only 34 percent (2,892) have had a diagnosis.

• This means that 5,700 people with dementia, theircarers and families are currently struggling withthe symptoms and impact of dementia withouthaving access to treatment and support available.

• The 8,592 people with dementia in Somerset isexpected to increase to 12,016 by 2021.

• Alzheimer’s Society in Somerset provides arange of information and support services forpeople affected by dementia. These include

Singing for the Brain®, Memory cafes, DementiaAdvisers and befriending.

• The Dementia Community Roadshow is coming tothe South West during February, stopping atRedruth, Barnstaple, Exmouth, Minehead, Poole,Salisbury, Yeovil, Yate and Cirencester.

• Trained Alzheimer's Society staff and volunteerswill be on hand to give help and advice, and therewill be local service information to provideassistance appropriate to you.

• You can also follow them on Facebook –www.facebook.com/AlzheimersSocietySouthWest

Local focus

n Images courtesy of theAlzheimer’s Society.


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Send your viewsin to Networkern Are you angry at the government’sproposed cuts to disability benefits?

n Is there a localbusiness that goes outof its way to makeaccessibility for disabledpeople a priority?

n If so, why not air yourviews by writing to ‘Haveyour say’ (see P. 33)?

n You can email letters [email protected] or postthem to us – the address is on page 3.

n The next issue is out in April!



latest news:




Sport

Deb andAkillestargetGamesglory

SOMERSET dressage star DebCriddle hopes an “unbelievable”year in 2011 can inspire her toglory at the London ParalympicGames this summer.

Taunton-based Deb and herhorse LJT Akilles are currentlyenjoying a well-earned rest beforeTeam GB selection for London2012 begins in earnest.

Deb has already securedindividual qualification for theGames, but faces a tough roundof selection events for Team GB.

She enjoyed spectacularsuccess at the Athens Games in2004 – winning an incrediblethree gold medals – and alsocompeted at Sydney 2000 andBeijing 2008.

Deb, who lost the use of herright arm in a motorcycle accidentin 1985, said: “It’s been a

whirlwind 2011, so we’re enjoyingsome ‘down time’ at the moment.

“I got a new horse – LJTAkilles, who is sponsored by TheLady Joseph Trust – in mid-February, with the intention ofcompeting at the 2012 Games.

“And it’s been an unbelievableyear. The partnership has comesuch a long way in a short spaceof time.”

After success in the BritishPara-Dressage NationalChampionships and the HartpuryFestival of Dressage, Deb wasselected for the EuropeanChampionships in Belgium.

There, Deb was part of the goldmedal-winning GB team and alsopicked up individual gold andsilver medals. All of which hasbeen a great lead up to the TeamGB selection process, which

culminates in the final trial in Julyat Hartpury College.

After such a good year, Deb ishopeful of making the team andgoing some way to replicating herspectacular success in Athens.

Deb said: “I narrowly missedout on medals at Sydney andBeijing and won three at Athens inbetween, so if the patterncontinues this might be anothergood year!”

If selected for Team GB, Debwill be in contention for threemedals in the Grade Threecategory – team, individual, andfreestyle to music. Para-dressagecompetitors are graded one tofour, with four the least impaired.n Paralympic dressage

events take place at GreenwichPark, between August 30 andSeptember 4.


Have your say – readers’ letters

I DON’T mind paying to have a blue badge – if [thecost] is increased – BUT what will anyone do toensure that able-bodied, selfish drivers don't usedisabled spaces.

This seems to be the case at ALL supermarketseven though it says that certain spaces are for thedisabled, and illegal use will be prosecuted. Whopolices these areas? I have never seen this occur.

This is the same at Homebase in Frome, outsideKey Centre, Feltham Lane Frome, Leisure Centre inFrome etc. I have been in touch with all of the aboveand heard very little. I have been to the police andwas told to phone 101 and give the reg numbers!Any suggestions?

And then, on Tuesday, 2nd January at 11am Iwent to Asda in Frome and as always parked in the

disabled bay. Another car parked in the disabled bayand had no blue badge.

I politely pointed out that this was a disabled bay(there are plenty of signs saying this and that fineswill be imposed).

I was then told that I must have a boring life andto stop hassling the driver! Is it boring to exerciseone’s rights?

The driver showed no remorse after this outburstand still did not park elsewhere and still did notdisplay any blue badge.

This is the attitude – mild here – that disableddrivers come up against.

Maybe I shoud just keep quiet and let able-bodieddrivers park where they want – they do anyway.

Brian Thompson

Dear Networker readers, I really enjoy the magazine,

there are some interestingfeatures in it and it keeps meinformed about events coming upthat we might be interested inhere at BBC Points West.

One thing we’re always lookingout for is new contacts and storiesin our region. It would be great tohear from people with interestingstories to tell – maybe someonewho’s started up a new company,or doing something unusual oramazing that we could feature.

My email address [email protected] – doget in touch.

Sally Challoner, Forward Planning,

BBC Points West

In response to the article onproposed Blue Badge costincrease – Networker,December 2011.

I had childhood rheumatoidarthritis (diagnosed in 1957when I was nine), and nowexperience increasingosteoarthritis.

As hands, shoulders, arms,back, hips, knees and feet are allseverely affected, I would not beable to shop independentlywithout my Blue Badge.

Increased charges for thebadges are more thanreasonable, especiallyconsidering the price they wouldbe if they had kept up with

inflation! In fact I think £15, not£10, would be quite reasonable,giving users an option of paying£15, or three annual payments of£5 to spread the payments in thecase of real financial hardship.

For those who are able toafford the occasional outing, anincreasing number of theatres,cinemas and other facilities offerto clients who use a Blue Badge,free or reduced entry for a carer,enabling access to entertainmentwhich might otherwise beimpossible without help.

This aspect is oftenoverlooked in all the discussionabout easier parking.

Shirley Henshaw

Anger at selfish drivers using disabled bays

Points West wantsto hear from YOU

Blue Badge cost is reasonable

n Would like to air your views in ‘Have your say’ on issuesfeatured in Networker or any topic related to disability?n Email your letters to [email protected] orpost them to the address on page three.


Useful contacts

Somerset Direct PO Box 618, Taunton, TA1 3WF.Tel: 0845 3459133 Minicom: 0800 7834518Email: [email protected]

Care Connect North SomersetNorth Somerset Council, Town Hall, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1UJ.Tel: 01275 888801 Minicom: 01275 888805Email: [email protected]

Somerset Primary Care TrustWynford House, Lufton Way Yeovil, Somerset, BA22 8HR. Tel: 01935 384000 Fax: 01935 384079Email: [email protected]

Somerset Patient Advice and Liaison Service NHS Somerset, Freepost RRKL-XKSC- ACSG Yeovil,BA22 8HR Tel: 0800 0851067Email: [email protected]

North Somerset Primary Care TrustWaverley House, Old Church Road, Clevedon, North Somerset, BS21 6NNTel: 01275 546770 Fax: 01275 546769North Somerset Patient Advice and LiaisonServiceWaverley House, Old Church Road, Clevedon,North Somerset, BS21 6NNTel: 0800 923 2222 (Freephone)Email: [email protected]

NHS Direct Tel: 0845 4647

Equality and Human Rights CommissionFreepost RRLL-GHUX-CTRX, Arndale House,Arndale Centre, Manchester, M4 3AQTel: 0845 6046610 Textphone: 0845 604 6620Website: www.equalityhumanrights.comRADAR12 City Forum, 250 City Road, London, EC1V 8AFTel: 020 7250 3222 Minicom: 020 7250 4119Email: [email protected]

.


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n ARE you reading Networker in a doctors surgery, hospital waiting room or other publicplace? Would you like to receive your own copy? Then get in touch and we’ll be happy tosend you a copy or add you to our mailing list. See page three for our contact details.

Disability SomersetIndependent living exhibition

• A great opportunity for disabledpeople, older people, carers andprofessionals to view the wealthof equipment, information andsupport available to enhancequality of life.

• To book exhibition space or toregister for free tickets visitwww.disabilitysomerset.org.ukor call Compass DisabilityServices on 01823 282823.

• The venue has ample freeparking, and all facilities –including cafes and licensedbar – are fully accessible.

• Thursday, May 10th 2012• 10am-5pm• Sedgemoor Auction Centre(just off jct 24 of the M5).


BBC Somerset bus to attend May exhibition ... Canine Partners

assistance dogs (above) set to wow the crowds ... and much more!

latest news:



BBC Somerset Bus will be there! See pages 6-7 for more details

• Motability• Mobility equipment• Daily living aids• Access and inclusion• Information and advice

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