COALITION NEWS
SURREY COALITION OF DISABLED PEOPLE
Astolat, Coniers Way, Burpham, Guildford, Surrey, GU4 7HL
Phone 01483 456558 Text 07780933053 Fax 01483 456561
Email info@surreycoalition.org.uk
Issue 46 August 2015
Working together to promote equality of
opportunity and independent
living for disabled people in Surrey
MAGNA CARTA CELEBRATIONS
Coalition Board member and Chair of the North DANS, Jonathan Fisher
and his guide dog, Eddie, had the great honour of being presented to
Her Majesty the Queen at the Magna Carta 800 year commemoration in
Runnymede Meadows on 15th June. Jonathan was one of only about 30
people out of the guest list of 4500 to be presented and he took the
opportunity to mention Surrey Coalition, the Disability Alliance Network
and Runnymede Access Group in his few minute’s conversation with Her
Majesty. Jonathan also witnessed the rededication of the original
memorial and the unveiling of the 12 brass jurors chairs, noting that one
had a transcription in Braille - a fitting tribute to Jonathan who is a Braille
teacher, amongst his many other skills and activities.
OPPORTUNITIES TO HAVE YOUR SAY
ATTEND THE DANS ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Wednesday 23rd September
From 10.00 am to 3.30 pm
At Dorking Halls
1
This year’s theme is “Getting there and Getting in” - all about Access to
Buildings, Transport and the Environment.
Contact: Yasmin Broome if you haven’t done so already. Email:
yasmin.broome@surreycc.gov.uk, Tel. 01483 517294, or Text
07812104490.
HOUSE OF LORDS ENQUIRY INTO THE
EQUALITY ACT
The House of Lords has launched an Enquiry and is calling for evidence
from disabled people about the impact of the Equality Act on their lives.
Use this link for more information: http://tinyurl.com/pnuuc5y or contact us
in the Coalition office. The closing date for evidence is 4th September
SURREY COALITION’S AGM 2015
Don’t forget to put the date of our Annual General Meeting in your diary.
Thursday 5th November
From 10.30 to 3.30
At Leatherhead Leisure Centre
The Programme and booking form will be sent out in late September,
together with information on nominating yourself or another Coalition
member for election as a Board Director at the AGM. Please contact
Carol Pearson in the Coalition office if you would like to find out more or
discuss making a nomination.
NEW DIRECTORS WANTED FOR SDPP
Surrey Disabled People’s Partnership are recruiting more Directors for
their Board. Go to SDPP’s website for the Information Pack, or contact
Clive Wood: clive@sdpp.org.uk, or Tel. 01483 541 686, Text 07590
354527
2
OPPORTUNITIES TO HAVE YOUR SAY
WHEELCHAIR SERVICES
You may have seen an article in BBC News in July called “Wheelchair
Services in England are failing”. This is what Paralympian Baroness
Tanni Grey-Thompson said when launching a new national charter to
improve services across the country.
At least 1.2 million people across the UK use wheelchairs, and many can
wait years for the right wheelchair - although an ill- fitting chair can cause
hip dislocations, pressure sores and make people’s impairments and
conditions worse.
Use this link for more information about Baroness Tanni’s campaign
called “Right Chair, Right Time, Right Now”.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-33595627
We know that wheelchair services are very variable across Surrey - e.g.
the current waiting time for an assessment in Guildford is 18 weeks.
Something needs to be done and we have been pressing for
improvements through the Major Equipment and Adaptations Review,
which has been taking place in Surrey over the past 9 months.
Add your weight to press the CCGs to commission better wheelchair
services in Surrey. Send examples of your experiences to us in the
Coalition office and we will pass them on to the Review team which
includes CCGs, Surrey County Council and the Borough & District
Councils, who know that equipment and adaptations services across
Surrey need to improve. Email carol.pearson@surreycoalition.org.uk, or
Tel. 01483 456558 or Text 077809 33053
ELECTRONIC PATIENT RECORD SYSTEM ENGAGEMENT SESSION
Surrey & Borders Partnership are inviting people who use their services
and carers to an engagement session to seek their views on plans for
3
their new electronic patient record system - System ONE. They want to
discuss how people would like care plans, letters and SMS text messages
which can be generated by the new system.
This is being held on Monday 10th August, from 10.30 to 2.30 at
SABP HQ. To book your place email communications@sabp.nhs.uk, or
Tel 01372 216285 or SMS Text 07825 118 878
WHAT MEMBERS HAVE BEEN DOING
SURREY INDEPENDENT LIVING FAIR 2015
More than 1000 people visited the Fair organised by Surrey Independent
Living Council at Epsom Downs Racecourse on 25th June to visit the 7
exhibition stands of services available in Surrey, and to join in the many
leisure and sporting activities.
This was an amazing opportunity for disabled and older people, and
carers to find out about the services and activities available in the County.
We hope that SILC will run another event next year.
SURREY SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT FUND —
ANNUAL RECEPTION
Pictured here are Anna Sartori, Vice Chair of Surrey Coalition, and
Jonathan Fisher, a Coalition Board member with the High Sheriff of
Surrey and Trustees of Surrey Community Foundation which sponsors the
Fund, at a Reception held at Surrey University in June to celebrate the
Surrey Supported Employment Fund. Anna sits on the panel which
considers applications from individuals for small grants to help them into
employment, and she presented one of several case studies heard at the
reception.
DISABILITY ALLIANCE NETWORK SURREY
The 4 Area Groups of the DANS met again in July, where they discussed
and gave their views on a wide range of issues, including:
 Patient Transport
 Local Access Group updates
4






Adult Social Care Local Account for 2014/15
Health and Social Care Commissioning
Talking buses being introduced in Surrey by Abelio
Plans to Transform Leatherhead
The new Buddy Scheme in Elmsbridge
Consultation on Sustainable Transport in Dorking, Greater Redhill,
and Blackwater Valley, and much more.
Join your local Area DANS group to have your say on local and county
wide issues affecting disabled people.
Contact yasmin.broome@surreycc.gov.uk, Tel. 01483 517294 or Text
07812104490 for information about the next meetings.
CAMPAIGN AGAINST “A” BOARDS
The Disability Alliance Network Chairs group has started a campaign to
encourage people to report “A” Boards which are causing obstructions on
pavements in their local area.
The County Council’s policy on “Advertising on the Highway” requires
“A” Boards (Advertising Boards) to be placed against the shop front and
not cause an obstruction to pedestrians.
John Pateman from SCC Highways has said:
'It is very important that we encourage people to report particular
problems to us, and that we need to make it as easy as possible for
customers to report these problems.
We take every report extremely seriously.
We ask customers to contact us by one of the following methods:
 complete an online form
 telephone our Contact Centre on 0300 200 1003 or Text
07527 182861, or
 email us at "highways@surreycc.gov.uk"
Please look out for A Boards causing an obstruction and report it to
Surrey Highways.
5
SURREY HEATH VOLUNTEER AWARDS
Jenny Teagle, one of our Coalition Board members, is pictured here with
the Mayor of Surrey Heath at the Borough’s Annual Awards for
Volunteers Ceremony held on 4th June. Jenny received a certificate for
her many contributions in improving access in the Borough and in many
other parts of Surrey. In the last year Jenny has undertaken access
audits of the new Farnham Road Hospital being built by Surrey &
Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust in Guildford, and of all police
stations in Surrey for Surrey Police.
SURREY LOCAL TRANSPORT REVIEW
Surrey Coalition and DANS members have been involved throughout
the County Council’s Review of Local Transport Services which started
last autumn because the Council needs to save £2mil on transport
services over the next 3 years. A further consultation on bus services in
North West Surrey and East Surrey during May gave people a further
opportunity to have their say and as a result many of the proposed
changes to bus routes have been amended to reflect people’s concerns.
Proposals for savings went to SCC Cabinet in June, and we were
pleased to hear that they agreed not to change the concessionary bus
passes which enable disabled people to travel free at any time, and that
they have also kept the free companion pass for people who cannot
travel on buses alone. Changes to bus services following the Council’s
decision start in August and details are available in Libraries and at local
Council offices, and are on the County Council website:
www.surreycc.gov.uk/transportreview
Phase 2 of the Local Transport Review will start later this year, and we
will ensure that disabled people are again given the opportunity to have
their say.
ACTION FOR CARERS ANNUAL CONFERENCE
More than 100 carers attended this year’s Annual Conference, held at
Denbies Vineyard on 9th June.
The keynote speaker, Emily Holzhausen from Carers UK, gave an
6
inspiring talk about the new rights for carers to an assessment and
support as those they care for, which came into force with the Care Act on
1st April 2015.
She is pictured here with Action for Carers Chair, Karen HoldsworthCannon, and their then Chief Executive Jane Thornton.
We were really sorry to say farewell to Jane who retired at the end of
June, and have greatly appreciated the partnership we have had with
Jane and our sister organisation, Action for Carers, over many years. We
look forward however to welcoming their new Chief Executive, James
Gault.
ACCESS FOR ALL
IMPROVEMENTS AT TRAIN STATIONS
South West Trains asked Surrey Coalition to help select the best options
for improvements to 3 stations in Surrey for which Department of
Transport “Access for All” funding has been awarded to provide improved
access.
Members were therefore involved in discussions with South West Trains
and the local Borough Councils about new footbridges, with lifts, at
Virginia Water, Walton on Thames and Godalming Stations. Work on all
three schemes should be completed by next April.
SURREY HARD OF HEARING FORUM
Members of Surrey Hard of Hearing Forum are pictured here at their
meeting last month, reviewing progress on the many projects they have
initiated over the past year. These have included:
 Working with Tracey Wade, from Guildford Diocese, to develop lip
reading classes. One course has been held in Godalming, and
further courses are starting in Tandridge, Redhill and Runnymede
soon
 The Diocese now has over 100 Hearing Champions trained to
provide hearing aid repairs and retuning, and are running 28
monthly clinics across Surrey
7
 Due to a shortage of lip reading tutors, it is hoped that the Diocese
and SCC will sponsor 2 or 3 people to undertake lip reading teacher
training, to improve the supply of tutors in Surrey, and
 Further plans were discussed for helping people to set up local peer
support group to practice lip reading and for social interaction, like
the extremely successful Guildford Hard of Hearing Group
 The Loop Checkers group have also been working with SCC
property managers to prepare the specification for the installation of
new loops in their buildings, and most importantly, to have an
ongoing checking and maintenance programme.
For more information on any of these projects, or to join the group,
please contact us in the Coalition office.
LET’S LOOP SURREY
“Let’s Loop Surrey” was formed two years ago by the Surrey Coalition of
Disabled People and is focused on promoting awareness of hearing
loops. The group are all hearing aid wearers, who act as secret shoppers
by visiting businesses to check the quality of loops. Where there are
problems, then the group works with those organisations to get the loop
fixed. The group is looking for more volunteers to become involved. It’s a
small commitment, but a big opportunity to change the way communities
in Surrey view and hear hearing loops. If you would like to find out more,
contact Alison in the Coalition office or text our text-only phone number
077809 33053
NON EMERGENCY PATIENT TRANSPORT
SERVICES
Surrey Coalition has been involved in monitoring the services provided by
SECAmb, and seeking improvements in response times, since they were
awarded the Non Emergency Patient Transport service contract 4
years ago. The NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups are now starting
work on the procurement of a new service from April 2017, and have
been seeking the views of the public and patients in a number of ways
8
over the past few months. Coalition members have taken the opportunity
to give their views, in particular about delays in being picked up from
home, arriving late for appointments and then waiting for long periods
to go home both after an outpatient appointment or after an inpatient
stay in hospital. They have given their views by:
 Completing an online survey undertaken in June and July, which will
help to shape the future service specification, and
 Attending Local meetings held in each CCG area during July
North West Surrey CCG are leading the procurement process on behalf
of the other CCGs and invited people to join a new group on Patient
Transport, which met first on 30th July and then monthly, to help the
CCG develop the specification for the future service. 8 Coalition members
from all over Surrey and representing the interests of people with a range
of health conditions and impairments have volunteered to join this Patient
Advisory Group.
We will keep you updated on progress over the coming months. If you
have any further comments you wish to make on Patient Transport,
please contact us in the Coalition office.
LIFE COACHING WORKSHOPS
Mary Frances Trust (who provide Community Connections services in
Epsom & Ewell and Mole Valley) are running two workshops, on
20th and 27th August, from 10 am to 12 noon
At MFT’s The Crescent Centre in Leatherhead
To book your place Tel. 01372 375400, Text 07929 024722, or email
info@maryfrancestrust.org.uk
ACCESS VISIT TO COUNTY HALL
As reported in the June Issue of Coalition News, we have been working
with the County Council’s HR department to help them improve their
recruitment and retention of more disabled employees. A recent phase of
work was an access visit to County Hall in April, to suggest access
9
improvements for both disabled staff and visitors.
A long list of recommended improvements was produced and we are
pleased to see that some have already been implemented, such as:
 Improved markings of disabled parking bays and zebra crossing
and the gradient of the slope at the front entrance
 New automatic doors to the staff canteen, and
 A start on making an accessible meeting room on the ground floor,
including a new hearing loop.
One of our priorities is a wheelchair accessible route to the Ashcombe
Suite where many public meetings are held, and we understand that
surveyors are currently examining the options. We hope to be able to
report further progress on this soon.
Other initiatives introduced to assist disabled people to apply for jobs
with the Council are a new more accessible recruitment website, the
offer of an automatic interview as a two ticks employer, and the relaunch
of “New Start” offering work placement opportunities for people with
mental health issues. We hope this scheme will be extended to people
with visual impairment to support the successful employment scheme
now being run by Sight for Surrey.
HAMPTON COURT FLOWER SHOW
Surrey Disabled People’s Partnership and Surrey Coalition ran a joint
exhibition stand at the Hampton Court Flower Show in early July, to
promote the work of both organisations.
Members of the Get WiS£ Benefits Advice and Advocacy services are
pictured here on the stand, from which they gave out packets of
cornflower seeds to promote their services.
WORK WITH SURREY POLICE
MESSAGE FROM THE DEPUTY CHIEF
CONSTABLE
10
Those of you who attended our AGM last year will remember the very
open, engaging and reassuring keynote speech given by Nick Ephgrave,
Surrey’s Deputy Chief Constable and Disability Champion. We continue
to meet regularly with Surrey Police to help them tackle and reduce
disability related crime, and we reported that residents of Surrey were
worried about threats of cuts in policing in Surrey. Nick has therefore sent
a letter to reassure us that Surrey Police will continue to respond when
we need them.
OUT IN THE OPEN
We attend their “Out in the Open” meetings to help Surrey Police
implement EHRC recommendations on reducing disability related crime.
This work included the survey of disabled people carried out by Surrey
Police last autumn, which showed that more needed to be done to
engage with disabled people in local communities and neighbourhoods,
and to increase people’s understanding about how to contact Surrey
Police through 101 and 999.
6 key actions resulting from the survey were taken to the Surrey
Safeguarding Adults Board meeting in July by Jon Savell from Surrey
Police and Surrey Coalition Chair, Cliff Bush, to seek their commitment to
working together to reduce the stigma which is the cause of disability
related crime.
HATE CRIME POSTER
We have also worked with Surrey Police to produce a poster which we
hope people will print and display. This is attached for people receiving an
electronic version of Coalition News, and you can obtain a paper copy
from the Coalition office.
WHO YOU GONNA CALL? VIDEO
Use the link below to the Surrey Police Website to see the video
produced by Lancashire Police, explaining the correct use of 101, 111
and 999 for contacting the emergency services. Unfortunately it does not
have subtitles or BSL signing, but it’s good for those of you who can hear
it. http://tinyurl.com/nmqfk4j
11
NEW SERVICES
ONE STOP SURREY
Helping residents to live and age well in Surrey.
This is a partnership of trusted agencies including local Councils, Police,
Fire and Rescue and Age UK Surrey, working to ensure residents are
able to access the services needed. This is not an emergency service.
The scheme enables people from the agencies involved to onwards refer
those who they come into contact with who may need other services.
With the individual’s consent, a referral is made to Age UK Surrey
using a checklist to identify the services the person needs, and then
Age UK Surrey arrange the appropriate services.
Visit the website www.onestopsurrey.org.uk for the referral form and to
find out more, or contact us in the Coalition office.
FREE APPS TO MAINTAIN YOUR MENTAL AND
PHYSICAL WELLBEING
A list of useful Apps has been produced by the Acute Therapy service in
the Abraham Cowley Unit. Contact us in the Coalition office for a copy of
the list, which includes “5 ways to wellbeing”, which is really good to
help maintain emotional wellbeing (list attached to this Newsletter for
people receiving an electronic copy).
NEW NATIONAL FREE PHONE SUPPORT FOR
FAMILY CARERS OF PEOPLE WITH LEARNING
DISABILITIES
Family Carers Support Service have launched a new Freephone support
service which is open between 8.30 am and 4.30 pm, weekdays,
accessed by landline or mobile phone. The number is 0808 801 0448 or
you can email familycarerssupport@hft.org.uk
12
KEEPING IN TOUCH
We are working on a smarter way to send emails to you so you receive
information relevant to the area you live in or about issues that you have
told us you are interested in. If you don’t currently receive information
from us by e-mail and would like to, please let us have your email
address, or if you have changed your email address please don’t forget to
let us know by e mailing info@surreycoalition.org.uk
SUPPORTING PEOPLE IN GUILDFORD
Pictured here are three young women who have started work in three
different but complementary roles to support people living in Guildford:
 On the left is Claire Lane, who is the Volunteer
Development
Worker setting up an Information Hub in Guildford. Whilst we do not
yet have a fixed Hub, Claire has started running Pop up Hubs in
various venues in the Borough. Contact Claire if you wish to be a
Hub volunteer or to find out more: email claire@sdpp.org.uk or Tel/
Text 07702699425
 In the centre is Nicola Bassani, the Community Connector
employed by Guildford Diocese and funded by and based at
Guildford Borough Council. Like the other Community Connectors in
Surrey Heath, Spelthorne and Mole Valley, Nicola is connecting
people, local groups and organisations to fill gaps in services and
support in the Borough. For more information
contact
Nicola.bassani@cofeguildford.org.uk, Tel 01483 790324, Text
07531 268476
 On the right is Rachel Guilford, who runs Neighbourhood Angels, a
voluntary befriending scheme for adults in Guildford. Contact
Rachel.guilford@cofeguildford.org.uk, or Tel/Text 07796 098077 to
volunteer or find out more.
NEW BUDDY SCHEME IN ELMBRIDGE
Matt Seaby (former Volunteer Development Worker at Walton Hub) has
13
started a new job as Buddy Scheme Coordinator with Voluntary Action
Elmbridge. The scheme was launched on 14th July to start recruiting
volunteer Buddy Mentors to provide support for disabled people into
volunteering roles in the Borough. A Buddy mentor will attend interviews,
provide travel training and support people in a voluntary job. For more
information or to volunteer, contact matt@vae.org.uk, Tel. 01372 463
587, or Text 07553 314968
GETTING INVOLVED IN HEALTH
HEALTHWATCH SURREY
“VOICE IT” EVENT
Healthwatch have started a new series of “Voice it” events which are
open to everyone to go along and give their views both good and bad,
about health and social care services.
The first is being held on 3rd August, from 2 to 3 pm here at Astolat,
Burpham, Guildford. Use this link for more
information:
https://
www.facebook.com/events/1037622712922689/
Healthwatch then plan to run similar events every 3 months in different
parts
of
Surrey.
Keep
an
eye
on
the
website
www.healthwatchsurrey.co.uk or Tel. 0303 303 0023 or Text 07592 787
533 or email vanda.green@healthwatchsurrey.co.uk
A LIVE CHAT SESSON
On Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing is being held on Tuesday
18th August from 5.30 to 7.30 pm. Use this link to find out more: https://
www.facebook.com/events/396351013895214.
WITH NHS CLINICAL COMMISSIONING GROUPS
(CCGS)
Go along to the following events being held by your local CCG and
partners:
14
 Making it Real in Surrey Heath—Thursday 10th September 2015,
from 1 pm to 4 pm at Camberley Theatre. For more info and to book
your place contact nigel.drury@cofeguildford.org.uk, Tel 01276
707346, or Text 07979 887467
 North East Hants & Farnham CCG AGM—Wednesday 23rd
September, from 6 pm to 8.30 pm at Farnham Castle. To book your
place email jo.bowcock@nhs.net, or contact us in the Coalition office
 North West Surrey CCG—are setting up a new Patient Advisory
Group to help them implement innovative plans for integrating health
and social care through their Locality Hubs project. To see a copy of
the role of the Patient Advisory Group, and to express an interest in
becoming a Patient Representative, please contact Carol Pearson in
the Coalition office.
 Guildford & Waverley CCG—are looking to expand the
membership of their Public and Patient Engagement Forum (PPEF)
which meets every two months on the first Tuesday, from 12.30 to
2.30; the next one being in October. Contact Alison White in
the Coalition office if you live in Guildford or Waverley and would
like to join the PPEF.
HEALTHWATCH DATA SHARING SURVEY
Healthwatch Surrey ran an online survey during June to seek people’s
views on sharing health and social care records. Over 600 completed
the survey, including many Surrey Coalition members, and we look
forward to seeing the results when these are published in September.
SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL’S NEW EQUALITY
FAIRNESS AND RESPECT STRATEGY
SCC Cabinet approved this new strategy on 23rd June - use this link to
see it, and contact us in the Coalition office if you would like a paper copy:
Equality, Fairness and Respect Strategy. The Strategy aligns with the
Council’s Corporate Strategy and will help to ensure services support all
15
Surrey residents and our staff are healthy, safe and confident about their
future.
The Strategy demonstrates the Council’s commitment to deliver fair and
inclusive services to meet the needs of all Surrey’s communities. It also
reflects our commitment to be a best practice employer for all our staff
and reflect the diversity of Surrey’s population.
The Strategy has been developed with colleagues across the Council and
partners from the voluntary, community and faith sector, through the
Surrey Equality Group. Surrey Coalition represents the interests of
disabled people on the Surrey Equality Group, and also works with the
Council’s HR Department to help them achieve these aims (see page 9
for more information).
OPPORTUNITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH
LEARNING DISABILITIES AND AUTISM
NEW SELF ADVOCACY GROUPS
2 new groups
disability in:
have recently started
for adults with a learning
STAINES—at the Hub, every other Tuesday morning
GUILDFORD & WOKING—at Jacobs Well Community Hall, every
other Wednesday afternoon.
Call Barry Hobbs 0208 549 1028
AFTER 8 CLUB
Run by Prospect Housing the Club meets monthly from 8 pm to 10 pm
in different venues, for any adult with a learning disability who can bring
a friend or carer with them if they wish.
For more information: 01737 243818
16
NEW AUTISM CENTRE TO OPEN AT
BROOKLANDS COLLEGE
The College is opening a new purpose built centre in September,
offering courses for young people with autism and a higher level of
need. To find out more email adele.moyle@brooklands.ac.uk, or Tel
01932 797712
NHS CHOICES
The Department of Health now has easy read leaflets to help people
make informed choices about health and social care.
The leaflets set out patients rights to choice, where to find information to
help you choose, and how to complain if choice isn’t offered.
Please contact us in the Coalition office if you would like a copy.
UPDATES ON THE SURREY HUBS
GUILDFORD HUB
We are delighted to announce that we will be using a shop at 4 Swan
Lane in Guildford as a Pop up Hub on Friday 14th August and Friday
28th August. This shop is leased by Guildford Borough Council and
available at present for one off use by community groups. Claire Lane,
the Volunteer Development Worker for the Guildford Hub, is hoping to
arrange some more days at the Swan Lane shop in September.
Claire is also working with the Borough Council and local voluntary
organisations to start Pop up Hubs in various locations across the
Borough.
Claire urgently needs people to volunteer to help her run these Pop up
Hubs, so please contact her if you are interested. Email
claire@sdpp.org.uk or Tel/Text 07702 699425.
WALTON HUB
This picture shows the car which ran into the front of the Community Hub
17
where Walton Information Hub is based, on 14th July. Fortunately this
accident happened at night, so no one in the building was hurt, and
services carried on as usual the following day.
HUBS SUPPORT PEOPLE WITH LONG TERM
NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS
The 9 Surrey Hubs are working with our LTNC Group to promote
awareness of and to provide peer support for people with long term
neurological conditions, such as MS, Parkinson’s, Brain Injury and Motor
Neuron Disease. Led by Ella Findlay at the Camberley Hub, several
awareness raising events have been held across Surrey, and Hub
volunteers with lived experience of these neurological conditions are
offering peer support to others.
NEWS IN BRIEF
GOVERNMENT DEFERS FUNDING REFORMS
We were extremely disappointed to hear the news on Friday 17th July
that the Government have deferred plans to introduce a Cap on Care
costs, which was a manifesto commitment, and was due to be
implemented in April 2016. We understand that this has been deferred
until 2020, the time of the next general election.
We hope however that here in Surrey, the County Council will continue
with plans to introduce Trusted Assessors from the voluntary sector,
who are well placed to assist with social care assessments and reduce
the burden of demand on social workers. This is particularly important
given the Care Act changes introduced in April this year to provide
universal access to information and advice, and to assessment and
services for carers on an equal basis as for those they care for.
ACCESSIBLE SPORTS GROUNDS BILL
Lord Faulkner has introduced a bill in the House of Lords to make sport
provision, and in particular, football grounds, accessible for disabled
people as required under the Equity Act 2010. He introduced his bill on
18
17th July, saying that its purpose was to create a civilised and safe
environment for disabled people who want to attend sporting events. The
bill proposes giving a power to Local Authorities to refuse a safety
certificate to stadiums which do not comply with the Accessible Stadia
guidelines. The bill was supported by Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson
and the full transcript of the debate can be read here.
SURREY LAW CENTRE
This is just a reminder that Surrey Law Centre is there to “Help the
disadvantaged people of Surrey defend their legal rights”.
Surrey Law Centre offer regular free legal advice sessions all over
Surrey, on issues including Family, Employment and Civil law and
Domestic abuse.
For information on the location and timings of these sessions, please
contact us in the Coalition office or contact Surrey Law Centre on 0330
002 0099
TRAVEL SMART SCHEME
Surrey Lift Share is a local organisation which links drivers and
passengers so they can share their journeys. There are 4000 lift share
schemes in the network, so there is a good chance of finding a journey
match wherever you are going. This is a free service, which reduces
everyone’s travel costs.
Look on the website: https://surrey.liftshare.com/
HIGH COURT RULING ON PERSONAL
INDEPENDENCE PAYMENTS
A High Court ruling on 5th June decided that the delays by the DWP in
processing claims for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) are
unlawful. A judicial review was brought on behalf of two people affected
by delays, having to wait 13 months and 10 months respectively for a
decision on their claims. As a result the DWP has been called upon to
reconsider its plans to roll out PIP to the 1.5 million people currently
19
receiving DLA (Disability Living Allowance) who are due to be reassessed for PIP from October this year.
We are waiting to hear more, but please don’t forget that if you are a
current DLA recipient and receive a notice to apply for PIP, then you
should contact Surrey Disabled People’s Partnership for help to
complete the assessment form.
Contact SDPP Advocacy: email: advocacy@sdpp.org.uk, Tel. 01483
750973, or Text 07561 392818.
LIVING & AGEING WELL IN SURREY AWARDS
2015
Just a reminder to send your nomination for an award by Wednesday 7th
October. See page 7 of the June Issue of Coalition News for more
information on the award categories.
Visit the website: http://tinyurl.com/n9fvvzv for a nomination form or get a
copy from your local Council office or library, or contact us in the Coalition
office. The awards ceremony is being held on 18th November 2015.
CHANGES TO ADULT SOCIAL CARE JOB TITLES
We are pleased to report that Adult Social Care have decided to revert
to more commonly known job titles for their professional staff.
So Social Care Practitioners are now called Social Workers and Assistant
Practitioners are now called Assistant Social Workers—much easier for
everyone to understand.
OTHER NEWSLETTERS
We have received the following newsletters from partner organisations—
contact us in the Coalition office if you would like a copy of any of them.
 UNIQUE Adult ADHD Surrey—June/July 2015 Newsletter
 Disability Rights UK—E Newsletters for June and July 2015
 UK Vision Strategy—June 2015 Newsletter
 Disabled Motoring UK—June and July Newsletters
20
 Kent Surrey Sussex Patient Safety Collaborative—June 2015
Bulletin
 Freewheeler Theatre Company—News July 2015
 Level Playing Field Newsletters—June and July 2015
 Family Voice Surrey—July 2015
 Southern Rail Accessibility Newsletter—July 2015
 Shaping our Lives, National Network—E-Bulletin July 2015
 Healthwatch Surrey News—July 2015
 First Steps—July Newsletter
 Living & Ageing Well in Surrey—Newsletter July 2015
 Disability Action Alliance—Newsletter June 2015
 SABP’s Partnership People—Summer 2015
UPDATES ON MENTAL HEALTH
SURREY MENTAL HEALTH GROUP
This group of people who use mental health services and carers has
been independently supported by Surrey Coalition since the Surrey LINK
Mental Health Group ceased three years ago. They work with NHS and
Social Care Commissioners to contribute to strategies and plans for
service improvement and to monitor delivery of all services including
Community Connections, IAPT and Suicide Prevention as well as the
acute and community services provided by Surrey & Borders
Partnership.
At their last meeting in June they discussed possible terms of reference
for a new group and network to give a stronger voice of influence and
challenge over mental health in Surrey.
Together with Action for Carers, Surrey, we have now decided to hold a
WORKSHOP FOR SERVICE USERS AND CARERS to involve as many
people as possible in creating a new network. This is to be held
21
On Friday 25th September
From 10.30 to 1 pm
At Leatherhead Leisure Centre
Please put this date in your diary and further information will be sent out
nearer the time. If in the meantime you would like to register your interest
in attending please contact Carol Pearson: Tel. 01483 456 558, Text
077809 33053 or email carol.pearson@surreycoalition.org.uk, or Sandra
Bolton: email: Sandra.bolton@actionforcarers.org.uk, Tel. 01483 570166
or Text : 07736 561979.
The next meeting of the current Surrey Mental Health Group is on Friday
11th September, from 10.30 to 1 pm at Park House, Leatherhead.
Contact Carol Pearson (as above) if you would like to attend.
BBC 2 PROGRAMME ON MENTAL HEALTH
Use this link below to see the recent BBC2 programme on mental health
which includes Ruby Wax. http://tinyurl.com/q84lz9b
PARTNERSHIP BOARD UPDATE
The Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Partnership Board meets
quarterly to bring commissioners, providers, service user and carer
representatives together to drive implementation of the new strategy
launched last year. The Partnership Board is accountable to the Health
& Wellbeing Board which agreed Mental Health as one of its top 5
priorities when it was set up two years ago.
On the agenda for the next meeting are items on the inequity in funding
and provision of acute psychiatric liaison services across Surrey,
employment support service, and the work done by Mental Health
Strategies to model and map the future need for acute psychiatric beds.
All requested by members of the Independent Mental Health Group.
FoCUS
Join the Forum of Carers and people who Use the Services of Surrey &
Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. Contact our FoCUS
Involvement Facilitator, Christine.Schauerman@surreycoalition.org.uk,
22
Tel/Text 07793149235 for more information.
FoCUS NEWSLETTER, ISSUE 6
ENCLOSED for members interested in Mental Health is a copy of the
Summer Issue of “Focus on FoCUS” which gives more information on
what FoCUS members have been doing.
The newsletter also gives the dates of the next meetings of the 4 Area
Groups which everyone is welcome to attend. These next meetings are in
September.
WOKING MIND AGM
Pictured here are the audience of over 40 people who attended
Woking Mind AGM in June, listening to an address by Prof David Rye,
their President. We then heard about the many activities run by Woking
Mind as part of the Community Connections service for people with self
defined mental ill health in Woking.
DH DIRECT PAYMENTS
Specialist Payroll Provider for Direct Payment Users
www.dhdirectpayments.co.uk
Email: dhdirectpayments@davidhoward.co.uk
Tel: 020 8977 3559
At dhdirectpayments we understand
that
managing direct payments can be difficult and we
are here to help our many clients with all their
Personal Assistant Scheme needs.
We have been working with Direct Payment users
and funding organisations for over 15 years and
have a wealth of knowledge and experience
which we use everyday to make sure our clients
receive a pain free payroll service.
If you are new to Direct Payments, we would be
23
happy to talk to you about any concerns that you
might have about employing your own staff or if
you have been receiving direct payments for
some time but would like to use an efficient and
value for money payroll service, please call us on
020 8977 3559 where an experienced member of
our team will be able to answer your questions
and discuss how we can help you.
Surrey Coalition does not endorse any product or service advertised
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
ACTION FOR CARERS NORTH WEST CARERS
FORUM
Tuesday 22nd September 2015
10.30 am to 2.30 pm
Silvermere Golf & Leisure
To register contact
diane.cotton@actionforcarers.org.uk
Tel. 01483 302748 or
Text 07714 075993
DISABILITY ALLIANCE NETWORK ANNUAL
CONFERENCE 2015
Wednesday 23rd September 2015
10.00 am to 3.30 pm
At Dorking Halls
See enclosed flyer and booking form
24
GUILDFORD ACCESS AWARDS 2015
Wednesday 7th October 2015
7 to 8.30 pm
Park Barn Community Centre
Contact us in the Coalition office if you wish to attend
ANNUAL EVENT ON MENTAL HEALTH
Organised by the NHS Mental Health Commissioning Collaborative
Thursday 15th October 2015
11.00 am to 4.00 pm HG Wells Centre, Woking
Hold the date and more information will be sent out soon
SABP MEMBERS EVENT
The next event organised by Surrey & Borders Partnership NHS
Foundation Trust is on “Good mental health for young people”
Monday 9th November 2015
4—7 pm
Harlequin Theatre, Redhill
MARY FRANCES TRUST AGM
Friday 2nd October 2015 Early afternoon in Leatherhead Precise time
and venue to be confirmed.
SURREY COALITION’S 2015 AGM
Thursday 5th November 2015
10.30 – 3.30
Leatherhead Leisure Centre
25