Coalition News
Surrey Coalition of Disabled People
Issue 17
DECEMBER 2009
Astolat, Coniers Way, Guildford, Surrey, GU4 7HL
Phone & Minicom 01483 456558 Fax 01483 456561
Email info@surreycoalition.org.uk
AGM 2009 - A HUGE SUCCESS
Surrey Coalition’s second AGM was held on 5th November at
Leatherhead Leisure Centre.
A day we will all “Remember,
Remember” as being a lively and enjoyable day despite the tortuous
access problems through a building site and the hasty evacuation near
the end when the fire alarms went off! A fantastic total of 149 people
attended, of whom over 70 were our disabled members - pictured here
in a packed room hearing about Surrey Coalition’s activities during the
past year.
See more Highlights of the 2009 AGM on Pages 2 and 3
___________________________________________________
SEASONS’ GREETINGS
AND GOOD WISHES FOR 2010
To all our 1040 members and all our supporters.
HIGHLIGHTS OF AGM 2009
________________________________
Chair, Cliff Bush, welcomed everyone and gave a review of the year
before inviting Cllr Michael Gosling, Executive Member of Surrey’s
Adult Social Care Services to give an opening address. We were
pleased to hear Michael’s commitment to improving social care and to
putting service users and carers at the heart.
After receiving reports on Activities during the year and approving the
Financial Accounts for 2008/09, the members elected 2 new directors
to the Coalition Board, Alison Downer and Geoff Jelly.
Pictured here are two retiring Board members, Pat Robertson and Eric
Knibbs, receiving tokens of appreciation for the work they have done.
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Sarah Mitchell, Strategic Director of Adult Social Care the gave a
passionate and informative presentation on her plans for transforming
social care in Surrey.
We are very sorry to report that since being with us
at the AGM, Sarah has had to undergo urgent surgery
and treatment, and will not be back with us until January.
We all wish her a speedy recovery.
HIGHLIGHTS OF AGM 2009
_______________________________
During lunch people visited the 18 exhibition stands to find out about
the services, equipment and leisure and employment opportunities
available to help them lead more independent lives.
In the afternoon members took part in table discussions on five
questions about the information and support they receive and would
like to receive, and on the things they do during the day, evenings and
weekends, and what they would like to do if they could. People’s
views have been collated and forwarded to the Self Directed Support
Team for use in developing services and encouraging providers to
develop more innovative solutions to offer people more choice.
CAMPAIGNING NEWS
TEXT MESSAGING
Being able to access information or services by text from a mobile
‘phone is very important for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Ted Pottage and members of Surrey Deaf Forum continue to
campaign for this service - with some recent great results:
 CRISIS TELEPHONE HELPLINE
This new service introduced by Surrey and Borders Foundation NHS
Trust in April this year, can now be accessed by text. All you do if you
use mental health services is to text a short message indicating the
nature of the crisis to 07717 989024. A text will be sent in response.
Please note the telephone number for voice calls remains as 0300 456
8342.
 EMERGENCY SERVICES - SMS
People with a hearing loss or having difficulty talking can now send an
SMS text to 999. You have to register first, either online at
www.emergencysms.org.uk or text the word “register” to 999.
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LOSING PATIENTS - JOIN THE CAMPAIGN
Losing Patients is all about empowering blind and partially sighted
people to secure accessible information from the NHS.
Everyone who joins this campaign believes that print is the problem,
not having a slight impairment. We each have the right to manage our
own health affairs with the same degree of speed and privacy, whether
we have a sight impairment or not.
What you can do
Those of us who regularly get our health information in a format we
cannot read have a simple task: to tell the NHS services we use that
we need accessible information. The RNIB have developed a helpful
resource pack which you can download via the link below, or request
by telephone. The pack contains a template letter for you to send to
your health providers/hospital and GP.
Link to the RNIB Losing Patients Campaign
http://www.rnib.org.uk/getinvolved/campaign/accesstoinformati
on/accessiblehealth/Pages/losing_patients_campaign.aspx
or by telephoning the RNIB on 0303123 9999
TRANSFORMING SOCIAL CARE
Transformation of Adult Social Care in Surrey
Surrey’s Transformation work is now being delivered through an
Implementation Programme with 13 Key Projects, as outlined by Sarah
Mitchell at our AGM on 5th November. The Implementation Board is
co-chaired by Michael Gosling, SCC Executive Member for Adult
Social Care, and Coalition Chair, Cliff Bush, and the Project on User
Led Organisations is being chaired by Carol Pearson. Some of the
projects are outlined below:-

User Led Organisations Project
This Project has been given high priority by the County Council,
following Department of Health Guidance on “Putting People First”
which requires Councils to support and recognise the development of
User-Led Organisations. The Project is therefore being led by the four
main countywide ULOs in Surrey:Surrey Coalition, Surrey
Independent Living Council (SILC), North West Surrey Association of
Disabled People, and Action for Carers Surrey.
This is a major piece of work, initially focussing on a Demonstrator
Project (funded by the Department of Health) to set up a Citizen Hub in
Epsom, run by disabled people for disabled people, and providing a
first stop shop for information, advice, advocacy and support and
access to services. It is hoped to roll out the model to all Boroughs in
Surrey over the next few years. Meetings have been arranged to
involve disabled people living in Epsom, Ewell and Banstead, at an
early stage so that they can own and lead the project with our support.
These are : Friday 18th December
10am to 12pm or 2pm to 4pm at Norman Colyer Court,
Hollymoor Lane, Epsom KT19 9RR
 Wednesday 20th January 2010
1pm - 4pm at The Ebbisham Centre, Epsom KT19 8AG

Information and Communication Project
One of the most important tasks of this Project is to create a webbased Information Directory to give universal access by disabled
people, carers and professionals, to up to date, accurate and
personalised information to help them live more independently. The
work is being carried out by a partnership between SID (Social
Information on Disability), Surrey County Council and NHS Surrey. It
is hoped that the website will be operational by May 2010. Coalition
members will be involved in producing the information to be included in
the Directory.
CURRENT ACTIVITIES
“RIGHT TO CONTROL”
In September we held a Focus Group to discuss a Government
Consultation document on “Right to Control” - the plans to introduce
individual budgets giving disabled people more control over income
from a range of different funding streams, including Adult Social Care,
Independent Living Fund, Access to Work etc.
The Government produced their response to the consultation on 8th
December and seems to have included many of the issues we raised.
They are also publishing guidance on how Local Authorities can apply
to be a Trailblazer site to implement ‘Right to Control’ in local areas.
We are working with Surrey County Council, Job Centre Plus and
other partners to put in a bid to be a Trailblazer site here in Surrey.
GIVING VIEWS
COMMISSION
TO
THE
CARE
QUALITY
Chris Hastings, the manager of the Surrey Team at CQC attended our
AGM on 5th November and listened to all the comments from members
at the afternoon able Discussions. We will develop our relationship
with CQC so that disabled people’s views can ensure improvement in
health and social care services, working as a key member of Surrey
LINK.
We have applied for, and been successful, in becoming a member of
the CQC Speak Out Network, to enable us to contribute people’s
views on health and social care. The Induction Workshop is on 13 th
January in London, and will be attended by two members of the
Coalition Board. More information on how the Speak Out Network
works will be given in our next newsletter.
INDEPENDENT LIVING
SOCIAL EVENT
Over 120 members of SILC, North West Surrey Association of
Disabled People and Surrey Coalition attended a Social Event on 20th
October hosted by the three User-Led Organisations of disabled
people, to celebrate our collective achievements in enabling people to
live more independent lives in Surrey. This was also a ‘thankyou’ to all
our members who give their time as volunteers to provide information,
advice, and support to other disabled people and ensure they have a
voice to promote disability rights and greater disability equality in
Surrey.
People were entertained by a deaf comedian, a magician and singers
from the Orpheus Centre, whilst being pampered with treats including
Indian head massage, foot massage, make-up and colour
consultations. We have heard that everyone had a marvellous day.
WHAT MEMBERS HAVE BEEN
INVOLVED IN
SCC’s ACCESSIBILITY PROJECT
Surrey Coalition members were involved in early work on this Project
to “bring services to people and people to services”. An update on the
work to date has just been produced and is available from the
Coalition office, on request.
SCC’s PUBLIC VALUE REVIEW
Coalition members and people currently receiving services
commissioned by Surrey County Council for people with physical,
sensory and cognitive impairments, have been involved in a range of
meetings with the Public Value Review team over the past three
months:
The Surrey Vision Action Group discussed the PVR at their
meeting on 24th September.

A special session was held at the Empowerment Boards’ Chairs’
meeting on 14th October.

Surrey Deaf Forum received a presentation from the PVR Team
and gave their views on 19th November.
The PVR team are also visiting all Resource Centres to seek the views
of people using those services (including Frenches Lodge, Disability
Initiative, White Lodge, Woking Disability Resource Centre, Headway
and Leonard Cheshire).
The PVR Team then gave another progress report at the
Empowerment Board Chairs meeting on 10th December. Their final
report is due in January.
PROCUREMENT OF SERVICES
Chair, Cliff Bush, has continued to challenge Adult Social Care to
improve their procurement processes and to introduce the concept of
trusted providers and to support bids for services provided by User
Led Organisations. We have ensured user involvement in recent
procurement processes, including:




Review of Home Care Agency Contracts
Renewal of SILC’s contract for the provision of Direct Payment
Services - which we are delighted to announce was successful.
Extension of contract with NWSADP to provide advocacy
services across Surrey, for people with physical and sensory
impairments.
Upcoming tender for Visual Impairment services, currently
provided by SAVI - to be led by Geoff Jelly, our Visual Impairment
Lead, together with Surrey Vision Action Group
WORKING TO ACHIEVE DISABILITY EQUALITY
We continue to influence the Disability Equality Schemes and Action
Plans of Surrey County Council and NHS Surrey through regular
attendance by members at their respective Advisory Groups. We are
now focussing on improvements in accessible communications and
premises as top priorities.
RESPONSE TO GREEN PAPER ON SOCIAL
CARE REFORM
We had a great turn-out at our Consultation Event on 12th October,
attended by over 100 disabled people and carers.
The Surrey Response prepared jointly by SCC, Surrey Coalition and
Action for Carers Surrey, has been submitted, and copies have been
sent to everyone who attended the consultation event.
Also, Surrey Coalition’s own Response was prepared by Board
Member, Nick Danagher and has also been circulated to members for
information. Thank you to Nick and everyone who participated in
these important discussions.
INFORMATION FOR YOU
BULLETINS FROM THE SURREY LEARNING
DISABILITY PARTNERSHIP BOARD
For members interested in services for people with learning difficulties,
we are enclosing with this newsletter, the Bulletins from the
Partnership Board for August, September and October.
FREE FIRE SAFETY CHECKS
Just another reminder that Surrey’s Fire and Rescue Service offer free
Home Safety checks for disabled and older people.
Use the free-phone number:
Or look on the County Council website for information and advice.
REPORT HATE CRIME
Surrey Police want to encourage people to report any incidence of
hate crime. Hate is any incident or crime motivated by an individual’s
prejudice towards another person
- Call 999 in an emergency
- Call Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222 in a non-emergency
- or www.surreypoliceonline.co.uk/reportcrime
- or if you need any help to do so, contact us in the Coalition Office
- or Call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can report
anonymously and for free
E-SIGHT
Join this email Information Messaging Service to receive updates on a
wide range of issues for people with vision impairment. Carers and
professionals can also join to receive up to date information on new
services, equipment and events.
To join E-Sight just email Jan Welsman on :eSight@yahoogroups.com
________________________________________________________
OPPORTUNITIES TO HAVE YOUR SAY
...... ON SURREY’S BUS SERVICES REVIEW
Surrey County Council want people’s views on proposed changes to
bus services in Surrey. Due to rising costs of bus subsidies, the
Council have produced plans to make the services “more efficient and
provide taxpayers better value for money”. We are concerned
however that the changes will have a severe impact on disabled
people. Phase 1 of the proposals covers bus routes in East Woking,
Runnymede, Spelthorne, Elmbridge and Reigate & Banstead.
Your views are needed so that we can respond to the Consultation
which ends on 29th January 2010. Please go along to your local
Empowerment Board meeting in January to hear about the proposed
changes and give your views.
For further information visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/bus review, o contact
us in the Coalition Office.
……. “ON MAKING SMOKING HISTORY”
NHS Surrey have issued for comment the final draft of their Tobacco
Control Strategy for Surrey 2010 - 2015.
Contact us in the Coalition Office if you would like to see a copy.
Closing date for comments is 25th January 2010.
……. ON PHARMACY SERVICES
NHS Surrey are carrying out a survey of people’s views on pharmacy
services across Surrey. They want to hear from you so they can plan
to provide more accessible high quality services.
Complete the on-line survey, by following this link:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=rqldRBc8vfc9DYt2NLuy2
A_3d_3d
or call us in the Coalition Office for a paper copy.
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……. ON ACCESSIBILITY FOR LONDON’S
2012 OLYMPIC GAMES
Complete the on-line survey on access being carried out by the
London Development Authority, using the following link:
http://www.arkenford.net/uc/admin/7dfc/ospe.php3?SES=070a12daafb
4878f6d9b591f70539cf7&syid=3288&sid=3289&act=start&js=13&flash
=1000
…… ON THE NHS CONSTITUTION
The Government are consulting on 2 new Patient Rights which they
want to include in the NHS Constitution. These are
 Standards around waiting times (18 weeks from referral to
treatment and 2 weeks for urgent cancer referrals).
 Health checks every 5 years for people aged 40 - 74.
We need your views so we can respond to this consultation on these
new rights and also on outline proposals on dentistry, evening and
weekend access to GPs, personal health budgets and the right to
choose to die at home.
Let us have your views or respond to an online survey at
www.constitution.nhs.uk/south_east_coast
A full copy of the Consultation is available on DH website.
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Consultations/Liveconsultations/DH_108012
or order a hard copy: Tel 0300 123 1002
NHS Surrey ‘s Public Engagement Managers will be talking about the
new Rights in the NHS Constitution at the 5 Empowerment Board
meetings in January - so please go along and join in the discussions.
(See Page 14 for dates).
The closing date for comments is 5th February 2010.
MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU
WORK TASTERS
Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Trust have started a Work Taster
Project, funded by the Department of Health as part of the Pacesetter
Programme, to break down barriers for disadvantaged groups. “Work
Tasters” offer a possible route to employment for people with mental
health issues or learning difficulties, by providing people with
placements in a range of roles across the Trust. For more information
contact Katherine Rogers on Tel. 01372 203453 or email
Katherine.Rogers@sabp.nhs.uk
JOIN - “WE’RE GOING 4 IT - SURREY”
We’re Going 4 It is a Social club for disabled people and their families
and friends. Set up by a group of disabled enthusiasts who live in
Guildford and Waverley, ‘We’re Going 4 It” was officially launched in
October 2009 and everyone is invited to their Christmas Party.
on Saturday 19th December
from 6.30 to 10.30pm
at 40 Degreez, Dogflud Way, Farnham (behind
Sports Centre)
For tickets (£5 per head) tel: Paul on 01252 501948
For more information visit www.going4itsurry.ning.co.uk
PERSONAL CARE AT HOME
-
A Government Consultation on proposals for regulation and
guidance
The Personal Care at Home Bill, currently going through Parliament,
amends existing legislation (the Community Care Act 2003 which limits
the requirement on Councils to provide free care for 6 weeks) to
require Councils to introduce free personal care at home in
circumstances covered by these regulations and guidance. They hope
that this will be available to those in highest need from 1st October
2010.
Surrey Coalition of Disabled People are working with Action for Carers
Surrey and the County Council to arrange a workshop to discuss the
proposals and to prepare a response. This will be held in early
January. Anyone interested in taking part should contact us in the
Coalition Office. Tel. 01483 456558
________________________________________________________
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
SURREY COALITION’S AGM 2010
Please put this date in your diary for next year
Thursday 28th October 2010
10.30 to 3.30
Leatherhead Leisure Centre
______________________________________________________
EMPOWERMENT BOARD MEETINGS
- 2010
The next meetings of these local Partnership Boards for people with
physical, sensory and cognitive impairments are as follows:NORTH WEST SURREY - Weds 13 January 2010
2pm to 4pm at Woking Council Offices
EAST SURREY- Monday 18 January 2010
1.30pm to 4pm at White Hart Barn, Godstone
NORTH SURREY - Tuesday, 19 January 2010
2pm to 4pm Hythe Community Centre, Staines
MID SURREY - Monday 25 January 2010
1.30pm to 4pm at Parkhouse, Leatherhead
SOUTH WEST SURREY- Weds 27th January 2010
10am to 12.30 pm at Godalming Baptist Church
For more information contact: Yasmin Broome
Email: yasmin.broome@surreycc.gov.uk or Tel: 01483 517294
“BRINGING IT TOGETHER EVENTS AT WHITE
LODGE”
Open Days will be held at Rendezvous to provide one point of access
to information, advice and services provided by a range of local
voluntary services
 Friday 5th February 2010
 Weds, 12th May 2010
 Friday 17th September 2010
All from 11.30am to 2.30pm.
Lodge: 01932 567131
For more information contact White
NEWS IN BRIEF
________________________________________________________
NEW ADVOCACY SERVICE ACROSS SURREY
We are delighted to report that North West Surrey Association of
Disabled People have been given an interim contract until April 2011
to provide a Surrey wide advocacy service for people with physical and
sensory impairment. This is being done as an extension to the
contract NWSADP already has to provide advocacy in North West
Surrey, and will ensure an equitable service for all disabled people
across the county. This interim arrangement will fill current gaps in
service whilst Adult Social Care and NHS Surrey review future
provision of advocacy services and formally tender for the service from
April 2011.
For information on when the service will be available in your area
contact Clive Wood : Tel 01483 750 973 or email
clive@nwsadp.org.uk
NEW AUTISM BILL PASSED
The new Autism Bill has become the first ever disability-specific
Parliamentary Act to be enshrined in law (passed on 20th November
2009). According to the National Autistic Society, the new law is
groundbreaking and will profoundly affect both health and social care
in the UK.
It will mean that health and social care providers can now face legal
action if they fail to provide support for people with the condition, which
affects around half a million people in the UK.
Starting out as a private members’ Bill, the Autism Act was
championed by Conservative MP Cheryl Gillan.
To find out more, click this link:
http://www.craegmoor.co.uk/news/industry/19464493/autism_law_is_fi
rst_to_be_disability_specific.aspx
-------------------------------------------------------------------KEEP WARM, KEEP WELL
Enclosed with this Issue is your copy of the booklet from Government
giving advice for people with disabilities or long-term conditions on
how to keep warm and keep well this winter. It gives advice on
 Getting financial help
 Saving energy and money
 Staying well and healthy
We hope you find it useful