PA Agency

BULLETINJuly/August 2016

Bromley Mencap is pleased to announce the launch of our new PA Agency. The agency provides trained Personal Assistants/Support Workers to support people with learning and/or physical disabilities. The service provides domiciliary care, enables disabled people to get out and about in their local communities and provides support to access day opportunities.

PAs are available to work flexibly during the week and the agency is registered with the Care Quality Commission.

More details inside on page 11.

NEW !

Family Services Activities and Events

What’s in this issue?

FAMILY SERVICES EVENTS 3

CHIEF EXECUTIVE REPORT 4 NEWS CORNER 6 DO YOU KNOW? 7

UPCOMING EVENTS 8 JOBMATCH SUCCESS! 10

NEW PA AGENCY 11 COMMUNITY FUNDRAISING 14-15

Holiday time ...

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Here’s our summer edition of the Bulletin. If any of you happen to have seen the summer anywhere on your travels, do let me know!!

In this issue we’ve got all the summer holiday event listings, the latest fundraising info and some lovely updates from recent days out.

We have a wonderful tale of success involving Jobmatch - check out Tim’s story on page 10. Please also make sure you read about our great new PA agency on page 11, which could be a big help to a lot of you.

As for me, my children are finishing school soon for the summer and I am looking forward to some family time together, I know too well that September comes round soon enough!

See you then everybody, hope you enjoy the next couple of months.

Luanluanlanham@btinternet.com

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Family Services Activities and Events

For more details on any of the above events please call the office on 020 8466 07903

Summer Dance (age 25+)

Carers Lunch Club and Information Session (age 55+)

Monday Afternooners’ - Evening meal

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities EXTRA (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Keep Fit (age 18+) - Presentation evening

Summer Fun Days (age 11-17 years)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Monday Afternooners’ - Coastal Trip

Carers Lunch Club and Information Session (age 55+)

Day Opportunities EXTRA (age 18+)

Day Opportunities EXTRA (age 18+)

Day Opportunities EXTRA (age 18+)

Day Opportunities EXTRA (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Summer Fun Days (age 11-17 years)

Day Opportunities EXTRA (age 18+)

Day Opportunities EXTRA (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities EXTRA (age 18+)

Day Opportunities EXTRA (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities EXTRA (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Summer Disco (age 14-24 years)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities (age 18+)

Day Opportunities EXTRA (age 18+)

CHIEF EXECUTIVE REPORT

EDDIE LYNCH

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EU REFERENDUM

On the 23rd June the UK voted to cease its membership of the EU. This decision could have significant implications for disabled people and their families.

With the political changes taking place there is concern that legislation and consultations going through Parliament may be affected. These include the forthcoming Green Paper on ‘Halving the disability employment gap’ which was due to set out measures to boost employment prospects for disabled people and the Education Bill, currently being drafted, which will reform funding in Special Educational Needs.

Disabled people are concerned about how the changes will affect their rights in the future. There are a number of rights guaranteed under the European Social Charter (ESC) which directly benefit people with a learning disability. The ESC is a framework which outlines the rights of EU citizens, including the European Convention on Human Rights.

Legal protection for disabled people under EU membership include rules on procurement by public bodies, the air passenger regulation and the directive on equal treatment in employment. It is thought the future of these and other protections will depend on the terms agreed between the UK and the EU.

To address these and other concerns Royal Mencap is considering research, in partnership with others, into the impact on disabled people’s rights.

With so much uncertainty and ever changing policy, I am pleased to report that Bromley Council has extended the welfare benefits support contract for people with learning disabilities who are not eligible for social care services. The service provides one-to-one support with welfare benefits and the contract has been extended to March 2017. The service is available 25 hours per week from the Bromley Mencap office. To make an appointment telephone 020 8466 0790.

NEWS CORNERMencap Turns 70

To mark Mencap’s 70th birthday, Jan Tregelles, Chief Executive, discusses the charity’s history and what still needs to be done to improve the lives of people with a learning disability. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07gct74

Disabled Callers Blocked From DWP Benefits HotlineNew figures show that thousands of disabled callers to the DWP’s Personal Independence Payments hotline were unable to get through between January and April. MP Frank Field said the Government has “erected a wall of silence to prevent claimants registering. There’s not a deliberate attempt to stop people but it totally favours one side. It’s like building a Berlin Wall around the benefits so people can’t access them.” http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/thousands-disabled-callers-blocked-over-loaded-8094776

Mate CrimeBromley Sparks, Bromley College and Community Links Bromley (on behalf of the Bromley Disability Hate Crime Project Group) recently hosted an event on ‘Mate Crime’. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ajkpm4cqCc

Channel 4’s Accessibility SurveyChannel 4 is looking to improve the accessibility of its content and is keen to get feedback from viewers who use these services. They have launched an Accessibility Survey for hearing and visually impaired viewers to get their views.

http://www.channel4.com/4viewers/editors-blog/channel-4s-accessibility-survey

Peer Support Could Boost Employment ProspectsPeer to peer support or mentoring is an effective way of boosting disabled people’s employment prospects, and should have a stronger role in government work programmes - two studies published by Disability Rights UK and The Work Foundation suggest.

http://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/news/2016/may/peer-support-could-boost-work-prospects-disabled-people

Our round-up of local and national disability news and developments

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NEWS continued Every Teacher CampaignFor the first time, all trainee teachers in England will be taught how to support autistic children. After months of campaigning from charities, parents and MPs as part of the Every Teacher campaign, the Secretary of State for Education announced that she would be supporting the call by the National Autistic Society to get specific autism training into the new framework of Initial Teacher Training in England. http://www.autism.org.uk/get-involved/media-centre/news/2016-05-25-campaign-suc-cess.aspx?utm_source=e-newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=June_Non-Members_Enews&utm_content=Every%20teacher%20campaign%20button&dm_i=YA3,49SOW,FL3KPW,FM0HC,1

‘New Approach Needed’ To Help Disabled People Into Work The Resolution Foundation think tank has issued a report claiming a radical new approach is needed to prevent disabled workers leaving the workforce if the Government is to have any hope of meeting its commitment of getting more disabled people into work. Mencap’s Head of Campaigns, Rossanna Trudgian, said the report “offers further evidence that a lack of Government action risks undermining their manifesto commitment of halving the employment gap experienced by disabled people.” http://home.bt.com/news/uk-news/new-approach-needed-to-help-disabled-people-into-work-11364066541986

SAVE THE DATE!!

Bromley Mencap’s AGM will take place on Wednesday 19th October 2016. More details to follow.

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Do you know?Find out about new services or changes that could have an impact on YOU

Advicenow Produce New PIP Appeals GuideThis guide is for everybody who thinks the DWP made the wrong decision about their application for Personal Independence Payments. You can download this and other useful guides through this link http://www.advicenow.org.uk/advicenow-guides Don’t forget you can call Bromley Mencap for welfare benefits advice on 020 8466 0790.

Free On-line Money Managing ModuleFunded by MoneySuperMarket, this free module for autistic adults is now available. The module offers information on managing your accounts, reasonable expenditure, debt management, and signposts to further information. The module uses videos, text, short quizzes, and interactive cash machines and password generators to mix it up! http://www.autism.org.uk/onlinemanagingmoney?utm_source=Enewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=June_Non-Members_Enews&utm_ontent=Online%20money%20managing%20button&dm_i=YA3,49SOW,FL3KPW,FM0HC,1

Free Training For Disabled People And Personal AssistantsGreenwich Association of Disabled People in partnership with Bromley Experts by Experience (X by X) have launched a new 7-month project funded by Skills for Care. This is aimed at building the skills and expertise of ‘Individual Employers’ and their Personal Assistants. http://www.xbyxbromley.com/2016/06/great-news-free-training-for-disabled-em-ployers-and-pas/

New Films To Help Patients With Learning DisabilitiesA new series of easy, clear-cut films co-produced by University College London Hospitals has been launched to help patients with learning disabilities. The films explain in a straightforward way what patients can expect when vis-

iting a range of departments, including out-patient clinics, pre-assessment and surgery, maternity, the emergency department and Cancer Centre. http://www.uclh.nhs.uk/News/Pages/new-films-for-learning-disabilities.aspx

Travel Tips For Children with SENHayley Goleniowska, who has a daughter with a learning disability, offers advice on planning a holiday abroad when your child has a learning disability http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/family-holidays/travel-tips-for-children-with-send/

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Upcoming Events

Astley Centre Assistive Technology Fair

The Fair, to be held on Friday 22nd July, 10am-2pm, at Astley Day Centre, 39 Magpie Hall Lane, Bromley, BR2 8ED, will provide an opportunity to meet a number of assistive technology providers and see their products. Inclusive, KAB, Liberator, Sensory Guru, Smartbox and Tobii Dynavox and others will be there to show their products and answer questions. There will be a workshop on the communication app ‘MyChoice’, and people at Astley will be showcasing some of the technology that they have been using. For more details telephone 020 8467 2732 or email mhope@certitude.org.uk

Summer FeteThe Friends of Astley Day Centre are holding a carnival themed Summer Fete on Saturday, 16th July 2016. There will be a

steel band, flamenco dancer, Spanish guitarist, stalls, food and lots more! Astley Day Centre, Magpie Hall Lane, Bromley BR2 8ED, 12-3pm. Entrance £1.

CASPA Summer FairYou are invited to CASPA’s autism friendly Charity Summer Fair on Saturday 16th July, 11am to 6pm, at Wilberforce Scout Centre, Downe Road, Keston, Kent BR2 6AD. The Fair will be opened by Darth Vader and there will be Zebadee Performing Arts, a chill-out sensory tent, face painting, a fire engine, dance performers, a BBQ, refreshments and lots more.

Training For Families Of People With Learning Disabilities And The LawThis event for families, by the Housing and Support Alliance, will be held in London, July 22nd 11am to 3.30pm, and will have a general focus on the legal duties imposed by the Care Act 2014. As well as looking at legal rights and obligations the session will focus on practical ways that decisions by public bodies can be challenged, including the judicial role. More details and to book a place here http://www.housingandsupport.org.uk/train-ingforfamiliesofpeoplewithlearningdisabili-tiesandthelaw?utm_source=sign-up.to&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=32163-148017-h&sa+monthly+newsletter

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EVENTS

ROUND-UP

EVENTS

ROUND-UP

Old Timers Still Have The Knack!

Thank you to Ann Kean and Paul Williams, both Trustees of Bromley Mencap, for running a stall at the Pratts Bottom Village Fair this year and raising much needed funds for the organisation. Special thanks also go to Keith Holdup, a villager, who worked so hard all day for us on the stall.

Trip to Kew

The Outdoor Activity Club had a blooming brilliant trip to Kew Gardens in June. The tree tops walk was a hit and the new exhibit, The Beehive, created a real buzz.

The Club would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Mac-Fall for his very generous recent financial donation, which will help to cover the costs of running the Club.

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EVENTS

ROUND-UP

EVENTS

ROUND-UP

The Jobmatch team would like to congratulate our candidate, Tim Charlton, for securing a permanent position as a Planning Advisor at the Environment Agency in London.

Tim has started in his new part-time role whilst completing a post graduate diploma in GIS. Tim’s longer term aim is to progress his career at the Environment Agency and to register for an MSc. Since Tim’s original work experience placement commenced at the Environment Agency, Jobmatch has worked closely with James Togher, South London Sustainable Places Team who says:

“We are all proud of the progress Tim has made since starting his one day a week placement in January 2015 and his journey to securing a permanent role. He has developed new skills and is working moreindependently and contributing towards our team goals. He is able to deal with

complex and challenging work situations at the same time as successfully completing his studies. The Environment Agency is committed to promoting diversity and focusing on people’s strengths and skills and being a flexible employer. Tim’s progression to permanent employment demonstrates this and we’ve all learnt new skills and benefitted from working with Tim and Jill from Jobmatch, Bromley Mencap. We all wish Tim well with his career and continued progression at the Environment Agency”.

From Jobmatch’s perspective, it has been a really good experience working with James and his colleagues and being involved in such a well managed Environment Agency initiative.

Well done Tim.

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TO OUR JOBMATCH CANDIDATE

Community Fundraising - Jane Barnes Our New Specialist PA Agency

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NEW

SERVICE

Bromley Mencap’s PA Agency provides fully trained Personal Assistants/Support Workers to support people with learning and/or physical disabilities. The service enables disabled people to get out and about in their local communities and access day opportunities.

We have a team of highly professional Personal Assistants, experienced insupporting people with disabilities, who have completed:

• Bromley Mencap’s comprehensive Induction Programme

• the Care Certificate - a CQC requirement for all PAs

• Enhanced DBS checks • and are covered by Bromley Mencap’s

Employee Insurance.

PAs are available to work:

• full-time• part-time• weekends• evenings• and during holiday

periods.

The cost is £13.50 per hour and will particularly appeal to those with Direct Payments. Families can also self-fund. There is a minimum booking time of 3 hours per session.

PAs can provide support:• to go to day opportunities• at day services • to access the local community• to assist with budgeting/shopping• to access leisure/learning

opportunities.

Bromley Mencap’s Domiciliary Care Agency is registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and will be subject to their high standards and inspections.

For more information or to discuss your requirements, please contact Caroline Stone by email at caroline.stone@bromleymencap.org or by telephone on 020 8466 0790.

A from a parent…

“May I take this opportunity to thank Bromley Mencap for the amazing support that has been provided during the process of transferring my daughter’s Statement to an Education Health and Care Plan. The quality of advice and reassurance from the Independent Support team has been excellent. Not only are they there to guide you through the minefield but offer a friendly voice/face which is so needed at times and when you feel out of your depth.” - Jane.

Bromley’s Independent Support service offers impartial and time limited support to parents of children as well as young people with SEN who are going through the statutory assessment and Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan process. To contact the service telephone 020 8466 0790 or email is@bromleymencap.org

SAVE THE D Obituaries

Christopher Roast Sadly Christopher passed away on 6th May aged 67. Christopher was a carer for his brother Tony. When Tony passed away last month, Christopher was left to live on his own for the very first time. We supported Christopher in this difficult time, arranging for carers, cleaners, gardeners and buddies.

Christopher was very popular and had lots of friends from his Mutual Carers support group and the cookery sessions that he attended every month. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew him.

Matthews BurnsWe are sad to report that Matthew Burns passed away suddenly on 7th June, aged 51. Matthew was a member of Bromley Mencap and had many friends in the area including those he knew from Astley Training Centre.

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Saturday Respite and Home Support ServiceThe Saturday Respite Project has been running for 6 years to provide short breaks for families who have an adult son or daughter with complex needs. The project enables parents/carers to have a quality break, while their son or daughter is enjoying a range of activities. Saturday Respite is based at Astley Day Centre, on alternate Saturdays. All attendees are supported by our highly experienced staff team. We have 15 places on the scheme, and participants are supported on either a 1:1 basis or 1 member of staff supporting 2 participants, depending on assessed support needs. A comprehensive support plan is completed with the family to ensure we have all the information, skills and resources in place to provide the appropriate support. We have staff trained in medication administration, emergency epilepsy medication administration and gastro feeds. We employ two facilitators each week one to deliver a session in the morning and then another for the afternoon. This enables our staff to support our participants to take part as fully as possible in the activities. Sessions include dance, art, sensory journey, cookery, keep fit, singing, sports, drama and visits from local animal and reptile charities. We also enjoy a meal out in the summer and at Christmas.

Home Support ServiceThis service provides a short break for families and offers six hours of support a month. A support worker can either stay at the family home, with the participant while their family goes out, or take the participant out to free up the family from their caring responsibilities for a short time. This service is registered with the Care Quality Commission and was rated ‘Good’ at the last announced inspection.

Staff employed on these schemes undertake a comprehensive induction programme including completion of the Care Certificate. They must complete a satisfactory DBS check and are fully insured by Bromley Mencap. All support staff have regular supervision sessions and take part in a continuous comprehensive training programme. For more information contact Caroline Stone - caroline.stone@bromleymencap.org. Please note: these services are funded by LBB as part of their adult respite service provision. All applications need to go to Care Management for their consideration.

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Community Fundraising Super Hero RunWe had yet another great day on Sunday 15 May at Regent’s Park with five runners taking part in the Super Hero run this year. Surprisingly the weather was bright and

sunny, so perfect for a jog round the park! There were lots of amazing outfits but we think that our Mrs Incredible

(aka Adjoa Djan-Krofa of Pishon Gold Solicitors) was the best dressed of the day. Our team raised a total of £753, so thank you to everyone that took part and to those who sponsored their efforts.

Pixel PelotonOnce again, Don Sperring has been busy and organised a fantastic bike ride to raise money for Bromley Mencap. The ride took place during Learning Disability Week on Thursday 23 June, and despite the storms and torrential rain all 38 cyclists set off pretty much on time! I was there to watch them return, rather wet and muddy, and ready for lunch at the Beckenham Cricket

Club. The event has raised £3,000 and we are extremely grateful to all the hard work put in by everyone involved. Thank you Don! Summer RaffleThe Summer Raffle was drawn on Thursday 23 June at the Beckenham Cricket Club by Don Sperring once the majority of the cyclists had returned. (There were still a few out on the route but they did return safely!) Congratulations to all the winners who have been contacted and prizes have been delivered. We have raised a record breaking £1,986.

Stamps, maps, metals etc.Thank you to all our supporters for donating stamp collections, used stamps, silver ornaments, precious metals, watches and much, much more. A fabulous train set from the mid 1930s raised £200 alone. All the items received can be recycled or sold and converted in to funds for our cause. This year we have raised an amazing £932 to date.

Quiz Night Date for your diaries – our Quiz night is booked for Saturday 8th October so please get your teams ready and tickets will be on sale nearer the date.

Local CollectionsWe are continuing to hold collections and events throughout the borough and are always looking for volunteers to help. If you can spare an hour or two then please contact Jane Barnes by email jane.barnes@bromleymencap.org

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15Jane Barnes, Corporate and Community Fundraiser

Email jane.barnes@bromleymencap.org Tel: 020 8466 0790

Twitter / FacebookAll our upcoming events will be on Twitter and/or Facebook so if you don’t follow us already then please do so. It is the easiest way to get up to date information and learn of ways you can help and give back to the services that we provide.

Community Fundraising Upcoming EventsA huge thank you to all the volunteers that continue to support us at our collections and events throughout the year. We are always looking for more help so please take a look at the events coming up and let me know when you are available.

Date Event & Location Help needed TimesFriday 15 July Tesco, Elmers End Collectors 10am – 12noon

12noon – 2pm2pm – 3pm

Saturday 16 July Astley Summer Fair Collectors 11.30 - 3pm

Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 July

Homebase, Catford Branch Collectors 10am – 12noon12noon – 2pm2pm – 4pm

Sunday 4 September Sainsburys, Bromley Collectors 10am – 12noon12noon – 2pm2pm – 4pm

Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September

Morrissons, Petts Wood Collectors 10am – 12noon12noon – 2pm2pm – 4pm

Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September

Homebase, Catford Branch Collectors 10am – 12noon12noon – 2pm2pm – 4pm

Saturday 8 October St George’s Church Hall, Bickley Road

Help with setting up and clearing up

6.30pm (7.30pm start)

Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 November

Homebase, Catford Branch Collectors 10am – 12noon12noon – 2pm2pm – 4pm

Wednesday 7 December Carol singing at Intu, Bromley

Collectors and singers 2pm – 4pm4pm – 6pm6pm -7pm

Thursday 15 December Carol singing at Intu, Bromley

Collectors and singers 11am – 1pm1pm – 3pm3pm – 5pm5pm - 7pm

Sunday 18 December Carol singing at Tesco, Orpington

Collectors and singers 10am – 12 noon12 noon – 2pm2pm – 4pm

Tuesday 20 December Sainsburys, Bromley Collectors 10am – 12noon12 noon – 2pm2pm – 4pm

Copy deadline for September/October 2016 is 1st September Editor: Luan Lanham, email: luanlanham@btinternet.comPublisher: Bromley Mencap, Rutland House, 44 Masons HillBromley Kent BR2 9JG TEL: 020 8466 0790

Copyright © Bromley Mencap Charity Number: 800685

The opinions expressed in Bromley Mencap Bulletin are thoseof the individual contributors and not necessarily those of Bromley Mencap. We reserve the right to edit articles before publication.