In this issue, you will find some information about why we collect client data and how we use it, availability of our benefits advice service, the latest local opportunities and events, and more. |
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A Message from our CEO We hope you are staying safe and well during this latest spell of cold weather. In this day and age, we seem to be asked for our personal information at every turn and there are often worries about how this information is used. Our blog post below gives you an overview of why we ask the questions that we do. We know we ask a lot but this article explains how the information helps us as a charity to better deliver our services to those who are most in need of them and to work harder to reach those who currently don't know about us. If you have any questions, please contact us. |
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What We Need to Know to Help You |
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You will have seen from our previous newsletters and on our website that we are currently funded by Kent County Council to provide wellbeing services to people with a physical disability. As part of this contract, we are required to ask all of our clients for a certain amount of information. This is used in different ways and our blog post below outlines why we need to gather this information, some of the common questions you may be asked, and how this helps us to improve as a charity. And we promise it's not because we are being nosey! Ultimately, we want to help as many people as we can so we will always work within guidelines, protect your data and make sure our services are accessible to everyone who is eligible. |
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Benefits Advice Please note that our benefits advice service is BY APPOINTMENT ONLY and, unfortunately, we cannot take walk-in clients. This service is also currently overwhelmed by requests so if you work for a referring organisation such as CAB, DWP, Live Well Kent or any other wellbeing provider, then please get in touch with us directly before referring any further clients to talk about how we can discuss providing support going forward. Please also note that we are only able to assist clients with a physical disability. Clients with mental health issues should be referred to Live Well Kent. |
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A number of our February dates have already been filled and our remaining available slots are now listed on our website. Please click on the link below to see the appointments we have available this month and contact us to book an appointment if you would like advice. |
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If you have a Motability vehicle, you may recall that in 2022 they announced a new payment for people getting a new vehicle. It is called the 'New Vehicle Payment’ for cars and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAV) and is currently £250. From the end of February, this payment will be increasing to £750. If you have already had a £250 payment in the last year, you’ll get an extra £500 which will start being paid out from the beginning of March 2023. The New Vehicle Payment is only payable once and you will not receive another payment for your next lease. Further information can be found here. |
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A new report has been commissioned by Motability and the Wheelchair Alliance assessing the current wheelchair provisions in England. Millbrook Healthcare, who provide the Kent & Medway Wheelchair Services, can send a copy of this report to any service user who would like to read it. They are also inviting service users, families and carers to attend a meeting on the 14th of February 2023 at 1pm which is being held at the Gillingham Wheelchair Service Centre to give your opinion on the report’s main priorities. The purpose of this meeting will be to feedback on how services are delivered generally along with highlighting unmet needs. This will not be a forum for resolving individual service user issues although it is always useful to hear peoples lived experience, both positive and negative. If you would like a copy of the report and/or attend the meeting, please contact Susan Scriven (Community and Liaison Engagement Administrator), Tel: 07896 707327 or email susan.scriven@millbrookhealthcare.co.uk for more information. There will be an opportunity to participate in the meeting virtually through Microsoft Teams if preferred. |
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Kent County Council (KCC) has launched a public consultation on its Community Services which runs until 26 March 2023. The consultation proposes changes to the way they use their buildings to deliver some community services. Please visit this website to find out about the proposals for your area. You can respond to the consultation by using the online questionnaire (or download the Word version). On our website you will also find a list of our drop-in events where you can come along to talk about the proposals and ask questions. |
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Porchlight have been commissioned for a Young Adult Mental Health Participation Project by the NHS, to undertake research into the experiences of young people in relation to their mental health. Historically, young people have reported that they are not receiving the support that they need from mental health services in a timely manner. Porchlight believe that working with people who have lived-experience of particular issues is the best way to drive change. Through listening to people’s stories, they are working with commissioners and services directly to improve them going forward. They are looking to talk to as many people aged 18-25 as possible to understand their mental health journey – including what’s gone well, what hasn’t, and what could be improved going forward. This could be via 121 feedback sessions or group discussions. If you would like to be involved in this exciting project, Porchlight would love to hear from you. Please contact their mental health participation team via email: yap@porchlight.org.uk |
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Want to find out about local services for disabled people? A free Access All Areas event is taking place at the fully accessible White Oak Leisure Centre in Swanley (postcode BR8 7BT) from 11am to 3pm on Sunday 19 February 2023. Disability Assist will be joining other local groups and organisations to showcase the help, advice and information available for anyone with a disability or anyone caring for someone with a disability. |
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If you're looking for company in a warm and welcoming environment, the new Chatter & Natter sessions might be just the thing you need. Held at Hermitage Park Community Centre (postcode ME16 9FZ), the sessions offer free refreshments and activities. Sessions take place on Wednesdays from 12-2pm. For further information, you can email info@hermitagepark.org or call 01622 427492. |
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Get to know Disability Assist! Each month, we're introducing you to a different member of our team so that you know who you are speaking with when you contact us. Next up is Lizell Williams who works for Disability Assist as an Advocate. |
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Lizell joined the team during lockdown in 2020, to coordinate our "SafetyNet" Telephone Befriending service. When that project ended, she became Disability Assist’s Community Advocate, assisting clients with expressing their thoughts, concerns and wishes to public services when they feel they aren’t being heard, or are experiencing difficulties in understanding or navigating processes to access support or services. For Lizell, there is no greater satisfaction than having a client saying they feel better informed, confident and have greater control in decision making. Outside of work, she juggles a busy family life , enjoys country walks with the family dog, baking and going to the theatre or simply chilling in front of TV with tea & chocolate! |
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If you would like to find out how we could help you or someone you know, please get in touch with us using the following link or via the contact details below. | | |
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