GIG Monthly Round-Up May 2016Welcome to the GIG’s April Monthly Round-Up Newsletter!

The Get Involved Group (GIG) is user-led group which aims to ensure disabled peoples’ voices are heard when services are planned and changed in

Brighton and Hove. We identify issues and help plan the solutions.

Next GIG meeting: Wednesday 18 May 2016 2pm – 5pm

Topic: Looking After Yourself

Venue: Friend’s Meeting House, Ship Street, BN1 1AF

Directions: A map is available here: http://bit.ly/1WWxMAR

The next GIG meeting will be a consultation on the topic of ‘Looking After Yourself’.  Come along and share experiences on how disabled people self-manage their conditions, with lots of information and signposting to local services that can support you.  It will be fun, interactive and open to all.  

We will have a guest speaker from Expert Patients Programme – a free self-management course for adults living with long term conditions, and “Know Your Neighbour” a project that encourages neighbourliness in Brighton and Hove.

A survey will also be available soon to feed in to the consultation.

Please confirm attendance and any access or dietary issues with Lilly on 01273 20 89 34 or at lilly.storey@thefedonline.org.uk. Please feel free to bring a friend or carer along too. 

Everyone is welcome!

Skype at our meetingsAs an access requirement, if you cannot attend a GIG meeting for reasons of ill health or being unable to leave your home setting, you can now have a virtual presence at our meetings by attending via Skype.

You would be on a laptop with a webcam which can be positioned to see presentations and other GIG members. We have issued some user guidelines which you can find here: http://getinvolvedgroup.wordpress.com/2014/10/31/skype-at-gig-meetings/

GIG News Feedback from the Open Space Meeting

A huge thank you to everyone who came to our last Open Space Meeting. This meeting was a free platform to bring any topics of interest and disability issues that concern people to the table, leaving it open for discussion within the group. Key themes that people identified for future include:

Welfare Reform – more information on benefits, the changes that are happening, sources of support.

Fed Services – keeping up to date with new services and project.

Social Services/Access Point – how do they work and what is on offer?

On the theme of communication - people seemed keen to have an online forum or chat room, via e-mail, so that they could communicate with one another outside of the group.

Watch this space for further developments!

GIG Communications Survey

The GIG wants to make sure we’re reaching people in a way that works for them. With this in mind we’ve designed a survey which you will all receive. Do fill it in and tell us your views! Please fill in the short survey here - https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/GRXDF96 or if you need it in an alternative format, please contact the office on 01273 20 89 34 or at lilly.storey@thefedonline.org.uk

Access to the Streets Campaign Update!

As some of you may be aware the GIG team has been busy following up issues that came up at a meeting we had last summer on accessibility to the streets – the limitations disabled people faced in getting out and about in their local communities due to issues such as uneven pavements, bins, disabled parking and street furniture used by shops and businesses.

GIG Go-To-Person for this topic Paul Borthwick, and Abbie Mead Trainee Project Development Worker, went for a walkabout through the busy shopping area of George Street in Hove. They were joined by David Fisher, Highways Enforcement Manager from Brighton and Hove Council and a member of his team. It was a real eye-opener as Paul manoeuvred his wheelchair past obstacles such as A boards and bollards. David explained that in key busy shopping areas of Brighton and Hove his team issues licenses and enforces guidelines on the positioning of street furniture and shop advertisements. Outside of these areas they rely on members of the public to let them know if they are facing particular challenges. The team’s enforcement remit also includes overhanging branches, and scaffolding.

David says he receives very few complaints from members of the public and would encourage all you GIG members facing problems to contact the council and report your concerns. A quick way to do this is to call 01273 29 29 29

The GIG team have produced an information leaflet as it seems very few disabled people are aware of how they can make their voice heard on this issue.

We are really keen to help support any disabled person or their carers through this process so do let us know how you get on!

*** STOP PRESS***

The Council’s Budget for dropped kerbs has been re-instated! A major issue that came up in our consultation, particularly for wheelchair users, is the lack of dropped kerbs. This seems to be a major obstacle to people getting out and navigating through the streets safely. Progress has been blocked by the fact that the Highways Department had its budget cut, but this has now changed so if you are finding this a problem now is the time to act!

You can complete the pavement and repairs form online here http://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/content/parking-and-travel/roads-and-highways/pavement-and-road-repairs

or contact the Customer Centre on (01273) 29 29 29.

You will need to provide:

The location including street name and area of the city e.g. Portslade, Brighton

Any nearby house number, shop, junction or other identifiable landmark

A description of the problem including size and depth

Whereabouts in the road or pavement e.g. by kerb, in middle of carriageway

Your contact details in case we need to ask you for more information

The GIG has Recorded its Fourth Radio Show – Access to the StreetsThe latest topic of the GIGs radio broadcast will also be Access to the Streets. We had Guest Speakers Clare Moonan, Elected Councillor for Central Hove, Dave Horwood a visually impaired GIG member, and Gavin Stewart – from Brighton Business Improvement District and Brighton Economic Partnership. To listen to the show go to www.radiofreebrighton.org.uk scroll down and click on our show!

GIG member transport feedbackDebbie Mika, GIG member, rang our office as she wanted GIG members to know about accessibility of local bus services. The bus stop outside Debbie’s house was temporarily out of action and the bus company funded her to take a taxi from the next nearest stop to her front door. Thanks for the top tip Debbie!

Also a reminder about Brighton and Hove buses yellow card scheme. These cards can be presented to the driver upon boarding, and enable passengers to communicate quickly and directly their need for extra assistance without having to explain every time you get on. These could include “please wait until I’m seated” or “lower the ramp and step”

The cards are free and can also include your own personal message that meets your individual needs.

To apply ring 01273 886200 or go to:

1 Stop Travel, 26 North Street, Brighton BN1 1EB

Feedback from GIG Involvement with Hospital Signage ConsultationA GIG volunteer was part of a walkabout that looked at signs within Royal Sussex County Hospital, and how helpful they were for people to find their way around. It seemed that many were confusing and unclear!

Following on from that feedback the hospital has made significant changes. They include:

All buildings have been colour coded to be in line with maps that are provided of the site

Confusing signage has been removed New signs have been designed and are being installed in a phased manner – the

A&E and critical care area is almost complete Site maps will be installed that have an indication as to where you are on this New lift signs are about to be installed.

“Pathfinding” volunteers who stand at strategic places around the building, at busy times, to direct people, have been trialled and were a success, so the voluntary services will work to recruit some more volunteers. The hospital is also looking at the appointment letters for patients, so that it is clear where they need to go. So much positive change!

The Fed’s Right Track Event was a Great Success!

“Right Track” is a project that aims to encourage self-management for those living with Muscular-Skeletal conditions – such as back, hip, or shoulder pain, osteoporosis or arthritis. Around 10 million adults in the UK live with such conditions. Right Track held an Open Day on Tuesday 12 April at the Dorset Gardens Methodist Church that aimed to provide information, advice, and taster sessions on how people can best manage daily life with their condition. There were stalls from organisations such as National Osteoporosis Society, befriending schemes, taster sessions on Tai Chi and Mindfulness and round table discussion. 57 patients and carers attended and 46 professionals. A fantastic event that had great feedback from attendees.

If you are interested in the work of Right Track then contact Hayley, Myrtle or Donna on 01273 20 89 34 or e-mail right-track@thefedonline.org.uk

………………………………………………..

Other NewsHelp improve health services through research studies! Would you like to give your voice in to the development of new health research studies being developed by clinicians and academics in Sussex? You will have the opportunity to meet like-minded people and discuss with clinicians and academics their new research ideas on a range of topics in a friendly atmosphere.

Some of the work may be in a group setting, while at other times your comments on written documents could be completed at home. You do not have to be an expert in research as training will be provided.

If you would like to learn more about how your personal experiences can help influence the development of new research studies in Sussex and how they are undertaken among patients in the South East then please get in touch.

There are opportunities for members of the public to be involved in developing new health research projects locally with the Research Design Service (RDS) based at the University of Brighton: Contact: a.bettison@brighton.ac.uk And also the Jaffa panel based at the Royal Sussex County Hospital: Contact: bsuhlaypanel@gmail.com Volunteers are reimbursed for their time and travel (if appropriate.)

Check out The Get Involved Group’s blog at www.getinvolvedgroup.wordpress.com

for more info and events in Brighton and Hove!

Sing for Better Health GroupsA great chance to make friends, have fun, and improve your health!

Sing for Better Health run a range of groups that aim to improve health and wellbeing, using a combination of relaxation/ stretching/breathing exercises, and singing songs together. The organisers want to support people with long-term health problems cope better with daily life, help to prevent illnesses, physical/ mental deterioration and resulting social isolation. There is medical and anecdotal evidence which points to the profound impact singing can have on health and wellbeing.

Five of the weekly singing groups are for older people, and those with long-term health problems (e.g. breathing difficulties, Parkinson’s, Depression, Alzheimer’s, MS, Stroke, Heart conditions, Cancer, mental health problems etc.) There is also weekly group for those with mental health issues.

Mondays 

1.45 pm to 3.15 pmPatching Lodge, Eastern Rd, Brighton (next to Bingo Hall, corner of Freshfield Road)Bus routes 1, 2, 7 and others. On-street parking in Freshfield Road/ Place

Tuesdays 10.30 am to 11.15 amSalvation Army building, Leybourne Rd, Bevendean, Brighton

1 pm to 2.30 pmSt. Richards, Egmont Road, Hangleton

Wednesdays 11 am to 12.30 pmMental Health group18 Preston Park Avenuecontact T.01273 565049 

Fridays11.30 am to 1 pmElizabeth Court, 65 Wilbury Rd, Hove (corner of Cromwell Road).Bus route 7 and close to Hove train station

Saturdays12 noon - 1.30 pmBrighton Health & Wellbeing Centre,18-19 Western Road, centre of town(corner of Upper Market Street) 

All groups meet weekly and all venues have disabled access.

For more info contact: Call Udita Everett on 01273 556755 / 07969 129992 or go to www.uditamusic.co.uk

Brighton Fringe – Accessible Events in May

The May festival in Brighton is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary this year! In our last round-up we included accessible events in the main festival, this edition we will focus on the Fringe.

For those of you who aren’t aware Brighton Fringe is an open-access arts festival, meaning anyone can register a show and perform during the festival. The Fringe organisers actively encourage venues and performers to offer shows accessible to disabled people. On their website www.brightonfringe.org , and in their programme, accessibility options for each show are clearly displayed including wheelchair access, audio description, captioned performance and touch tours.

The following performances are a taster of some of the events that take place at some of the Fringe’s most accessible venues: with full wheelchair access and hearing loop.

To book any of the events below, contact the Box Office at https://www.brightonfringe.org/contact-us, call on 01273 91 72 72, or email boxoffice@brightonfringe.org

Brighton Fringe Fireworks Launch

WHERE: The Warren, St Peter’s Church North, York Place, Brighton BN1 4GU

WHEN: 6 May 21:00 Free, ticketed [1hr]

Join us at St Peter’s Church for a fireworks spectacular to start Brighton Fringe 2016 with a bang.

This event is free but space in our viewing area is limited, so advance booking is essential

Krater Comedy ClubWHERE: Komedia Main Space 44-47 Gardner Street, Brighton BN1 1UN

WHEN: Many dates across May and June, please contact the Box Office for more information on 0845 293 8480 or visit http://www.komedia.co.uk/brighton/

COST: £9 - £24 depending on the date and time.

Award-winning comedy with top international and UK comedians. Please advise box office of any access requirements.

Cabaret & Circus: Come Fly With Me... WHERE: Brighton Spiegeltent Old Steine Pleasure Gardens, Brighton BN1 1GY

WHEN & COST: 22 May, 9pm 21:00 - £10 / £8

Les Femmes Circus host a one-off fabulous flying circus with their guests from our Spiegeltent family, with turns and twirls. Head First Acrobats from Australia, Circo Pitanga from Switzerland, Kitty Peels from Brighton and who knows what else...

Wake: Origins TheatreWHERE: Purple Playhouse, 36 Montefiore Road, Hove BN3 1UN

COST: £7 / £6. Dates are below:

- 7 May, 4pm & 6.30pm- 14 May 4pm & 6.30pm- 4 June, 4pm & 6.30pm

Origins Theatre makes its debut at Brighton Fringe 2016 with its fast-moving, funny and thought provoking production of ‘Wake’. Performed to great reviews and feedback at its premiere, ‘Wake’ explores the ambiguity of the word through the story of Mel, who is struggling to find her direction after the death of her father. ‘Wake’ shifts from church, to cruise ship, to cinema, to living room, in less than an hour.Which way will Mel go as she seeks to rebuild her life?

Prime Time: Activities for men 50+ in Brighton &Hove

Prime Time is a volunteer led network of men’s groups supported by LifeLines, a Brighton based project run by Volunteer matters, the UK volunteering charity.

The aim is to create a local network of groups covering a diverse range of interests that is exclusively for men over the age of 50.

You can join as an activity participant or as a facilitator. The activities take place in small groups (usually up to 10 members). Groups already active include: a cookery group (called Old Spice!), a walking group, an arts group, a men's social group and soon a walking football group.

To join the group press the link http://www.meetup.com/PrimeTimeBrighton/ and you will be asked 5 basic questions. If you would rather speak to someone please call 0300 303 2015

Upcoming meetups:

Walk and Talk - Preston Park - Monday 9 May 2016, 10:30am.

PrimeTime ARTS - Philosophy! – Wednesday 11 May 2016, 10am

Get Online for Work with J2E!

Journey 2 Employment (J2E) helps people with long term health or mental health conditions, and disabled people, to find work.

All you need is an active ESA or JSA, and a willingness to take a chance on them.

They can help you to:

build your confidence to use a computer set up an email account for yourself set up a Dropbox account so you can share things like documents or photos learn how to share materials easily look for work online add yourself to mailing lists stay safe online and protect your details upload and download files

Courses are at The Jubilee Library, Brighton, BN1 1GE. Courses are on Monday and Wednesday afternoons and the next course starts on 23 May. If you would like to find out more about the courses, or about J2E in general, please contact the J2E team on 01273 20 89 34 or 07795 90 49 27. You can also email them at j2e@thefedonline.org.uk

Do you have hearing loss or want to learn more?WHEN: Thursday 5 May, 11am – 3pm

WHERE: Stop D Churchill Square

Across the UK 11 million people have a hearing loss- that’s one in six of us. By 2035 there will be 15.6 million- that’s one in five of us.

Action on Hearing Loss and Brighton & Hove Buses invite you to visit a special bus to celebrate Deaf Awareness Week on May 5 between 11am until 3pm at Stop D Churchill Square.

Councillor Pete West, The Deputy Mayor, is opening the event at 11am.

There is a hearing loop on board. Inside the bus will be:

Free Hearing Checks Information and Advice on Hearing Loss Launch of new lip reading and hearing support drop in classes. ‘Sign Language’ taster sessions Hearing Aid Maintenance demonstrations Information on accessible bus travel and the “Helping Hand” card scheme.

Multi-cultural Group Brighton and Hove invite you to attend:

United Nations Cultural Day of Diversity for Dialogue and Development

When: Thursday 19 May 2016, 11 am - 4 pm Where: Open Market, Marshalls Row, Brighton, BN1 4JU

A Celebration of cultural activities from across the world with a programme of events that includes exhibitions, film, literature, arts, life drawing, stories, debate, networking, song, music & dance. The aim is to raise awareness of the diversity of culture, and increase faith & community dialogue within Brighton & Hove

Know My Neighbour - Encouraging neighbourliness for a better connected Brighton and Hove

Our lives are often so busy many of us don’t know the people living closest to us. Getting to know our neighbours helps create a sense of belonging, strengthens connections and ensures everyone is involved in the buzz of local community. Know My Neighbour is a simple initiative to encourage neighbourliness through sharing creative ideas of friendly activities get know those that live closest to us. 

Together we can reduce social isolation in our city – what small part can you play?

We think Know My Neighbour could be the beginning of something big (imagine a city where everybody knew and looked out for their neighbour!) We’d love to hear about your neighbours, what you’ve done to get to know them and neighbourly activities that occur. Leave a message on the website at https://knowmyneighbour.org/, email Kate at hello@knowmyneighbour.org or call 01273 69 47 46.