Disability Forum

Hi, my name is Maria Margetts and I am the Westlea Housing Carer Support Worker. I am able to offer support to Westlea residents who are unpaid carers (except young carers). I can signpost carers to other organisations, and Carer Support has specialised support workers working with various needs, eg mental health, parent carers, or learning disabilities. Please don't hesitate to contact me if I can help.

The Disability Forum is open to all Westlea residents and is aimed at people with disabilities and anyone with an interest in disability issues. We know from our last general survey that 49% of residents have a disability or long-term illness.

The first forum was held in October 2005 and agreed to meet four times a year. There is a steering group of residents who plan the meetings. Not everyone can or wants to attend meetings so Westlea produces regular newsletters as a way to keep people up-to-date.

Feedback from our last Forum

The Disability Forum in April attracted 62 residents to discuss a range of issues.

Managing condensation

Pete Knight, Westlea Maintenance Surveyor, talked about the practical ways that condensation could be managed, for example, by keeping lids on saucepans when cooking and mopping up condensation daily. Pete pointed out that mould resulting from condensation needs to be treated, and Westlea can supply treatment packs where necessary. Residents felt that it was a problem that was shared. 60% felt Westlea could do more and the same percentage said that residents could also do more to improve the problem.

Electrical testing

Simon Watson, Westlea Customer Repairs Manager, wanted residents’ views about getting the electrical contractors to offer additional options when carrying out electrical tests.
75% of residents at the meeting thought that it would be helpful to receive energy saving advice. The majority of people would also like more sockets.
Update Contractors will give energy advice on the use of equipment and tariffs.

Wiltshire Mind

Sally Scott told us about the variety of services provided by Mind as well as the number of social and small support groups. Wiltshire Mind also has a team of trained counsellors who can provide one-to-one counselling for those who need it. There is also befriending services aimed at bringing support to those isolated or housebound, providing a friendly, regular contact.
For more information, contact Sally on 01225 775770 or email info@wiltshiremind.co.uk.

How accessible is your town?

John and Sue from the residents’ steering group gave a presentation using photographs to show what access was like around Chippenham, looking at shops, cafes, and leisure facilities.

Disability News is our newsletter for the disability forum and interested residents.



Click below to see recent issues:

Latest issue: October 2010

March 2010 issue

Click here for older issues

---

Wiltshire Council is coordinating a series of events across the county from 29 November – 5 December 2009 called No Barriers week. The timing of these events has been inspired by the United Nations International Day of Disabled People, which is celebrated every year on 3 December.

The aims of No Barriers week are to:

• raise awareness of disability equality
• promote the inclusion of disabled people
• celebrate achievements
• enjoy participation in community events
• make Wiltshire a better place for everyone.

Click here for more information