Archived News
State of Caring 2023 survey
20th June 2023
The State of Caring survey is the UK’s most comprehensive regular research into the lives and experience of unpaid carers. The Carers UK annual State of Caring survey is the UK’s most comprehensive research into the lives and experience of unpaid carers. Last year a record 13,000 carers took part in the survey – the highest number of responses to date.
With a General Election in Westminster on the horizon, knowing the issues carers face in 2023 couldn’t come at a more important time.
Last year we used carers’ responses to:
- Win landmark new rights for two million employees to take up to five days’ unpaid Carer’s Leave.
- Seek improvements to carers’ benefits through our newly established Carer Poverty Coalition
- Press for carers to be included in cost of living payments, with vital evidence of carers’ financial struggles
- Show the impact of the backlog in the NHS and make sure carers are not forgotten in NHS and care reforms
The survey will close on 3 August and the results will be shared later in the year.
Please complete or forward the information to unpaid carers you know: State of Caring survey | Carers UK
Easy Read - Inclusion North News - 09.06.23
13th June 2023
Please click here for the Inclusion North News - 09.06.23
Includes:
- Protect yourself from Pollen Bombs
- Check the pollen forecast
- Take medicines
- Keep clean
- Wellbeing
- Jobs at Inclusion North
Easy Read - Voting information for 4th May
03rd May 2023
Support people to vote in 2023 local elections
Local elections will take place in many areas on Thursday 4th May. Voters in England will now need to show voter ID at polling stations before they can vote. This requirement will apply to local elections, police and crime commissioner elections, UK parliamentary by-elections, recall petitions and the general election in October.
The Electoral Commission have created resources for charities and organisations working with those who are likely to need support with the new voter ID requirement.
www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/partner-charity-or-local-council/voter-id-resources
Mayor of Darlington - Queen Tribute Night - Saturday 18th February 2023
08th February 2023
The Mayor of Darlington, Ann Marie Curry is holding a Queen Tribute night with the very talented Queen II Tribute Band to raise funds for he chosen charities.
The Charities this year are Family Help Darlington and Darlington Association on Disability.
The event will take place at: Harrowgate Hill Club, Darlington
On: Saturday 18th February 2023
At: 7.00pm
Tickets cost: £10 (exc booking fee)
To book: Buy Tickets
Harrowgate Hill Club website: http://harrowgateclub.com/
Cost of Living Information and Advice
22nd December 2022
Are you struggling with the cost of living crisis?
DAD have put together some useful information and advice.
For some useful links to other support:
Local Support:
Come and see us at the Darlington Job Fair
28th September 2022
Darlington Jobs Fair 2022 - Bigger and better than ever with over 60 local employers with active job vacancies across all sectors.
Are you looking for a new career?
The Darlington Jobs Fair is back this year bigger and busier than ever, come and meet your next employer or even chat with your first employer, there are opportunities for all levels of experience and education backgrounds from over 60 employers. Speak to employers face-to-face and discover opportunities in sectors you didn’t even know existed
Lots of employers waiting to meet you
Over 60 different employers including Darlington Association on Disability, Aldi, Durham Police, Cummins, Arriva, EE, Premier Inn, Domestic and General, Student Loans Company, Darlington Economic Campus including The Treasury and the Department of International Trade, Premier Inn, Teesside Airport, Cder Group, and more
Wide Variety of Roles
Social Care, Finance, management, care, engineering, trainee bus driver, IT, administration, HR, forensics, communications/media, vehicle mechanic, research roles, personal trainer, sports therapist, software developers, paddle board instructors, warehouse, commis chefs and more
The Venue
The Sports Hall in The Dolphin Centre Darlington is in the centre of Darlington near to the market and within in walking distance from the buses and train station, it also has disabled access. Feethams multi-storey car park is a few minutes’ walk away and the first two hours are FREE to park
The event is FREE to attend and a great opportunity to speak directly to your chosen organisation
Launch of a new Darlington Learning Impairment Network in Darlington
16th August 2022
The network will include people with learning impairments and autism, carers and representatives from a range of organisations and agencies.
The first meeting will look at what the current issues are and start to look at what we can do together as a network in the future to improve the lives of people with a learning impairment.
If you would like more information please contact us by mail@darlingtondisability.org or telephoning 01325 489999 and we will send you a meeting pack.
Carers Week: 6th - 12th
09th June 2022
Carer breaks are funded by Darlington Borough Council to enable the person you support to attend the activities at The Hub, free of charge, for 10 sessions. This can include social activities, learning a new skill such as cooking, joining a keep fit or healthy eating class, developing independence or 1 to 1 support. The sessions are flexible to meet people’s needs.
Short breaks are also available at The Hub for young people to attend either during the day or a Thursday after school session called Mentoring for Independence (link) where young disabled people can join in fun activities and develop independent living skills including cooking, managing money, travel training and personal care. Some of these sessions may be funded by Darlington Borough Council for parents and young disabled people who have had an assessment by Social Care. See here for more information: https://www.darlington.gov.uk/education-and-learning/darlington-special-educational-needs-service/
International Day for Disabled People– Fighting for rights in the post Covid era
02nd December 2021
Friday 3rd December is International Day for Disabled People and as DAD marks 35 years of supporting disabled people and carers we celebrate the work of our many projects that continue to uphold people’s rights as individuals as well as challenging Disability Discrimination and supporting disability rights.
From our Advocates supporting people in Darlington and across the Tees Valley to make sure individuals voice is heard and their rights upheld,
our Direct Payments team supporting people to receive the support they need in the way they want it,
our Children and Young People’s service making sure children and young people have the right to play,
the Independent Living Hub giving people independence and choice about the things they do
to our Self Advocacy groups including Young Leaders and People’s Parliament making sure disabled people have a voice on the issues that effect them and can influence change,
DAD will continue to fight for disabled people’s rights.
COVID-19 communications update
01st December 2021
The Prime Minister has announced new rules to help us all protect ourselves and others from a new variant of COVID-19 called Omicron.
The Omicron variant has extensive mutations from previous versions of the virus so we need to take urgent measures to protect ourselves from it.
UK scientists are working hard to find out more about the new variant. In the meantime, we must all follow new guidelines to help slow its spread:
Face coverings
New COVID-19 rules on wearing face coverings in England will go ahead from 30 November.
Face coverings must be worn in shops and other similar businesses such as banks, post offices and personal care venues like hairdressers, as well as on public transport. This is enforceable by law and people face fines if they do not follow the rules.
People with certain medical conditions are exempt.
Travel
The Government is also bringing in measures to prevent new cases from abroad.
All travellers arriving into the country from 4am on Tuesday 30 November will be required to take a PCR test on day 2 and self isolate until they have received a negative test result. These PCR tests can be purchased from private providers.
A number of countries have been added to the red list. UK residents arriving from these countries must isolate in a government-approved facility for 10 days. During their stay, they will be required to take a coronavirus test on day 2 and day 8.
Isolation rules
If you come into contact with someone who tests positive with a suspected case of Omicron you will also have to self-isolate for ten days, even if fully vaccinated.
The new measures on our borders, self-isolation and face coverings will be reviewed in three weeks.
Vaccines
We have good reasons for believing booster vaccines will provide some protection from the new variant so it is important that everyone who is eligible for vaccines or a booster jab get them as soon as possible.
You can book online and join the 17 million people who have already had a booster or third jab.
By practising key safer behaviours and actions, we can continue to protect ourselves and others and help reduce the virus spreading.
Please encourage people in your community to follow these behaviours and actions that include: Wash your hands regularly; Test regularly; Stay at home when you feel unwell; Download and use the COVID-19 NHS App.
Ensuring these protections are a part of our everyday behaviours will control transmission of the virus.
The details of the Prime Minister’s announcement are online. There is also a version of his announcement on YouTube with BSL. Please share these links with your networks.
Free Training for direct payment employers funded by Skills for Care
29th November 2021
DAD have successfully gained some funding from Skills for Care, and we are looking to hold sessions over Microsoft Teams for direct payment employers. These sessions will be delivered by employment experts. They aim to help new and experienced employers learn and gain more knowledge about how to be a good employer and meet employer responsibilities.
The first two sessions will focus on different levels of employer experience. The dates of the sessions will be:
Tuesday 7th December starting at 13:30. This is for new employers.
Friday 10th December starting at 10:30. This is for more experienced employers.
Following on from these meetings there will be a smaller group meeting which will be more personalised. The dates of the sessions will be:
Tuesday 18th January starting at 13:30. This will be aimed at new employers.
Wednesday 21st January starting at 10:30. This will be aimed at experienced employers.
All sessions will be recorded and then made available for anyone who couldn’t make it to the meetings. There will also be a learning book available for those who would like it.
Please call us on 01325 360524 or email us at tom.nolan@darlingtondisability.org if you wish to attend.
Carers Rights Day - 25th November 2021
25th November 2021
Whether you are a new carer or have been caring for someone for a while, we believe that it’s important that you understand your rights and are able to access the support that is available to you as soon as you need it. Many people are taking on more caring responsibilities for their relatives and friends who are disabled, ill or older and who need support. Each year, Carers Rights Day helps us:
- ensure carers are aware of their rights
- let carers know where to get help and support
- raise awareness of the needs of carers.
This year's Carers Rights Day campaign will focus on raising awareness of the rights that unpaid carers have. The pandemic has had a massive impact on the lives of carers, affecting access to services, the ability to juggle work and care and much more. That's why it’s more important than ever that carers are aware of what they have the right to.
Why being aware of your rights is so important
In a recent survey of nearly 6,000 carers, we found:
- Four in five unpaid carers are providing more care for relatives
- 78% reported that the needs of the person they care for have increased during the pandemic
- Two thirds (67%) worried about how they will cope through further lockdowns or local restrictions.
Carers need to know their rights wherever they are in their caring journey: whether they are in the workplace, in a healthcare setting, when interacting with professionals or at home. This Carers Rights Day, we want to empower carers with information and support, so they can feel confident asking for what they need. We also want carers to know how to challenge things when their rights are not being met.
Carers Rights Day 2021 is supported by Barclays LifeSkills
UN Convention on the Right’s of the Child (UNCRC) Awareness survey
25th November 2021
The Department for Education has launched a survey on Children’s Rights Awareness, aimed at children and young people aged 8-18.
This survey is a qualitative look at children and young people’s perspectives on their rights, and is part of a wider-scale project which aims to engage with children to allow them to participate in the conversation around the UN Children’s Rights Convention on the Child.
https://dferesearch.fra1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2rDPDZNw7NJ8qiy
16 days of action 2021
15th November 2021
Learning Events
The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that commences on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day.
During the 16 days of Action, specialist providers would like to invite you to participate in a series of online learning events which are aimed at increasing professional understanding of domestic abuse, sexual violence, honour based violence & sexual exploitation.
Tuesday 23 November: 1:30 – 2:30 (in advance of the 16 days programme) Halo Project and IDAS
Insight into honour based abuse (HBA) and coercive control experienced by black and minoritised victims and survivors. Enhance safeguarding knowledge through specialist guidance and survivor stories
Zoom virtual event: https://courses.idas.org.uk/training-event/live-online-hear-our-story-halo-x-idas/
Thursday 25 November: Family Help
For everyone. Visit Family Help’s White Ribbon stall at the indoor market
Just turn up to show support by signing the pledge to end violence against women and girls.
Thursday 25 November: 10:00am – 2:00pm The Soroptimists
For everyone. Visit the Soroptimists Orange the World stalls at The Dolphin Centre and the Cornmill shopping centre
Just turn up and show support for the orange the world campaign “Orange the world: End violence against women now!”
Friday 26 November: 2:00 – 3:00pm Dr Jane Monckton Smith - Homicide Coercive Control and Stalking
Virtual Session. Places are limited. Register your interest via email to: Claire_Moore@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Friday 26 November: 9.30 – 11.00am Durham Safeguarding Adults - For professionals only.
Safeguarding adults from domestic abuse. The aim of this session is to focus on domestic abuse in the context of adults with needs to care and support, and includes: Definitions, The Legal Framework, Patterns of Coercion and Control and Warning Signs, Highlights Some Approaches and Toolkits to Support Good Practice.
Register using the following link: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=BIQER23xIUuKVYrF1-chluiTqbgrxopCvCqNvprjOyZUQkgyWVJHRVVaUVZUSVNRUFdGRDFTTUhaUy4u
Friday 26 November: 1.30 – 3.00pm Hour Glass - Elder abuse
For professionals only. This briefing is to raise awareness on Elder Abuse. Hourglass is a UK based Charity focusing on the abuse and exploitation of Older People in the UK. The session will enable you to look for signs and indicators of elder abuse, how to support someone who is experiencing elder abuse and the support Hourglass can offer
Virtual session via Zoom. Register using the following link: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=BIQER23xIUuKVYrF1-chluiTqbgrxopCvCqNvprjOyZUQkgyWVJHRVVaUVZUSVNRUFdGRDFTTUhaUy4u
Monday 29 November: Darlington Borough Council’s Housing Options
For everyone. Housing options in Darlington - The Housing Options Team discuss their approach to supporting survivors of domestic abuse. The team discuss what support is available and how they work with a number of different agencies.
Virtual session: Access the link to the pre-recorded event on the Darlington Borough Council webpage: https://www.darlington.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/domestic-abuse/16-days-of-action/
Monday 29 November: Family Help refuge
For everyone. Family Help refuge. Virtual session. Access the link to the pre-recorded event on the Darlington Borough Council webpage:
https://www.darlington.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/domestic-abuse/16-days-of-action/
Tuesday 30 November: Dr Wendy Shepherd “ Silence is not an Option “- sexual abuse and violence
For professionals and Voluntary and community organisations only. Seen, Heard, Believe Project. Virtual session via Microsoft teams
To register interest and receive log in details please Contact: claire_moore@middlesbrough.gov.uk
Tuesday 30 November: 11am -12.30pm Homes For Cathy
Open to all professionals. Women, homelessness & violence: How can the housing sector improve its response?
Free workshop. Register Interest via link: Women, homelessness & violence: How can the housing sector improve its response? | Homes for Cathy
Wednesday 1 December: 11.00 – 12.00pm Harbour - Impact of domestic abuse on children
For professionals only. Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86282196589?pwd=OWZxS3JyWFNHTVduRHp2VUhhc29kQT09
Meeting ID: 862 8219 6589 Passcode: 679684
Wednesday 1 December: 11.00am – 12.00pm Darlington Borough Council Community Safety Team, Andrew Allison
For everyone. Meeting : To explore actions being taken in Darlington to address violence and intimidation against women and girls, To explain the partnership approach adopted in Darlington, To highlight the benefits of the Purple Flag scheme, To inform delegates of the various work strands linked to the ‘Safer Streets’ schemes Teams session
Thursday 2 December: 10:00 – 11:00am We are with You - Substance misuse and domestic abuse
For professionals only (Darlington and Redcar & Cleveland service but available to all areas). The correlation between substance misuse and domestic abuse; Services that are available and the work that WAWY does; and How professionals can work collaboratively to support individuals with complex needs who experience domestic abuse.
Google meet. Email We are with You to book your place vicki.bignall@wearewithyou.org.uk
Friday 3 December: 10:00 – 11:30am Hour Glass - Introduction to Elder Abuse
For everyone. This briefing is to raise awareness on Elder Abuse. Hourglass is a UK based Charity focusing on the abuse and exploitation of Older People in the UK. The session will enable you to look for signs and indicators of elder abuse, how to support someone who is experiencing elder abuse and the support Hourglass can offer. Virtual Session Contact Hourglass via email to book a space: timbuttle@wearehourglass.org
Monday 6 December: 11.00 – 12.00pm Harbour - Why do we need to work with perpetrators?
For professionals only. Zoom meeting
Join zoom meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89295034462?pwd=UHluM2c1ZVA2UkFPT2Y2czY2cXFrQT09
Meeting ID: 892 9503 4462 Passcode: 644406
Monday 6 December: 1.00 – 2.30pm PRIDE - LGBTQ+
For professionals only. This briefing is to focus on LGBTQ+ and domestic Abuse, covering the Myths, Challenges and to provide an overview of the work that PRIDE do to support.
Virtual session Register using the following link: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=BIQER23xIUuKVYrF1-chluiTqbgrxopCvCqNvprjOyZUQkgyWVJHRVVaUVZUSVNRUFdGRDFTTUhaUy4u
Tuesday 7 December 10:00am ARCH
For professionals only. Disclosures and Support. Virtual Session
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82005814865?pwd=YjVqOEROQjRNRjFib2IvQTF2LzQyQT09
Meeting ID: 820 0581 4865 Passcode: 317928
Wednesday 8 December 9.30 – 11.30am Simon Finch - Cyber stalking and domestic abuse
For professionals only. The aim of the session to increase participants awareness of cyber stalking. The session will be facilitated by Simon Finch who will cover: An Overview of cyber and digitally assisted, stalking and legislation, The challenges and benefits of relationships in the digital age, How technology and social media are used to stalk and harass, Key strategies and actions to identify and remove surveillance apps and technology, Sources of help and support.
Register using the following link: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=BIQER23xIUuKVYrF1-chluiTqbgrxopCvCqNvprjOyZUQkgyWVJHRVVaUVZUSVNRUFdGRDFTTUhaUy4u
Thursday 9 December 2.00 – 4.00pm Darlington Borough Council Safeguarding Training - Domestic Abuse Awareness (level 3)
For Darlington Safeguarding Partnership members. For practitioners who have responsibility for undertaking child and adult protection enquiries and who work with complex cases. For those who hold professional or organisational authority and a substantial degree of personal responsibility and autonomy to act on child and adult welfare concerns. Full safeguarding training directory can be found at: virtual-2021-training-programme-2nd-edition-01-06-21-31-12-21.pdf (darlington-safeguarding-partnership.co.uk)
To book a place please contact: DSP.Training@darlington.gov.uk or 01325 406452
Thursday 9 December: ARCH - Supporting parents and caregivers of children who experience child sexual exploitation
For everyone. Virtual session. Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87387437451?pwd=SFpYeWVINDRyNXhiN2F5NFp1MlhCQT09
Meeting ID: 873 8743 7451 Passcode: 211331
Thursday 9 December: 10:00am – 3:00pm Darlington Borough Council and Harbour support services - Awareness raising stall at the Dolphin Centre
For everyone. In person at the Dolphin Centre. Darlington Borough Council and Harbour support services will have a stall set up in the Dolphin Centre reception area.
Friday 10 December: 11:00am My Sisters Place - IRIS training
Professional Only. GPs Improving identification and Response to Domestic Abuse. Virtual Session
Join Zoom Meeting. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81637582699?pwd=S1NoVlduWWhSRTljR3AzQWYyZVVGUT09
Meeting ID: 816 3758 2699 Passcode: 718874
Friday 10 December: 3:00 – 4:30pm Arcus and Darlington Unity Group - LGBTQ+ seminar
For everyone. Zoom session. Contact Arcus to book your place: contact@arcuslgbt.com
Council for Disabled Children / NHS England Survey - Annual Health Checks
15th November 2021
Council for Disabled Children are working with NHS England to gather the views of young people with learning disabilities around annual health checks. The survey is now live so please do share the link below with young people who would like to be involved and share their thoughts.
A great opportunity for young people to have their say.
https://iassn.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/annual-health-checks-background
#ItsWhatWeDo
25th October 2021
From 24th October 2021, and for the next 12 months, Co-op Members will be able to support Darlington Association on Disability - Young Leaders as part of the
Co-op Local Community Fund.
For every £1 Co-op members spend on selected Co-op branded products and services, 2p will go into their membership account.
The same amount will support community organisations and local causes including DAD’s Young Leaders.
To collect rewards and contribute to a cause, Co-op members must swipe or scan their membership card when they shop.
Please ask in store if you would like to become a Co-op member or visit https://www.coop.co.uk/membership
DAD’s Young Leaders are linked to the following Co-op stores and services;
- Co-op – Mowden store
- Co-op West Park Store
- Co-op West Auckland Road Store
- Co-op Cockerton Store
- Co-op Funeral Care Darlington
Even though we are linked to local Co-op outlets, money raised through Co-op Membership can be generated anywhere in the UK, as long as a Member is buying selected products or services from the Co-op Group, please select Darlington Association on Disability – Young Leaders when selecting a cause to support.
How Can Community Power Create a Brighter Social Care Future?
25th October 2021
National debates about social care are dominated by funding. But we can’t stop there.
Today, paternalistic or transactional mindsets still dominate how we think about social care. It’s essential that any new national settlement puts the people who draw on social care at the centre.
Join New Local and #SocialCareFuture for this discussion on how to give real power to the people who draw on social care and their communities.
Speakers
Facilitator: Professor Donna Hall CBE, Chair of Bolton NHS Foundation Trust & Chair of New Local
Anna Severwright, #SocialCareFuture
Stephen Chandler, President of ADASS (Association of Directors of Adult Social Services)
To register: How Can Community Power Create a Brighter Social Care Future? - New Local
10am - 11:15am
16 November 2021
Online
In partnership with #SocialCareFuture
DAD have Trustee vacancies
22nd October 2021
DAD currently has vacancies on our Trustee Board. DAD is a registered Charity and Company Limited by Guarantee and as such Trustees are required to oversee and provide governance to the running of the organisation. All Members are entitled to put themselves forward for consideration to act as a voluntary Trustee of the organisation.
Ideally, we are seeking people with skills in Finance, Human Resources or Marketing and or knowledge of disabled people’s issues particularly across Tees Valley and County Durham.
As an organisation supporting equality, in all its forms, we are seeking Trustees who reflect our community who are currently underrepresented including: women, people from minority communities and young people. There will be a selection process involving an informal interview with Trustees. The organisation must be led by a majority of disabled people and this will be taken account of in any Trustee appointments.
For more information about being a trustee: ‘5-minute guides’ for charity trustees - Charity Commission guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
If you are interested and would like further information please contact Lauren Robinson, Chief Executive or Gordon Pybus, Chairperson for an initial discussion
Individual Employer and Personal Assistant ‘Northern’ event
19th October 2021
Recruitment, pay rates, wellbeing and safety of your PAs
Wednesday 24 November 2021
Skills for Care is inviting you to this free online event which will provide you with the opportunity to hear about sources of support and guidance, keep up to date with latest good practice, network with others and have your say.
We'll be discussing:
focus on moving on from the pandemic
issues such as PA Wellbeing
keeping yourself and your PA safe online
recruitment and retention
showcasing local initiatives.
Who should attend?
This event is hosted by the Yorkshire and The Humber, North East and North West teams but open to the following people nationwide.
Individual employers (people employing personal care assistants through a direct payment, personal health budget, or with their own money) or people considering taking up this option. Personal assistants directly employed. People who work for organisations supporting individual employers including user led organisations, direct payment support organisations, personal health budget support organisations, charities and local authorities.
Event details:
🗓 Wednesday 24 November 2021
🕘 10:00 – 12:30
Thank you to Ruth for running the Great North Run!
14th September 2021
A HUGE thank you and well done to Ruth, from our Children and Young People's Service, who completed the Great North Run at the weekend in an amazing time of 3 hours 15 minutes and so far has raised £320.00 for DAD.🏃👋
Well done Ruth and thank you to everyone who has donated so far!
You can still donate through Ruth's Just Giving page and any donations would be much appreciated
Are you having financial problems?
13th September 2021
Darlington CAB can support you with....
- Saving money on fuel bills and budgeting advice
- Advice on benefit entitlement and accessing urgent help ie fuel top ups
- Money issues and debt
- Applying for additional energy services
Darlington CAB are urging local people to get advice on Fuel Bills, Fuel Debt Advice, Cheaper deals & Energy Efficiency Measures.
The Energy Advice team is here to help vulnerable Energy consumers in the Darlington locality.
Telephone & face to face advice & support is currently available from 01325 266888 ext 120 energy@darlingtoncab.co.uk (9 – 5 Monday to Friday).
The Energy Advice team are here to help save money, sort out fuel crisis and assist with issues relating to Fuel Poverty, Energy Advice, Energy Efficiency, financial entitlement and budgeting.
No matter what a person's financial circumstances are, nobody in this day and age should have to suffer problems paying for vital services like gas & electricity.
Changing Places
13th September 2021
Durham County Council are asking individuals and carers to share their experiences of using Changing Places toilets, as part of plans to improve facilities for those with disabilities.
£30 million in funding (based on need) has been made available to local authorities in England, to install Changing Places toilets in their communities. The toilets are larger accessible toilets for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets and are essential for more than 250,000 disabled people in the UK.
They are now asking people to get in touch about where they would most like to see additional facilities across County Durham.
Find out more: http://ow.ly/6H2M50G3GiG
DBC Consultation launched on Gambling Policy
01st September 2021
A public consultation has been launched following a review of Darlington’s Gambling Policy.
Darlington Borough Council has released a new Statement of Principles for the Gambling Act 2005 (Gambling Policy) and wants to hear the views of local residents, businesses and other organisations.
Councillor Jonathan Dulston, deputy leader of Darlington Borough Council, explained:
“Many people enjoy gambling, but for some, gambling poses serious risks and can cause devastating harm both directly and indirectly.
“In recent years we have seen a change from more traditional methods of gambling, such as betting shops, towards online forums, such as mobile phone apps and computers. Public trust and confidence in gambling has declined and there is significant public concern about the visibility of gambling and the impact this may have on children, young people and others who might be vulnerable.
“Although gambling is considered a legitimate leisure activity, it must be licensed and regulated to ensure consumers and the wider public are protected.
“The council recognises the role it plays in minimising the harmful effects gambling may have and we want to hear your views on the new Gambling Policy.”
Joy Allen, Police and Crime Commissioner for County Durham and Darlington said:
“Gambling harm can have a devastating impact on victims, businesses and on the lives and families of those who commit crime to support gambling or to pay off gambling-related debts. I welcome this approach and depth of understanding shown by Darlington Borough Council around some of the hidden harms associated with gambling as they seek public’s views on their new gambling policy.
“We have already had a number of positive discussions on how we can work together to reduce gambling related harm and crime. I look forward to working in partnership with the council, public health, gambling businesses, and experts by experience to make fast progress to reduce the harm caused by gambling in Darlington and prevent associated crime, homelessness, domestic abuse, child neglect and suicides.”
The revised policy will be introduced in January 2022 as part of a three-year review cycle. There are few amendments as there have been no legislative changes in the last three years, but the views of the public are now being sought for consideration before the new policy is implemented.
You can view the proposed policy online at www.darlington.gov.uk/gambling. You have until 19 September 2021 to share your views – you can do this by emailing licensing@darlington.gov.uk or you can contact Colin Dobson, licensing manager on 01325 405988.
If you require information, advice and support for anyone harmed by gambling, GamCare can be contacted free on 0808 820 133 or by visiting its website at www.gamcare.org.uk
Domestic Abuse Accommodation Needs Assessment Interviews
01st September 2021
Darlington Borough Council is undertaking a Domestic Abuse Accommodation Needs Assessment as per requirements outlined in the Domestic Abuse Act (April 2021).
As part of this work, they have commissioned RRR Consultancy to undertake interviews with people who have experienced domestic abuse. The aim of the interviews is to help us better understand the accommodation needs of domestic abuse survivors, barriers to provision, what works, and what could be improved.
They are particularly keen to ensure that the work reflects the needs of people with disabilities.
The interviews would be undertaken by telephone, and are likely to last between 30 and 45 minutes.
As a 'Thank You' for taking part, a £30 High Street voucher will be given to all interviewees.
They do not require any personal details of the interviewees except a first name and contact number. Although the results of the interviews will be summarised in a report, the anonymity of the interviewee will be maintained at all times.
Information Sheet - provides further details about the interviews.
State of Caring 2021 survey
01st September 2021
CarersUK are currently running our State of Caring survey 2021 and we need your help to encourage carers to take part.
The survey is the UK’s most comprehensive research into the lives and experience of carers and many professionals who work with carers find the results provide a useful evidence base for their work locally. We want to understand carers’ priorities for the future and what support they need to help recover from the pandemic, and to create a positive legacy for the future. We will use the evidence to continue to campaign for carers to get better support.
Over the last year, our research and responses to our surveys have helped us to highlight carers’ experiences across the UK and helped us campaign successfully for better guidance, testing for carers, PPE for unpaid carers, carers' 'support bubbles' and exemptions to allow carers to get a break.
State of Caring Survey 2021
The survey will close on 13 September and we will be releasing a research report in November.
If you have any questions about the research, please get in touch with our policy team by emailing policy@carersuk.org.
Domestic abuse services
11th August 2021
Part of the current domestic abuse needs assessment data gathering process involves gathering the voice of survivors/victims. This is proving to be quite a challenge however it is essential in identifying gaps in provision and developing a strategy that is survivor led and relevant to the needs of our community.
Bronwyn Lilley, DBC Domestic Abuse Commissioning Officer, would be most grateful you could complete the survey as a survivor or an agency who works with survivors who have required domestic abuse services. This is regardless of whether you were able to access services or not – this way they can identify the gaps. The Act focuses on domestic abuse services within ‘relevant accommodation’ however it would be useful to have an understanding of services broadly as well as those offered within relevant accommodation.
Police and Crime Plan Consultation
10th August 2021
The role of the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) is designed to be the link between the public and the policing service which is delivered on their behalf. PCCs are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the Force to account, effectively making the police answerable to the communities they serve. A key role for PCCs is representing and engaging with local communities to help deliver their policing priorities.
PCC Joy Allen has produced the Police and Crime plan for her term in office over the next three years that sets out her priorities for local policing for County Durham and Darlington.
The Police and Crime Plan is now out for consultation with local communities. By answering the survey, you will be able to have your say on local policing in your area.
The survey can be found here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/VS3KTX9
The overarching priorities from now until 2024 are:
· Safer Communities
· Safer Business
· Safer Online
· Safer People
· Safer Roads
· Safer Countryside
You can read the draft plan here
Paper versions and support to complete on line are both available
IMPACT: IMProving Adult Care Together
10th June 2021
IMPACT stands for ‘Improving Adult Care Together’. It is a new £15 million UK centre for implementing evidence in adult social care, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), part of UK Research and Innovation, and the Health Foundation. It will be led by Professor Jon Glasby at the University of Birmingham, with a Leadership Team of 12 other academics, people using social care services, and policy and practice partners - along with a broader consortium of key stakeholders from across the sector and across the four nations of the UK.
What is IMPACT trying to achieve? In the words of one of the people using services who has helped to shape proposals for the new centre, IMPACT believes that “good support isn’t just about ‘services’ – it’s about having a life."
IMPACT are interested in hearing from everyone who is involved with adult social care in whatever capacity.
Please complete this survey: https://bham.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9tnuKolsBb3OfGu
This is the English version. Translations to Bengali, Gujarat, Polish, Punjabi, Urdu and Welsh will follow. We will also launch an easy read version later in the month.
IMPACT have recently launched our website https://more.bham.ac.uk/impact/ which will enable you to keep up-to-date with our activities as these progress. We will start to update this over the coming weeks.
Carers Week: 7 - 13 June
07th June 2021
Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. It also helps people who don't think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.
This year, carers across the country are continuing to face new challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people are taking on more caring responsibilities for their relatives and friends who are disabled, ill or older and who need support.
They need to be recognised for the difficulties they are experiencing, respected for all they are doing, and provided with information, support and understanding. So during Carers Week, we're coming together to help Make Caring Visible and Valued.
For more information about Carers Week you can follow the link
Do you care for a child with a neurodevelopment need?
07th June 2021
If you live in Darlington, Middlesbrough or Redcar and Cleveland, Contact's Listening Ear Service can provide free emotional support, practical advice or strategies to help you cope.
You can book a telephone appointment with a family support advisor using this link contact-tees@eventbrite.co.uk
Find out more by emailing south.tees@contact.org.uk or phoning their free phone number 0800 2540890
Volunteer week
27th May 2021
Volunteers’ Week - 1st - 7th June 2021 a time to say thanks.
Volunteers’ Week 2021 is a time to say thanks. It goes without saying that volunteers have played a key role in the pandemic response. During an exceptionally difficult year, people from all walks of life around the UK have taken the time to volunteer and make a huge difference to their communities – just as they do every year. This is a time for us to come together and thank all volunteers for their invaluable contribution.
This 37th annual Volunteers’ Week is taking place during the #MonthofCommunity.
We would like to say a huge thank you to all our amazing volunteers, who have been supporting our work over the last year.
Initially volunteers were making deliveries of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as we went into the first national lockdown and later included delivery of activity packs, sunflower growing in kits, Christmas crafts and most recently bird feeder activity packs.
Volunteers also helped make up packages of PPE ready for delivery and helped put activity packs together.
These deliveries have been vital to disabled people in Darlington to keep themselves and others safe and providing fun activities to pass the time, during a time when it is not possible to meet friends and family and do the things people would normally do.
As we headed towards summer volunteers helped clean and sort play equipment into individual packs, so that children and young people accessing our DASH Play Scheme had use of their own set of toys and equipment.
Volunteers have also provided their help to DASH and Darlington’s People’s Parliament to help run face to face and online sessions.
We very much value and appreciate the roles our volunteers play as DAD continues to support disabled people and carers throughout this pandemic and beyond.
So, on behalf of everyone at DAD and disabled people in Darlington, thank you for all you have done and continue to do!
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We need your nominations!
26th May 2021
For the third year running, Ecclesiastical Insurance Group is giving away £1million to charities with the return of its Movement for Good awards and DAD has been nominated by one of our supporters.
From today, people can nominate a cause close to their hearts for a potential £1,000 award to help make a difference.
This year, 500 charities will each receive £1,000 during the first phase of the campaign. A second phase of giving will happen later this summer.
The nomination process is open until 13 June. Winners will be drawn at random and the more times we are nominated the more chance we have of being selected.
Thank you in advance.
GIVE THEM WINGS The Autobiography of Paul Hodgson
13th May 2021
Paul is someone who has been involved with DAD for some years. Paul has written an autobiography 'GIVE THEM WINGS'
Disabled as a result of childhood meningitis, Paul Hodgson has written this autobiography in order to challenge the stereotype of the wheelchair-bound victim.
Far from being a passive spectator, we learn how Paul struggled to care for his mother through several strokes and Alzheimer’s disease and of the rift this caused within his family. He also speaks of the Community Care system, his experiences of education and employment, and the loyalty of his friends.
This is his account of life as a fan of Darlington Football Club which reveals another side to Paul’s nature, with its fascinating compendium of mishaps and drink-fuelled escapades, which are invariably laced with his own brand of black humour.
Give Them Wings is a graphic story of one man’s fortitude in the face of severe odds, it offers a unique insight into what it means to be disabled in modern society.
Also, please see below the link to Amazon in order to buy the book.
Ties in with a blockbuster film of his life, Give Them Wings due to be released in summer 2021.
Directed by Sean Cronin, who has appeared in Harry Potter and Bond movies, the film stars Daniel Watson (as Paul) andEighties punk singer Toyah Willcox.
Give Them Wings won the 'Best Feature' at The London Independent Film Festival. Below is a link to the film trailer
Forewords by former Darlington FC forward Mark Forster and Aston Villa legend Brian Little.
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Positive Travel Project
10th May 2021
Positive Travel Project
DAD’s Positive Travel Project, funded by London North Eastern Railway (LNER), will support disabled people and carers of all ages to tackle the barriers they face in accessing transport and travel. The project will offer a range of options including;
Travel training for those who have never used public transport due to their impairments, lack of confidence, skills etc. This will include accessing all forms of public transport including introducing non rail users to the rail network for the first time. Individuals would be supported for 6- 12 sessions to learn the skills needed to access public transport such as journey planning, booking tickets or taxi’s, safe routes to transport, booking and using support. These sessions will be bespoke to meet individual needs and tailored to their communications need.
Improving access to a range of social activities for disabled people who are isolated and have not been able to get out and about due to the barriers they face. Disabled people and their families will be supported to access group outings that they plan, enabling people to visit new places, meet new people and potentially make new friends therefore tackling isolation and loneliness.
Enabling disabled people to participate through education, skills, conferences and networking to improve their prospects and support their communities to participate.
The project will gather feedback about people’s experiences of travelling and using public transport, locally, regionally or nationally, to identify any common experiences or issues that people are facing and what works well and look at ways of removing barriers and improving services and experiences for disabled people
For more information about the project or if you would like to share your experiences please contact David Thomas on 01325 489999 or email david.thomas@darlingtondisability.org
Positive Transport Project funded by LNER
29th April 2021
We have been successful in securing funding from LNER for a Positive Transport Project, which will support disabled people and carers of all ages to tackle the barriers they face in accessing transport and travel.
The project will offer a range of options including; individual travel training, group access to social and leisure opportunities for disabled people and families regardless of age or impairment, group participation to tackle issues affecting disabled people.
The first stage of the project is to gather some feedback about people’s experiences of travelling and using public transport, locally, regionally or nationally, to see if there are any common experiences or issues that people are facing and what works well.
Please click here for more details: /_library/files/reports/Positive%20Travel%20Project%20Word%20Document.docx
BSL: Roadmap
20th April 2021
This BSL video explains the roadmap out of lockdown in England as coronavirus restrictions are eased.
Interpreters for Vaccination Appointments
20th April 2021
If a BSL interpreter is not present, you can use the
InterpreterNow app to use NHS 119 BSL for instant access at any Covid-19 vaccination appointment in the UK.
New videos on Covid-19 vaccination for people with Severe Mental Illness and primary care teams
12th April 2021
PHE have developed a series of short videos on COVID-19 vaccination to support and encourage people with Severe Mental Illness (SMI) to get their COVID-19 vaccines, and for promotion with GPs and healthcare professionals.
- Getting the COVID-19 vaccine: Personal experience guide for people with severe mental illness, Part 1: https://youtu.be/NBl4lhIPw2w
- Getting the COVID-19 vaccine: Personal experience guide for people with severe mental illness, Part 2: https://youtu.be/gYWAby0-tEw
- COVID-19 vaccination: A guide for GPs and teams to support people with severe mental illness: https://youtu.be/OusrDVmUDZg
New videos to support people with severe mental illness (SMI) get their #COVID19 #vaccine and advice for primary care professionals that support people with SMI are now available here: https://bit.ly/3fM24KF @PHE_uk @EquallyWellUK @NHSEngland @dremmatiffin @wendyburn @CoProNorfolk
The videos have been developed by Public Health England in collaboration with Equally Well UK and NHS England, including GP professionals and Expert by Experience. They provide useful information for people with SMI to know what to expect from the vaccination process and how to prepare before their appointments. They also provide information for primary care professionals to better support people with SMI in their areas.
Equally Well UK have also produced a guide for people with a diagnosis of severe mental illness to support them with their vaccination, which can be found here.
North East Carers Survey
08th April 2021
If you’re one of the thousands of people across the North East who helps look after relatives, friends and neighbours in their own homes, we’d like to hear from you.
You might help an elderly relative with their shopping, meals or keeping their home spick and span – or it might be even more personal care, like dressing, bathing or with their medicines.
You might help an adult with learning impairments in living a fulfilling and independent life out in the community.
Or you might be providing support for a friend or neighbour who is facing difficulties with addiction.
Whatever the kind of care you provide, and whoever it is for, this survey will help us understand the issues and challenges you face, so that we can support you better. The care you provide is invaluable, so thank you for everything you do.
Complete the survey online here: https://tinyurl.com/ADASSCare
The survey runs from now until 14th May.
Shielding guidance is being paused for clinically extremely vulnerable people
22nd March 2021
The government has announced that shielding guidance is being paused. From Thursday 1 April, clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) people are no longer advised to shield. CEV people must continue to follow the national restrictions that are in place for everyone.
From Thursday 1 April, all CEV children should attend early years provision, school, college, wraparound childcare and out-of-school settings, unless they are one of the very small number of children under paediatric or other specialist care and have been advised by their GP or clinician not to attend.
CEV students who are enrolled in practical, or practice-based (including creative arts) courses should return to in-person teaching.
CEV staff are advised to continue to work from home where possible, but if they cannot work from home, they should now attend their workplace.
Where parents, carers, staff, or students are anxious about attendance, you should speak to them about their concerns and discuss the protective measures that have been put in place to reduce the risk and any additional measures that could be put in place.
Residents urged to complete Covid-19 impact survey
12th March 2021
10 March 2021
Residents are being urged to complete a Covid-19 impact survey, which features a variety of questions on how Covid-19 has impacted their lives over the last year.
The survey, which is available to complete today, aims to gain region-wide insight into the impact of Covid-19 on people living in the North East and is being supported by Durham University, the National Institute for Health Research and the NHS Integrated Covid Hub North East.
Darlington residents will be asked how Covid-19 has had an impact on Darlington their health and work, as well as their feelings towards testing, self-isolating and the vaccination programme.
Heather Scott, Leader of Darlington Borough Council, said: “We recognise how difficult it has been for people to cope with the coronavirus pandemic in our communities.
“By completing the survey, you can help us understand more about how your day-to-day life has been affected, including your health and wellbeing, work and household finances.
“We are also keen to hear your views on vaccination, the economy and the easing of lockdown restrictions in the town.
“The results of the survey will help to identify additional support people in Darlington might need to manage changes to livelihoods and day to day living. Your responses are vital to informing local recovery plans over the coming months, so please take the time to complete the survey.”
The information will be shared in line with GDPR regulations, meaning it will be kept anonymous, confidential, and secure. If the data report is published, residents are assured that any findings will be entirely anonymous and non-identifiable.
The survey is accessible online via the following weblink: https://consultation.gateshead.gov.uk/kms/elab.aspx?CampaignId=1033&noip=1
Roadmap out of Lockdown
04th March 2021
The Prime Minister announced the plans to ease lockdown in England, a few weeks ago, which, by way of reminder, we summarise below. Obviously, the dates are provisional as they may change depending upon the rate of infection.
8th March: All schools reopen for all age groups. Work from home guidance remains unchanged.
29th March: Outdoor sports facilities (e.g. golf courses) reopen.
12th April: Hospitality business can reopen for outdoor service. Non-essential shops can re-open, plus hairdressers, zoos, theme parks, drive in cinemas, libraries, and indoor leisure facilities.
17th May: Pubs, bars, and restaurants reopen for indoor service. Hotels, cinemas, theatres and other businesses can reopen.
21st June: Everything reopens, including nightclubs.
The government will review the need for face masks and social distancing, (which will influence work from home guidance).
Roadmap out of lockdown
25th February 2021
A 4-step plan to ease lockdown in England has been announced.
Pupils return to face-to-face education in school and further education in England. Pupils in Wales and Scotland returned on 22 February. Wraparound childcare, such as after-school clubs, can reopen to enable parents to work, attend education, access medical care or attend a support group.
Outdoor recreation, such as a picnic, is allowed. This can be on your own, with one other person, or with your household or support bubble.
Indoor visits to care homes start again for a single named visitor.
PPE for unpaid carers
23rd February 2021
PPE is now available via Local Authorities for those providing unpaid care to someone they do not live with. This offer is available to cover needs for PPE that have arisen due to COVID-19. If you would normally use PPE because of the nature of the care you provide, you should continue to access it through your normal routes.
From the guidance;
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
The government are currently rolling out an offer of free PPE for COVID-19 needs to unpaid carers who do not live with the person or people they care for. This will be available until the end of June 2021, and will be available from local authorities (LAs) and local resilience forums (LRFs).
See personal protective equipment (PPE): local contacts for providers for details of LAs and LRFs who are currently making PPE available to unpaid carers. You can contact them to request PPE.
This offer is available to cover needs for PPE that have arisen due to COVID-19. If you would normally use PPE because of the nature of the care you provide, you should continue to access it through your normal routes.
If you live with the person or people you care for, it is not currently recommended that you wear PPE unless advised to do so by a healthcare professional, like a GP or nurse.
Recommended PPE for unpaid carers who do not live with the person or people they care for
If you do not live with the person or people you care for, it is recommended that you wear PPE when delivering care.
It is essential that PPE is worn correctly in order to reduce the risk of transmission. PPE should be put on and removed at least 2 metres away from the person you are caring for.
See guidance on how to put on and take off PPE correctly.
The type of PPE you should wear will depend on the type of care you provide. The type of mask you have been given will be clearly stated on the box.
Survey for people and families who have a personal health budget and other people who support them, e.g. disabled people's user led organisations
23rd February 2021
Survey for people and families who have a personal health budget and other people who support them, e.g. disabled people's user led organisations
https://puttingpeoplefirst.limeask.com/353114
Personal health budgets and the legal Right to Have
- people with learning disabilities, autistic people or people with learning disabilities who are also autistic
NHS England has written lots of things to help make sure people understand how to make sure personal health budgets work. These are called the delivery support tools
A charity called In Control has been asked by NHS England and NHS Improvement to look at the delivery support tools for personal health budgets, focusing on the legal Right to Have a personal health budget.
They want to check how helpful the tools are to make sure that people with learning disabilities, autistic people and people with learning disabilities who are also autistic are included in the legal Right to Have a personal health budget.
As part of this, we want to hear the views of a wide range of people involved in the world of personal health budgets and find out what their experience of both getting and being offered a personal health budget is - what helps and what gets in the way?
Helping the NHS to improve services and treatments for patients – can you help?
08th February 2021
Healthwatch are working with NHS England to undertake some research on what patients, current users, non-users and those with long-term conditions, with specific health issues including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, mental health and genetic factors, think about getting involved with clinical research.
This research will be really valuable in helping the NHS develop new medicines and learn more about better health and care for the future.
We want to know how patients and the public feel about clinical research, how they can get involved in research, what digital access they might need and if there are any barriers in place for involvement.
You can take here: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/CResearch21
Please feel free to share with anyone else you know who might like to take part!
Thank you for your support.
NHS and care services - how you can help change
08th February 2021
Disability Rights UK
We are writing to you today to alert you to the ‘Tell Us About Your Care’ reporting webpage and how you can use it to share your experiences during lockdown of the NHS and care services.
Disabled people and their families have suffered more than most during the current pandemic. The regulator for the NHS and care services in England – The Care Quality Commission (CQC) – have set up a webpage where disabled people and their families can provide feedback directly, and anonymously to the CQC to help them plan future services that take the needs of disabled people much more seriously. Once you have provided your feedback to the CQC we urge you to please share this email with other people you may know to do the same. The following are a few examples, you may think of more ways you have been affected over the past year – the CQC has asked to hear about all experiences of the NHS and care services in England:
Did your hospital manage to maintain your treatment schedule during lockdown?
When you contacted your GP surgery, was the receptionist understanding of your situation?
When you received your Covid-19 vaccine, did the people there respond to your needs?
Have you been able to get prescriptions easily?
What were your feelings about the treatment you or a member of your family received when in hospital?
Have you experienced any issues with getting appointments with your physiotherapist?
Any opportunity for the voice of disabled people to be heard is to be welcomed, and we hope that you will report your experiences – both good and bad - on the Tell Us About Your Care webpage.
Kind regards.
Disability Rights UK.
Vaccine information for people with learning impairments
05th January 2021
From NHS England Learning Disability and Autism Programme
The format of the film is our adviser Katie Matthews, asking our national clinical director Dr Roger Banks a series of questions about vaccinations:
https://www.england.nhs.uk/learning-disabilities/improving-health/
The film is 3 ½ minutes long so we have also produced social media clips for some of the questions so you can link back to the main film.
Here is a download link to the 5 social media clips https://we.tl/t-laSYneEY8f
Changes to Christmas Bubbles
21st December 2020
Guidance for the Christmas period - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The Government have changed the Christmas rules.
On Saturday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson came on tv to tell the country that the Christmas lockdown rules have changed. This is because the number of people getting Coronavirus is going up very fast.
A new Tier 4 London and some parts of the South East have been put into a new Tier 4. This is because lots of people there are catching Coronavirus. People in Tier 4 have to follow stricter lockdown rules.
In the North East, Yorkshire and Humber, our Tiers have not changed. People living in York and North Yorkshire are in Tier 2. Everyone else in the North East, Yorkshire and Humber is in Tier 3. Your lockdown rules stay the same.
The rules for Christmas support bubbles have changed. The Christmas Support Bubble rules used to be that from 23rd to 27th December that 3 households could spend time together.
This has changed.
We can only spend time with people that we do not live with and who are not in our support bubble on Christmas Day. The Government are saying we should stay local and not travel a long way to visit people on Christmas Day.
But it is important to follow the rules to stop people catching Coronavirus.
The Coronavirus bug is changing. The Government have said that the Coronavirus bug has changed. The new version of the Coronavirus bug is easier to catch. The Government say it isn’t more dangerous than the first one and the vaccine should still work.
Understanding Safeguarding for Voluntary and Community Organisations
15th December 2020
DCA as a partner with Catalyst Stockton-on-Tees in Safer Culture North East have organised a safeguarding training session with some further information as follows:
Understanding Safeguarding for Voluntary and Community Organisations
This online session is aimed a volunteer led organisations and community groups.
It will cover:
The importance of having a safeguarding policy
Understanding your responsibilities for safeguarding within your organisation
What to include in your safeguarding policy
Thursday 17th December 2020 5.00 pm – 6.30 pm.
Bookings are through via the Eventbrite link below:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/understanding-safeguarding-for-trustees-tickets-132403445269
Once a booking has been confirmed then participants will be sent a Zoom link to access the session.
DAD and NHS Test and Trace
03rd December 2020
International Day of Disabled People
DAD was asked by Caroline Airs, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead to deliver an online presentation to NHS Test and Trace staff in the Department of Health and Social Care. The presentation was focused on supporting people with hidden impairments in the workplace.
250 people joined this session – that’s 250 new people who now know about DAD!!
We received comments such as “thanks for the insight and raising awareness”, “thank you for this informative session and amazing presentation”, “thank you for sharing”, “really helpful, Rosemary (Senior Manager of DAD), thank you” – and some interesting chat and sharing ideas about good practice in running meetings.
Purple Space
03rd December 2020
‘PurpleSpace is the UK’s only learning, networking and professional development hub for disabled employees, employee network leaders and allies from all sectors and trades. The one thing we have in common is that we want to find and share ways of being our best selves at work.’
They are hosting a Purple Light Up event next week, see below;
PurpleSpace leads this movement, our mark of respect to the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) held annually on 3rd December.
Since 2017, #PurpleLightUp has been driving momentum for disability inclusion across hundreds of organisations, reaching thousands of employees in different ways. This includes lighting up iconic buildings purple, holding events, developing workplace policies for disabled employees and sparking conversations about disability inclusion worldwide.
'Shielding' - new guidance
30th November 2020
This new guidance has just been published with differing rules in each tier..
Shielding
You are not advised to follow this revised shielding advice unless you receive a new shielding notification advising you to do so.
We may advise more restrictive formal shielding measures for the clinically extremely vulnerable in the worst affected Tier 3 areas, based on advice from the Chief Medical Officer. This will only apply to some Tier 3 areas, and the government will write to you separately to inform you if you are advised to shield.
Further support will be made available from your local council and community pharmacies to help protect you during this period of heightened risk.
International Day of People With Disabilities
30th November 2020
This Thursday, December 3rd, is International Day of People With Disabilities, an annual event to join together to support disabled people in our communities, and raise awareness of the importance of creating a future where disabled people experience equal opportunity and face no barriers in all aspects of their lives— whether it be going about their day-to-day lives within accessible communities, joining the workforce, or being able to showcase their abilities and reach their goals without facing barriers.
#idpwd
Hate Crime Week: 10th Oct - 17th Oct
14th October 2020
Disability hate crime is any incident or crime which is perceived by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by a hostility or prejudice based on a person's disability.
If you believe that you or any other person has been targeted because of their disability then please report it.
There are many ways to report hate crime.
- If the matter involves an attack or serious crime which needs an urgent response, ring 999
- If it is a lesser incident such as verbal abuse, ring 101
- Contact your local police directly.
- Contact Darlington Association on Disability on us on 01325 489 999 or email advocacy@darlingtondisability.org for support.
St Teresa's Hospice - Hello, How are you
02nd October 2020
A new series of online talks for anyone caring for a loved one with a serious illness, such as heart or respiratory disease, cancer, or a neurological condition.
Starting 27th Oct 2020
Information and support from local specialists:- * Consultant in palliative medicine * Solicitor * Hospice social workers * Macmillan benefits officer * Other carers
About a range of topics:- * Your needs and wishes * Wills and Lasting Power of Attorney * Emotional and practical support * Financial grants and benefits * Self-care and well-being
To request a place or for more information please contact:
Deborah Robinson at St Teresa’s Hospice, Darlington on 01325 254321 or enquiries@darlingtonhospice.org.uk
Technical support offered.
CPS - Who are we?
13th August 2020
“Have you ever been affected by hate crime? Ever wondered about why some HATE CRIMES make it to court and some don’t? Do you want to know what the Crown Prosecution Service actually does?
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) are holding an online Q+A / Who We Are session on Tuesday 18th August 5:30 – 6:30pm. They would love you to dial in and be part of it. Contact Andrew Allison on 07384 797779 or Andrew.Allison@darlington.gov.uk to book a place.
If you’d rather e-mail your question and get it answered without taking part, you can do that too! Just let DAD know your question and we’ll get the answer for you.”
CDCF
26th June 2020
Thanks to County Durham Community Foundation for supporting us with further funding from the #NETCoronaVirusAppeal. This will enable us to continue to keep people connected and safe through regular calls, deliveries of activities and Personal Protective Equipment and on line activities which will support disabled people and carers of all ages during the #coronavirus outbreak.
Covid19 Testing
26th May 2020
Testing is now open to any member of the public with Covid 19 symptoms by visiting nhs.uk/coronavirus or calling 119 to book a test.
Independent Living Film Project
06th May 2020
Personal Protective Equipment animation and resources
01st May 2020
PPE
What PPE to wear when providing care out of hospital
This short animation shows you what personal protective equipment to wear when providing care (including caring for extremely vulnerable and shielded people) in care homes or caring for people in their own homes. It is based on Public Health England’s recently published guidance:-
Putting on and removing PPE – a guide for care homes
This Public Health Education video includes a flowchart for care workers providing care to residents to identify whether there is a need for PPE, PPE recommendations for care home staff, and some frequently asked questions on the use of PPE in care homes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozY50PPmsvE&feature=youtu.be
Website for further resources
The above animation and video and further resources/links that may be of help to people providing care out of hospital are all grouped in this one website. Under the “resources” section are other videos including how to take someone’s temperature, guides to help with your personal wellbeing, along with a training package on Covid-19 infection prevention and control. You can also download posters on how to take off PPE and on the “useful links” tab, there are quick links to other websites for further information/support eg E-learning for Healthcare:-
Direct Payments Help Line
30th March 2020
We know that this is a very worrying time for disabled people, particularly Direct Payment users.
We are putting in a range of support to be able to continue to support Direct Payment users at this time. If you use a Direct Payment and live in Darlington, Middlesbrough or Redcar and have concerns or queries our Independent Living Advisors and Lead Workers are available to support you by telephone and email.
You can contact us on 01325 360524 or 01325 489999 or email directpayments@darlingtondisability.org
Please be aware we are experiencing high numbers of call and queries at the moment so please be patient but we will respond to all.
Update - testing for PAs and PHB holders
27th March 2020
The latest update from the Department of Health and Social Care is as follows:
All PAs are now able to receive a test, symptomatic or asymptomatic – as essential, frontline workers. The test is most effective in the first three days of infection (but can still be effective up to five days). So practically, any PA who is symptomatic, should get tested as soon as possible and any PA who is asymptomatic (but thinks they may have been exposed recently) can also now access testing. As before, PAs can either self-register, or be referred by their employer, with availability for both home-delivered tests, and drive-through testing.
All patients in the NHS, and residents in care homes can now access tests, symptomatic or asymptomatic. It has also been agreed that ‘patients’ extends to individuals with personal health budgets in place. Therefore, any personal health budget holders with concerns that they may have Covid-19 / been exposed to Covid-19, can now access these tests (via self-referral).
Individuals with just a personal budget in place, who don’t have either a) a personal health budget, or b) a health condition that would constitute them being a ‘patient’, are not eligible to access these tests yet… unless they are over 65 and have symptoms, or are required to go into work because they cannot work from home, and have symptoms.
Covid-19 - Easy read guidance on shielding vulnerable people
25th March 2020
Here is a link to an easy read guide on shielding vulnerable people which might be helpful for sharing.
Free Online BSL training
25th March 2020
Doncaster Deaf Trust has launched a free online British Sign Language (BSL) course.
The online course, developed thanks to National Lottery Funding, will enable users to learn Level One BSL.
Alexis Johnson, executive principal of Doncaster Deaf Trust said: “We are thrilled to be able to launch this free resource for people during this unprecedented time.
Here is the link: https://www.deaf-trust.co.uk/news/doncaster-deaf-trust-launch-online-british-sign-language-course
How to contact DAD by telephone regarding Hate Crime has been expanded
30th May 2019
How to contact D.A.D by telephone regarding Hate Crime has been expanded. Follow this link for more information about Hate Crime.
Direct Payment Support Service Vacancies page update
24th May 2019
See the update Direct Payment Support Service Vacancies.
Mayor's Ball
01st May 2019
DAD Young Leaders supporting and rocking the Mayor's Ball with The Mayor, Cllr Veronica Copeland. One of the final events to mark the Mayor's year in office and add to the amazing fundraising for the three charities DAD, The British Legion and The 700 Club. Many thanks to Barcays Bank for match funding the funds raised from the Ball.
Visit to Town Hall
09th April 2019
Young People from DAD enjoyed a visit to Darlington Town Hall last week after being invited to visit by Darlington Mayor, Councillor Veronica Copeland.
The Mayor gave a tour of the Mayor’s Parlour and talked to young people about the role of the Mayor and local disability history with the opportunity for young people to ask the Mayor questions.
They all really enjoyed the evening and thank the Mayor for inviting them.
How you can support us
As a local organisation we very much rely on the support of our local community. We support over 2,000 people every year to have greater choice and control and remove the barriers that disabled adults and children experience in their everyday lives. But we need YOUR help.