Kingston Centre for Independent Living Newslettter July 2008 Lisa’s piece! I’d like to welcome readers to the summer edition of our newsletter and hope you enjoy this mix of articles, updates and news. We have had good feedback on the new layout, but always welcome ideas, news, views and articles - this is YOUR newsletter so we hope you’ll get involved in its production. The last few months have been busy in the KCIL office. The Direct Payments team is ever busy, but is also moving forward with its outreach work, making our services even more inclusive, and is considering how we can best support people who will receive Individual Budgets, or act as an independent “broker” to disabled people receiving funding for services. As an independent, user-led organisation, KCIL is ideally placed to work on these issues. KCIL hosted a successful consultation event for the council on its “Independence & Wellbeing Strategy” (see report on page 4) and we continue to work on numerous committees and forums. Our BME Disability Officer is running a series of successful local information seminars, has organised a trip to Nottingham (see page 11), is looking to set up peer-support groups and is also looking for people who want to be more involved in having a say. We have a passionate team of volunteers planning events and fundraising ideas (including the raffle – tickets enclosed with this edition) which we hope you’ll support. Events are a wonderful chance to get together whilst often raising awareness of our work and funds to support it. The Holiday Grant scheme is understandably busy as people are planning their holidays. We’re working on grant applications to provide more services and to build our capacity as the user-led Centre for Independent Living in this area. I’m sure my team will be telling me I’ve missed lots – but I hope it gives some flavour of our recent work. KCIL has also finally completed its “journey” to becoming a limited company, started at the 2006 AGM. This doesn’t affect the services we are providing but aims to modernise the way the charity is run. There are rules of the new company (Memorandum & Articles of Association) that allow people to join, become members, and have a say in our future. You should find a leaflet about membership and an application form with this edition of the newsletter, and we hope that you will join. Membership entitles you to vote at the AGM, to continue to receive this quarterly newsletter free and to priority notice of events. The only slight concern you might have is that in the very unlikely event KCIL ceases, members may be asked to pay up to £10 each. I’m sure you’ll be glad to know that we intend for KCIL to be well run and around for years to come! As membership is FREE for individuals we hope that those who have been involved for many years as well as those who are relatively new to KCIL, will join. “Together we are stronger” is a phrase I’ve often used but it’s apt when talking about membership. KCIL will be more likely to be listened to if there are plenty of people involved and it’s better for KCIL too, to represent your views and experiences when we know what they are, because you are involved. I look forward to you ALL becoming members and for us to see KCIL build on its great history of supporting and empowering disabled people in Kingston over the last 40 years, and to move onwards! Lisa Nichols (KCIL CEO) Independence & Wellbeing Consultation event – report by Lisa Nichols & Veronica Attah KCIL hosted one of the consultation events on the Council’s draft "Independence & Wellbeing" strategy on Tuesday 15 April 2008. The draft strategy concerns the Council’s plans for improving independence and wellbeing in disabled and older people in Kingston and ensuring support for people who are thought to have 'low' or 'moderate' needs. The council’s lead representative on this strategy was Charlotte Fitzgerald, the Head of Strategy and Performance in the Community Services Directorate. “Good to see this event spearheaded by KCIL.” More than 60 people attended the event and it was great to see such a good turn out of local disabled and older people, local organisations and agencies – all keen to express their views. “It was nice to see so many different people!” Charlotte used a PowerPoint presentation to talk everyone through the strategy, using a specially produced easy-read version of it. Since PowerPoint presentations are not accessible to blind or visually impaired people, it was good to note that Charlotte made every effort to describe each slide as fully as possible to the audience. We had also catered for the needs of a diverse audience by providing a BSL signer and language interpreters. Understandably, the presentation raised a lot of issues, which people had the opportunity to debate during lively facilitated group discussions. “It was good to hear common concerns being given consideration. It has empowered people to make the most of their independence and the available resources. Not enough discussion about the emotional impact of withdrawal of services (loss of social structure and purpose/belonging)” Views from groups were fed-back to Charlotte, who also took the opportunity to hear first-hand comments from people when she joined each group in turn. Charlotte told KCIL’s CEO that she was delighted with the amount of comment received on the day and how pleased she was with the turnout. “The Event made me particularly aware of the change of criteria eligibility. My take on the whole situation is negative but is has given me the opportunity …to communicate my personal situation (as one who has lost their care manager)... ” People’s main needs seem to include: * Information and Advice * Transport and Access * Practical Support * Housing * Support and Advocacy * Employment and Volunteering * Loneliness and Isolation * Personal support * Sports and Leisure The event was also a good opportunity to give people information about KCIL and our services, as well as sharing a variety of useful publications and resources we had collected from other organisations. Dan Wilson, our Direct Payments / Support Services Manager spoke briefly about our Direct Payments Scheme and Veronica Attah spoke about the BME Disability project. Most importantly it was a wonderful chance for people to come together and share their views and experiences, with the relaxed atmosphere no doubt helped by tea and cakes. It was very good to see KCIL’s former Chief Executive Marc Moss (speaking in the photo on the left) at the event too. We would like to thank all those who helped make the afternoon a success; our staff who all attended and worked hard to arrange the event, our volunteers who ensured things went smoothly, took photo’s and made sure we had enough refreshments, to the bakery who donated the cakes, to Charlotte and her team from RBK for facilitating and working with us to organise the event but most of all to those who attended as, without you, this wouldn’t have been a success. At the time of writing we are looking forward to the follow-up event, aimed to feed-back what the council is going to do with all the views of the people who participated in the consultation – to be held on 3rd July. KCIL continues to be a member of a group looking at how the council may implement their “Prevention Strategy”. We will bring you more news in the next edition but welcome your comments at any time. Looking Back, Moving Forward - Ann Macfarlane MBE, Vice President How it all began In 1967 Wycliffe Noble, Bill Mutimer, Frank Speller, Joyce Oliver, Alan Pinn and the Rev. Arthur Bull founded the Kingston Association for the Handicapped. Only Wycliffe Noble, OBE, is still living and he and those who came together to form the Association are owed an enormous debt of gratitude. I joined the Association about nine months after its formation and later became Honorary Secretary and then it’s Chair. Our first grant from the Borough Council, as it was known, amounted to £100. In those early years, we mainly focused on access issues and ways of influencing policies and producing good practice design guides. Affiliated with the Central Association for the Disabled, I attended many meetings in London and met disabled people who understood the Social Model of Disability who taught me a great deal. It was also a period in our history when we had opportunities to debate issues, formulate ideas and work on solving issues, including those that required high profile campaigns. Very slowly more disabled people became members of the Association’s Executive Committee and each spring a party was held for around one hundred disabled people. How we progressed In 1981, the International Year of Disabled People, a sub-committee was formed to steer activities for the year, and for several years afterwards we raised money to build an accessible housing complex in the Borough but sadly two planning applications were refused. On reflection, building segregated dwellings would not have been the best use of the money donated and we decided to assist disabled people with grants for home alterations and improvements. 1981 proved a busy year for me as I was asked to give over four hundred talks on our work. The workload was huge as we had gained a high profile and the Association urgently required office space and paid staff but we still lacked a regular income! Eventually the United Reformed Church in Kingston provided a room for four days a week for a peppercorn rent. The Association was able to establish an information service on those four days and much later we employed our first paid staff member when the Council recognised the contribution the Association was making to its disabled population. The first twenty years or so were a huge struggle but we had some campaigning successes. We had an extremely active Access Group who campaigned to ensure automatic doors were included in the large retail developments, such as Marks & Spencer and John Lewis, for access in polling and police stations and public libraries and a long process ensued to get lift access to Surbiton Train Station. Following banner waving on the steps of the Guildhall, disabled people finally got access through a side entrance. This entrance is, for many, still the only way in but change is approaching and, hopefully, by 2009 some of us will get through the Guildhall’s main door! KCIL had a number of campaigns to stop local means-tested charging policies being implemented. This would have meant disabled and older people paying a high price for personal care. Means-tested charging eventually came into force but national campaigning is again making Government revisit it with a view, once more, to making it fairer. The significance of our name Kingston Centre for Independent Living acquired this name change in 2001. Several years earlier, when the Association was still chaired by a non-disabled person, it was agreed by disabled people to take power at an AGM and the Association changed its name to Kingston Association of Disabled People. The ‘takeover’ caused great excitement and many disabled people came forward in support of the new Executive arrangements. They offered a wealth of support and expertise at international, national and local level. Where Kingston Centre for Independent Living is now It has had its fair share of turbulence that is not unnatural. Disabled people in the Royal Borough who have decided to be involved, and who over years have worked hard to bring about positive changes, can all be proud of a range of achievements. Sadly, due to the struggles that have ensued, it hasn’t always been smooth and there have been ‘differences of opinions.’ It is now a time for mediation, reconciliation, restorative and team building work. A Centre for Independent Living that values disabled people, consults widely, draws on experience and welcomes disabled volunteers and those seeking paid employment will grow and find itself successful. Looking to the future While it is important to celebrate past achievements, there is so much to do and to look forward to in KCIL. As far back as 1987, KCIL ensured that Kingston was one of the first Council’s to take on board the need to empower disabled people by making ‘cash for care’ available. Baroness Jane Campbell and I persuaded the then Director of Social Services, Angela Julia, to take up the challenge. We wrote the policy document to be presented to the Social Services Committee and the Scheme was passed unanimously. Kingston’s Direct Payments Scheme won a national award and is one of the best Schemes in the country. There is no better time for clear direction and action. We have the legislation, the Independent Living Strategy, and life-enhancing policies and now we need the action. Over the next five years, as the Strategy gathers momentum, choice and control will become the norm underpinned by Direct Payments and Individual Budgets, providing opportunities in education, employment, housing, leisure, transport and relationships, and paving the way for disabled people to truly experience Independent Living, defined as ‘choice and control.’ Now, in its fortieth year, and with a new Chief Executive and other new Staff, it is a good time to ensure that KCIL is able to offer a range of support and services that meet the needs of all disabled people in the Borough irrespective of age and impairment. Celebrate our success and play your part! Let us celebrate all that has been achieved, heal divisions and encourage disabled people to become involved, including younger disabled people and those from minority communities. Together, and in unity, we can continue to improve the lives of many disabled people who live, work and play in Kingston. Are you going to get involved and be part of making Kingston inclusive and accessible to all people? Join in events, make yourself known to KCIL Staff and volunteers, become a member and enjoy being part of the future development and growth of Kingston Centre for Independent Living. Kingston Centre for Independent Living needs you! Continuing our introduction to KCIL Trustees, welcome Nigel Tarrant A recent medical report described me as “a 54 year old male with a history of falling off bikes”. It went on to detail my ailments, including a previously unidentified “hip deformity with pre-osteoarthritic changes”. Until then, I had always considered myself to be reasonably healthy and with a keen interest in all types of sport and exercise. Now I know better! As a local lawyer, my expertise has been in the property market. I am a partner with Colemans-ctts, Solicitors and have been responsible for growing and developing the residential and commercial Conveyancing departments in the Firm. My work as a Solicitor has taught me a great deal about people and managing organisations and particularly managing change. Every time I become involved with a charity it has always been at a time of great change for the organisation. I was National Chair of Reach, the organisation for children with upper limb deficiencies for five years and oversaw the transition of that charity through a very difficult time when the paid Director was at odds with the changes that the Trustees wished to implement. We went back to basics and re-wrote the charity constitution and all of the basic literature that the charity produced. We instituted family get-togethers on a national basis and activity weeks for the children. With the help of Rosemary Green, who subsequently became involved with KCIL, the magazine for the charity was completely re-vamped and a new image created. Jeremy Beadle, who sadly died recently, became our Patron and was a good friend to Reach for many years. I am still involved with Hinchley Wood School as a Governor. In my time there, a new Headmaster has been appointed and the school has been transformed. There has been a huge development programme with new science and music facilities and a new sports hall has been built. I am also a Trustee for SPIRE, the Rugby Football Union Charity which supports injured players. I have been actively involved in the changes in that organisation to restructure the management of the charity and convert it to limited company status. That charity is undergoing a transformation from an independent charity funded by the RFU to become a charity arm of the RFU actively involved in the welfare of players throughout the game. In my spare time I am still a trustee of my old rugby club Mill Hill RFC in north London and outside work, I chase around a lot after my three children and snatch whatever time I can either swimming, cycling or watching the children play rugby. I have always taken a keen interest in the local community and the opportunity to become involved in the activities of KCIL was one which I welcomed. It became apparent very quickly that KCIL was also an organisation which was going to need to change in order to move forward. In the time that I have been involved as a Trustee, KCIL has become a limited company and has made considerable changes in the management structure and staffing of the organisation. We are now concentrating on putting in place the foundations to make KCIL the leading charity for disabled people in Kingston. There are major opportunities for us to take advantage of the opportunities opening up for additional services to be outsourced by Royal Borough of Kingston. We need a new vision to enable us to be fully involved in this and I feel that the appointment of our new Chief Executive, Lisa Nichols is a major step forward. Interested in access, awareness and equality issues? KCIL has recently been asked to provide or organise a specific programme of staff disability equality and awareness training for another organisation. They are asking for a couple of short sessions to begin with this year but there is an opportunity to develop this further. KCIL is keen to be involved in providing this sort of training again. As we are also increasingly being asked for input on access issues, we’d like to begin to address these gaps in service provision. If you have experience or expertise to offer and would like to be involved in getting KCIL’s access and disability awareness training and consultation work going again please contact Lisa Nichols in the KCIL office (Tel: 020 8546 9603 or email: lisa.nichols@kcil.org.uk) as soon as possible. Ray Bridger, winner of a Mayor’s Community Award Introduction by Veronica Attah: Ray Bridger is Director of Music for the 1st Hook Scout and Guide Band. In May he was one of the small number of people selected to receive a Mayor's Community Award from the then Mayor, Councillor Shiraz Mirza, in recognition of his voluntary work in Scouting, including work he does with disabled scouts. Ray has personal experience of disability but this was far from the reason that he got involved in working with disabled scouts. He writes for us now to explain how this work came about. Disability, Music and Scouting, three unusual partners yet they all come together in what I do. I have been a leader with a 1st Hook Scouts, in Chessington, since 1977, and for the last twenty six years I have been the Band’s Director of Music. Several years ago one of my former Venture Scouts, mentioned Scoutlink to me. Scoutlink is a unit, within Scouting, for mentally and physically disabled adults. They meet once a week and participate in all the normal scouting activities, including camping. One thing I had noticed was that we had never seen any Scoutlink members at any of our Concerts, so I, and some of my colleagues, set about putting together a Mini Concert just for them. During one of the Scoutlink Mini Concerts I also started to think about ways of taking music to them, instead of them coming to us, especially as there is only one Mini Concert per year. I have been a musician over forty years and part of my job as Director of Music is to arrange music for the Band. This also means that I am always getting asked to arrange or compose music for weddings (including our MP, Ed Davey) and funerals, all sorts of events, I am sure you get the picture. Three years ago a fellow Scout leader and Bandmaster, died and his Band commissioned me to write a march in his name. Being fellow Bandmasters we had known each other for many years, and immediately one of my piano compositions came to mind, which I knew he liked, as he had expressed his feelings about it when he heard me playing it. After a several weeks I completed the “The Mynott March”, adding many little features, which I knew he would have enjoyed. Geoff’s Band, Kingston and Malden Scout and Guide Band, then mentioned my fee. I really didn’t want to take any money for the commission; Geoff was a dear friend and very passionate about Scouting, always believing in giving people a chance. Then all the pieces of the jigsaw suddenly fell into place. With Geoff’s Bands permission I donated the commission fee to Scoutlink for them to buy instruments. They in turn asked me to arrange the purchase. Once I started purchasing their instruments further money was given making it possible to buy a fairly large range of percussion instruments. This meant that instead of going to Scoutlink and just me playing on my own we could now all play together. From musical evenings we have also found ways of incorporating music into other evenings during games and other events. I cannot describe the range of joyful emotions I have seen on the faces of the Scoutlink members and the inspiration they in turn have given me. At this year’s Mini Concert the Scoutlink members and my Band (1st Hook Scout and Guide Band) played the tune Blaze Away together, which I found moved me very much. Making music in this way, with the members of Scoutlink, truly completed the circle from scouts to music to disability in one of the nicest ways I know. Music doesn’t see disability as an obstacle; wouldn’t it be nice if society shared that same vision. ‘Disability and the Holocaust: We Shall Not Forget’ by Veronica Attah A small but intrepid group from KCIL travelled to the Holocaust Centre in Nottinghamshire on 11th May to attend the unveiling of the UK's first memorial to disabled victims of the Holocaust. We set off at 7am in a wheelchair accessible minibus, hired from RaKAT (Richmond & Kingston Accessible Transport) who also found us a great volunteer driver for the journey, Liz Relf. Our trip was made possible by a personal donation from Rabbi Danny Rich that helped us towards our travel costs. Nearly one million Deaf and disabled people were persecuted, killed or sterilised during the Holocaust. This history is rarely discussed in the public remembrances of the Holocaust and, until now, there were no memorials in the UK to acknowledge this history. In our society today, the debate about disabled people and their ‘genetic rights’ is still on-going, especially in the light of advances in genetic and prenatal screening, and the human genome project. It is important that these current debates are discussed in terms of equality issues and their historical context. ‘Disability and the Holocaust: We Shall Not Forget’ was organised by the Holocaust Centre with input from the Nottinghamshire Disabled People’s Movement who, together with the Pioneers Young Disabled People’s Forum, worked closely with the Centre for two years on incorporating issues of the disability history of the Holocaust into the exhibitions. We joined more than 100 other visitors including disabled actress Kim Tserkezie (who plays wheelchair user Penny Pocket in the children’s television programme ‘Balamory’), with people travelling from all over the UK and from as far afield as Paris to take part. Despite our early start, we unfortunately missed most of the morning’s programme, which opened with a series of talks from disabled artist Alison Lapper, disability film director and producer Liz Crow (currently working on a drama documentary about the Nazi T4 Euthanasia programme), director of Disability Access Services Ricki Westbury, and disabled Holocaust survivor Hans Cohn MBE. We arrived in time to hear part of Mr Cohn’s talk about his experiences. One of the very few blind German Jewish children to have survived the Holocaust by escaping to the UK, Mr Cohn recalled becoming an ‘enemy alien’ in this country once war broke out, a situation made worse by the fact that his passport had recently been sent for renewal to the German embassy so that local police wanted to have him interned. He remembered being arrested and taken before a magistrate who did not believe that he really was blind. To test this, the magistrate took out a banknote, promising the 15 year old that if he could correctly identify its value, he could keep the money. Mr Cohn lost his sight after being struck in the school playground by a member of the Hitler Youth, causing a retinal detachment in one eye. With treatment by German specialists being denied, it became too late to save his sight; after two unsuccessful operations in the Netherlands and complications that developed in his other eye a year later, he was blind by the age of 12. He was sent by his father to Worcester College, a school for the blind in England, because no German school would take him and this decision saved his life. Now a semi-retired physiotherapist, Mr Cohn feels he has his part to play, as one of the decreasing number of survivors, in making sure the Holocaust's victims are not forgotten. The afternoon’s programme began with a series of accessible tours of the Centre; the wheelchair-accessible tour that I went on covered the memorial gardens and its many rose bushes, plaques and beautiful sculptures. A candle lighting ceremony followed, led by Alison Lapper and Kim Tserkezie and the Pioneers Young Disabled People’s Forum unveiled plans to create a sculpture as a permanent memorial at the Centre. The formal dedication of the first rose and commemorative plaque to disabled people targeted by the Holocaust. Although it was very late when we arrived back in Kingston, everyone was tired but glad to have been able to participate in this important event. As KCIL member Louis Boyce wrote in his feedback of the day “A day is not wasted if a good memory is made”; a very good memory was made that day. The annual Mayoral Sunday Service – Veronica Attah The annual Mayoral Sunday Civic Church Service to celebrate the start of the new Mayor’s year in office was held on 18 May. Members of different faith communities and representatives from non-religious organisations were invited to celebrate the ways in which their work helps to make Kingston a better place to live and local school children of different faiths did readings, recited poems and sang songs. The service was attended by the Mayor, Councillor David Berry, and the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Rohan Yoganathan. The service was followed by light refreshments and a chance to mingle at the Guildhall, where it was great to meet up with a KCIL member, Sheila Austin with her husband, Councillor Geoff Austin. Trustees wanted! KCIL is planning to develop and grow its Management Board and is looking for people with relevant expertise and experience to join us this year as non-paid Trustees/Directors. As a user-led organisation we are particularly looking for disabled people from all backgrounds to bring their experiences and skills to help shape the future direction of KCIL's work We are also seeking expertise in campaigning, fundraising and marketing/PR. For more information contact Lisa Nichols in the KCIL office (Tel: 020 8546 9603 or email:lisa.nichols@kcil.org.uk). About Direct Payments Under the Direct Payments scheme, RBK Community Care Services provide people with money - a direct payment - to organise their own support service, instead of providing a service, such as Home Care, or a day centre placement. Any person, regardless of age, who is eligible for a Community Care Service in the Royal Borough of Kingston-upon-Thames can ask to receive a direct payment. This includes young people from the age of 16 and parent carers of disabled children. A direct payment gives you control and choice over the kind of support that suits you best. “I’d like to tell others that they have everything to gain if they take up a direct payment. That’s been my experience.” Quote from a DP service user If you’d like to learn more about Direct Payments contact the Direct Payments Support Service at KCIL. We’ll be happy to give you the information and support you need to explore how a direct payment might work for you. ? 020 8481 1448 If you’d like to find out whether you’re eligible to receive a direct payment, speak to your care manager, social worker or care co-ordinator. If you don’t have a care manager, social worker or care co-ordinator, contact the Community Services Reception and Information Line at RBK. They’ll put you in touch with the Community Care Team that can discuss your support needs with you. ? 020 8547 6008 RADAR Keys from KCIL office The Radar Key Scheme ofers independent access to disabled people to around 7,000 locked public toilets around the country. The Radar key scheme enables these toilets to be locked, to prevent vandalism and misuse. With one Radar Key - you won't be caught short! £2.50 from KCIL Office. £3.00 if ordering by post (contact KCIL for an order form). Tel: 020 8546 9603 We have had 1 or 2 faulty keys in a batch from our supplier - we will replace any that people find are faulty - just let us know. We now check all new keys in our stock! Our apologies! Require this newsletter in another format? Let the office know if you'd like this newsletter in another format; in large print, plain text, audio, Braille, on disc or via email. Receiving te newsletter via email saves the environment as well as being easier for some readers! Call: 020 8546 9603 or email: robert.reilly@kcil.org.uk New editor! We welcome James Yule, our new volunteer newsletter editor who is helping us edit the "Kingston Independent". If you'd like to help James by being part of an editorial team let Lisa Nichols in the KCIL office know. Fundraising and events! KCIL’s new “Fundraising and events” group have been busy starting to set up and plan various events and initiatives to raise funds for KCIL whilst getting people involved and hopefully having some fun! The fundraising group so far involved our much appreciated volunteers; Kaye Trujillo, Angela Devoy, Louis Boyce, James Yule, with Lisa and Dan from the office. If you’d like to join us or have ideas we could put into practice – please let Dan Wilson know in the office. We aim to involve people in KCIL events again and raise funds for future projects, whilst raising awareness of KCIL and its work. We hope to have some fun too! Events planned so far include: Angela’s planned tandem parachute jump – 26th July “I am doing a tandem parachute jump because I want to raise funds for KCIL. I’m going to leave my electric wheelchair and Millie the dog on the ground for the ten minutes or so it takes to drop 10,000 ft so I feel I deserve support. If you’d like to sponsor me contact Dan Wilson in the KCIL office.” We’ll bring you an update in the next edition. Kingston Carnival – 31st August KCIL has been invited to join in the Kingston Carnival events on the 31st August as the Carnival is seen as an excellent opportunity for local community groups in Kingston to come together and provide performances or take part in the parade to show the rich diversity of our community here in Kingston. KCIL will take part if people tell us they want to get involved, so if you want to be involved contact Dan Wilson in KCIL office. Otherwise you might want to know that Carnival plans include a second stage and a food fair as part of the Food Festival and go along yourself! Cambridge Road Estates Fun Day – 6th September KCIL are planning to come along and have a stand at this event. If you’d like to help us on the day contact Lisa Nichols in the KCIL office – otherwise hope to see you there! Race Night – 13th September – Hinchley Wood School, 6.30pm An indoor “night at the races” with lots of other people involved in KCIL is a great way to spend the evening!  You may win some money if your horse/s win on the big screen and profits from the event will go to KCIL too! Tickets £10 each including a “Fish & Chip” type supper. Drinks will be available. Free fun and laughter! Bring a group of people or come independently – you will be welcome! For more information contact Lisa Nichols in the KCIL office (please let us know you are coming as early as possible if you can so we can make suitable arrangements) – but make a date in your diary NOW! ASICS Kingston Running Festival - Sunday 12th October Feeling fit? Would you like to set yourself a challenge and help raise some money for KCIL? The ASICS Kingston Running Festival is a running event covering either 16 miles or 8.2 miles. The scenic run loop is apparently flat and follows the Thames Towpath, taking in Hampton Court Palace and Thames Ditton before returning to Kingston Town Centre. KCIL will be entering a team in the race (further details available at website: www.humanrace.co.uk – for info on accessibility please email: info@humanrace.co.uk or call Dan Wilson on 0208 481 1448). We hope to all run the 8.2 mile course, although entrants for the 16 mile race are welcome! We plan to run regular training sessions over summer and hope training, fundraising and running the race will be both rewarding and fun, so please get involved! If you are interested please contact: Dan Wilson, Direct Payments / Support Service Coordinator tel: 020 8481 1444 or email: dan.wilson@kcil.org.uk. You could also support and cheer us on the day! KCIL AGM – Tuesday 14th October, Hawker Centre A day to celebrate KCIL’s 40th Anniversary as well as hold our Annual General Meeting. We hope as many people as possible will come and join us. More information will follow nearer the event with the final programme, but we are planning several lively and interesting guest speakers! Put it in your diary now! We will be drawing our prize raffle at this event. Make sure you have bought tickets so you’re not disappointed as we have good prizes on offer! Lunch will be provided and perhaps even events to “exercise” us (maybe some Boccia!). There will be an opportunity to debate important issues as well as meet other members and people involved in KCIL. We hope to welcome new members and those who have been involved for considerably longer. KCIL's Prize Raffle! KCIL has been lucky to get some fabulous raffle prizes! Our thanks to all who have made donations. Prizes include: 1. Ingersoll ladies watch 2. 4 entrance tickets to Chessington World of Adventures 3. £100 voucher for Care - ful Mobility 4. 6 months gym membership for the Hawker Centre 5. Personal make-up session with Rosemarie Swinfield (worth £90) 6. 2 tickets to a specific production at the Rose Theatre 7. £50 Bentalls voucher 8. H Samuel men's gift set 9. Cath Kidston bag set You may find a book of 5 raffle tickets in this newsletter. If you want to buy or sell theese tickets (£1 each ticket) to friends, colleagues or family then let us have the ticket stubs and cheque for amount raised made payable to KCIL Ltd by 7th October. If you don't want to sell tickets, just return the raffle tickets to KCIL office. If you want more tickets to sell or haven't received any tickets, please contact Robert Reilly in the KCIL office. News! Comments needed quickly on draft Kingston Community Plan Kingston Council along with local partners has produced a draft Community Plan for 2008-2020 and the views of residents are welcomed. Ideally views by 15th July. More information can be found on their website: www.kingston.gov.uk/information/news_and_events/news.htm?id=77112 or by contacting Chris Field on 020 8547 5010 or email: chris.field@rbk.kingston.gov.uk. Maximise your disability benefits with KCIL new project! KCIL has been awarded a grant from KVA to set up a pilot project offering advice to local disabled people in order to maximise their disability related benefits. The project will only run until the end of December 2008, but we hope if there is enough interest we might seek further funding. The project will provide individual, confidential advice on disability related benefits and support when completing forms to local disabled people, by phone, email or through pre-booked individual advice sessions held in our offices. If you are unsure if you are claiming the disability benefits (e.g. Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance) you are entitled to, or if your situation has changed since you claimed and you’d like to see if you could be entitled to higher rates – contact Lisa Nichols in the KCIL office to reserve an appointment. We are recruiting a part-time freelance disability benefits advisor now (details on our website or from the office) and hope to have the service running in September. KCIL partnership with Superhighways to bring “e-access” KCIL is to work in partnership with Superhighways to deliver their ”e-Access” project, to support people with disabilities to use computer based assistive technologies. The project includes linking with local voluntary organisations, setting up mentoring schemes, running training and drop-in sessions at the Access Learning Centre, running an IT equipment loan scheme, and setting up links to specialist advice or remote assessment. We are in the initial stages of the project set-up, but hope to have it up and running from October 2008. Watch the KCIL website and next newsletter for more details! Planning for success – YOUR views needed on KCIL business plans The latest KCIL Business Plan, laying out our priorities for work in the coming year, is available on our website or from the office. We will be planning KCIL’s next 3-year plan during the autumn, and welcome your ideas and views on what KCIL should be planning to do from 2009-2012. Write, phone or email these to Lisa Nichols in the KCIL office, or tell us at the AGM in October. New website raising awareness of discrimination ASA Advicenow has launched a new website www.isthatdiscrimination.org.uk. The campaign aims to raise awareness of discrimination through public information and outreach work as well as bringing advice agencies together to share experience and help advisers recognise and deal with discrimination problems. The project is led by Citizens Advice and includes AdviceUK, Law Centres Federation, Advice Northern Ireland, Citizens Advice Scotland and the British Institute of Human Rights. The campaign will run until the end of the year and there will be lots of ways to get involved: The website: www.isthatdiscrimination.org.uk is the national focus for the campaign and includes an interactive problem page, case studies, news stories and information on all types of discrimination. They’re keen to get as much input as possible, either from individuals or organisations. Kingston Hospital seeking “members” Kingston Hospital is currently working towards achieving Foundation Trust status. The Hospital will still be part of the NHS, but aims to be more answerable to the needs of local residents. They are looking for people to become members and help influence their decisions. Membership is free and anyone aged 14 years or older who lives in the Borough of Kingston upon Thames, Richmond upon Thames, Elmbridge, Wandsworth and parts of Merton and Sutton can become a member. To register as a member please call them on 0870 707 1479 - calls charged at national rate or visit www.kingstonhospital.nhs.uk and complete the online application form. If you have any questions regarding membership please email: ftmembership@kingstonhospital.nhs.uk. European Human Rights Commission Casework Service South West London Law Centres (SWLLC) has started an information service for disabled and older people in Kingston. The European Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has pledged money to enable SWLLC to offer advice and representation on legal issues founded on equality legislation. This has been split into Employment and non–Employment work (mainly public services and businesses), where the employment side is done via Battersea and the non–employment side by Camden Law Centre. Due to limited funding, SWLLC can provide a small number of interventions in each of the 11 boroughs, Kingston included. To contact SWLLC through their Kingston and Richmond office ring 020 85476 2882 if you need either type of service. Questionnaire for disabled drivers The Highways Agency has put together a questionnaire aimed at disabled drivers. In past feedback from disabled drivers, many consulted expressed that they wanted more information on road safety. The questionnaire will help to assemble a driver information programme for disabled people. Topics include car maintenance checks and breaking down on the motorway. For copies of the questionnaire please ring KCIL’s office on: 020 8546 9603 or check our website: www.kcil.org.uk. K – LINK Launch Kingston’s K – LINK is one of 150 local involvement networks set up to monitor, evaluate and influence health and social care services. It comprises local individuals and organisations who aim to give Kingston residents the best care possible. K – LINK will be launched on 10th July at the United Reformed Church, Eden Street, Kingston upon Thames. Information about local health and social care will be on display. If you live in the Kingston Area then you are eligible to join K – LINK. For more general information about K-Link contact Lisa Nichols in the KCIL office. Latest news from the Rose Theatre – from Richard Matthews (Rose Theatre Marketing Manager) Since opening in January this year, the Rose Theatre, Kingston under the artistic directorship of Stephen Unwin, has welcomed over 50,000 audience members through its doors, for a hugely eclectic variety of work. Audiences have enjoyed everything from English Touring Theatre’s critically acclaimed production of Uncle Vanya, the hugely popular Blonde Bombshells of 1943 and the more recent South African Molora, with most things in-between, including monthly visits from The Comedy Store. The Rose is passionate about ensuring its doors are open to as many members of the community as possible, and therefore has excellent access provision for disabled people. As well as level access into the building from street level, lift access to every floor, 10 wheelchair spaces throughout the auditorium, accessible toilets on every floor and low counters at the stalls bar and box office for wheelchair users, the Rose is equipped with auxiliary aids to enhance the enjoyment of productions for people with sensory disabilities. Local induction loops for use within the auditorium, as well as a loop system at box office, are available for hearing-aid users (wearing one of these and switching the hearing aid to the T position amplifies dialogue and cuts out background noise). For people who do not wear hearing aids, discreet Senheiser headsets are available which also amplify the production. Within the autumn season, audio described performances have been scheduled to enhance the enjoyment of productions for visually impaired people, and a captioned performance scheduled for deaf and hard of hearing audience members – full details are below. In the autumn, the first Rose Theatre Production will be staged; Love’s Labour’s Lost (21 October - 15 November) by William Shakespeare, directed by Peter Hall (Director Emeritus of the Rose). The Rose is also delighted to be receiving three productions from Theatre Royal Bath; a stage adaptation of Henry James’ The Portrait of A Lady (26 August – 6 September) and Ibsen’s classic A Doll’s House (9 – 27 September), also both directed by Peter Hall, and a new comedy. Born in the Gardens (30 September – 11 October), with Stephanie Cole, directed by Artistic Director of the Rose Stephen Unwin. Tickets for disabled patrons and a companion are £10. Accessible performance dates in the autumn: Audio described performances (for visually impaired patrons): All the below will be audio-described by William Clancy, and include a touch-tour at 1pm. * The Portrait of a Lady – 6 September 2.30pm * A Dolls House – 19 September 2.30pm * Born in the Gardens – 11 October 2.30pm * Love’s Labours Lost – 1 November 2.30pm Captioned performances (for deaf and hard of hearing patrons) * A Dolls House – 20 September 7.30pm. Captioned by STAGETEXT Tickets can be booked by: Telephone: 020 7087 7960 Email: customer.relations@seetickets.com Fax: 020 7087 7771 or Minicom: 020 7087 7839. Website: www.rosetheatrekingston.org or access@rosetheatrekingston.org. Address: 24-26 High Street, Kingston, KT1 1HL . Join us! Don't forget to send your membership form back to KCIL! If you need help filling the form in, just give Robert in the KCIL office a call. Classified ad: TGA mobile Powerpack plus holdall - ideal for converting a maual wheelchair to push free. 18 months old, little used and in excellent condition. Original price from Opt4mobility £595 now £300 or nearest offer. Tel: 020 8979 4365. The Kingston Independent is the quarterly newsletter of Kingston Centre for Independent Living (KCIL), River Reach, 31-35 High Street, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT1 1LF. Tel: 020 8546 9603 Fax: 020 8546 7947 Web: www.kcil.org.uk Charity number: 1123063. Company number: 06240260. Articles, letters, news items, photographs are welcome and will be published at the discretion of the editorial team. The publishers, authors and printers cannot accept liability for errors or omissions. Any transparencies, prints or artwork will be accepted at owners' risk. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reported in any form without written permission of the copyright holder and publisher. The views expressed are not necessarily those of KCIL. Publication of an advertisement does not imply that approval has been given to goods and services. Printed by PDC Copyprint. KCIL 2008. ADVERTISEMENT