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A handbook for young disabled people living in <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong><br />
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Fun<br />
Money<br />
Getting around<br />
Independence<br />
Education and work<br />
Coping with rough times
Local Councils<br />
The County Council is responsible for such services as social care, education,<br />
libraries, most roads, transport, Connexions and youth services. The City and<br />
District councils cover services including housing, refuse collection and recycling,<br />
arts, leisure and entertainment, community services and some benefits.<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> County Council<br />
Shire Hall, Castle Hill<br />
Cambridge CB3 0AP<br />
0345 045 5200 (general enquiries)<br />
0345 045 5222 (main switchboard)<br />
01733 234724 (out of hours/emergencies)<br />
www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk<br />
info@cambridgeshire.gov.uk<br />
Cambridge City Council<br />
Cus<strong>to</strong>mer Service Centre<br />
Mandela House, 4 Regent Street<br />
Cambridge CB2 1BY<br />
01223 457000<br />
01223 457050 (textphone)<br />
01223 457457 (out of hours/emergencies)<br />
www.cambridge.gov.uk<br />
enquiries@cambridge.gov.uk<br />
East <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> District Council<br />
The Grange, Nutholt Lane<br />
Ely CB7 4EE<br />
01353 665555<br />
07710 978900 (out of hours/emergencies)<br />
www.eastcambs.gov.uk<br />
cus<strong>to</strong>merservices@eastcambs.gov.uk<br />
Fenland District Council<br />
Fenland Hall, County Road<br />
March PE15 8NQ<br />
01354 654321 (includes out of hours)<br />
01354 622213 (textphone)<br />
www.fenland.gov.uk<br />
info@fenland.gov.uk<br />
There are local service shops in Chatteris,<br />
March, Whittlesey and Wisbech.<br />
Huntingdonshire District Council<br />
Centenary House, St Mary’s Street<br />
Huntingdon PE29 3PG<br />
01480 388308<br />
01480 434167 (out of hours/emergencies)<br />
www.huntsdc.gov.uk<br />
mail@huntsdc.gov.uk<br />
There are community information centres<br />
in Ramsey and Yaxley, and cus<strong>to</strong>mer<br />
service centres in St Ives and St Neots.<br />
South <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> District Council<br />
Cambourne CB23 6EA<br />
0845 045 0500<br />
01480 376743 (textphone)<br />
scdc@scambs.gov.uk<br />
www.scambs.gov.uk
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A handbook for young disabled people living in <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong><br />
This book is for you if you’re<br />
aged somewhere between 14<br />
and 20. <strong>It</strong>’s about your move<br />
in<strong>to</strong> adult life – opportunities<br />
in fur<strong>the</strong>r and higher<br />
education, training and work,<br />
and all <strong>the</strong> support you need<br />
<strong>to</strong> live independently. <strong>It</strong>’s<br />
about having fun, <strong>to</strong>o, and<br />
about coping when you’re<br />
having problems.<br />
There are thousands of<br />
opportunities and services<br />
out <strong>the</strong>re but we cannot<br />
include <strong>the</strong>m all. So this<br />
book is a guide through<br />
<strong>the</strong> maze of services that<br />
points you <strong>to</strong> more help<br />
and more information<br />
and advice. <strong>It</strong>’s a starting<br />
point, so use <strong>Disability</strong><br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>, <strong>Disability</strong><br />
Huntingdonshire, <strong>the</strong><br />
Youthoria and Rough<br />
Times websites, and<br />
everything else listed here <strong>to</strong><br />
find out more.<br />
Contact <strong>Disability</strong><br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> if you would<br />
like information from this<br />
book in large print.<br />
Contents<br />
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S S<br />
Fun 3<br />
<strong>Go</strong>ing places 12<br />
Making <strong>the</strong> transition: school,<br />
college, university, training<br />
and work<br />
S<br />
22<br />
Living independently 36<br />
House and home 50<br />
<strong>Go</strong>od times and rough times 56<br />
Money 63<br />
Information, advice and advocacy 71<br />
Equality, action, politics and media 80<br />
S<br />
S<br />
When things go wrong –<br />
how <strong>to</strong> complain 87<br />
Index 88<br />
Cover pho<strong>to</strong>: <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> resident and Anglia Ruskin University student Fran Williamson, who won silver<br />
and bronze swimming medals at <strong>the</strong> 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games (Phil Mynott)
Acknowledgements<br />
Thanks for <strong>the</strong>ir support and contributions<br />
are due <strong>to</strong>:<br />
Simon Adams<br />
Paul Ainsworth<br />
Sue Anderson<br />
Claire Bailey<br />
Phil Bales<br />
Grant Chambers<br />
Jean Clark<br />
Olly Cooper<br />
Amanda Davies<br />
Tracy Denis<br />
Clive Diver<br />
Mike Francis<br />
David <strong>Go</strong>lding<br />
Richard Holland<br />
Iain Hood<br />
Ella James<br />
Lyn Jenkins<br />
Amanda Kelleher<br />
Chris Lakin<br />
Jean Lambert<br />
Paul McHugh<br />
Diana Mackay<br />
Joy Martin<br />
Phil Mynott<br />
Michael O’Fee<br />
Jayne Oshaughnessy<br />
Gill Riley<br />
Marjorie Smith<br />
Pam Timbrell<br />
Peter We<strong>the</strong>rell<br />
Jason Williams<br />
Fran Williamson<br />
Angela Young<br />
Edi<strong>to</strong>r: Jim Smith<br />
Edi<strong>to</strong>rial Assistants: Andy McCabe, Sally Cleghorn<br />
Design: Hilary Cox hilary@dream2c.co.uk<br />
Print: Al<strong>to</strong>ne Limited<br />
The information in this book was ga<strong>the</strong>red and checked during <strong>the</strong> spring and summer of 2009 and we are<br />
confident that it is as accurate as possible. Colleagues from <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> County Council and a number<br />
of voluntary organisations read and commented on sections for us. <strong>Disability</strong> <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> cannot take<br />
responsibility for <strong>the</strong> quality of any services listed, o<strong>the</strong>r than its own. Please let us know about any changes<br />
or inaccurate information.<br />
© <strong>Disability</strong> <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>, Oc<strong>to</strong>ber 2009<br />
And, finally, <strong>the</strong> students<br />
of Imping<strong>to</strong>n Village<br />
College who <strong>to</strong>ld us<br />
how <strong>to</strong> make this edition<br />
better than <strong>the</strong> first one:<br />
Beth Dal<strong>to</strong>n<br />
Alex Jennett<br />
Rebecca Lawes<br />
Amy Littlefair<br />
Graham Main<br />
Jenny Nott<br />
Kersha Sanders<br />
Jack Stevens<br />
Francis Williams<br />
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If English is not your first<br />
language <strong>the</strong>n people from some<br />
of <strong>the</strong> services in this book may<br />
have a problem communicatiing<br />
with you. Ask <strong>the</strong>m <strong>to</strong> hire an<br />
interpreter from Cintra, <strong>the</strong><br />
interpreting and translation<br />
agency, so <strong>the</strong>y can give you a<br />
proper service. Call 01223 346870<br />
or see www.cintra.org.uk.<br />
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Published by <strong>Disability</strong> <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>, Company Limited by Guarantee, registered in England and Wales:<br />
Number 04373745. Registered charity number 1091855.<br />
Funded by grants from <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> County Council and<br />
Anglia Ruskin University<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong><br />
is affiliated <strong>to</strong> Dial UK
Fun<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> has plenty of leisure, arts and sporting activities <strong>to</strong> offer.<br />
This is just a selection <strong>to</strong> whet your appetite, with pointers for you <strong>to</strong> find out<br />
more. Access <strong>to</strong> mainstream events has improved because of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Disability</strong><br />
Discrimination Act and <strong>the</strong>re are many activities aimed at disabled people. Much<br />
happens in Cambridge, but <strong>the</strong>re’s plenty going on in o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>to</strong>wns and villages<br />
across <strong>the</strong> county. Start with www.youthoria.net.<br />
What’s in this section?<br />
What’s on quick links 4<br />
Don’t Lose <strong>the</strong> Music 4<br />
Venues: <strong>the</strong>atres, cinemas, arts centres and museums 5<br />
Concessions and discounts 6<br />
Taking part: arts 6–7<br />
Arts development and local council arts 8<br />
Taking part: sport and outdoor activities 9<br />
Personal development 10<br />
Youth centres, youth clubs and social clubs 11<br />
Holidays 11<br />
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<strong>Go</strong>ing <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Imping<strong>to</strong>n<br />
Village College<br />
leavers’ ball<br />
3
4<br />
What’s on quick links<br />
Youthoria: www.youthoria.com<br />
The Connexions website.<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>.net: www.cambridgeshire.net<br />
Events and organisations in <strong>the</strong> county.<br />
ADeC: www.adec.org.uk<br />
Arts events in East <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>.<br />
Artsline: www.artsline.org.uk<br />
London listings.<br />
Cambridge Explorer: www.explorermagazine.co.uk<br />
Events around <strong>the</strong> county.<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Agenda: www.cambsagenda.co.uk<br />
Events around <strong>the</strong> county.<br />
Ely events: www.elyonline.co.uk/events.<br />
Fenland Arts: www.fenlandarts.org.uk<br />
Arts events in Fenland.<br />
The List Live: www.<strong>the</strong>listlive.org.uk<br />
South <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> arts listings.<br />
Local Secrets: www.localsecrets.com<br />
Music, films, plays, pubs, restaurants etc.<br />
Moving Tone: www.moving<strong>to</strong>ne.com<br />
Music news, reviews and event listings.<br />
Newspapers in <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>:<br />
What’s On<br />
www.cambridge-news.co.uk<br />
www.ely-standard.co.uk<br />
www.huntspost.co.uk<br />
www.wisbech-standard.co.uk<br />
Peterborough<br />
www.dialpeterborough.org.uk – click on Education and Leisure<br />
www.peterborough.gov.uk – click on Leisure and Culture<br />
www.peterborough.net/calendar<br />
South <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> events: www.scambs.gov.uk/events<br />
View Cambridge: www.viewcambridge.co.uk<br />
Clubs, pubs, restaurants, cinemas and <strong>the</strong> rest.<br />
Visit Cambridge: www.visitcambridge.org<br />
We’re All Neighbours: www.wereallneighbours.co.uk<br />
Events in and around Cambridge.<br />
Don’t Lose <strong>the</strong> Music<br />
Look after your ears now,<br />
enjoy music for ever.<br />
Find out what <strong>the</strong> risks are<br />
and how <strong>to</strong> stay safe, and<br />
sign up for regular updates at<br />
www.dontlose<strong>the</strong>music.com<br />
Funky Flamingo<br />
(see page 7)<br />
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Angles Theatre<br />
Alexandra Road,<br />
Wisbech PE13 1HQ<br />
01945 474447<br />
www.angles<strong>the</strong>atre.co.uk<br />
Cambridge Arts Theatre<br />
6 St Edward’s Passage<br />
Cambridge CB2 3PJ<br />
01223 503333 or 01223 579003<br />
(textphone)<br />
www.cambridgearts<strong>the</strong>atre.com<br />
Some performances are BSL-interpreted,<br />
captioned or audio-described. Audio<br />
<strong>the</strong>atre brochures are available.<br />
Cambridge Corn Exchange<br />
Wheeler Street, Cambridge CB2 3QB<br />
01223 357851<br />
www.cornex.co.uk<br />
Big-name gigs and comedy, classical<br />
music, opera and Christmas shows.<br />
Cambridge Folk Festival<br />
www.cambridgefolkfestival.co.uk<br />
Big names from <strong>the</strong> folk world, lots of<br />
young people go, <strong>the</strong>re are many<br />
young performers, and access is good.<br />
Ely Folk Festival<br />
www.elyfolk.co.uk<br />
A wheelchair-friendly, smaller folk<br />
festival with well-known performers.<br />
The Junction<br />
Clif<strong>to</strong>n Way, Cambridge CB1 7GX<br />
01223 511511<br />
www.junction.co.uk<br />
Clubs, comedy, dance, music and <strong>the</strong>atre.<br />
The Maltings<br />
The Maltings, Ship Lane, Ely CB7 4BB<br />
01353 662633<br />
www.<strong>the</strong>maltingsely.com<br />
Ely’s venue for music, <strong>the</strong>atre and film.<br />
Mumford Theatre<br />
Anglia Ruskin University, East Road<br />
Cambridge CB1 1PT<br />
www.anglia.ac.uk/mumford<strong>the</strong>atre<br />
01223 352932<br />
Concerts, drama and o<strong>the</strong>r events.<br />
Venues: <strong>the</strong>atres, cinemas,<br />
arts centres and museums<br />
Cambridge Arts Picturehouse<br />
38–39 St Andrew’s Street<br />
Cambridge CB2 3AR<br />
0871 704 2050<br />
www.picturehouses.co.uk<br />
<strong>Go</strong>od-value concessions if you join.<br />
Cineworld Cambridge<br />
Clif<strong>to</strong>n Way, Cambridge CB1 7DY<br />
0871 200 2000<br />
www.cineworld.co.uk<br />
Cineworld Huntingdon<br />
Tower Field Leisure Park PE29 7EG<br />
0871 200 2000<br />
www.cineworld.co.uk<br />
Luxe Cinema<br />
Alexandra Road, Wisbech PE13 1HQ<br />
01945 588808<br />
www.<strong>the</strong>luxecinema.co.uk<br />
Peterborough Showcase<br />
Mallory Road, Boon Gate<br />
Peterborough PE1 5AU<br />
0871 220 1000<br />
www.showcasecinemas.co.uk<br />
Saws<strong>to</strong>n Cinema<br />
See page 7.<br />
Vue Cinema<br />
East Road, Cambridge CB1 1PS<br />
0871 224 0240<br />
www.myvue.com<br />
Wysing Arts Centre<br />
Fox Road, Bourn CB23 2TX<br />
01954 718881<br />
www.wysingartscentre.org<br />
Regular events and exhibitions.<br />
Museums<br />
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Too many <strong>to</strong> list, but you can find everything<br />
from a hippopotamus from Barring<strong>to</strong>n <strong>to</strong><br />
a solid gold <strong>to</strong>rc from <strong>the</strong> Fens, and from<br />
Charles Darwin’s egg <strong>to</strong> Oliver Cromwell’s hat.<br />
Look <strong>the</strong>m up here:<br />
www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/leisure/museums<br />
www.admin.cam.ac.uk/museums<br />
5
6<br />
Concessions and discounts<br />
A Night Less Ordinary<br />
www.anightlessordinary.org.uk<br />
Free tickets for anyone under 26 for all sorts of <strong>the</strong>atre events. The Junction in Cambridge<br />
(see page 5) is one of <strong>the</strong> participating venues.<br />
The Cambridge Card<br />
A free loyalty card (you save points that add up so you get discounts) <strong>to</strong> use in<br />
restaurants and shops. You can pay <strong>to</strong> upgrade it so you get discounts on Cambridge City<br />
Leisure facility charges. Details at www.localsecrets.com.<br />
g2g card<br />
Connexions provides this pre-paid debit card loaded with about £15 pounds a month<br />
for you <strong>to</strong> spend on activities. You can get it if you get free school meals or if you are<br />
looked after by <strong>the</strong> Council and if you are 13 <strong>to</strong> 16. More details at Youthoria and at<br />
www.g2gcard.co.uk. You don’t need <strong>to</strong> apply as Connexions will contact you if you<br />
are eligible.<br />
Taking part: arts activities<br />
Berern Arts<br />
The Berern, Comber<strong>to</strong>n Road<br />
Toft CB23 7RY<br />
01223 263950<br />
www.berernarts.org.uk<br />
Disabled and non-disabled people work <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r on drama, dance, and film production.<br />
Berern enables disabled people <strong>to</strong> present <strong>the</strong>ir own cases and use <strong>the</strong>ir own voices.<br />
Cambridge Film Trust<br />
c/o Arts Picturehouse<br />
38–39 St Andrew’s Street<br />
Cambridge CB2 3AR<br />
01223 500082<br />
www.cambridgefilmtrust.org.uk<br />
Screenings, special events and projects which enable people ‘<strong>to</strong> be moved by, learn<br />
about and interact with film’. <strong>It</strong> runs <strong>the</strong> Cambridge Film Festival.<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Mencap<br />
S<br />
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The Befriending Service (page 57) will support you <strong>to</strong> pursue your hobbies and<br />
interests and go <strong>to</strong> activities such as youth groups, sports facilities or <strong>the</strong> cinema.<br />
Mencap also runs dance and drama groups in Cambridge. See pages 33, 45, 52 and<br />
57 for contact details and o<strong>the</strong>r services.
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Music<br />
The Old School<br />
Ermine Street North<br />
Papworth Everard CB23 3RH<br />
01480 373500<br />
www.cambridgeshiremusic.org<br />
Vocal and instrumental music<br />
opportunities and lessons <strong>to</strong><br />
students of all ages.<br />
CLiP<br />
01223 441106: contact Inspire (see right)<br />
Art forms such as film making, <strong>the</strong>atre,<br />
and visual art help young people in special<br />
schools in Huntingdonshire, Fenland and<br />
Peterborough explore options for <strong>the</strong>ir future<br />
progress.<br />
Funky Flamingo<br />
01223 441106: contact Inspire (see right)<br />
funky@inspire.org.uk<br />
www.funkyflamingo.co.uk<br />
A club culture project run by and for<br />
disabled people. Training includes event<br />
management, singing, DJing, VJing, camera<br />
crew and decor. Funky Flamingo has a rock<br />
band and a hip-hop band that can perform<br />
at events. DJs can also be hired.<br />
Funky Flamingo TV is <strong>the</strong> first ever internet<br />
TV station run by and for disabled people.<br />
<strong>It</strong> makes short films, news pieces and<br />
animations, and broadcasts Funky events<br />
live. FFTV also runs <strong>the</strong> National Youth<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> Film Awards, makes DVDs and<br />
runs film workshops.<br />
Funky Flamingo TV<br />
Inspire<br />
2a Cambridge Road<br />
Mil<strong>to</strong>n CB24 6AW<br />
01223 441106<br />
www.inspire.org.uk<br />
Develops and delivers arts<br />
projects, training, information<br />
and advice. See entries on <strong>the</strong><br />
left for Funky Flamingo and CLiP<br />
and look at <strong>the</strong> website for more<br />
services. The Inspire Green Team<br />
is a talented group of adults with<br />
learning difficulties being trained<br />
in conservation, horticulture and<br />
creative arts <strong>to</strong> undertake projects<br />
in <strong>the</strong> community.<br />
Libra Theatre Company<br />
01440 730552<br />
admin@libra<strong>the</strong>atre.org.uk<br />
www.libra<strong>the</strong>atre.org.uk<br />
A mixed group of disabled and<br />
non-disabled ac<strong>to</strong>rs. Workshops<br />
and rehearsals take place in<br />
Cambridge.<br />
Opportunities Without Limits<br />
(OWL)<br />
OWL (see page 33) runs leisure<br />
activities as well as its training and<br />
employment schemes.<br />
Saws<strong>to</strong>n Cinema<br />
Youth and Community Centre<br />
New Road, Saws<strong>to</strong>n CB22 3BP<br />
01223 712825<br />
www.saws<strong>to</strong>ncinema.org.uk<br />
Saws<strong>to</strong>n’s community cinema (and<br />
Cambridge Film Festival venue).<br />
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7
8<br />
Arts development<br />
and local council arts<br />
The councils run arts venues and<br />
help promote <strong>the</strong> arts. There are<br />
arts development agencies in three<br />
districts, and a national disability arts<br />
organisation.<br />
Cambridge City<br />
01223 457000<br />
www.cambridge.gov.uk/leisure<br />
East <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong><br />
www.eastcambs.gov.uk<br />
Arts Development in<br />
East <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong><br />
Babylon Gallery, Waterside<br />
Ely CB7 4AU<br />
01353 669022<br />
www.adec.org.uk<br />
The website includes a what’s on listing.<br />
Fenland<br />
www.fenland.gov.uk/leisure<br />
Fenland Arts<br />
Town Hall, Market Place<br />
March PE15 9JF<br />
01354 652769<br />
www.fenlandarts.org.uk<br />
Listings of what’s on, clubs and groups,<br />
and local classes. Publicises arts activities<br />
in Fenland and makes opportunities <strong>to</strong><br />
develop new ones.<br />
Huntingdonshire<br />
01480 388057<br />
www.huntsdc.gov.uk/leisure<br />
South <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong><br />
01954 713343<br />
www.scambs.gov.uk/LeisureandCulture<br />
Supporting Arts Development in South<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> (Start)<br />
www.start-arts.org.uk<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> Cultural Projects<br />
www.disabilityarts.info<br />
Works with local people, clubs and organisations <strong>to</strong> develop<br />
<strong>the</strong> arts, which means anything from classical music <strong>to</strong> hip-hop,<br />
s<strong>to</strong>rytelling <strong>to</strong> film making, digital pho<strong>to</strong>graphy <strong>to</strong> painting and<br />
ballroom dancing <strong>to</strong> parkour. <strong>It</strong> maintains this online arts direc<strong>to</strong>ry:<br />
www.<strong>the</strong>listlive.org.uk.<br />
S S<br />
Fur<strong>the</strong>rs <strong>the</strong> cultural equality of<br />
disabled and Deaf people.<br />
The Inspire CLiP project<br />
(page 7)<br />
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Taking part: sport and<br />
outdoor activities<br />
The local councils run sports and leisure centres and swimming pools, and promote<br />
activities. There are <strong>to</strong>o many sports activities for disabled people in <strong>the</strong> county for us <strong>to</strong><br />
list here, so here are <strong>the</strong> main contacts in each area. There’s a downloadable direc<strong>to</strong>ry<br />
for Cambridge and South <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> and online listings for East <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>,<br />
Fenland and Huntingdonshire. Or you can contact sports development services on <strong>the</strong><br />
numbers below (if you get a switchboard, ask for Sports Development).<br />
Cambridge City<br />
01223 457000<br />
www.cambridge.gov.uk/leisure.<br />
Download <strong>the</strong> Cambridge and South<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> <strong>Disability</strong> Sports Direc<strong>to</strong>ry.<br />
East <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> and Fenland<br />
07951 378 297<br />
01354 622508<br />
01353 665555<br />
www.ecsport.co.uk<br />
www.fenland.gov.uk<br />
The same person develops sporting<br />
opportunities in both districts and supports<br />
Fendis, <strong>the</strong> Fenland <strong>Disability</strong> Sport <strong>For</strong>m.<br />
Huntingdonshire <strong>Disability</strong> Sports <strong>For</strong>um<br />
01480 387098<br />
www.huntsdc.gov.uk/leisure<br />
South <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong><br />
01954 713349<br />
www.scambs.gov.uk/leisureandculture<br />
Download <strong>the</strong> Cambridge and South<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> <strong>Disability</strong> Sports Direc<strong>to</strong>ry, and<br />
call <strong>to</strong> find out about <strong>the</strong> <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> and<br />
Peterborough County <strong>Disability</strong> Sports<br />
<strong>For</strong>um.<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> Sport Focus Group Cambridge<br />
and South <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong><br />
You can put forward your thoughts and ideas<br />
about activities you would like <strong>to</strong> see provided,<br />
and be added <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> mailing list.<br />
01223 457000<br />
www.cambridge.gov.uk/leisure<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> County Council<br />
www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/<br />
childrenyoungpeople/<br />
careservicesdisability/disability/<br />
events.<br />
At this web page you’ll find links<br />
<strong>to</strong> lists of clubs and groups in<br />
Cambridge and <strong>the</strong> districts. Quite<br />
a few are for younger children, but<br />
<strong>the</strong>re are plenty of activities for you if<br />
you’re up <strong>to</strong> about 19. There’s some<br />
information about sport here: www.<br />
cambridgeshire.gov.uk/leisure/sports/<br />
development/disabilitysports.htm.<br />
Living Sport<br />
Lakeside Lodge Health Club<br />
Fen Road, Pidley PE28 3DF<br />
01487 841559<br />
www.livingsport.co.uk<br />
The <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> and<br />
Peterborough Sports Partnership.<br />
British Blind Sport<br />
Lakeside Lodge Health Club<br />
Fen Road, Pidley PE28 3DF<br />
01487 843344<br />
www.britishblindsport.org.uk<br />
British Paralympic Association<br />
40 Bernard Street<br />
London WC1N 1ST<br />
020 7211 5222<br />
www.paralympics.org.uk<br />
www.london2012.com<br />
The Olympic and Paralympic games<br />
will be in London in 2012.<br />
9
10<br />
English Federation of <strong>Disability</strong><br />
Sport<br />
PO Box 5215, Town Hall<br />
Colchester CO1 1GL<br />
01206 507890<br />
www.efds.co.uk/east<br />
Aims <strong>to</strong> improve opportunities for<br />
disabled people <strong>to</strong> participate in sport.<br />
Parasport<br />
40 Bernard Street, London WC1N 1ST<br />
020 7211 5222<br />
www.parasport.org.uk<br />
Bursaries for talented and highpotential<br />
athletes. Lots of information<br />
on <strong>the</strong> website, and you can search for<br />
clubs in your area.<br />
Special Olympics<br />
6–8 Great Eastern Street<br />
London EC2A 3NT<br />
020 7247 8891<br />
www.sogb.org.uk<br />
Training and competition in a variety<br />
of Olympic-type sports for people with<br />
learning disabilities.<br />
Personal development<br />
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award<br />
Box No: CC1210, Castle Court<br />
Shire Hall, Cambridge CB3 0AP<br />
01223 715492<br />
www.dofecambs.org<br />
Opportunities for personal achievement,<br />
adventure, community and social<br />
involvement, and widening of your<br />
interests, if you’re between 14 and 25.<br />
BBC <strong>Disability</strong> Sport<br />
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/o<strong>the</strong>r_sports/<br />
disability_sport<br />
Grafham Water Centre<br />
Perry, Huntingdon PE28 0BX<br />
01480 810521<br />
www.grafham-water-centre.co.uk<br />
Activities include sailing, windsurfing, canoeing,<br />
kayaking, mountain biking and archery.<br />
The Manderson Trust<br />
01954 211307<br />
www.<strong>the</strong>mandersontrust.co.uk<br />
Fishing for disabled anglers in lakes near Over.<br />
Wheelchair-friendly paths and fishing platforms.<br />
Mepal Outdoor Centre<br />
Chatteris Road<br />
Mepal, Ely CB6 2AZ<br />
01354 692251<br />
www.mepal.co.uk<br />
Outdoor activities include canoeing, sailing,<br />
climbing and archery. <strong>It</strong>’s a party venue, <strong>to</strong>o.<br />
Riding for <strong>the</strong> Disabled<br />
0845 450 7069<br />
www.rda-east.org.uk<br />
Riding and carriage driving at 18 locations<br />
around <strong>the</strong> county. Call or click <strong>to</strong> find your<br />
nearest group.<br />
Beijing 2008 Paralympic medal<br />
winner, Fran Williamson (Phil Mynott)
Youth centres,<br />
youth clubs<br />
and social clubs<br />
There are 13 Youth Centres around<br />
<strong>the</strong> county and many more youth<br />
clubs. Find <strong>the</strong>m at www.youthoria.<br />
org or ask Connexions (see page 25).<br />
Gateway Clubs<br />
These are clubs for young people<br />
with learning disabilities.<br />
Ely Aquarius Gateway Club<br />
01353 665200<br />
Huntingdon Junior Gateway Club<br />
01480 375030<br />
St Ives Heron Gateway Club<br />
01480 462958<br />
Phab Clubs<br />
Phab clubs run a range of social<br />
activities for disabled and nondisabled<br />
people. Telephone for<br />
more details and see<br />
www.phabengland.org.uk<br />
Cambridge Phab Club<br />
Joyce Mitchell 01223 240163<br />
Wisbech Phab Club<br />
01945 700063<br />
www.wisbech.phabclub.org<br />
On <strong>the</strong> Sit-Ski<br />
Holidays<br />
Tourism for All<br />
c/o Vitalise<br />
Shap Road Industrial Estate<br />
Kendal, Cumbria LA9 6NZ<br />
0845 124 9971<br />
www.<strong>to</strong>urismforall.org.uk<br />
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<strong>Go</strong> <strong>For</strong> <strong>It</strong>! can’t compete with <strong>the</strong><br />
masses of information on <strong>the</strong><br />
Tourism for All website.<br />
Use <strong>the</strong>ir online Direc<strong>to</strong>ry <strong>to</strong> find<br />
accommodation, holiday firms,<br />
activity holidays, advice on flying<br />
(also see page 21), and o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
<strong>to</strong>pics. They publish countryspecific<br />
guides and a guide <strong>to</strong><br />
activity holidays and <strong>the</strong>re are<br />
loads of links <strong>to</strong> organisations<br />
that provide all types of holidays.<br />
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DJing at a Young<br />
Funky workshop<br />
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12<br />
<strong>Go</strong>ing places<br />
Getting around easily at a reasonable cost is a basic right for everybody and essential<br />
for independence. You need <strong>to</strong> be able <strong>to</strong> get <strong>to</strong> shops, pubs, clubs and cinemas, school,<br />
college and university, and training or work. Transport has always provided some of <strong>the</strong><br />
most disabling barriers, but changes in <strong>the</strong> law mean <strong>the</strong>re are more accessible planes,<br />
trains, buses and taxis, so things are getting better – slowly!<br />
What’s in this section?<br />
Information and timetables 13<br />
Driving 14 Cycling 16<br />
Buses 17 Taxis 17<br />
Shopmobility 18<br />
Getting <strong>to</strong> and around London 18<br />
Dial-a-Rides, community buses and car schemes 19<br />
Trains 20 Coaches 20<br />
<strong>Go</strong>ing abroad 21<br />
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Information and timetables<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Community Transport<br />
0345 045 1151<br />
www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/transport/around/communitytransport<br />
Information about Dial-a-Rides, village taxicards, car schemes and community buses.<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Passenger Transport Information<br />
0345 045 0675<br />
www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/transport<br />
Information and timetables for bus travel around <strong>the</strong> county.<br />
See page 17 for local bus companies.<br />
Traveline<br />
0871 200 22 33<br />
www.travelineeastanglia.co.uk<br />
Helps you plan travel by bus, train, coach and ferry throughout Norfolk, Suffolk and<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>, and national travel by train and coach.<br />
Door <strong>to</strong> Door<br />
www.dptac.gov.uk/door-<strong>to</strong>-door<br />
The <strong>Go</strong>vernment’s transport guide for disabled people.<br />
National Express Coaches see page 20.<br />
National Rail Enquiries see page 20.<br />
Transport Direct<br />
www.transportdirect.info<br />
Information about door-<strong>to</strong>-door travel for public transport (including flights within<br />
Great Britain) and car journeys.<br />
Transport for London<br />
020 7222 1234 020 7918 3015 (textphone)<br />
www.tfl.gov.uk<br />
The Man in Seat Sixty-One<br />
www.seat61.com<br />
How <strong>to</strong> travel in <strong>the</strong> UK and abroad by train and boat –<br />
and how <strong>to</strong> get <strong>the</strong> best fares.<br />
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13
14<br />
Being really independent: driving<br />
Even if you cannot drive, many of <strong>the</strong> concessions<br />
and types of help available will apply <strong>to</strong> you as a<br />
passenger. There’s lots of useful information at www.<br />
direct.gov.uk – follow <strong>the</strong> links under disabled people.<br />
Driving can be fun, and it certainly gives you<br />
independence. But it also brings responsibility for<br />
<strong>the</strong> safety of your passengers, o<strong>the</strong>r road users and<br />
yourself. There are a number of organisations that<br />
can help you decide what adaptations you need<br />
(such as hand controls) and advise you on <strong>the</strong> type of<br />
car <strong>to</strong> get and where <strong>to</strong> learn <strong>to</strong> drive.<br />
Learning <strong>to</strong> drive<br />
If you have higher rate <strong>Disability</strong> Living Allowance<br />
Mobility Component (see page 67), you can start<br />
when you are 16. Get a form <strong>to</strong> apply for your<br />
provisional driving licence from a Post Office, or<br />
download it from www.direct.gov.uk, or apply online.<br />
Help you may get:<br />
l Start driving when you are 16<br />
l Assessment of your needs as<br />
a driver<br />
l Adaptations<br />
l Parking concessions<br />
l No Vehicle Excise Duty<br />
(‘road tax’)<br />
l A Motability car<br />
l A disabled person’s parking<br />
space near your home<br />
You must tell <strong>the</strong> Driver and Vehicle Licensing<br />
Agency (DVLA) about your disability and any later changes <strong>to</strong> it that may affect your<br />
driving.<br />
If you are aged between 16 and 24, Motability (see page 15) may be able <strong>to</strong> offer<br />
financial support <strong>to</strong>wards <strong>the</strong> cost of driving lessons, as may <strong>the</strong> Family Fund (page 70)<br />
if you are under 18.<br />
Driving schools usually have instruc<strong>to</strong>rs who are trained <strong>to</strong> teach disabled people.<br />
Kilvers<strong>to</strong>ne and Hertfordshire Action (see below) both offer lessons and have lists of<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r instruc<strong>to</strong>rs.<br />
Driving information, assessments,<br />
adaptations and advice<br />
Hertfordshire Action on <strong>Disability</strong><br />
Mobility Centre<br />
The Woodside Centre, The Commons<br />
Welwyn Garden City AL7 4DD<br />
01707 324581<br />
www.hadnet.org.uk<br />
Kilvers<strong>to</strong>ne Mobility Assessment Centre<br />
2 Napier Place<br />
Thetford IP24 3RL<br />
01842 753029<br />
www.kmacmobil.org.uk<br />
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Insurance<br />
You have <strong>to</strong> have it. Here’s one<br />
company that specialises in<br />
insurance for disabled people, but<br />
ask one of <strong>the</strong> organisations on <strong>the</strong><br />
next page for more ideas so you can<br />
shop around.<br />
Fish Insurance<br />
0500 432 141<br />
www.fishinsurance.co.uk<br />
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Mobilise<br />
Ashwellthorpe<br />
Norwich NR16 1EX<br />
01508 489 449<br />
www.mobilise.info<br />
A campaigning organisation that offers<br />
information and advice <strong>to</strong> disabled<br />
drivers.<br />
Mobility Information Service<br />
20 Bur<strong>to</strong>n Close<br />
Telford TF4 2BX<br />
01743 340269<br />
www.mis.org.uk<br />
Too far <strong>to</strong> go for an assessment, but<br />
<strong>the</strong>y sell publications, useful gadgets<br />
and wheelchair symbol stickers.<br />
Motability<br />
See right.<br />
National Association for Bikers<br />
with a <strong>Disability</strong><br />
Unit 20, The Bridgewater Centre<br />
Robson Avenue, Urms<strong>to</strong>n<br />
Manchester M41 7TE<br />
0844 415 4849<br />
www.nabd.org.uk<br />
Information and advice on<br />
adaptations <strong>to</strong> mo<strong>to</strong>r bikes.<br />
Ricability<br />
www.ricability.org.uk<br />
Online information about vehicle<br />
adaptations, plus lists of suppliers.<br />
Parking<br />
The Blue Badge<br />
Don’t pay tax if you<br />
don’t have <strong>to</strong>…<br />
You don’t have <strong>to</strong> pay Vehicle Excise Duty<br />
(‘road tax’) on a car that’s for your use, if<br />
you get <strong>Disability</strong> Living Allowance Mobility<br />
Component at <strong>the</strong> high rate, but you still<br />
need <strong>the</strong> tax disc. Get certificate DLA 404<br />
from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Disability</strong> Contact and Processing<br />
Unit (see page 67).<br />
Then you get form V10 (from a Post Office<br />
or www.direct.gov.uk) and take everything <strong>to</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> Post Office. They’ll issue your tax disc.<br />
Or just do it online at<br />
www.taxdisc.direct.gov.uk<br />
or by phone on 0870 850 4444, textphone<br />
0870 850 4445.<br />
Adaptations <strong>to</strong> vehicles are exempt from<br />
Value Added Tax (VAT).<br />
Motability<br />
City Gate House<br />
22 Southwark Bridge Road<br />
London SE1 9HB<br />
0845 456 4566<br />
0845 675 0009 (textphone)<br />
www.motability.co.uk<br />
Buying or leasing a car<br />
You can lease or buy a car, powered wheelchair<br />
or scooter by using your DLA high-rate Mobility<br />
Component (see page 67). Motability may also be<br />
able <strong>to</strong> give you a grant <strong>to</strong>wards driving lessons,<br />
adaptations or a wheelchair-accessible vehicle.<br />
Get your Blue Badge from <strong>the</strong> County Council. Call 0345 045 5204, or apply online here:<br />
www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/do_it_online/Buy<strong>It</strong>.<br />
The badge entitles you <strong>to</strong> park in some places where o<strong>the</strong>r people cannot (such as on<br />
some yellow lines), <strong>to</strong> park in specially marked spaces, or <strong>to</strong> park free in spaces where<br />
o<strong>the</strong>rs have <strong>to</strong> pay. Check carefully all <strong>the</strong> rules about where you can park, which may<br />
vary from place <strong>to</strong> place. Car parks may have marked spaces, but you may need <strong>to</strong> pay.<br />
If you receive <strong>the</strong> higher rate of <strong>the</strong> Mobility Component of <strong>Disability</strong> Living Allowance<br />
or are registered blind you will qualify au<strong>to</strong>matically. O<strong>the</strong>rwise, you’ll have <strong>to</strong> supply<br />
medical evidence of your restricted ability <strong>to</strong> walk.<br />
To drive in<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Pedestrian Zone in Cambridge you need a permit: call 01223 457000.<br />
15
16<br />
The Blue Badge scheme does not apply in parts of central<br />
London, but you can find spaces you can use at www.<br />
bluebadgelondon.org.uk, which also explains <strong>the</strong> rules. You<br />
can apply <strong>to</strong> be exempt from <strong>the</strong> Central London Congestion<br />
Charge, but must do so before you go – see page 18.<br />
To find spaces throughout Great Britain, look here: www.bluebadge.direct.gov.uk.<br />
Parking spaces<br />
You may be able <strong>to</strong> have a parking space installed near your home, but it won’t be for<br />
your exclusive use, even if you requested it in <strong>the</strong> first place. Contact <strong>the</strong> County Council<br />
on 0345 045 5212 or download <strong>the</strong> application form for your district from <strong>the</strong> County’s<br />
website.<br />
Most of <strong>the</strong> county is nice and flat,<br />
if often windy, and Cambridge is a city of bicycles. <strong>For</strong> disabled<br />
people cycling often means o<strong>the</strong>r people riding on pavements and<br />
taking <strong>the</strong>m by surprise, or causing obstructions with <strong>the</strong>ir bikes.<br />
But, for some people, using a bike or trike is easier than walking, and<br />
<strong>the</strong>re are special machines for various needs.<br />
The London Cycling Campaign has an All Abilities Guide with lots of advice and a list of<br />
specialist bicycle suppliers. <strong>Go</strong> <strong>to</strong> www.lcc.org.uk and click advice.<br />
Here are some suppliers in <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>.<br />
Bike Care<br />
92 The Avenue, March PE15 9PR<br />
01354 660049<br />
www.bikecare.co.uk<br />
Conversions, tricycles and accessories.<br />
D.TEK<br />
Freepost, Little Thetford, Ely CB6 1BR<br />
01353 648 177<br />
dtekhpvs@btconnect.com<br />
Advice and specialist bicycles for<br />
disabled people.<br />
Draft Wheelchairs<br />
5 and 6 Roman Way<br />
<strong>Go</strong>dmanchester PE29 2LN<br />
01480 451247<br />
www.draftwheelchairs.com<br />
Supplies handbikes, as well as<br />
daily use and sports wheelchairs.<br />
Cycling<br />
Cycle maintenance in <strong>the</strong> OWL<br />
Bike Shed: see page 33.
Buses<br />
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There are maps and timetables on<br />
<strong>the</strong> County’s website and those of <strong>the</strong><br />
opera<strong>to</strong>rs, or use Traveline (page 13).<br />
You’ll need <strong>to</strong> contact bus opera<strong>to</strong>rs <strong>to</strong><br />
find out how accessible <strong>the</strong>ir vehicles<br />
are. There’s a full list on <strong>the</strong> County’s<br />
website, and here are a couple of <strong>the</strong><br />
main providers:<br />
Stagecoach in Cambridge<br />
01223 423578<br />
www.stagecoachbus.com/cambridge<br />
Stagecoach in Huntingdon<br />
01480 453159<br />
www.stagecoachbus.com/huntingdon<br />
Stagecoach Peterborough<br />
01733 554575<br />
www.stagecoachbus.com/peterborough<br />
Whippet Coaches Ltd<br />
01480 463792 www.go-whippet.co.uk<br />
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Bus Passes<br />
If you meet <strong>the</strong> conditions you’re<br />
entitled <strong>to</strong> free off-peak bus travel<br />
throughout England. If you’re blind<br />
or partially sighted you can use your<br />
pass at any time in <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> and<br />
Peterborough. If you’re a Cambridge<br />
resident you get a discount on<br />
Cambridge Dial-a-Ride fares (see page<br />
19) – ask o<strong>the</strong>r DaRs if <strong>the</strong>y do <strong>the</strong> same.<br />
Get a form from your district or city<br />
council office, phone <strong>the</strong>m, or download<br />
it from <strong>the</strong>ir website (see inside cover).<br />
Cambridge 01223 457187<br />
East <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> 01353 665555<br />
Fenland 01354 654321<br />
Huntingdonshire 01480 388388<br />
South <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> 08456 500 280<br />
buspass@scambs.gov.uk<br />
Taxis and Taxicard S<br />
The taxi licensing office at your district council can tell you which<br />
local firms have wheelchair-accessible taxis. Not all vehicles have <strong>to</strong><br />
be accessible but firms and drivers must make ‘reasonable adjustments’. That means <strong>the</strong>y<br />
must be flexible about helping you, and are also obliged <strong>to</strong> carry assistance dogs unless<br />
exempt.<br />
Taxicard is a system of subsidised fares for disabled people who live in Cambridge.<br />
Get a form via 01223 457316 or taxicard@cambridge.gov.uk, or download it from<br />
www.cambridge.gov.uk. You need <strong>to</strong> be in receipt of a means-tested benefit and provide<br />
evidence of restricted mobility (which can include being blind or partially sighted).<br />
There are also taxicard schemes in a few villages around <strong>the</strong> City, run by <strong>the</strong> County<br />
Council. There is one in Cambourne and ano<strong>the</strong>r for Fen Dit<strong>to</strong>n, Horningsea and<br />
Teversham. Call Community Transport (see page 13) or look at <strong>the</strong> County Council’s<br />
website.<br />
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18<br />
Shopmobility<br />
Cambridge<br />
Grand Arcade 01223 457452<br />
Graf<strong>to</strong>n Centre 01223 461858<br />
01223 457050 (textphone)<br />
www.cambridge.gov.uk/<br />
shopmobility<br />
Also includes a service at Drummer<br />
Street bus station and escorts for<br />
people with visual impairment.<br />
Ely<br />
Ely Museum<br />
Market Street CB7 4LS<br />
01353 666655<br />
Huntingdon<br />
Princes Street PE29 3PA<br />
01480 432793<br />
Wisbech<br />
15 Albion Place PE13 1AL<br />
01945 463772<br />
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Getting <strong>to</strong> and around London<br />
Getting <strong>the</strong>re fast by train means going down <strong>the</strong> main lines that serve Peterborough,<br />
Huntingdon, Ely and Cambridge. <strong>Go</strong>ing from Cambridge <strong>to</strong> Liverpool Street may<br />
be cheaper (but slower) than going <strong>to</strong> King’s Cross. There are National Express<br />
coaches (see page 20) from various <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> <strong>to</strong>wns.<br />
Contact Transport for London<br />
(TfL, see page 13) for how <strong>to</strong><br />
get around. Most buses and all<br />
trams and taxis are wheelchairaccessible,<br />
as are parts of <strong>the</strong><br />
tube system (especially <strong>the</strong> newer<br />
part of <strong>the</strong> Jubilee line) and <strong>the</strong><br />
Docklands Light Railway. http://<br />
journeyplanner.tfl.gov.uk lets you<br />
plan a route that takes in<strong>to</strong> account<br />
your mobility needs.<br />
Driving in London<br />
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These services are located in car parks and vary from <strong>to</strong>wn <strong>to</strong> <strong>to</strong>wn, but include hire<br />
of wheelchairs and scooters, mainly so you can get around <strong>the</strong> shops. Telephone in<br />
advance <strong>to</strong> check service times and make bookings.<br />
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Read what we’ve said about parking on page 16.<br />
If you have a Blue Badge (page 15) you do not have<br />
<strong>to</strong> pay <strong>the</strong> Congestion Charge when you enter central<br />
London, but you must register and pay a one-off fee of<br />
£10. If you have a tax-exempt vehicle you should find<br />
it’s already exempt and you don’t need <strong>to</strong> register – but<br />
check at www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/congestioncharging.<br />
The TfL website has large-print maps and a step-free guide <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> tube – <strong>the</strong>re are 48 stepfree<br />
tube stations. See www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/gettingaround.
Dial-a-Rides, community<br />
buses and car schemes<br />
DaRs provide door-<strong>to</strong>-door transport in accessible minibuses. You may need <strong>to</strong> be a<br />
member and, depending on where you live, you may get a discount with your Bus<br />
Pass. They may offer group vehicle hire as well as individual journeys, and local car<br />
schemes, <strong>to</strong>o. There are many locally run car schemes.<br />
Cambridge Dial-a-Ride<br />
01223 506335<br />
www.colc.co.uk/cambridge/dialaride<br />
Available <strong>to</strong> Cambridge residents<br />
and people in surrounding villages<br />
in South <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> and East<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>.<br />
Ely and Soham Dial-a-Ride<br />
01353 661161<br />
www.esdar.org.uk<br />
Dial-a-ride and group vehicle hire.<br />
Fenland Association for<br />
Community Transport<br />
01354 661234<br />
contact@fact.gb.com<br />
Dial-a-ride and car schemes.<br />
Nene and Ouse<br />
Community Transport<br />
01480 411114<br />
www.tvcthraps<strong>to</strong>n.co.uk<br />
Ring-and-Ride service covers<br />
Huntingdonshire.<br />
S S<br />
Ramsey and District Community<br />
Bus Association<br />
01487 814645<br />
Runs local ‘Hoppa’ services a<br />
couple of days a week.<br />
Three Counties Transport<br />
01440 712028<br />
www.3ct.org.uk<br />
Based in Haverhill, 3CT runs a diala-ride<br />
and a community car scheme<br />
that serve south-east <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong><br />
villages.<br />
Voluntary Network Dial-a-Ride<br />
01638 608080<br />
01638 608049 (car scheme)<br />
www.<strong>the</strong>voluntarynetwork.org<br />
Based in Newmarket, this serves some<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> villages.<br />
British Red Cross<br />
Door-<strong>to</strong>-door transport <strong>to</strong> all<br />
parts of <strong>the</strong> county and beyond in<br />
wheelchair-accessible vehicles and<br />
cars. Call 07932 405541 or<br />
01480 811099.<br />
Community Car Schemes<br />
S S<br />
Far <strong>to</strong>o many <strong>to</strong> list here – contact Community Transport (page<br />
13) for information or look at <strong>the</strong> lists <strong>the</strong>y post online. The Care<br />
Network (www.care-network.org.uk) runs some of <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
19
20<br />
Travelling by train<br />
National Rail Enquiries<br />
08457 48 49 50<br />
0845 60 50 600 (textphone)<br />
www.nationalrail.co.uk<br />
Online booking and information about trains in Great Britain.<br />
<strong>For</strong> information on <strong>the</strong> help available while travelling <strong>the</strong>re’s a downloadable<br />
booklet called Rail Travel Made Easy.<br />
Here are <strong>the</strong> contacts for <strong>the</strong> train companies that serve <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> – get<br />
more information about how <strong>the</strong>y help by phone or online.<br />
CrossCountry<br />
0844 811 0125<br />
0844 811 0126 (textphone)<br />
www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk<br />
East Midlands Trains<br />
08457 125 678<br />
www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk<br />
Disabled person’s railcard<br />
Get a third off most fares for you and a companion by buying a railcard – look at<br />
<strong>the</strong> website below where you can download <strong>the</strong> form. If you’re not eligible <strong>the</strong>n<br />
you might get a 16-25 railcard: www.16-25railcard.co.uk.<br />
Pick up a leaflet from a station, or contact:<br />
Rail Travel Made Easy<br />
S S<br />
First Capital Connect<br />
0800 058 2844 0800 975 1052 (textphone)<br />
www.firstcapitalconnect.co.uk<br />
National Express East Anglia<br />
0845 600 7245 0845 120 2067 (textphone)<br />
www.nationalexpresseastanglia.com<br />
National Express East Coast<br />
08457 225225 08457 202067 (textphone)<br />
www.nationalexpresseastcoast.com<br />
This will be changing <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> East Coast<br />
Main Line Company.<br />
PO Box 11631 Laurencekirk AB30 9AA 0845 605 0525 0845 601 0132 (textphone)<br />
www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk<br />
<strong>Go</strong>ing by coach<br />
National Express Coaches<br />
08717 818181 08717 818179 (Disabled Persons Travel Helpline)<br />
0121 455 0086 (textphone)<br />
www.nationalexpress.com/coach/ourservice/disabled.cfm<br />
Online bookings and how <strong>to</strong> get around Great Britain by coach – includes<br />
information about concessions.
<strong>Go</strong>ing abroad<br />
Eurostar and trains in Europe<br />
Eurostar trains leave London St Pancras, near King’s Cross where your<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> train arrives. See www.eurostar.com or call 08705 186 186<br />
for information about help. If you need a wheelchair space it’s in <strong>the</strong> more<br />
comfortable Leisure Select carriage, where you and your companion go at a<br />
discount fare. Look at www.seat61.com and <strong>the</strong> German Railways site,<br />
http://bahn.hafas.de, for how <strong>to</strong> get around Europe.<br />
Flying<br />
Travel companies, airlines and<br />
airports should provide <strong>the</strong> help you need,<br />
and you should tell <strong>the</strong>m what that is when<br />
you book.<br />
The Equality and Human Rights Commission<br />
(see also page 82) has information at www.<br />
equalityhumanrights.com/airtravel, including a<br />
downloadable booklet called Your Rights <strong>to</strong> Fly –<br />
What You Need <strong>to</strong> Know that gives useful advice<br />
on planning your journey. There’s information<br />
about holidays on page 11.<br />
London’s airports have information about <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
services for disabled people on <strong>the</strong>ir websites.<br />
Gatwick Airport<br />
www.gatwickairport.com<br />
Heathrow Airport<br />
www.heathrowinformation.co.uk<br />
London City Airport<br />
www.londoncityairport.com<br />
Stansted Airport<br />
www.stanstedairport.com<br />
19<br />
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21
Making <strong>the</strong> transition<br />
school, college, university, training and work<br />
22<br />
You’ll never s<strong>to</strong>p learning, even if you leave school when you are 16. If you go out <strong>to</strong> work or<br />
in<strong>to</strong> training, you’ll learn new skills and how <strong>to</strong> communicate and get on well with different<br />
people. There are thousands of opportunities in fur<strong>the</strong>r and higher education. Ideally, you’ll<br />
have access <strong>to</strong> education and training throughout your life, not just when you’re young.<br />
Learning also means getting <strong>the</strong> skills you need for work and living independently.<br />
When you’re 16 <strong>the</strong>re are many choices that depend on your<br />
interests and abilities: stay at school or go <strong>to</strong> sixth-form<br />
college, go <strong>to</strong> residential college, aim for university when<br />
you are 18, go <strong>to</strong> a regional college, go in<strong>to</strong> training and<br />
work, or do supported activities.<br />
What’s in this section?<br />
Your statement and transition plan 23<br />
Support for your parents 24<br />
Connexions and career planning 25<br />
Fur<strong>the</strong>r education, sixth form and training 26<br />
If you have had a social<br />
care assessment, meet <strong>the</strong><br />
eligibility criteria and have<br />
a Personal Budget, <strong>the</strong>n<br />
you may be able <strong>to</strong> use<br />
some of it <strong>to</strong> meet your<br />
social care needs so you<br />
can organise <strong>the</strong> training<br />
and education you<br />
need. See page 40 for<br />
information about this.<br />
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Residential education 27 <strong>Go</strong>ing <strong>to</strong> university 28<br />
Distance learning 30 Adult education 31<br />
Support at work and help finding a job 31<br />
Social training and work experience 32<br />
Voluntary work 35<br />
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Your Statement and Transition Plan<br />
You may have been assessed when you were younger and have a Statement of<br />
Special Educational Needs (SSEN) that said what extra help you should be given at<br />
school. That statement would have been reviewed every year and in year 9 it forms<br />
<strong>the</strong> starting point for your Transition Plan. When you leave school and go <strong>to</strong> college<br />
or university <strong>the</strong>y should take it in<strong>to</strong> account.<br />
Your special needs when you were younger may not have been enough <strong>to</strong> mean that<br />
you had a statement. You’ll still get help <strong>to</strong> decide what <strong>to</strong> do when you are 16. If your<br />
Connexions Personal Adviser or Special Educational Needs Co-ordina<strong>to</strong>r think it will<br />
help <strong>the</strong>n your Adviser will draw up an action plan.<br />
If you do have an SSEN, around <strong>the</strong> time you are 14 you will have a review meeting<br />
at your school that will help you decide what studying or training you want <strong>to</strong> do<br />
and <strong>the</strong> skills you will need after you are 16. Then you will be helped <strong>to</strong> draw up your<br />
Transition Plan. This plan is reviewed every year after that <strong>to</strong> make sure that it is up <strong>to</strong><br />
date, and it’s meant <strong>to</strong> bring <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r all <strong>the</strong> help that you may need.<br />
People at <strong>the</strong> review could include:<br />
l You and your parents<br />
l Your teacher<br />
l Your Connexions Personal Adviser<br />
l Somebody from <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Social Care<br />
l Somebody from <strong>the</strong> Health Service<br />
Choices you make might mean that when you are 16 you:<br />
l <strong>Go</strong> in<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> sixth form at your school or at ano<strong>the</strong>r school or college<br />
l <strong>Go</strong> <strong>to</strong> fur<strong>the</strong>r education college<br />
l Get a job<br />
l Start training for work<br />
l <strong>Go</strong> in<strong>to</strong> supported employment<br />
l Do supported activities run by <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Social Care<br />
The Plan isn’t just about education and training.<br />
<strong>It</strong> will also look at things like:<br />
l What you want <strong>to</strong> do<br />
l Where you live<br />
l What information you need<br />
l What support you need <strong>to</strong> decide about your future<br />
l Practical stuff, like equipment you need and personal assistance<br />
l What you need <strong>to</strong> become independent and confident<br />
l Your social life<br />
S<br />
S<br />
You’re entitled <strong>to</strong> be listened <strong>to</strong> and you can communicate in <strong>the</strong> meeting how you<br />
like – symbols, British Sign Language or whatever you need. <strong>It</strong>’s your life, so your<br />
views count. You should think about <strong>the</strong> meeting in advance – maybe make a plan<br />
23
first so you’re ready for <strong>the</strong> meeting. Your Connexions Personal Adviser can help<br />
you do this. Before your review meeting you and your parents may want <strong>to</strong> look<br />
at some of <strong>the</strong> information sources that follow here.<br />
<strong>For</strong> information about how <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Social Care help with transition,<br />
see page 38.<br />
Get more information about Transition Plans<br />
l www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/social/transition/<br />
l <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Connexions booklet, Making Plans: transition and future options<br />
l The County Council’s Transition Pack – download it from <strong>the</strong>ir website<br />
l Progress magazine: www.progressmagazine.co.uk<br />
l Part 11 of Gate<strong>open</strong>er’s <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Parent Information Pack –<br />
see www.gate<strong>open</strong>er.org.uk<br />
l Look at www.teachernet.gov.uk and look for <strong>the</strong> SEN Toolkit, section 10<br />
l Preparing for Adult Life – download this booklet from Contact a Family,<br />
www.cafamily.org.uk<br />
l The Transition Information Network – plenty of information online at<br />
www.transitioninfonetwork.org.uk<br />
l Moving On Up (01246 541675, www.movingonup.info) is for young people with<br />
learning difficulties from ethnic minority communities<br />
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24<br />
Support for your parents<br />
Tell <strong>the</strong>m about <strong>the</strong> Parent Partnership Service (PPS) and Pinpoint.<br />
The PPS gives <strong>the</strong>m information and advice and helps <strong>the</strong>m know how<br />
<strong>the</strong> system works if you have special educational needs, so <strong>the</strong>y can<br />
participate in your education. <strong>It</strong> is based at <strong>the</strong> County Council but is<br />
independent. Pinpoint gives <strong>the</strong>m information and support <strong>to</strong> help<br />
<strong>the</strong>m support you.<br />
They could also take a look at <strong>the</strong> special needs section of www.<br />
parentscentre.gov.uk/educationandlearning.<br />
Parent Partnership Service<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> County Council<br />
Castle Court, Shire Hall<br />
Cambridge CB3 0AP<br />
01223 699214<br />
www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/pps<br />
Pinpoint<br />
0751 741 9761<br />
www.pinpoint-cambs.org.uk
Connexions and career planning<br />
Connexions offers confidential support <strong>to</strong> 13 <strong>to</strong> 19 year olds and will help you up <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
age of 25 if you have additional needs, learning difficulties or disabilities. You have a<br />
Personal Adviser for information, advice, guidance and practical help with:<br />
l Your transition plan and choosing what <strong>to</strong> do when you are 16 or 18<br />
l Knowing your legal rights<br />
l Relationships with friends or family<br />
l Planning your future<br />
l Grants and benefits you can claim<br />
l Volunteering<br />
l Housing problems<br />
S<br />
You can contact and meet your Personal Adviser at school, college, a Connexions centre<br />
and at some youth centres. He or she will discuss your plans with you and guide you,<br />
and link up with <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r services you need, including those listed in <strong>the</strong> next few pages.<br />
Call 0800 561 3219, or use your textphone <strong>to</strong> phone 01480 376001.<br />
There are two <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Connexions websites:<br />
l www.youthoria.org<br />
l www.4us.org.uk – if you have a learning disability<br />
There’s lots of information for you <strong>the</strong>re and <strong>the</strong>y have a guide for your parents <strong>to</strong>o.<br />
Connexions offices<br />
Cambridge<br />
Central Library, Lion Yard CB2 3QD<br />
01223 712800<br />
Chatteris<br />
Call <strong>the</strong> March office for information<br />
about drop-in sessions.<br />
Ely<br />
The Library, 6 The Cloisters CB7 4ZH<br />
01353 616990<br />
Huntingdon<br />
20 St Benedict’s Court PE29 3PN<br />
01480 376800<br />
March<br />
Young People March,<br />
The Centre, City Road PE15 9LS<br />
01354 651703<br />
St Neots<br />
The Library, Priory Lane PE19 2BH<br />
01480 376013<br />
Wisbech<br />
4–6 Stermyn Street PE13 1EQ<br />
01945 585128<br />
Connexions has a national website and free telephone number.<br />
www.connexions-direct.com<br />
080 800 13219, text 077 664 13219<br />
25
26<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r careers advice services<br />
Careers Advice Service<br />
0800 100 900<br />
www.careersadvice.direct.gov.uk<br />
Online and telephone careers advice and information for anybody over 16.<br />
Lifetracks<br />
020 7250 5700<br />
www.lifetracks.com<br />
Information about work, study, training and personal development for 16 <strong>to</strong> 25 year olds.<br />
Nextstep<br />
This careers advice service, mainly for people over 20 (18 if referred by Jobcentre Plus)<br />
has five offices in <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> and Peterborough – but remember that you can get<br />
help from Connexions until you’re 25.<br />
0845 603 1059<br />
www.nextstepeas<strong>to</strong>fengland.org.uk<br />
S<br />
There are many different education and training opportunities for your Connexions<br />
Adviser <strong>to</strong> guide you through: A levels, Diplomas, NVQs, BTECs, apprenticeships<br />
and more. Look at <strong>the</strong> Coursefinder 14 <strong>to</strong> 19 site (www.cambscoursefinder.com) for<br />
information about <strong>the</strong>se. Schools and colleges hold Information, Advice and Guidance<br />
events throughout <strong>the</strong> year <strong>to</strong> inform learners about academic and vocational<br />
qualifications and financial support <strong>to</strong> study or train.<br />
If you want <strong>to</strong> go <strong>to</strong> university, that normally means doing A-levels or <strong>the</strong> new<br />
Advanced Diploma in <strong>the</strong> sixth form at school, at a sixth-form college or at one of<br />
<strong>the</strong> regional colleges. There are <strong>to</strong>o many possible places <strong>to</strong> list here, but <strong>the</strong>y are on<br />
<strong>the</strong> Coursefinder site. You could go in<strong>to</strong> work or training afterwards instead of higher<br />
education.<br />
If you have a learning difficulty you will find that <strong>the</strong>re are courses that help you learn<br />
<strong>the</strong> skills you need <strong>to</strong> be independent and manage your own life. These have names like<br />
Essential Life Skills, Learning for Living, Pathfinder, Moving On, Skills for Independent<br />
Living, New <strong>to</strong> Work¸ Foundation Studies and Supportive Learning. These are often run<br />
with partner agencies such as <strong>the</strong> social training enterprises (see page 32) that provide<br />
on-<strong>the</strong>-job work skills training.<br />
Improving Choice<br />
Fur<strong>the</strong>r education,<br />
sixth form and training<br />
This is a way for regional colleges <strong>to</strong> provide a tailor-made course and support for you<br />
in <strong>the</strong> most convenient location if you have lots of support needs and cannot make use<br />
of existing courses. <strong>It</strong> means you can stay in your home area when <strong>the</strong> alternative might<br />
be going <strong>to</strong> a specialist residential college (see page 27). Ask your Connexions Personal<br />
Adviser about this.
Cambridge<br />
Regional College<br />
Science Park Campus<br />
Cambridge CB4 2QT<br />
01223 418200<br />
www.camre.ac.uk<br />
College of West Anglia<br />
Tennyson Avenue<br />
King’s Lynn PE30 2QW<br />
01553 761144<br />
www.col-westanglia.ac.uk<br />
The college also has centres in<br />
Wisbech and Mil<strong>to</strong>n.<br />
Huntingdonshire Regional<br />
College<br />
California Road<br />
Huntingdon PE29 1BL<br />
01480 379100<br />
www.huntingdon.ac.uk<br />
Gret<strong>to</strong>n School<br />
Gret<strong>to</strong>n is a special educational<br />
needs day and residential school<br />
for children and young people<br />
aged 5 <strong>to</strong> 19 with autistic spectrum<br />
disorder, due <strong>to</strong> <strong>open</strong> in Gir<strong>to</strong>n (near<br />
Cambridge) in 2010.<br />
www.gret<strong>to</strong>nschool.com<br />
Meldreth Manor School<br />
Fenny Lane, Meldreth<br />
Roys<strong>to</strong>n SG8 6LG<br />
01763 268000<br />
www.scope.org.uk/education/<br />
meldreth.php<br />
Run by Scope for pupils and students<br />
aged 9 <strong>to</strong> 19 with profound and<br />
multiple learning difficulties and<br />
additional sensory impairments.<br />
At <strong>the</strong> same address, but on<br />
telephone 01763 268030, is Orchard<br />
Manor, Scope’s Transition Service<br />
for people aged 18 <strong>to</strong> 25 with<br />
complex support and learning needs<br />
– see www.scope.org.uk/education/<br />
orchard.php.<br />
Apprenticeships and<br />
Entry <strong>to</strong> Employment<br />
Apprenticeship programmes are<br />
run at <strong>the</strong> regional colleges. By<br />
doing one you gain a recognised<br />
vocational qualification while in paid employment,<br />
so <strong>the</strong>re’s college work and on-<strong>the</strong>-job training.<br />
Get more information from <strong>the</strong> colleges, or look at<br />
www.apprenticeships.org.uk. You may need <strong>to</strong> do<br />
an Entry <strong>to</strong> Employment course first.<br />
Peterborough Regional College<br />
Park Crescent<br />
Peterborough PE1 4DZ<br />
0845 872 8722<br />
www.peterborough.ac.uk<br />
Residential education<br />
NATSPEC<br />
0121 428 5050<br />
www.natspec.org.uk<br />
If your needs cannot be met in<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>, <strong>the</strong>n going <strong>to</strong> a<br />
residential college may be <strong>the</strong> answer.<br />
The Association of National Specialist<br />
Colleges (NATSPEC) publishes a direc<strong>to</strong>ry<br />
of its member colleges.<br />
Funding for a place at one of <strong>the</strong>se<br />
colleges has <strong>to</strong> be agreed. Your<br />
Connexions Personal Adviser can tell<br />
you about this, and guide you through<br />
<strong>the</strong> application<br />
process.<br />
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27
28<br />
S<br />
<strong>Go</strong>ing <strong>to</strong> university<br />
Your school or college and your Connexions Personal Adviser will help<br />
you apply <strong>to</strong> university. See page 64 for information about grants,<br />
loans and <strong>the</strong> Disabled Students’ Allowances.<br />
A local option might suit you: <strong>the</strong> University of Cambridge has been in <strong>the</strong> City for<br />
800 years, Anglia Ruskin University (which also runs courses in Peterborough and<br />
Chelmsford and in partnership with local colleges) for 150 years. But you can apply<br />
wherever you want and can expect a high level of support. The Open University<br />
enables you <strong>to</strong> study when and where you want <strong>to</strong>.<br />
You apply <strong>to</strong> university through <strong>the</strong> Universities and Colleges Admissions Service<br />
(UCAS), www.ucas.ac.uk, or direct <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Open University. If you indicate that you<br />
have a disability when you apply, <strong>the</strong> universities should pick this up, offer you<br />
support you might need at interview and <strong>the</strong>n help you access support services,<br />
equipment and sometimes accommodation when you start student life. Skill is a<br />
good source of information about applying <strong>to</strong> higher education.<br />
Access <strong>to</strong> Higher Education<br />
If you’re a bit older and left school<br />
without <strong>the</strong> right qualifications for<br />
university you can still go by doing<br />
an Access course. Ask <strong>the</strong> colleges<br />
on page 27, or see<br />
www.access<strong>to</strong>he.ac.uk.<br />
Skill: National Bureau for<br />
Students with Disabilities<br />
Unit 3, Floor 3, Radisson Court<br />
219 Long Lane<br />
London SE1 4PR<br />
0800 328 5050<br />
0800 068 2422 (textphone)<br />
www.skill.org.uk<br />
Individual advice and a series<br />
of information sheets (available<br />
online) about fur<strong>the</strong>r and higher<br />
education.<br />
Anglia Ruskin University<br />
East Road<br />
Cambridge CB1 1PT<br />
0845 271 3333<br />
www.anglia.ac.uk/disabledstudents<br />
Hundreds of courses at a number<br />
of locations in and around<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>.<br />
What support can you expect<br />
from your school, college, or<br />
university?<br />
<strong>It</strong> could include:<br />
l Willingness <strong>to</strong> be flexible about <strong>the</strong> help<br />
you need <strong>to</strong> study effectively<br />
l Lecturers and tu<strong>to</strong>rs who enable you <strong>to</strong><br />
participate fully<br />
l <strong>Go</strong>od access <strong>to</strong> buildings and facilities,<br />
courses and social activities<br />
l Help in getting <strong>the</strong> right equipment,<br />
computers and software<br />
l Practical support, depending on your<br />
needs – an assistant <strong>to</strong> take notes,<br />
advice on completing essays and o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
coursework, help in <strong>the</strong> library, advice on<br />
studying effectively<br />
l Support and advice if you have a specific<br />
learning difficulty like dyslexia<br />
l A men<strong>to</strong>r – somebody who helps you get<br />
organised and <strong>to</strong> be motivated<br />
l Help <strong>to</strong> perform <strong>to</strong> your ability in exams<br />
– extra time, use of a computer, rest<br />
breaks, an amanuensis (somebody who<br />
writes your answers as you dictate <strong>the</strong>m)
Case Study<br />
Levelling <strong>the</strong> playing field<br />
at Anglia Ruskin<br />
Anglia Ruskin University has many students with<br />
support needs, including those with physical<br />
or sensory impairments, learning difficulties,<br />
Asperger syndrome or mental health difficulties,<br />
or combinations of <strong>the</strong>se. Third-year student Ella<br />
James describes how <strong>the</strong> support she gets means<br />
she can pursue her long-held ambition <strong>to</strong> be a<br />
Scenes of Crime Officer.<br />
I’m really enjoying <strong>the</strong> <strong>For</strong>ensic Science course. <strong>It</strong>’s hard work and you really need <strong>to</strong> put<br />
<strong>the</strong> study time in, but it’s great fun and I’ve made new friends and met lots of forensic<br />
science professionals. There’s plenty of team work and I feel I’m really building up <strong>the</strong><br />
knowledge and skills I need. <strong>It</strong>’s definitely <strong>the</strong> course for me.<br />
I’ve always struggled with spelling and writing, but I didn’t get any support at school or<br />
college. <strong>It</strong> wasn’t until my first year here that I was assessed as having dyslexia. That<br />
means I have a Learning Support Assistant, Jane, who works with me, and a lap-<strong>to</strong>p with<br />
mind mapping software that’s very useful for planning assignments.<br />
The support makes loads of difference. <strong>It</strong> means I start level with everybody else and I<br />
wouldn’t still be here without it. Jane takes notes in lectures and practicals and types<br />
<strong>the</strong>m up for me. Then she helps make sure my spelling and grammar are OK in my<br />
assignments, and that <strong>the</strong>y’re properly structured.<br />
We also meet <strong>to</strong> plan my work – our plans give it all structure and help me get <strong>the</strong> tasks<br />
done. Jane’s also great at liaising with lecturers, helps me solve problems and is always<br />
<strong>the</strong>re for me.<br />
I get o<strong>the</strong>r support <strong>to</strong>o – lecturers provide notes before lectures, will read my work<br />
before I submit it and are happy <strong>to</strong> give extra tu<strong>to</strong>rials when <strong>the</strong>re’s something I haven’t<br />
unders<strong>to</strong>od. And I get extended library loans and extra time in exams.<br />
Now I’m starting my last year. <strong>It</strong>’s going <strong>to</strong> be hard and <strong>the</strong>re’ll be loads of practical work,<br />
including courtroom practice. There’ll be things like field trips, blood-splatter analysis,<br />
visiting <strong>the</strong> mortuary and my dissertation on crime scene reconstruction.<br />
I’m really looking forward <strong>to</strong> it and it’s <strong>the</strong> support I get that makes it all possible – and<br />
you could go <strong>to</strong> university <strong>to</strong>o!<br />
<strong>For</strong> more information, contact Anglia Ruskin University (see left) and see<br />
page 64 for how Disabled Students’ Allowances fund this type of support.<br />
(Pho<strong>to</strong>: Jason Williams)<br />
29
30<br />
University of Cambridge<br />
The Old Schools, Trinity Lane<br />
Cambridge CB2 1TN<br />
01223 337733<br />
www.cam.ac.uk<br />
www.admin.cam.ac.uk/univ/disability<br />
You normally apply <strong>to</strong> one of 29 colleges – <strong>to</strong>o many <strong>to</strong> list here,<br />
but all <strong>the</strong> information you need is on <strong>the</strong> website.<br />
The University’s <strong>Disability</strong> Resource Centre helps organise <strong>the</strong> support<br />
you need and <strong>the</strong> colleges support <strong>the</strong>ir students closely.<br />
The Open University<br />
PO Box 197<br />
Mil<strong>to</strong>n Keynes MK7 6BJ<br />
www.<strong>open</strong>.ac.uk<br />
0845 300 6090<br />
S<br />
S<br />
The OU offers a huge range of courses via supported distance learning. You can<br />
get Disabled Students’ Allowances (see page 64) <strong>to</strong> cover your extra costs, and<br />
<strong>the</strong>y offer plenty of support – see www.<strong>open</strong>.ac.uk/disability. You may be eligible<br />
for a Fee Grant or Course Grant (see page 65 – or look at <strong>the</strong> OU’s information<br />
about finance).<br />
Learndirect<br />
Distance learning<br />
This means learning on your own at home – but <strong>the</strong>re’s usually<br />
support available. There are many distance and online courses from<br />
a range of providers, including some universities. We can only list<br />
three of <strong>the</strong> main providers here:<br />
PO Box 900<br />
Leicester LE1 6ER<br />
0800 101 901 (includes textphone)<br />
www.learndirect.co.uk<br />
Online courses in basic English and Maths, IT and Business and Management.<br />
National Extension College<br />
Michael Young Centre, Purbeck Road<br />
Cambridge CB2 8HN<br />
0800 389 2839<br />
www.nec.ac.uk<br />
Over 100 courses in a range of academic and vocational subjects (for example,<br />
English literature, his<strong>to</strong>ry, accounting and book-keeping) leading <strong>to</strong> qualifications<br />
such as GCSE, A level and NVQ.<br />
Open University<br />
See section above.
Adult education<br />
Camlearn – www.camlearn.net – is <strong>the</strong> County’s database of adult<br />
day and evening classes for leisure and for qualifications. The Adult<br />
Special Learning Team runs courses for people over 18, and a supported<br />
employment scheme: call <strong>the</strong>m on 01223 703530.<br />
Your first contact will probably be with Connexions (page 25) but <strong>the</strong>re are o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
agencies that help <strong>to</strong>o.<br />
AbilityNet<br />
See page 77.<br />
Access <strong>to</strong> Work<br />
Nine Elms Lane, London SW95 9BH<br />
020 8426 3110 020 8426 3133 (textphone)<br />
atw-london-region@jobecentreplus.gsi.gov.uk<br />
www.disability.gov.uk<br />
This Jobcentre Plus scheme may pay for equipment you need at work, adaptation of<br />
premises, or a support worker. <strong>It</strong> may also pay <strong>to</strong>wards <strong>the</strong> cost of getting <strong>to</strong> work.<br />
Advice Now<br />
Support at work and<br />
help finding a job<br />
www.advicenow.org.uk/youngworkers<br />
Information about employment.<br />
Association of Disabled Professionals<br />
BCM ADP, London WC1N 3XX<br />
01204 431638<br />
www.adp.org.uk<br />
Employment advice, information and peer<br />
support, and <strong>the</strong> Disabled Entrepreneurs Network<br />
– see www.disabled-entrepreneurs.net<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> Employment Advisers (DEAs)<br />
Contact your DEA through your Jobcentre Plus<br />
office – see page 66. He or she can help if you are<br />
looking for work or you already have a job that<br />
you want <strong>to</strong> keep, and whe<strong>the</strong>r your impairment<br />
is newly acquired or long standing. They can<br />
refer you <strong>to</strong> Workstep, Work Preparation,<br />
Residential Training, <strong>the</strong> Job Introduction<br />
Scheme and Pathways <strong>to</strong> Work. There’s more<br />
information about those schemes at<br />
www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople.<br />
S S<br />
Young people and work<br />
Once you are 13 you are allowed<br />
<strong>to</strong> do some light work. The type<br />
and <strong>the</strong> hours of work you can<br />
do are very limited. You cannot<br />
work in school time, for example,<br />
or at anything dangerous.<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> has byelaws<br />
about this and, while you are of<br />
compulsory school age (and that<br />
means up <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> end of June in<br />
your last year at school even if<br />
you’re already 16), you must have<br />
a permit from <strong>the</strong>m. You don’t<br />
need one if you stay on at school<br />
after that. There’s a leaflet on <strong>the</strong><br />
County Council website, or you<br />
can call <strong>the</strong>m on 01354 661736.<br />
31
32<br />
Disabled<strong>Go</strong> Jobs<br />
Leadership Recruitment<br />
Scope, 6–10 Market Road<br />
London N7 9PW<br />
020 7619 7299<br />
020 7619 7187 (textphone)<br />
www.scope.org.uk/graduates<br />
www.disabledgo.info/Jobs<br />
Online vacancy listings from<br />
inclusive employers.<br />
Work placements and facilitating access <strong>to</strong><br />
graduate schemes and jobs.<br />
Papworth Trust<br />
A major provider of employment advice and<br />
support in <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>. See also pages 33,<br />
42, 43, 45, 52 and 75.<br />
Remploy<br />
18c Meridian East, Meridian Business Park<br />
Leicester LE19 1WZ<br />
0845 155 2700<br />
0845 155 0532 (textphone)<br />
www.remploy.co.uk<br />
A large employer of disabled people, Remploy<br />
also offers support and advice <strong>to</strong> help you find a<br />
job with o<strong>the</strong>r employers.<br />
Social Training Enterprise Group (STEnG)<br />
c/o OWL (see below)<br />
www.steng.org.uk<br />
The following organisations are members of STEnG and provide<br />
complementary learning, work and social opportunities.<br />
In STEnG’s Access <strong>to</strong> Employment Project Job Coaches in <strong>the</strong> member organisations help<br />
you move on from training with <strong>the</strong>m <strong>to</strong> new training or work experience, or <strong>to</strong> voluntary<br />
work or paid employment.<br />
Branching Out<br />
27 Grange Lane, Littleport CB6 1HW<br />
01353 863221<br />
www.branchingoutuk.net<br />
Recycling at OWL<br />
Shaw Trust<br />
Shaw Trust<br />
15 Mil<strong>to</strong>n Road East<br />
Lowes<strong>to</strong>ft NR32 1NT<br />
01502 527602<br />
www.shaw-trust.org.uk<br />
Support in<strong>to</strong> employment for<br />
disabled and disadvantaged people.<br />
Social training and work experience<br />
Work-based training including making garden furniture, growing fruit and vegetables,<br />
making hot lunches, working in charity shops and recycling.
Burwell Community Print Centre<br />
The Causeway, Burwell CB25 0DX<br />
01638 613102<br />
www.burwellprint.co.uk<br />
Training in a busy Print Room and Design<br />
Centre that provides a variety of printing,<br />
pho<strong>to</strong>copying and finishing services,<br />
promotional items like T-shirts and mugs,<br />
plus envelope stuffing and labelling.<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Mencap<br />
Edmund House, 9 Church Lane<br />
Fulbourn CB21 5EP<br />
01223 883130<br />
www.cambridgeshiremencap.co.uk<br />
Training in catering and hospitality<br />
at Cambridge University colleges,<br />
volunteering and work experience in<br />
gardening, and catering at Fare Shares<br />
Café in Cambridge. See pages 6, 45, 52<br />
and 57 for o<strong>the</strong>r services.<br />
Darwin Nurseries<br />
5 Quy Water, Newmarket Road<br />
Cambridge CB1 9AT<br />
01223 293911<br />
Training and work experience in<br />
horticulture, selling produce, and animal<br />
husbandry.<br />
Fenland Area Community<br />
Enterprise Trust (FACET)<br />
Marwick Centre, 21 Marwick Road<br />
March PE15 8PH<br />
01354 655080<br />
Training in retail, catering, practical<br />
woodwork, horticulture, art and design,<br />
independent living skills, basic skills, job<br />
clubs and job-seeking skills.<br />
Hope Social Enterprises<br />
15–17 Commercial Road<br />
March PE15 8QP<br />
01354 658732<br />
Work experience, for example in<br />
gardening and furniture repairs, in<br />
centres in Wisbech and March for<br />
vulnerable adults <strong>to</strong> help prepare <strong>the</strong>m<br />
for <strong>the</strong> world of work<br />
Opportunities<br />
Without Limits (OWL)<br />
Saws<strong>to</strong>n Village College<br />
New Road, Saws<strong>to</strong>n<br />
CB22 3BP<br />
01223 835329<br />
www.owlgroup.org.uk<br />
Wide range of workbased<br />
and vocational<br />
training activities and supported<br />
employment, including community café,<br />
hot meals delivery service and bicycle<br />
recycling project, plus leisure activities.<br />
Papworth Trust<br />
Bernard Sunley Centre<br />
Papworth Everard CB23 3RG<br />
0800 952 5000<br />
www.papworth.org.uk<br />
Centres in Cambridge (01223<br />
478605), Papworth (01480 357200)<br />
and Huntingdon (01480 423053)<br />
provide opportunities <strong>to</strong> learn<br />
<strong>to</strong> live independently and work<br />
<strong>to</strong>wards qualifications. The<br />
Trust also helps people find and<br />
keep a job, through vocational<br />
rehabilitation, work experience,<br />
voluntary work and supported<br />
employment programmes such as<br />
Workstep, Pathways <strong>to</strong> Work and<br />
Work4You. See also pages 32, 42,<br />
43, 45, 52 and 75.<br />
OWL Gardeners<br />
33
34<br />
Prospects Trust<br />
Snakehall Farm, Reach CB25 0HZ<br />
01638 741551<br />
www.prospectstrust.org.uk<br />
Work experience, accredited training and<br />
supported employment opportunities in<br />
horticulture and organic market gardening.<br />
Red2Green<br />
Harvey’s Barn, Park End<br />
Swaffham Bulbeck CB25 0NA<br />
01223 811662<br />
www.red2green.org<br />
A varied and innovative programme of<br />
education and work opportunities for<br />
people in <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>.<br />
Adult Special<br />
Learning Team<br />
See page 31.<br />
Camtrust<br />
22 Cambridge Road<br />
Imping<strong>to</strong>n CB24 9NU<br />
01223 236786<br />
www.camtrust.co.uk<br />
Fur<strong>the</strong>r education and a<br />
comprehensive introduction<br />
<strong>to</strong> life in <strong>the</strong> workplace in a<br />
relaxed commercial studio<br />
that offers print finishing<br />
and design services, in<br />
conjunction with Huntingdon<br />
Regional College.<br />
Misfits<br />
258 Mill Road<br />
Cambridge CB1 3NF<br />
01223 415269<br />
www.samamba.co.uk/misfits.<br />
html<br />
Training for people with<br />
learning difficulties is<br />
offered in this shop which<br />
sells goods produced by<br />
local crafts people. <strong>It</strong> was<br />
formerly run as Castle<br />
Project Print Finishers.<br />
Rowan Humbers<strong>to</strong>ne<br />
40 Humbers<strong>to</strong>ne Road<br />
Cambridge CB4 1JG<br />
01223 566027<br />
www.rowanhumbers<strong>to</strong>ne.co.uk<br />
Accredited training and work<br />
experience enable people<br />
with learning difficulties<br />
<strong>to</strong> work alongside skilled<br />
artists and craftspeople producing high<br />
quality artwork.<br />
S<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r social training opportunities<br />
Phoenix Trust<br />
Unit 8, Mil<strong>to</strong>n Trading Estate, Cambridge Road<br />
Mil<strong>to</strong>n CB24 6AZ<br />
01223 420669<br />
www.phoenixtrust.org<br />
Phoenix employs people with learning disabilities and<br />
manufactures a range of paving slabs.<br />
Reboot<br />
Eastern Court, Social Enterprise Centre<br />
182–190 Newmarket Road, Cambridge CB5 8HE<br />
01223 365917<br />
www.shopatreboot.co.uk<br />
Reboot sells recycled/refurbished PCs and offers<br />
people real work experience in a safe, structured<br />
environment. A good place <strong>to</strong> take your old computer.<br />
Richmond Fellowship Employment Services<br />
Cambridge area<br />
23 Signet Court, Swann Road, Cambridge CB5 8LA<br />
01223 301032<br />
Huntingdon and Fenland area<br />
Island Hall Cottage, 17 Post Street<br />
<strong>Go</strong>dmanchester PE29 2BA<br />
01480 456257<br />
www.richmondfellowship.org.uk<br />
Employment guidance and support in<strong>to</strong> employment,<br />
volunteering or training for people with mental health<br />
problems. Work opportunities include horticulture and<br />
garden maintenance.
Voluntary work means giving your time for free because you want <strong>to</strong><br />
contribute <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> community, usually by helping o<strong>the</strong>r people or doing<br />
something like looking after <strong>the</strong> environment. The agencies listed will<br />
help you find a placement.<br />
Volunteering can be brilliant experience and useful because many<br />
employers recognise its value when you apply for jobs. <strong>It</strong>’ll look good<br />
on a university or college application <strong>to</strong>o.<br />
You usually get lots of support and training and it can be a good thing <strong>to</strong> do if you don’t feel<br />
ready for a paid job. Training might lead <strong>to</strong> a certificate or qualification.<br />
If you’re claiming benefits <strong>the</strong>y shouldn’t be affected, but read our advice about this on<br />
page 69.<br />
Community Service Volunteers<br />
Suite 2B, Essex House, 71 Regent Street, Cambridge CB2 1AB<br />
01223 728460<br />
www.csv.org.uk<br />
Voluntary work<br />
Full-time supervised opportunities away from home for people aged 16 <strong>to</strong> 35 <strong>to</strong> volunteer<br />
for four <strong>to</strong> twelve months with people needing support in <strong>the</strong> community. Volunteers<br />
receive a weekly allowance, accommodation, food and travel expenses.<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Youth Bank<br />
01480 494333<br />
www.youthbankcambs.org.uk<br />
Opportunities for you <strong>to</strong> apply for money <strong>to</strong><br />
support your own ideas and projects.<br />
Vinvolved<br />
The Old Police Station, Priory Road<br />
St Ives PE27 5BB<br />
01480 461336<br />
www.young-lives.org.uk<br />
www.vinvolved.com<br />
www.do-it.org<br />
This youth volunteering programme<br />
encourages and supports you if you’re<br />
aged 16–25 years <strong>to</strong> take up volunteering<br />
opportunities and helps you develop your<br />
skills, give something <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> community and<br />
gain recognition.<br />
Cambridge Volunteer Centre<br />
Llandaff Chambers, 2 Regent Street<br />
Cambridge CB2 1AX<br />
01223 356549<br />
www.cam-volunteer.org.uk<br />
S<br />
Volunteer Centre Ely and District<br />
41e <strong>For</strong>ehill, Ely CB7 4AA<br />
01353 666556<br />
www.vcaec.org.uk<br />
Volunteer Centre Fenland<br />
Queen Mary Centre, Queen’s Road<br />
Wisbech PE13 2PE<br />
01945 582192<br />
www.fenlandvb.org.uk<br />
Volunteer Centre Huntingdonshire<br />
7 St Mary’s Street, Huntingdon PE29 3PE<br />
www.huntingdonshirevolunteercentre.co.uk<br />
Huntingdon 01480 414766<br />
Ramsey 01487 814117<br />
St Ives 01480 301462<br />
St Neots 01480 476047<br />
Skill<br />
Skill promotes volunteering as well as<br />
access <strong>to</strong> education. See page 28.<br />
S35<br />
Covers Cambridge and South <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>.
36<br />
Living independently<br />
Living independently means having support and health services, housing,<br />
adaptations, equipment and activities <strong>to</strong> suit you. When you ask for services or<br />
support you’re entitled <strong>to</strong> have your voice heard. Services should be organised <strong>to</strong><br />
meet your needs and <strong>to</strong> be convenient for you. You can begin <strong>to</strong> take control, and<br />
you can complain if things go wrong.<br />
Self-Directed Support is a new way, if you are eligible, <strong>to</strong> choose, plan and<br />
manage <strong>the</strong> support and services you receive and <strong>to</strong> achieve your personal goals.<br />
You need <strong>to</strong> know about it: see pages 40 <strong>to</strong> 43.<br />
How do you get<br />
<strong>the</strong> services you need? 37<br />
What do you get? 37<br />
Making <strong>the</strong> transition 38<br />
Contacting<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Social Care 38<br />
Daytime activities 39<br />
Self-directed<br />
support and<br />
personal budgets 40–43<br />
How it’s funded 44<br />
How good are <strong>the</strong> services? 44<br />
Independent social care 44<br />
What’s in this section?<br />
If you have a<br />
hearing impairment 45<br />
If you have a<br />
visual impairment 47<br />
If you have a<br />
hearing and a<br />
visual impairment 48<br />
Using health services 48<br />
Information and advice<br />
about health services 48<br />
Help with NHS charges 49
How do you get <strong>the</strong> services you need?<br />
They might come from Social Care Adult or Children and Young People’s<br />
Services (<strong>the</strong>y’re part of <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> County Council), from your local<br />
District or City council, or from <strong>the</strong> National Health Service. They may<br />
arrange services and ask o<strong>the</strong>r organisations <strong>to</strong> provide <strong>the</strong>m. If you have<br />
a learning disability <strong>the</strong>n services are provided by <strong>the</strong> Learning <strong>Disability</strong><br />
Partnership run jointly by social and health services. They may come from<br />
independent voluntary or commercial organisations or from individuals you hire as care<br />
assistants. With proper planning you get all <strong>the</strong> services you need working <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r<br />
smoothly.<br />
Some services are paid for through Supporting People. That’s housing-related help that<br />
makes sure you’ve got somewhere <strong>to</strong> live that you can afford that is safe, secure and meets<br />
your needs: see page 51.<br />
If you’re interested in what <strong>the</strong> law says, <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> Children Act (1989) covers you until you<br />
are 19. After that <strong>the</strong>re’s a whole range of laws going back <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> National Assistance Act<br />
(1948), including <strong>the</strong> Carers and Disabled Children Act (2000), <strong>the</strong> Community Care (Direct<br />
Payments) Act (1996), <strong>the</strong> NHS and Community Care Act (1990), <strong>the</strong> Disabled Persons Act<br />
(1986) and <strong>the</strong> Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act (1970). <strong>It</strong> could be worth knowing<br />
about those if you ever need <strong>to</strong> complain about <strong>the</strong> services you receive.<br />
Unlike <strong>the</strong> mostly free National Health Service, social care services can charge for care, and<br />
<strong>the</strong>re are eligibility criteria that mean you only get support if your needs are above a certain<br />
level. Those criteria are set within <strong>the</strong> government’s Fair Access <strong>to</strong> Care Services guidance.<br />
S<br />
What do you get?<br />
The NHS and Community Care Act (1990)<br />
entitles you <strong>to</strong> your social care assessment. The<br />
Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act (1970)<br />
says <strong>the</strong>y have <strong>to</strong> assess your need for:<br />
l Practical help at home<br />
l Radio and television<br />
l Help <strong>to</strong> use a library and <strong>to</strong> go out <strong>to</strong> leisure activities or education<br />
l Help with transport <strong>to</strong> those activities<br />
l Adaptations and equipment at home<br />
l Holidays, meals and a telephone<br />
S<br />
You may not actually receive all of <strong>the</strong>se, but <strong>the</strong>y must decide whe<strong>the</strong>r or<br />
not you need <strong>the</strong>m: now person-centred planning means that you and <strong>the</strong>y<br />
<strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r look at all aspects of your life, including <strong>the</strong>se.<br />
People who help look after you, usually your parents, can have <strong>the</strong>ir needs<br />
assessed <strong>to</strong>o. They may get help from <strong>the</strong> Carers’ Support Team that has<br />
managers in Cambridge, Huntingdon, Ely and March.<br />
37
38<br />
Making <strong>the</strong> transition <strong>to</strong> adult services<br />
Transition at school starts when you are 14 – look at pages 23 <strong>to</strong><br />
24 where we describe transition planning when you decide what<br />
education, training, work or o<strong>the</strong>r activities you want <strong>to</strong> do after you<br />
are 16. But it’s all integrated so, if necessary, somebody from <strong>the</strong> Council’s social<br />
care services will be involved at that early stage. <strong>It</strong> should be person centred, focusing on<br />
you and what you want.<br />
If you use Social Care services, when you are 19 you will move from children’s <strong>to</strong> adult<br />
services. The Transitions Team (see below) give you and your parents/carers advice and<br />
information as you approach your 17th birthday (or earlier if you need lots of support).<br />
They’ll agree a suitable time for your social care assessment with you and decide whe<strong>the</strong>r<br />
you are eligible for services. Then <strong>the</strong>y’ll guide you through <strong>the</strong> Self-Directed Support<br />
process (see page 40).<br />
Person-centred planning helps you plan <strong>the</strong> life you want. As <strong>the</strong> Council says:<br />
l You are <strong>the</strong> most important person<br />
l <strong>It</strong> is not just about having a one-off meeting<br />
l <strong>It</strong> should carry on through your life<br />
l <strong>It</strong> is a way of working <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>to</strong> make changes<br />
l Some people use a circle of support, a group of people who know you well, probably<br />
family or friends who help you achieve your goals<br />
Contacting <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong><br />
Social Care<br />
General Social Care Contacts<br />
Emergencies outside office hours<br />
Emergency Duty Team: 01733 234724<br />
Social Care Enquiries<br />
0345 045 5201<br />
Occupational Therapy<br />
0345 045 5205<br />
Transition<br />
Transitions Social Care Team<br />
Scott House, 5 George Street<br />
Huntingdon PE29 3AD<br />
01480 372669<br />
S<br />
Children’s Social Care Teams<br />
0345 045 5203<br />
Huntingdonshire<br />
Buttsgrove Centre, 8 Buttsgrove Way<br />
Huntingdon PE29 1LY<br />
Fenland and East <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong><br />
Noble House, St Thomas Place<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Business Park<br />
Ely CB7 4EX<br />
100 Churchill Road<br />
Wisbech PE13 2DE<br />
South <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> and Cambridge<br />
100 Rustat House, Clif<strong>to</strong>n Road<br />
Cambridge CB1 7EG
Learning <strong>Disability</strong><br />
Partnership Teams<br />
0345 045 5221<br />
Huntingdon<br />
Scott House, 5 George Street<br />
Huntingdon PE29 3AD<br />
Fenland<br />
Hereward Hall, County Road<br />
March PE15 8NE<br />
Cambridge City<br />
Block 7, Ida Darwin<br />
Fulbourn CB21 5EE<br />
South <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong><br />
Block 11, Ida Darwin<br />
Fulbourn CB21 5EE<br />
East <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong><br />
Princess of Wales Hospital<br />
Lynn Road, Ely CB6 1DN<br />
S<br />
S<br />
Daytime activities<br />
Adult physical and<br />
sensory impairment<br />
teams<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Physical<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> Team<br />
Amundsen House, S<strong>to</strong>cks Bridge Way<br />
St Ives PE27 5JL<br />
0345 045 5202<br />
Sensory Services Team<br />
Amundsen House, S<strong>to</strong>cks Bridge Way<br />
St Ives PE27 5JL<br />
0345 045 5221<br />
01480 498066 (fax)<br />
07765 898732 (text)<br />
01480 376743 (textphone)<br />
sensory.services@cambridgeshire.gov.uk<br />
Works with adults of all ages who have a<br />
hearing or a visual impairment and with people<br />
who are deaf/blind (dual sensory loss).<br />
Education, work experience and training at <strong>the</strong><br />
regional colleges and social training enterprises<br />
are described on pages 26 <strong>to</strong> 27 and 32 <strong>to</strong> 34. Social<br />
and recreational activities happen at Learning <strong>Disability</strong> Partnership and<br />
independent day services. Get a list from Social Care, and see below.<br />
Cats<br />
S<br />
1 Bull Lane<br />
St Ives PE27 5AX<br />
01480 375200<br />
Darwin Workshops<br />
Ida Darwin, Fulbourn CB21 5EE<br />
01223 884063<br />
Horizon Resource Centre<br />
Coldhams Lane<br />
Cambridge CB1 3HY<br />
01223 568811<br />
Huntingdon Community Centre<br />
Ambury Road<br />
Huntingdon PE29 1JE<br />
01480 398050<br />
S<br />
Larkfield Resource Centre<br />
High Barns, Ely CB7 4SB<br />
01353 661128<br />
Saws<strong>to</strong>n Compass Centre<br />
189 High Street<br />
Saws<strong>to</strong>n CB2 4JH<br />
01223 712727<br />
Tennyson Lodge<br />
3 <strong>Go</strong>rdon Avenue<br />
March PE15 8AJ<br />
01354 653284<br />
Vic<strong>to</strong>ria Lodge<br />
18 Larksfield, Vic<strong>to</strong>ria Road<br />
Wisbech PE13 2UW<br />
01945 461175<br />
39
40<br />
Self-Directed Support<br />
and Personal Budgets<br />
A new way of choosing, planning and<br />
managing <strong>the</strong> support you need <strong>to</strong> live<br />
independently, with you at <strong>the</strong> centre<br />
If you are 19 or over, and if you are eligible for social care support,<br />
instead of having things decided for you by <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Social Care and<br />
its NHS partners, you will receive a Personal Budget. That’s money allocated <strong>to</strong> you up<br />
front so you can plan your social care and choose <strong>the</strong> best ways <strong>to</strong> meet your support<br />
needs and achieve your goals. You can have help with this if you need it.<br />
To find out if you’re eligible for support you will have <strong>to</strong> be assessed by <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong><br />
Social Care, who make this decision under <strong>the</strong> <strong>Go</strong>vernment’s Fair Access <strong>to</strong> Care<br />
Services policy. You’ll have <strong>to</strong> fill in a Support Questionnaire which asks you about<br />
your support needs and <strong>the</strong> things you want <strong>to</strong> do and achieve. Your Care Manager will<br />
discuss this with you.<br />
Then, your own Support Plan will list your support needs and your goals. <strong>It</strong> will show<br />
how you intend <strong>to</strong> spend your money and get <strong>the</strong> life you want. <strong>It</strong> does not have <strong>to</strong> be<br />
just about your personal care, but can include things like housing, leisure activities,<br />
transport and holidays, work experience and training, and <strong>the</strong> support you need at work.<br />
This process, called Self-Directed Support, gives you more choice over <strong>the</strong> support you<br />
receive and will help you live your life so you can achieve what you want <strong>to</strong>. <strong>It</strong> will give<br />
you more independence, freedom, flexibility, choice and control over <strong>the</strong> services you<br />
receive and <strong>the</strong> things that you do.<br />
If you need it, you can have help <strong>to</strong> produce your Support Plan but it is your plan and<br />
you’ll be involved in deciding what <strong>to</strong> include. Once it’s all agreed <strong>the</strong> County Council will<br />
allocate your Personal Budget.<br />
If you want <strong>to</strong> you can take <strong>the</strong> money as a direct payment and manage everything<br />
yourself, or you can get help <strong>to</strong> do it, or you can ask <strong>the</strong> County Council <strong>to</strong> do it for you.<br />
Whatever you choose it will still be your Personal Budget. But, if you do take a direct<br />
payment you will have responsibility for managing and paying for your own support.<br />
You can also include money from o<strong>the</strong>r sources in your Support Plan.<br />
This could include:<br />
l Access <strong>to</strong> Work (see page 31)<br />
l Independent Living Fund (see page 44)<br />
l Supporting People (see page 51)<br />
You may have <strong>to</strong> make a financial contribution yourself – it depends on your income.
Your Support Plan<br />
Your plan:<br />
l Has you as its focus<br />
l Involves deciding what you want <strong>to</strong> do in<br />
your life and what you need <strong>to</strong> do <strong>to</strong> make<br />
it happen<br />
l Includes people who care about you – your<br />
circle of support, usually your family and<br />
friends who get involved in helping you<br />
achieve your aims<br />
l Is a description of how you want your life<br />
<strong>to</strong> be<br />
l Can be in whatever format is best for you<br />
l Is not itself <strong>the</strong> most important thing – but<br />
making it all happen is<br />
… and <strong>the</strong> Council will want <strong>the</strong> plan <strong>to</strong><br />
include:<br />
l Things that are important <strong>to</strong> you<br />
l What you want <strong>to</strong> achieve or change<br />
l The support you need and how it will work<br />
l How you’ll spend your Personal Budget<br />
l How your support will be managed<br />
l How you’ll stay in control<br />
l An action plan <strong>to</strong> make it all happen so you<br />
stay healthy, safe and independent<br />
See <strong>the</strong> following page for more sources of<br />
information about Support Plans.<br />
41
42<br />
What services can you use?<br />
One good answer <strong>to</strong> that is: services provided by<br />
members of <strong>the</strong> Opportunities Trust, many of which<br />
are listed in this book. See <strong>the</strong>ir website (below) for<br />
a full list of <strong>the</strong>ir member organisations’ services.<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> and <strong>Disability</strong><br />
Huntingdonshire can also tell you what<br />
opportunities and services <strong>the</strong>re are.<br />
Commercial care agencies are listed in <strong>the</strong> County<br />
Council’s Adult Care and Support Services<br />
Direc<strong>to</strong>ry and in <strong>the</strong>ir Accredited Provider<br />
Catalogue, both of which are available on <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
website. They are also listed on <strong>the</strong> website of <strong>the</strong><br />
Care Quality Commission (see page 44) where you<br />
can see reports on <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
You can also employ and pay your own assistants.<br />
Opportunities Trust<br />
Saxongate Community Learning Centre<br />
Bradbury Place<br />
Huntingdon PE29 3RR<br />
01480 423056<br />
www.opportunitiestrust.org.uk<br />
The Trust is a group of organisations working<br />
<strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r <strong>to</strong> provide a range of activities and support<br />
that could be provided through your personal<br />
budget. These include leisure activities, education,<br />
personal support and help in<strong>to</strong> employment.<br />
The parents of a young<br />
disabled person <strong>to</strong>ld<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>:<br />
The fact that our son<br />
is able <strong>to</strong> choose<br />
what he does and when<br />
he does it gives him more<br />
freedom as an individual.<br />
The principle of him<br />
directing his own life, so<br />
being able <strong>to</strong> work <strong>to</strong>wards<br />
his own goals and <strong>to</strong>wards<br />
being ‘in control’, is key <strong>to</strong><br />
maintaining his individuality<br />
and ongoing development.<br />
<strong>For</strong> us as parents, <strong>the</strong> fact<br />
that we can help him and<br />
be involved formally<br />
through his circle of support<br />
is a major and positive<br />
aspect of providing care<br />
~<br />
through a Personal<br />
Budget.<br />
Get more information about self-directed support from:<br />
l Social Care – www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/social/selfdirectedsupport/<br />
– see <strong>the</strong> list of <strong>the</strong>ir leaflets on <strong>the</strong> next page<br />
l Hands off My Plan! – www.handsoffmyplan.co.uk<br />
l In Control – www.in-control.org.uk<br />
l Valuing People – www.valuingpeople.gov.uk<br />
l Personalisation Network – www.dhcarenetworks.org.uk/personalisation<br />
l National Centre for Independent Living – www.ncil.org.uk<br />
l Advocacy services like Speaking Up – see page 74<br />
l Papworth Trust – see next page<br />
l <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Direct Payment Support Service – see next page<br />
l <strong>Disability</strong> <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> and <strong>Disability</strong> Huntingdonshire – see back cover<br />
~
County Council leaflets about Self-Directed Support<br />
l Self-Directed Support: putting you in control of your social care<br />
l Fairer Charging: what it means if you have a personal budget<br />
l Developing your support plan<br />
l Support Planning: a guide<br />
l Self-Directed Support and Personal Budgets: information for people with<br />
learning disabilities<br />
l Self-Directed Support and Direct Payments for social care<br />
How does it differ from <strong>the</strong> existing direct payments system?<br />
Receiving some or all of a Personal Budget as a direct payment and organising your<br />
own services is one way of using it, but you can ask <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Social Care<br />
<strong>to</strong> do it all for you. You’ll still be involved in planning your own support and be in<br />
control. An important difference is that o<strong>the</strong>r bits of money can be added <strong>to</strong> your<br />
Personal Budget.<br />
Getting help with your Support Plan and Direct Payment<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Direct Payment Support Service<br />
Ivan Peck House, 1 Russell Way<br />
Chelmsford CM1 3AA<br />
01245 392328<br />
01245 392302 (textphone)<br />
01245 392329 fax<br />
www.ecdp.org.uk/cambsdpss<br />
Essex Coalition of Disabled People runs this <strong>to</strong> help you manage your money and<br />
recruit, employ and pay assistants or care agencies.<br />
Papworth Trust<br />
Bernard Sunley Centre<br />
Papworth Everard CB23 3RG<br />
0800 952 5000, 01480 357200<br />
www.papworth.org.uk<br />
The Community Support Team is paving <strong>the</strong> way for <strong>the</strong> introduction of Personal<br />
Budgets for <strong>the</strong> Trust’s tenants by providing care and support for <strong>the</strong>m <strong>to</strong> purchase,<br />
and staff <strong>to</strong> help with person-centred planning. More Papworth services are on<br />
pages 32, 33, 52 and 75.<br />
National Centre for Independent Living<br />
Unit 3, 40 Canterbury Court<br />
1–3 Brix<strong>to</strong>n Road<br />
London SW9 6DE<br />
020 7587 1663<br />
www.ncil.org.uk<br />
Their website is a resource on independent living,<br />
direct payments and personal budgets.<br />
43
44<br />
How it’s funded –<br />
and how <strong>to</strong> get<br />
more money<br />
Social care is funded by<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> County Council,<br />
although you may have <strong>to</strong> make<br />
a contribution. Health services are<br />
free, but you may have <strong>to</strong> pay for<br />
prescriptions and some o<strong>the</strong>r services:<br />
see page 49 for more about that. See<br />
pages 63 <strong>to</strong> 70 for <strong>the</strong> general benefits<br />
and grants you can claim. If you need<br />
lots of support you may get money<br />
from <strong>the</strong> Independent Living Fund.<br />
Independent Living Fund<br />
PO Box 7525<br />
Nottingham NG2 4ZT<br />
0845 601 8815 or 0115 945 0700<br />
0845 601 8816 (textphone)<br />
www.ilf.org.uk<br />
If you’re over 16, receive at least<br />
£320 worth of Social Care support<br />
each week, get <strong>the</strong> higher rate care<br />
component of <strong>Disability</strong> Living<br />
Allowance (page 67), have savings<br />
of less than £23,000 and meet o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
eligibility criteria, you may get a<br />
payment from <strong>the</strong> ILF <strong>to</strong> pay for<br />
more care. You can treat any payment<br />
as part of your Personal Budget<br />
(page 40).<br />
S<br />
How good are<br />
<strong>the</strong> services?<br />
Care and health services<br />
are regulated and<br />
inspected so that <strong>the</strong>y<br />
meet standards set down by <strong>the</strong><br />
government. If you’re not happy with <strong>the</strong><br />
service you receive you can use NHS and<br />
local councils’ complaints procedures:<br />
see page 87. Independent organisations<br />
should have clear ways of dealing with your<br />
complaints, <strong>to</strong>o.<br />
Care Quality Commission<br />
Citygate, Gallowgate<br />
Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4PA<br />
03000 616161<br />
www.cqc.org.uk<br />
The CQC regulates health and adult social<br />
care services provided by <strong>the</strong> NHS, local<br />
authorities, private companies or voluntary<br />
organisations. <strong>It</strong> lists care services and<br />
residential homes on its website and<br />
publishes its reports on <strong>the</strong>m <strong>the</strong>re.<br />
Ofsted<br />
Royal Exchange Buildings<br />
St Ann’s Square<br />
Manchester M2 7LA<br />
08456 404045<br />
0161 618 8524 (textphone)<br />
www.ofsted.gov.uk<br />
S<br />
Ofsted regulates education and social care<br />
services for children and young people.<br />
Independent social care organisations<br />
There are <strong>to</strong>o many commercial agencies <strong>to</strong> put here, but you can find<br />
<strong>the</strong>m on <strong>the</strong> Care Quality Commission website (see above). They are also<br />
listed in <strong>the</strong> County Council’s Adult Care and Support Services Direc<strong>to</strong>ry.<br />
Here are some voluntary organisations involved in care and support.
Crossroads Cambridge City<br />
Lincoln House, The Paddocks<br />
347 Cherry Hin<strong>to</strong>n Road<br />
Cambridge CB1 8DH<br />
01223 415600<br />
www.crossroads-cambridge.org.uk<br />
Crossroads West Anglia<br />
8 The Meadow, Meadow Lane<br />
St Ives PE27 4LG<br />
0845 241 0954<br />
www.westangliacrossroads.org.uk<br />
Covers all of <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> except<br />
Cambridge.<br />
These two Crossroads services<br />
support you while somebody in your<br />
family who usually looks after you<br />
takes a break. The West Anglia service<br />
has a group for young carers (see<br />
page 58).<br />
Ely Diocesan Committee for<br />
Family and Social Welfare<br />
Bishop Woodford House<br />
Bar<strong>to</strong>n Road<br />
Ely CB7 4DX<br />
01353 652719<br />
www.ely.anglican.org<br />
Provides an independent social work<br />
service <strong>to</strong> anyone in <strong>the</strong> diocese.<br />
Sensory Services Team<br />
See page 39.<br />
Cambridge Camtad<br />
8a Romsey Terrace, Cambridge CB1 3NH<br />
01223 416141<br />
www.camtadcambs.org.uk<br />
Loans of environmental equipment,<br />
retubing and maintenance of hearing<br />
aids and drop-in advice sessions around<br />
<strong>the</strong> County except Fenland. Call or check<br />
<strong>the</strong> website for details.<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Mencap<br />
Edmund House<br />
9 Church Lane<br />
Fulbourn CB21 5EP<br />
01223 883130<br />
www.cambridgeshiremencap.co.uk<br />
Services for people with learning<br />
disabilities: residential care, respite service<br />
and home-based support for people over<br />
18, and <strong>the</strong> Windmill Hydro<strong>the</strong>rapy Pool<br />
which is available <strong>to</strong> disabled people of all<br />
ages. See pages 6, 33, 52 and 57 for o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
services.<br />
Huntingdon Mencap<br />
Stanley House<br />
10–11 Orchard Lane<br />
Huntingdon PE29 3QT<br />
01480 450596<br />
huntingdonmencap@btconnect.com<br />
Services for people with learning<br />
disabilities: home support, helping you <strong>to</strong><br />
live independently, help with daily living<br />
skills, help <strong>to</strong> choose and do a wide range of<br />
leisure and educational activities, and short<br />
breaks for carers.<br />
Papworth Trust<br />
See pages 32, 33, 42, 43, 52 and 75.<br />
If you have a hearing impairment<br />
S<br />
Fenland Camtad<br />
4 Johnson Way, Chatteris PE16 6FD<br />
01354 693062<br />
Battery exchange, retubing and<br />
repairs <strong>to</strong> hearing aids plus advice<br />
on equipment in Chatteris, Manea,<br />
Whittlesey, March and Wisbech.<br />
Monthly equipment demonstrations<br />
at Dodding<strong>to</strong>n Hospital.<br />
S<br />
45
46<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Deaf Association<br />
8 Romsey Terrace, Cambridge CB1 3NH<br />
01223 246237(voice)<br />
01223 411701 (fax)<br />
01223 411801 (textphone)<br />
suzanne@cambsdeaf.plus.com<br />
www.cambsdeaf.org<br />
The local organisation of Deaf people. Dropins,<br />
Deaf clubs, information, advice and<br />
support, BSL classes.<br />
Cambridge and Huntingdon Deaf<br />
Children’s Society<br />
01480 394408<br />
www.ndcs.org.uk<br />
County-wide activities including children’s<br />
club, teen machine, family events,<br />
information and support. See website for<br />
more information.<br />
Clarion<br />
New<strong>to</strong>n Hall, Town Street, New<strong>to</strong>n CB22 7ZE<br />
01223 870840 (voice)<br />
0771 3082716 (text)<br />
01223 874440 (fax)<br />
office@clarioncall.net<br />
www.clarioncall.net<br />
Services available include British Sign<br />
Language interpreting, note taking, speech<strong>to</strong>-text,<br />
lip speaking, video conferencing and<br />
Deaf awareness training.<br />
Our Voice<br />
<strong>For</strong> this advocacy service see page 74.<br />
British Deaf Association<br />
Bushell Street Mill, Bushell Street<br />
Pres<strong>to</strong>n PR1 2SP<br />
01772 259725 (voice)<br />
05603 115295 (textphone)<br />
01772 561610 (fax)<br />
england@bda.org.uk<br />
www.bda.org.uk<br />
S<br />
A range of campaigns and services,<br />
including BSL classes, are provided by this<br />
organisation run by and for Deaf people.<br />
Royal National Institute for<br />
Deaf People (RNID)<br />
19–23 Fea<strong>the</strong>rs<strong>to</strong>ne Street<br />
London EC1Y 8SL<br />
0808 808 0123 (voice)<br />
0808 808 9000 (textphone)<br />
07800 000360 (text)<br />
informationline@rnid.org.uk<br />
www.rnid.org.uk<br />
Care services, communication services,<br />
welfare and employment advice, tinnitus<br />
helpline, text relay (see page 79),<br />
equipment and campaigns.<br />
Audiology Departments<br />
Services include hearing tests, hearing<br />
aids, balance assessments and<br />
tinnitus counselling. Clinics are held in<br />
community hospitals, <strong>to</strong>o (see page 49).<br />
Addenbrooke’s Hospital<br />
Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ<br />
01223 217797<br />
01223 586912 (fax)<br />
www.addenbrookes.nhs.uk<br />
Edith Cavell Hospital<br />
Bret<strong>to</strong>n Gate, Peterborough PE3 9GZ<br />
01733 874000<br />
www.peterboroughhospitals.co.uk<br />
Hinchingbrooke Hospital<br />
Huntingdon PE29 6NT<br />
01480 416137<br />
www.hinchingbrooke.nhs.uk<br />
Queen Elizabeth Hospital<br />
Gay<strong>to</strong>n Road, King’s Lynn PE30 4ET<br />
01553 613805<br />
www.qehkl.nhs.uk<br />
Audiology for children<br />
There are clinics around <strong>the</strong> county.<br />
<strong>For</strong> Cambridge City and South and East<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> call 01223 884174; for<br />
Huntingdonshire, 01480 418614; for<br />
south Fenland 01733 875502; for north<br />
Fenland 01553 613805.
If you have a visual impairment<br />
Sensory Services Team<br />
See page 39.<br />
Cam Sight<br />
167 Green End Road<br />
Cambridge CB4 1RW<br />
01223 420033<br />
www.camsight.org.uk<br />
A range of information, advice and support<br />
services: resource centres in Cambridge and<br />
Chatteris, assistive technology, practical<br />
support <strong>to</strong> stay independent, sport and<br />
leisure activities, and local groups in East<br />
and South <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>.<br />
Fenvision<br />
Room 7, Old School Buildings<br />
Dartford Road<br />
March PE15 8AN<br />
01354 656726<br />
Services for blind and partially sighted<br />
people in <strong>the</strong> old Isle of Ely (mostly now in<br />
Fenland) include liaison with <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong><br />
Social Care.<br />
Huntingdonshire Society for <strong>the</strong> Blind<br />
8 St Mary’s Street<br />
Huntingdon PE29 3PE<br />
01480 453438<br />
Services include resource centre (including<br />
equipment display), information and advice,<br />
social activities and outreach support.<br />
Action for Blind People<br />
14–16 Verney Road<br />
London SE16 3DZ<br />
0800 915 4666<br />
www.actionforblindpeople.org.uk<br />
S<br />
S<br />
Free and confidential support in all aspects<br />
of your life. Their mobile information service<br />
sometimes comes <strong>to</strong> <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>.<br />
Royal National Institute of<br />
Blind People (RNIB)<br />
105 Judd Street<br />
London WC1H 9NE<br />
0303 123 9999<br />
www.rnib.org.uk<br />
Large range of information, advice<br />
and support services from national<br />
and regional offices.<br />
Hospital Eye Units<br />
Addenbrooke’s Hospital<br />
Hills Rd, Cambridge CB2 0QQ<br />
01223 216401<br />
www.addenbrookes.nhs.uk<br />
Hinchingbrooke Hospital<br />
Hinchingbrooke Park<br />
Huntingdon PE29 6NT<br />
01480 416058<br />
www.hinchingbrooke.nhs.uk<br />
Peterborough District Hospital<br />
Thorpe Road<br />
Peterborough PE3 6DA<br />
01733 874000<br />
www.peterboroughhospitals.co.uk<br />
Queen Elizabeth Hospital<br />
Gay<strong>to</strong>n Road<br />
King’s Lynn PE30 4ET<br />
01553 613613<br />
www.qehkl.nhs.uk<br />
S<br />
S<br />
47
48<br />
If you have a hearing<br />
and a visual impairment<br />
Sensory Services Team<br />
See page 39.<br />
Sense East<br />
Upper Floor, 50 <strong>For</strong>der Way<br />
Cygnet Park, Hamp<strong>to</strong>n<br />
Peterborough PE7 8JB<br />
0845 127 0080<br />
0845 127 0082 (textphone)<br />
0845 127 0081 (fax)<br />
eastenquiries@sense.org.uk<br />
www.sense.org.uk<br />
Regional office of a national charity that<br />
supports and campaigns for children and<br />
adults who are deafblind. Provides advice<br />
and information as well as specialist<br />
services, <strong>to</strong> you and your family, carers, and<br />
professionals who work with you.<br />
Using health services<br />
Access <strong>to</strong> most health services is<br />
through a general practitioner: that’s<br />
your family doc<strong>to</strong>r, or GP. If you move<br />
away from home make sure you register<br />
with a doc<strong>to</strong>r where you live. To find a<br />
GP or an NHS dentist search at www.<br />
nhs.uk or call 0845 4647. There are<br />
services you can use direct, like those<br />
that offer that offer sexual health advice<br />
(see page 59), walk-in centres and<br />
Accident and Emergency (Casualty).<br />
Your doc<strong>to</strong>r will normally refer you<br />
<strong>to</strong> services run by <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong><br />
Community Services<br />
(www.cambscommunityservices.nhs.uk),<br />
but o<strong>the</strong>r health and social care workers<br />
can as well. Here are a couple you might<br />
use, followed by a list of community<br />
hospitals, but <strong>the</strong>se and o<strong>the</strong>r services<br />
may be provided at o<strong>the</strong>r health centres<br />
and clinics <strong>to</strong>o.<br />
Information and<br />
advice about<br />
health services<br />
Patient Advice and<br />
Liaison Service (PALS)<br />
www.pals.nhs.uk<br />
Every NHS Trust has a PALS that will<br />
tell you about its services and help<br />
you with any problems or complaints.<br />
District Hospital trust PALS are listed<br />
on <strong>the</strong> next page.<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Community<br />
Services PALS<br />
0800 013 2511<br />
NHS <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> PALS<br />
0800 279 2535<br />
NHS Choices<br />
www.nhs.uk<br />
Information about NHS services<br />
NHS Direct<br />
0845 464<br />
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk<br />
Health advice and information.<br />
Dental services for people with<br />
special needs<br />
Cambridge: 01223 723100<br />
Ely: 01353 652100<br />
Huntingdon: 01480 416075<br />
St Neots: 01480 472686<br />
Wisbech: 01945 465919<br />
There are clinics around <strong>the</strong><br />
county and dentists may be able<br />
<strong>to</strong> visit you at home.<br />
Speech and<br />
Language<br />
Therapy<br />
01223 884494<br />
www.slc.cambridgeshire.nhs.uk<br />
Assessment, advice and <strong>the</strong>rapy<br />
for children up <strong>to</strong> 16 (or 19<br />
if at a special school) who<br />
have speech, language and<br />
communication difficulties, or<br />
S
feeding and swallowing<br />
difficulties. Services<br />
for adults are<br />
provided at <strong>the</strong><br />
community hospitals.<br />
Community hospitals<br />
Brookfields Hospital<br />
Mill Road, Cambridge CB1 3DF<br />
01223 723170<br />
Dodding<strong>to</strong>n Community<br />
Hospital<br />
Benwick Road<br />
Dodding<strong>to</strong>n PE15 0UG<br />
01354 740481<br />
North <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Hospital<br />
The Park, Wisbech PE13 3AB<br />
01945 488088<br />
Princess of Wales Hospital<br />
Lynn Road, Ely CB6 1DN<br />
01353 652000<br />
Minor Treatment Centres<br />
These are at North <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>,<br />
Dodding<strong>to</strong>n and Princess of Wales<br />
hospitals.<br />
Help with NHS charges<br />
The NHS charges for some services, including<br />
prescriptions, sight tests and glasses, and<br />
dental treatment. But you may not have <strong>to</strong><br />
pay, or you may get some help <strong>to</strong>wards costs.<br />
These are some of <strong>the</strong> circumstances in which<br />
you might get help, but you should get advice:<br />
l Prescriptions are free if you are under<br />
16 or you have one of a list of specified<br />
conditions; dental treatment is free if you<br />
are under 18; both are free if you claim one<br />
of a selection of benefits<br />
l Prescriptions, dental treatment and sight<br />
tests and glasses are free if you are under<br />
19 or 20 and in full-time education or<br />
training<br />
l Prescriptions and dental treatment are free<br />
if you are pregnant or have given birth in<br />
<strong>the</strong> last 12 months<br />
District hospitals<br />
These large hospitals have many services,<br />
including Accident and Emergency<br />
(Casualty).<br />
Addenbrooke’s Hospital<br />
Hills Rd, Cambridge CB2 0QQ<br />
01223 245151 01223 274604 (textphone)<br />
01223 216756 (PALS)<br />
www.addenbrookes.nhs.uk<br />
Hinchingbrooke Hospital<br />
Hinchingbrooke Park, Huntingdon PE29 6NT<br />
01480 416416<br />
01480 428964 (PALS)<br />
www.hinchingbrooke.nhs.uk<br />
Peterborough District Hospital<br />
Thorpe Road, Peterborough PE3 6DA<br />
01733 874000 01733 875847 (PALS)<br />
www.peterboroughhospitals.co.uk<br />
Queen Elizabeth Hospital<br />
Gay<strong>to</strong>n Road, King’s Lynn PE30 4ET<br />
01553 613613 01553 613888 (textphone)<br />
01553 613351 (PALS)<br />
www.qehkl.nhs.uk<br />
l Sight tests<br />
and glasses<br />
are free if you’re<br />
under 16 (or under<br />
19 or 20 and you’re in fulltime<br />
education or training), claim certain<br />
benefits or need certain lenses<br />
l Sight tests are also free if you’re<br />
registered blind or partially sighted or<br />
have certain conditions<br />
Unless you’re under 16 you’ll need<br />
an exemption certificate <strong>to</strong> get free<br />
prescriptions. Even if you don’t get <strong>the</strong>se<br />
services free, you may get some help.<br />
<strong>It</strong> depends on your income and savings,<br />
so get advice (pages 72 <strong>to</strong> 73) about<br />
claiming from <strong>the</strong> Low Income Scheme.<br />
If you do have <strong>to</strong> pay, you may save money<br />
with a Prepayment Certificate. Get more<br />
information about all this at www.nhsbsa.<br />
nhs.uk/792.aspx.<br />
49
50<br />
House and home<br />
To find somewhere <strong>to</strong> live that suits you, you’ll need advice, information and some<br />
help. If you get support from <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Social Care (see page 38) your care<br />
manager will explain how <strong>to</strong> register with Home-Link (see below). The care manager<br />
will help you if you need residential care, but most people choose <strong>to</strong> rent single or<br />
shared accommodation. That can have support staff who visit or who are <strong>the</strong>re every<br />
day, and be <strong>the</strong>re overnight <strong>to</strong>o if it’s needed.<br />
Your assessment and Support Plan (see page 40) will decide your needs and<br />
record your preferences. If you don’t need social care support, get advice from <strong>the</strong><br />
organisations listed on pages 72 <strong>to</strong> 73 or from <strong>the</strong> councils and housing associations<br />
listed below. You may get help through Supporting People (see next page).<br />
You might need <strong>to</strong> adapt where you live <strong>to</strong> make it accessible (see pages 52 <strong>to</strong> 53), or<br />
you may be able <strong>to</strong> get accommodation that was designed <strong>to</strong> be accessible.<br />
What’s in this section?<br />
Supporting people 51<br />
Council housing and housing associations 51<br />
Housing advice 52<br />
Adapting your home 52–53<br />
Getting equipment <strong>to</strong> make life easier 53–54<br />
Assistance dogs 55<br />
S
Supporting people<br />
This is housing-related support that enables you <strong>to</strong> live as<br />
independently as possible. If you can get this help <strong>the</strong>y’ll advise and<br />
support you on things like maintaining your home, claiming benefits,<br />
organising your gas, electricity and water supplies and going in<strong>to</strong><br />
education, training or employment. They’ll also help you contact o<strong>the</strong>r service providers.<br />
<strong>It</strong> could be part of <strong>the</strong> service you get with your accommodation or it might be ‘floating’<br />
support, which means it comes <strong>to</strong> you. <strong>It</strong> may be provided by your housing association or<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r provider. There’s specialist floating support if you have a sensory impairment.<br />
<strong>For</strong> Cambridge, call <strong>the</strong>ir Housing Support Service on 01223 462255; for <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r district<br />
councils, call <strong>the</strong> numbers on <strong>the</strong> inside front cover, or ask your housing association.<br />
Council housing and<br />
housing associations<br />
Only Cambridge City and South<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> councils have <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
own housing. East <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>,<br />
Fenland and Huntingdonshire have<br />
all transferred <strong>the</strong>ir accommodation<br />
<strong>to</strong> housing associations but still<br />
have housing departments and run<br />
housing advice services.<br />
To get council housing and most<br />
association housing, or <strong>to</strong> move if<br />
you’re already a tenant, you need <strong>to</strong><br />
use Home-Link.<br />
Home-Link<br />
This is <strong>the</strong> choice-based lettings<br />
scheme for council and housing<br />
association properties in<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> and part of Suffolk.<br />
There’s information on <strong>the</strong> website<br />
and a useful list of <strong>the</strong> participating<br />
councils and housing associations.<br />
If you’re getting social care support<br />
your care manager will help you<br />
register and <strong>the</strong>n bid, if you haven’t<br />
got anybody else <strong>to</strong> help you. Your<br />
district council will help you, <strong>to</strong>o.<br />
www.home-link.org.uk<br />
S<br />
Cambridge City Council<br />
01223 457000<br />
East <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> District Council<br />
01353 665555<br />
Fenland District Council<br />
01354 654321<br />
Huntingdonshire District Council<br />
01480 388388<br />
South <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> District Council<br />
03450 450 051<br />
S<br />
Luminus Homes (Huntingdonshire)<br />
Brook House, Ouse Walk<br />
Huntingdon PE29 3QW<br />
01480 428777<br />
www.luminus.org.uk<br />
Roddons Housing Association (Fenland)<br />
Beacon House, 23 Hostmoor Avenue<br />
March PE15 0AX<br />
01354 660789<br />
www.circleanglia.org/roddons<br />
Sanctuary Hereward (East <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>)<br />
St. Mary’s Lodge, St. Mary’s Street<br />
Ely CB7 4EY<br />
0845 850 5757<br />
www.sanctuary-housing.co.uk<br />
51
52<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r housing<br />
associations<br />
These are some of<br />
<strong>the</strong> associations in<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> that have<br />
large numbers of flats and<br />
houses and which have some supported or<br />
wheelchair-accessible housing.<br />
Accent Nene<br />
Manor House, 57 Lincoln Road<br />
Peterborough PE1 2RR<br />
0800 393890<br />
www.accentnene.org<br />
Axiom Housing Association<br />
Axiom House, Maskew Avenue<br />
Peterborough PE1 2SX<br />
01733 347135<br />
www.axiomha.org.uk<br />
Housing advice<br />
S<br />
Cambridge City and <strong>the</strong> district councils<br />
(use <strong>the</strong> numbers inside <strong>the</strong> front cover)<br />
all run advice services that help with<br />
finding accommodation, tenants’ rights<br />
and o<strong>the</strong>r matters.<br />
S<br />
Adapting your home<br />
Voluntary organisations<br />
Some organisations, <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong><br />
Mencap and Papworth Trust for<br />
example, manage supported<br />
accommodation. See page 33.<br />
Cambridge Housing Society<br />
Endurance House, Chivers Way<br />
His<strong>to</strong>n CB24 9ZR<br />
0845 712 5612<br />
www.cambridgehs.org.uk<br />
Granta Housing Society Limited<br />
1 Horizon Park, Bar<strong>to</strong>n Road<br />
Comber<strong>to</strong>n CB23 7AF<br />
01223 576756<br />
www.grantahousing.org.uk<br />
Tenant Services Authority<br />
Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road<br />
London W1T 7BN<br />
0845 230 7000<br />
www.tenantservicesauthority.org<br />
Use <strong>the</strong> website <strong>to</strong> find all <strong>the</strong> housing<br />
associations in <strong>the</strong> county.<br />
S<br />
S<br />
Your home may need <strong>to</strong> be adapted or provided with essential facilities <strong>to</strong> make<br />
it more accessible and safer for you. Examples include improving access <strong>to</strong><br />
your bathroom, <strong>to</strong>ilet or bedroom, installing a level-access shower or a stairlift,<br />
or improving your heating system. Small items like grab rails may be supplied by <strong>the</strong><br />
Equipment Service, if you meet <strong>the</strong> eligibility criteria (see page 37) or by your council or<br />
housing association if you rent from <strong>the</strong>m. If you want <strong>to</strong> buy small items of equipment,<br />
see page 53.<br />
To pay for adaptations, if you are a homeowner or private tenant, you may be able <strong>to</strong> get<br />
a Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG). Whe<strong>the</strong>r you get it, and how much, depends on your<br />
income and savings, unless you’re under 20 in which case <strong>the</strong>y may be ignored.<br />
If you are not eligible for a grant and decide <strong>to</strong> pay for <strong>the</strong> adaptations yourself, you are<br />
advised <strong>to</strong> get advice from an independent occupational <strong>the</strong>rapist. Find <strong>the</strong>m at www.<br />
cotss-ip.org.uk or www.hpc-uk.org, or get a list from <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Social Care. You can<br />
still get help from a Home Improvement Agency and may be able <strong>to</strong> get funds elsewhere.
To find out more, contact Occupational Therapy on 0345 045 5205<br />
or <strong>the</strong> Home Improvement Agency for your area (see below). Those<br />
agencies also manage improvement grants and <strong>the</strong>y supervise <strong>the</strong><br />
process of getting <strong>the</strong> work done.<br />
If you’re a tenant of a council or housing association <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong>y may pay for <strong>the</strong><br />
adaptations you need, so contact your housing department or association or<br />
Occupational Therapy (above). Some housing associations expect you <strong>to</strong> apply for a<br />
DFG <strong>to</strong> fund anything o<strong>the</strong>r than minor adaptations.<br />
Getting equipment<br />
<strong>to</strong> make life easier<br />
There are millions of<br />
products out <strong>the</strong>re <strong>to</strong> make<br />
things easier for you: special<br />
cushions, telephones,<br />
kitchen and bathroom<br />
gadgets, wheelchairs and<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r mobility equipment.<br />
If you have an assessment<br />
by Social Care or <strong>the</strong> health service<br />
(page 37) <strong>the</strong>y’ll say what equipment<br />
best meets your needs and will lend it<br />
<strong>to</strong> you from <strong>the</strong> Integrated Community<br />
Equipment Service (see next page). Your<br />
Personal Budget may give you freedom<br />
<strong>to</strong> choose. If you need a wheelchair you<br />
may be referred <strong>to</strong> an NHS wheelchair<br />
centre (page 54).<br />
There’s nothing <strong>to</strong> s<strong>to</strong>p you going out<br />
and looking for yourself. <strong>Disability</strong><br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> and <strong>Disability</strong><br />
Huntingdonshire can tell you about <strong>the</strong><br />
local disability equipment suppliers and<br />
<strong>the</strong>re’s a list that you can download from<br />
<strong>the</strong> Social Care website. Some of <strong>the</strong>m<br />
have occupational <strong>the</strong>rapists on hand <strong>to</strong><br />
advise you.<br />
You can try things out and get advice at<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Independent Living<br />
Centre or get information from <strong>the</strong><br />
Disabled Living Foundation. If you have<br />
a hearing or visual impairment see <strong>the</strong><br />
Sensory Services Team on page 39 and<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r services on pages 45 <strong>to</strong> 47.<br />
Home Improvement<br />
Agencies (HIAs)<br />
Cambridge Home Aid<br />
01223 457945<br />
www.cambridge.gov.uk<br />
East <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Care<br />
and Repair<br />
01353 723777<br />
www.careandrepair-ecambs.co.uk<br />
Fenland Care and Repair<br />
01553 616677<br />
www.careandrepair-wn.org<br />
Huntingdonshire HIA<br />
01480 388238<br />
www.huntsdc.gov.uk<br />
South <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> HIA<br />
03450 450063<br />
www.scambs.gov.uk<br />
Assistive and Telecare Technology<br />
Cambridge and South <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong><br />
01223 883756<br />
Huntingdon<br />
01480 372433<br />
East <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> and Fenland<br />
01353 865354<br />
S<br />
Supplies useful gadgets like<br />
dictaphones so you can record<br />
conversations or reminders <strong>to</strong> do<br />
things, vibrating alarm clocks, pagers,<br />
large-but<strong>to</strong>n telephones and devices <strong>to</strong><br />
remind you <strong>to</strong> take your medicine.<br />
53
54<br />
British Red Cross Medical Equipment<br />
Cambridge: 01223 868696<br />
Ely: 01353 664147<br />
St Neots: 01480 213376<br />
www.redcross.org.uk<br />
Short-term loan of equipment, including<br />
wheelchairs.<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Independent<br />
Living Centre<br />
Lower Pendrill Court<br />
Papworth Everard CB23 3UY<br />
01480 830495<br />
The Centre displays a range of assistive<br />
equipment. Just call for an appointment<br />
with an occupational <strong>the</strong>rapist who<br />
will give you impartial information and<br />
advice so you can <strong>the</strong>n go and buy with<br />
confidence. There’s an NHS wheelchair<br />
service <strong>the</strong>re <strong>to</strong>o (see right).<br />
Integrated Community<br />
Equipment Service (ICES)<br />
Unit 1, Kestrel Place<br />
Hinchingbrooke Business Park<br />
Huntingdon PE29 6FJ<br />
0845 121 3456<br />
This is where <strong>the</strong> equipment you might<br />
get after a Social Care or Health Service<br />
assessment comes from. <strong>It</strong>’s listed here<br />
in case you need <strong>to</strong> return equipment<br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>m or ask for a replacement, but<br />
<strong>to</strong> get it in <strong>the</strong> first place you need <strong>the</strong><br />
assessment: see page 38 for how <strong>to</strong><br />
contact Social Care.<br />
REMAP<br />
01480 464283, 01223 570860<br />
www.remap.org.uk<br />
S<br />
S<br />
This is a group of engineers and<br />
occupational <strong>the</strong>rapists who meet<br />
<strong>to</strong> solve individual mobility and<br />
communication problems. They may be<br />
able <strong>to</strong> construct or adapt a gadget <strong>to</strong><br />
meet your particular need.<br />
S<br />
Disabled Living<br />
Foundation<br />
380–384 Harrow Road<br />
London W9 2HU<br />
0845 130 9177<br />
020 7432 8009<br />
(textphone)<br />
www.dlf.org.uk<br />
Free, impartial advice about all<br />
types of daily living equipment and<br />
mobility products. There’s loads<br />
of information on <strong>the</strong>ir website, or<br />
give <strong>the</strong>m a call.<br />
NHS Wheelchair Services<br />
You’ll need a referral from a doc<strong>to</strong>r<br />
or occupational <strong>the</strong>rapist.<br />
Addenbrooke’s Hospital<br />
Hills Road<br />
Cambridge CB2 0QQ<br />
01223 217859<br />
Edith Cavell Hospital<br />
Bret<strong>to</strong>n Gate<br />
Peterborough PE3 9GZ<br />
01733 874507<br />
Huntingdonshire<br />
Wheelchair Service<br />
Lower Pendrill Court<br />
Papworth Everard CB23 3UY<br />
01480 830495<br />
Queen Elizabeth Hospital<br />
Gay<strong>to</strong>n Road<br />
King’s Lynn PE30 4ET<br />
01553 613761<br />
S
Canine Partners<br />
Mill Lane, Heyshott<br />
Midhurst GU29 0ED<br />
08456 580480<br />
www.caninepartners.co.uk<br />
Dogs for <strong>the</strong> Disabled<br />
Assistance dogs<br />
Dogs can be trained <strong>to</strong> perform a range of tasks: guide you if you<br />
have a visual impairment, pick things up and carry <strong>the</strong>m, alert you <strong>to</strong><br />
sounds like <strong>the</strong> telephone or alarm, <strong>open</strong> doors, alert you if you are<br />
going <strong>to</strong> have a seizure, and more.<br />
The Frances Hay Centre, Blacklocks Hill<br />
Banbury OX17 2BS<br />
01295 252600<br />
www.dogsfor<strong>the</strong>disabled.org<br />
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People<br />
The Grange, Wycombe Road<br />
Saunder<strong>to</strong>n HP27 9NS<br />
01844 348100 (voice and textphone)<br />
www.hearingdogs.org.uk<br />
Support Dogs<br />
21, Jessops Riverside<br />
Sheffield S9 2RX<br />
0114 261 7800<br />
www.support-dogs.org.uk<br />
S<br />
Guide Dogs for <strong>the</strong> Blind Association<br />
Burghfield Common<br />
Reading RG7 3YG<br />
0118 983 5555<br />
www.guidedogs.org.uk<br />
S S<br />
S<br />
55
56<br />
<strong>Go</strong>od times<br />
and rough times<br />
Growing up and becoming an adult brings you opportunities, excitement, responsibilities,<br />
new friendships and relationships and new independence. But it can bring worries <strong>to</strong>o: you<br />
may lack confidence in yourself or have difficulties in your relationships with your family<br />
and friends; you may find sex and your sexuality confusing and worrying; and you may find<br />
that you or your friends have problems with drugs or alcohol. And it all happens at a time<br />
when you may be working hard at school or college and trying <strong>to</strong> decide what education or<br />
training you want <strong>to</strong> do.<br />
What’s in this section?<br />
Counselling and support 57–58<br />
Confidentiality 57<br />
If you look after somebody 58<br />
Friends, relationships, love and sex 58–59<br />
Sexual health and contraception 59<br />
Being a parent 60<br />
Your ethnic background 60<br />
Bullying 60<br />
Drugs and alcohol 61<br />
Eating disorders 61<br />
A Guide <strong>to</strong><br />
Rough Times<br />
We think ‘Rough Times’ is<br />
a good way <strong>to</strong> describe <strong>the</strong><br />
difficulties you may be facing.<br />
We got it from a website for<br />
young people compiled for all of<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> by colleagues<br />
in Huntingdonshire. We’ve<br />
used some of <strong>the</strong>ir information<br />
in this section, but <strong>the</strong>y have<br />
far more useful stuff than we<br />
can get in here. <strong>Go</strong> <strong>to</strong>: www.<br />
guide<strong>to</strong>roughtimes.co.uk<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r mental health services 62
Counselling and support<br />
Counselling provides support when you’re unhappy or depressed, angry,<br />
worried or confused. Your counsellor will listen <strong>to</strong> you talk about anything<br />
that worries you: that could be relationships with family and friends, sexuality,<br />
bullying, abuse, lack of confidence and self-esteem, depression and loneliness, self-harm,<br />
stress and bereavement. If you’re in higher education your college or university will probably<br />
have a counselling service.<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Mencap<br />
Befriending Project<br />
Edmund House, 9 Church Lane<br />
Fulbourn CB21 5EP<br />
01223 883141<br />
Support for people aged 13 <strong>to</strong> 25,<br />
who have a learning disability and<br />
who may also have a physical and/or<br />
sensory impairment. <strong>It</strong> aims <strong>to</strong> increase<br />
independence, learning opportunities,<br />
self confidence and self esteem. See also<br />
pages 6, 33, 45 and 52.<br />
Centre 33<br />
33 Clarendon Street, Cambridge CB1 1JX<br />
01223 316488<br />
help@centre33.org.uk<br />
www.centre33.org.uk<br />
Centre 33’s services are all free, friendly<br />
and confidential. Phone, email or drop in.<br />
Information and advice, someone <strong>to</strong> talk<br />
<strong>to</strong> on any personal matter: drugs, alcohol,<br />
health, benefits and more:<br />
l Counselling in Cambridge, and weekly<br />
sessions at Ely library<br />
l Drop-in sessions and workshops in<br />
colleges and youth clubs in Cambridge<br />
and South <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong><br />
l Support for children and young people<br />
who care for a family member<br />
l Mental health service in South<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>: one-<strong>to</strong>-one support<br />
<strong>to</strong> young people with arising mental<br />
health issues<br />
l Creative peer education project<br />
supporting groups in <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong><br />
(www.flipp.org.uk)<br />
l Housing and living skills, advocacy,<br />
support and prevention of<br />
homelessness in Cambridge up <strong>to</strong> 25<br />
years old<br />
l Sexual health advice, pregnancy and<br />
chlamydia testing<br />
Connexions<br />
See page 25 for contact details.<br />
As well as all <strong>the</strong> help you’ll get in planning<br />
education, employment and training,<br />
Connexions advisers and youth workers give<br />
information on staying healthy, sexual health,<br />
relationships, and how <strong>to</strong> cope with life’s<br />
pressures. They can put you in <strong>to</strong>uch with youth<br />
clubs and centres and a range of activities that<br />
can help you increase your confidence, make<br />
new friends, develop new skills and enjoy<br />
yourself. <strong>For</strong> youth centres and clubs, look at<br />
www.youthoria.org.<br />
Information Shop for Young People<br />
Broad Leas Centre, Broad Leas<br />
St Ives PE27 5QB<br />
01480 386011<br />
Free, confidential information if you’re<br />
14 <strong>to</strong> 25. Specialist counsellor, health worker<br />
and careers adviser available.<br />
Richmond Fellowship Castle Service<br />
Offices C and D, Dales Brewery<br />
Gwydir Street, Cambridge CB1 2LJ<br />
01223 566737<br />
This works with vulnerable young people aged<br />
16 <strong>to</strong> 25, supporting <strong>the</strong>m in <strong>the</strong> community, in<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir own or o<strong>the</strong>r accommodation. Users have<br />
a range of his<strong>to</strong>ries, including drug/alcohol use,<br />
mental ill health and learning disability.<br />
Confidentiality<br />
Information, advice, advocacy, counselling and<br />
health services won’t tell anybody else what you<br />
have asked or <strong>to</strong>ld <strong>the</strong>m. But <strong>the</strong>re are serious<br />
occasions when <strong>the</strong>y may have <strong>to</strong> tell someone<br />
else what you’ve said. That could be if you say you<br />
might harm yourself or somebody else, or if it’s<br />
<strong>to</strong> do with child protection. If you break <strong>the</strong> law,<br />
someone who knows you could be made <strong>to</strong> tell a<br />
court about you even if <strong>the</strong>y do not want <strong>to</strong>.<br />
57
58<br />
Romsey Mill<br />
Hemingford Road<br />
Cambridge CB1 3BZ<br />
01223 213162<br />
www.romseymill.org<br />
A range of services that aim <strong>to</strong><br />
promote young people’s wellbeing<br />
include a programme for<br />
young parents, social inclusion for<br />
13-<strong>to</strong>-21-year-olds and <strong>the</strong> Aspire<br />
programme for young people<br />
with Asperger Syndrome.<br />
If you look after somebody<br />
Growing up, sex and<br />
relationships is a booklet for<br />
young disabled people from<br />
Contact a Family. Download it<br />
from www.cafamily.org.uk. <strong>It</strong>’s<br />
full of straightforward and frank<br />
information about what it’s like <strong>to</strong><br />
be growing up with an impairment.<br />
There’s a companion book for your<br />
parents and ano<strong>the</strong>r for teachers.<br />
If you have a learning disability your parents<br />
may want <strong>to</strong> get Talking <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r about sex<br />
and relationships or Talking <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r about<br />
contraception. They can get <strong>the</strong>m from fpa<br />
direct on 0845 122 8600 or fpadirect@fpa.org.<br />
uk. See www.fpa.org.uk/Shop.<br />
Friends and relationships<br />
Growing up is about changes in <strong>the</strong> way you<br />
look and feel, about being interested in many<br />
new things and about developing friendships<br />
and relationships. Part of it is about your<br />
sexuality and relationships with sexual<br />
partners: but it’s not just about sex, because<br />
being able <strong>to</strong> trust, be trusted and have a<br />
laugh with a partner are crucial <strong>to</strong>o.<br />
Times<strong>to</strong>p<br />
101 Welling<strong>to</strong>n Street, Peterborough PE1 5DU<br />
01733 891891<br />
www.<strong>the</strong>ymca.org.uk<br />
Counselling for people aged 14 <strong>to</strong> 25 at various<br />
locations in Fenland. Call <strong>to</strong> check details of <strong>the</strong>ir service<br />
in Huntingdon.<br />
Whittlesey Young People’s Counselling Service<br />
Jenner Health Centre, Turners Lane, Whittlesey PE7 1EJ<br />
07817 842 791<br />
www.jennerhealthcentre.co.uk/wypcs.htm<br />
Counselling for people aged between 14 and 25<br />
Young carers are children and young people under 18 who provide<br />
care, assistance or support <strong>to</strong> ano<strong>the</strong>r family member who is ill or<br />
disabled. These services offer you a chance <strong>to</strong> talk about this and <strong>to</strong><br />
socialise with o<strong>the</strong>r young carers, and may speak <strong>to</strong> your school or<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r services on your behalf.<br />
Cambridge (Centre 33): 01223 307488 Huntingdon: 0845 241 2125<br />
East <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> and Fenland: 01945 475440<br />
Friends, relationships, love and sex<br />
If you’re worried about any of this ask one<br />
of <strong>the</strong> counselling services on page 57 and<br />
above, or those listed here, and talk <strong>to</strong><br />
someone about it.<br />
Childline<br />
0800 1111 or 0800 400 222 (textphone)<br />
www.childline.org.uk<br />
Talk <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>m about anything: abuse,<br />
bullying, online safety, friends, pregnancy,<br />
drugs and more.<br />
Family Matters<br />
01474 537392<br />
www.familymattersuk.org<br />
Support if you have been subjected <strong>to</strong><br />
sexual abuse or rape.<br />
Voice UK<br />
0845 122 8695 or 07797 800 642 (text)<br />
helpline@voiceuk.org.uk<br />
www.voiceuk.org.uk<br />
Supports people with learning disabilities<br />
and o<strong>the</strong>r vulnerable people who have<br />
experienced abuse or crime.
And now’s <strong>the</strong> time when you’ll want <strong>to</strong> make your own<br />
choices about what you do, who you spend time with,<br />
how you look and what clo<strong>the</strong>s you wear. Taking pride in<br />
your appearance is a way of expressing yourself which<br />
can be fun and can boost your self confidence. How you<br />
seem <strong>to</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r people will change <strong>to</strong>o.<br />
But all this can be confusing and most people feel very<br />
sensitive about <strong>the</strong> changes <strong>the</strong>y’re going through, which<br />
can take a while <strong>to</strong> get used <strong>to</strong>. <strong>It</strong> can all be very difficult<br />
<strong>to</strong> talk about, especially with your parents.<br />
So, talk <strong>to</strong> people at Centre 33 or one of <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
counselling services, <strong>to</strong> a youth worker or <strong>to</strong> people at<br />
2byou.<br />
<strong>It</strong>’s your choice when <strong>to</strong> have sex – and you can<br />
say NO if you want <strong>to</strong><br />
The law says that you have <strong>to</strong> be over 16 <strong>to</strong> consent <strong>to</strong><br />
any type of sexual activity, whe<strong>the</strong>r it’s with somebody of<br />
<strong>the</strong> opposite sex <strong>to</strong> you or <strong>the</strong> same sex.<br />
C-Card<br />
www.ccardcambs.org.uk<br />
If you’re 19 or under this card allows you <strong>to</strong> collect free<br />
condoms from places displaying <strong>the</strong> C-Card logo. See <strong>the</strong><br />
list on <strong>the</strong> website.<br />
Centre 33<br />
See page 57.<br />
Clinics for young people<br />
There are clinics at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, central<br />
Cambridge, Chatteris, Ely, Huntingdon, March,<br />
Peterborough, St Ives, St Neots, Whittlesey and Wisbech.<br />
They provide free, confidential pregnancy testing,<br />
contraception, health screening, information and sexual<br />
health advice.<br />
You can often just drop in, but check <strong>the</strong> days and times<br />
at www.sexualhealthcambs.nhs.uk or<br />
www.ccardcambs.org.uk.<br />
Dhiverse<br />
Sexual health and contraception<br />
S<br />
S<br />
Office B, Dales Brewery, Gwydir Street<br />
Cambridge CB1 2LJ<br />
01223 508805 (Cambridge, and South and East Cambs)<br />
01480 420011 (Huntingdonshire and Fenland)<br />
www.dhiverse.org.uk<br />
Support and information about living with and preventing<br />
HIV and AIDS and o<strong>the</strong>r sexually transmitted infections.<br />
However old you<br />
are, even if you’re<br />
over 16, if ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
person makes you do<br />
something you didn’t<br />
consent <strong>to</strong>, that’s<br />
against <strong>the</strong> law.<br />
You don’t have <strong>to</strong> have sex or any<br />
intimate contact with anybody<br />
if you don’t want <strong>to</strong> or don’t feel<br />
ready. Anybody who really likes<br />
you will respect that, and anybody<br />
who makes you when you don’t<br />
want <strong>to</strong> is abusing you and you<br />
should tell someone you trust,<br />
even if <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r person makes you<br />
promise not <strong>to</strong> tell. <strong>It</strong>’s not you,<br />
it’s <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r person who’s doing<br />
wrong. Childline (page 58) has lots<br />
more about all this.<br />
2byou<br />
Dales Brewery<br />
Gwydir Street<br />
Cambridge CB1 2LJ<br />
07808 189158 (call or text)<br />
www.2byou.org.uk<br />
Runs drop-in support and<br />
social groups for you if you’re<br />
lesbian, gay, bisexual or just<br />
unsure about your sexuality.<br />
Saturday afternoons if you’re<br />
under 16, Tuesday evenings<br />
if you’re 16 <strong>to</strong> 24. Both<br />
groups meet most weeks<br />
at a safe location in central<br />
Cambridge.<br />
Leonard Cheshire In<strong>to</strong>uch<br />
www.lcdisability.org/in<strong>to</strong>uch<br />
A project <strong>to</strong> give disabled<br />
people aged 14 <strong>to</strong> 25 greater<br />
and easier access <strong>to</strong> sexual<br />
health services.<br />
59
60<br />
Being a parent<br />
You and your partner have <strong>the</strong> same rights as anybody else, and <strong>the</strong> same<br />
responsibilities. Lots of people get involved when you are pregnant – doc<strong>to</strong>rs,<br />
midwives, people doing tests and scans, so it’s a good idea <strong>to</strong> have somebody with<br />
you when you go <strong>to</strong> appointments. Make sure your partner’s <strong>the</strong>re <strong>to</strong>o, or a friend or<br />
advocate, so you can say what you want.<br />
Disabled Parents Network<br />
81 Mel<strong>to</strong>n Road, West Bridgford<br />
Nottingham NG2 8EN<br />
0300 3300 639<br />
www.disabledparentsnetwork.org<br />
Information, advice, advocacy.<br />
<strong>Disability</strong>, Pregnancy and Parenthood<br />
International<br />
National Centre for Disabled Parents<br />
Unit F9, 89–93 Fonthill Road<br />
London N4 3JH<br />
0800 018 4730, 0800 018 9949 (textphone)<br />
www.dppi.org.uk<br />
Publications and an information service for<br />
disabled parents.<br />
Your ethnic background<br />
Even though it’s against <strong>the</strong> law, people<br />
may treat you differently because you<br />
are from a minority ethnic group. <strong>It</strong> could<br />
happen anywhere, but schools must record<br />
racist bullying. Bullying UK (see right) has a<br />
page on racist bullying.<br />
Cambridge Ethnic Community Council<br />
62–64 Vic<strong>to</strong>ria Road, Cambridge CB4 3DU<br />
01223 315877<br />
www.cecf.co.uk<br />
Helps promote<br />
understanding<br />
between people<br />
from different<br />
ethnic groups.<br />
East Anglian Medical<br />
Genetics Service<br />
01223 216446<br />
www.cuh.org.uk/genetics<br />
You may be worried that a<br />
condition you or your partner<br />
have might be passed on <strong>to</strong> your<br />
baby. <strong>It</strong>’s a good idea <strong>to</strong> talk<br />
about it with someone from a<br />
support group for your condition,<br />
if <strong>the</strong>re is one (ask <strong>Disability</strong><br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>), or contact this<br />
service at Addenbrooke’s for<br />
information and counselling.<br />
Bullying<br />
If you’re<br />
being bullied<br />
consult one of<br />
<strong>the</strong> support and<br />
counselling services listed on page<br />
57, or contact one of <strong>the</strong>se:<br />
Bullys<strong>to</strong>p<br />
01945 860496<br />
help@bullys<strong>to</strong>p.net<br />
www.bullys<strong>to</strong>p.net<br />
Bullying UK<br />
www.bullying.co.uk<br />
Lots of information about how <strong>to</strong><br />
tackle bullying.<br />
Cybermen<strong>to</strong>rs<br />
www.cybermen<strong>to</strong>rs.org.uk<br />
Help whe<strong>the</strong>r <strong>the</strong> bullying is online<br />
or offline. <strong>For</strong> more help with online<br />
bullying see page 77.
Drugs and alcohol<br />
The only way <strong>to</strong> avoid problems with drugs<br />
is not <strong>to</strong> take <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
Drugs include legal stuff like cigarettes and<br />
alcohol (you have <strong>to</strong> be 18 <strong>to</strong> buy ei<strong>the</strong>r) as<br />
well as all <strong>the</strong> banned substances you hear<br />
about and see. You may want <strong>to</strong> try drugs<br />
out, and people you know may put you under<br />
pressure <strong>to</strong> do so. You’re very likely <strong>to</strong> see<br />
drugs around.<br />
Once you’re old enough <strong>to</strong> decide, it’s up <strong>to</strong><br />
you. Take care of yourself and your friends<br />
and remember that you could be breaking<br />
<strong>the</strong> law and giving yourself health problems.<br />
Smoking causes cancer and heart disease,<br />
among o<strong>the</strong>r illnesses, and all drugs can<br />
harm you. Find out <strong>the</strong> health risks of<br />
anything you’re thinking of trying, and<br />
whe<strong>the</strong>r it’s legal.<br />
If you do have problems get help from one<br />
of <strong>the</strong> counselling services (see page 57), or<br />
from those below. Find more information at<br />
www.cambsdaat.org/young_people.<br />
Addaction<br />
Church Terrace, Wisbech PE13 1BW<br />
01945 584444<br />
A range of services <strong>to</strong> those affected by <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
own or someone else’s drug misuse.<br />
Dialdruglink<br />
38a High Street, St Neots PE19 1JA<br />
www.dialdruglink.com<br />
01480 474974<br />
Support up <strong>to</strong> 18 if you have substance<br />
misuse problems.<br />
Eating disorders<br />
The counselling services on page 57 can help.<br />
The Phoenix Centre<br />
Ida Darwin, Fulbourn, Cambridge CB21 5EE<br />
01223 884314<br />
www.phoenixcentre.nhs.uk<br />
Unit for people aged 12 <strong>to</strong> 17 who are suffering from<br />
an eating disorder such as anorexia.<br />
and up <strong>to</strong> 25 if you’re at risk<br />
of sexual exploitation, plus<br />
advice and information for<br />
parents and carers. Will<br />
meet you wherever it’s<br />
best for you.<br />
Drinksense<br />
Cambridge 01223 350599<br />
Huntingdon 01480 456956<br />
March 01354 650457<br />
Peterborough 01733 555532<br />
Wisbech 01945 474153<br />
The website, www.drinksense.org,<br />
includes pages for young people.<br />
Young Users<br />
New<strong>to</strong>n Centre, Nursery Road,<br />
Huntingdon PE29 3RJ<br />
01480 415278<br />
yous@cpst.nhs.uk<br />
Treatment, information, advice and<br />
support for all parts of <strong>the</strong> county.<br />
Frank<br />
0800 776600<br />
www.talk<strong>to</strong>frank.com<br />
The government’s national drug<br />
awareness campaign.<br />
Beat<br />
0845 634 1414<br />
(if you’re over 18)<br />
0845 634 7650 (younger people)<br />
07786 20 18 20 (text)<br />
www.b-eat.co.uk<br />
Help <strong>to</strong> beat eating disorders.<br />
61
62<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r mental health services<br />
Most of this section has been about your mental well-being but <strong>the</strong>re are<br />
many more services that you may be referred <strong>to</strong>. Local Mind associations<br />
and Lifecraft offer a range of services that are mainly for adults and<br />
likely <strong>to</strong> include social and educational activities, information, advice and<br />
counselling. The NHS provides a number of mental health services for young people.<br />
YoungMinds<br />
www.youngminds.org.uk/young-people<br />
Website offering information <strong>to</strong> young<br />
people about mental health and emotional<br />
well-being.<br />
Cam-Mind<br />
100 Chester<strong>to</strong>n Road<br />
Cambridge CB4 1ER<br />
01223 311320<br />
www.cam-mind.org.uk<br />
Hunts Mind<br />
The Limes, 24 New Street<br />
St Neots PE19 1AJ<br />
01480 470480<br />
www.huntsmind.org.uk<br />
Lifecraft<br />
S<br />
The Bath House, Gwydir Street<br />
Cambridge CB1 2LW<br />
01223 566957<br />
www.lifecraft.org.uk<br />
Peterborough and Fenland Mind<br />
5 York Road<br />
Peterborough PE1 3BP<br />
01733 758211<br />
SS<br />
NHS Child and Adolescent Mental<br />
Health Service<br />
01354 644257 Fenland<br />
01480 415300 Huntingdon<br />
01223 746001 Cambridge, South<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>, East <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong><br />
www.camhs.cambsmh.nhs.uk<br />
Learning <strong>Disability</strong> Team<br />
Douglas House, 18 Trumping<strong>to</strong>n Road<br />
Cambridge CB2 8AH<br />
01223 746038<br />
This team specialises in meeting your<br />
psychological and emotional needs if<br />
you’re a young person with a learning<br />
disability.<br />
Young Adult Service<br />
S2 Addenbrooke’s Hospital<br />
Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ<br />
01223 217958<br />
Mental health services for people<br />
aged 17 <strong>to</strong> 25 from Cambridge,<br />
South <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> and East<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>.<br />
SS
Money<br />
Having your own money is one of <strong>the</strong> good things about being an adult. You can decide<br />
what <strong>to</strong> spend it on – clo<strong>the</strong>s, having fun, and essential things like personal care and<br />
transport. New ways of getting money like Personal Budgets give you more freedom<br />
and choice. But that also means being responsible for things like rent and tax, paying<br />
<strong>the</strong> bills, paying care workers, doing your own food shopping and managing your bank<br />
account. Sometimes things go wrong, like getting in<strong>to</strong> <strong>to</strong>o much debt.<br />
There’s always help available so that you get <strong>the</strong> money you’re entitled <strong>to</strong> and can<br />
manage it properly.<br />
What’s in this section?<br />
S<br />
S<br />
Money when you’re at school, college or university 64–65<br />
Benefits 66–69<br />
Grants from charities and trusts 70<br />
Getting in<strong>to</strong> debt 70<br />
Money in o<strong>the</strong>r sections<br />
Personal Budgets 40<br />
Independent Living Fund 44<br />
S 63
64<br />
When you’re at school or college<br />
Education Maintenance Allowance<br />
Money when you’re at school,<br />
college or university<br />
You may get this (up <strong>to</strong> £30 pounds per week in term) if you are 16 <strong>to</strong> 18<br />
and stay on at school or college after year 11. <strong>It</strong> depends on your family’s<br />
income. Get more information from:<br />
l Your Connexions Personal Adviser<br />
l A Connexions office (see page 25)<br />
l http://ema.direct.gov.uk or <strong>the</strong> helpline at 0800 121 8989<br />
l http://money<strong>to</strong>learn.direct.gov.uk<br />
Discretionary Support Funds<br />
This may help if you are having trouble meeting <strong>the</strong> costs of going <strong>to</strong> fur<strong>the</strong>r education<br />
college or sixth form. Ask your college.<br />
Money when you’re a student in higher education<br />
If you go in<strong>to</strong> higher education you can apply for loans, grants and scholarships and<br />
claim benefits. Disabled Students’ Allowances may pay for <strong>the</strong> equipment and support<br />
you need. University disability advisers can give advice before you go and while you’re a<br />
student. See page 28 for information about going <strong>to</strong> university.<br />
Student Finance England<br />
0845 300 5090<br />
0845 604 4434 (textphone)<br />
www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance<br />
www.studentfinanceengland.co.uk<br />
Apply here for student loans and<br />
grants, and for your Disabled<br />
Students’ Allowances.<br />
If you’re studying with <strong>the</strong> Open<br />
University, apply <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> OU itself.<br />
Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs)<br />
NHS Business Services<br />
Authority<br />
0845 358 6655 (healthcare<br />
professional training)<br />
0845 6101122 (social work)<br />
www.nhsstudentgrants.co.uk<br />
Apply here for your bursary and<br />
DSAs if you’re doing healthcare<br />
professional training or social work.<br />
You can apply for <strong>the</strong>se if you have a physical or sensory impairment, a mental health<br />
problem, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia, or a condition such as Asperger syndrome.<br />
Apply at <strong>the</strong> same time as you apply for your student loan or grant. Ask Student Finance<br />
for <strong>the</strong> DSA booklet called Bridging <strong>the</strong> Gap, or download it.<br />
Your DSAs might pay for:<br />
l Equipment – that could be a computer and specialist software<br />
l Support from an assistant – perhaps somebody <strong>to</strong> take notes for you or advise you on<br />
managing your time, or a sign-language interpreter<br />
l Advice on study skills from a specialist adviser if you have dyslexia or ano<strong>the</strong>r specific<br />
learning difficulty<br />
l Extra travel costs<br />
l Extra expense such as converting documents <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> right format, or extra pho<strong>to</strong>copying
Student Loans and Grants<br />
Loans and grants from Student Finance England cover your tuition<br />
fees and living expenses. You can apply online, and what you get<br />
partly depends on your family’s income.<br />
You might get:<br />
l A tuition fee loan<br />
l A living expenses loan<br />
l A grant instead of part of your loan<br />
l If you study part-time, a Fee Grant and<br />
a Course Grant<br />
You have <strong>to</strong> repay loans after your course<br />
once your income reaches a certain level.<br />
Bursaries and Scholarships<br />
Universities have <strong>to</strong> give you a bursary if<br />
you get <strong>the</strong> maximum loan or maximum<br />
grant. They may offer scholarships <strong>to</strong>o – ask<br />
when you apply for a place.<br />
Access <strong>to</strong> Learning Fund<br />
You may get support from this if you<br />
are experiencing financial hardship as<br />
a student. Ask your university’s student<br />
money adviser.<br />
Working while you<br />
are a student<br />
Most Universities don’t mind if you get a<br />
part-time job in term – if you have <strong>the</strong><br />
time and energy. Some even have an<br />
employment bureau that helps you find<br />
work. Don’t forget <strong>to</strong> check how a job can<br />
affect any benefits you claim.<br />
Money from o<strong>the</strong>r sources<br />
Educational Grants Advisory Service<br />
(EGAS)<br />
501–505 Kingsland Road<br />
London E8 4AU<br />
020 7254 6251<br />
www.family-action.org.uk<br />
DSA assessments<br />
You’ll have <strong>to</strong> provide evidence of<br />
your disability at <strong>the</strong> beginning of <strong>the</strong><br />
process. Then you’ll need an assessment<br />
at an assessment centre (<strong>the</strong>re are two<br />
in Cambridge – see below) or, if you<br />
have a specific learning difficulty such as<br />
dyslexia, a diagnostic assessment from<br />
an educational psychologist or suitably<br />
qualified teacher. You’ll end up with a<br />
full report on <strong>the</strong> support and equipment<br />
you need.<br />
The assessment centres assess you<br />
wherever in <strong>the</strong> country you go <strong>to</strong> study.<br />
Their websites describe <strong>the</strong> assessment<br />
process.<br />
Anglia Assessment Centre<br />
Anglia Ruskin University<br />
East Road<br />
Cambridge CB1 1PT<br />
0845 196 2378<br />
01223 417730 (fax)<br />
www.anglia.ac.uk/assessmentcentre<br />
Cambridge Access Centre<br />
9 Orwell House, Cowley Road<br />
Cambridge CB4 0PP<br />
01223 223701<br />
www.cambridgeaccesscentre.com<br />
Family Action (page 70) runs EGAS, which offers information and advice on all types of<br />
funding for post-16 education. <strong>It</strong> can sometimes make grants for educational needs.<br />
S<br />
65
66<br />
Benefits<br />
In<br />
Find out what you might be entitled <strong>to</strong>. The system is complex and<br />
often changes, so we can’t explain it all here. Benefits are often<br />
linked – having one may entitle you <strong>to</strong> ano<strong>the</strong>r. We don’t give<br />
amounts here as <strong>the</strong>y change every April, and<br />
we cannot guarantee that you will get every<br />
benefit that you claim.<br />
Remember <strong>to</strong> get help!<br />
Benefits are complicated, so:<br />
l Get advice about what <strong>to</strong> claim<br />
l Get help <strong>to</strong> claim it<br />
l Get more help if <strong>the</strong>y turn you<br />
down – appeal within one month<br />
as <strong>the</strong>y may change <strong>the</strong>ir decision<br />
or <strong>the</strong>y may have made a mistake<br />
If you’re not sure whe<strong>the</strong>r<br />
you’re eligible, our advice is:<br />
claim it <strong>to</strong> find out!<br />
Jobcentre Plus<br />
There are different benefits if you cannot work,<br />
if you need care and help, if you need help with<br />
your rent and council tax, if you are a parent<br />
or carer, or if your income is below a level set<br />
by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Go</strong>vernment. Some benefits depend<br />
on paying <strong>the</strong> right National Insurance<br />
contributions or being credited with <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
You can get independent benefits advice<br />
and help from <strong>Disability</strong> <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>,<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> Huntingdonshire (see back page)<br />
or one of <strong>the</strong> agencies listed on pages 72<br />
<strong>to</strong> 73.<br />
Jobcentre Plus is <strong>the</strong> agency that deals with most benefit claims.<br />
You can claim Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance or Employment and Support<br />
Allowance by calling 0800 055 6688 (textphone 0800 023 4888). Or claim online – go <strong>to</strong><br />
www.dwp.gov.uk/eservice. <strong>For</strong> DLA claims, see <strong>the</strong> next page.<br />
Jobcentre Plus Offices<br />
These include some outside <strong>the</strong> county that serve some <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> villages.<br />
Cambridge<br />
Henry Giles House<br />
73–79 Chester<strong>to</strong>n Road<br />
Cambridge CB4 3BQ<br />
01223 545000<br />
01223 364549 (textphone)<br />
Ely<br />
52 Market Street<br />
Ely CB7 4LS<br />
01353 605400<br />
Huntingdon<br />
2–6 Hartford Road<br />
Huntingdon PE29 3PB<br />
01480 322000<br />
Newmarket<br />
Welling<strong>to</strong>n Street<br />
Newmarket CB8 0WJ<br />
01638 683600<br />
0845 603 2852 (textphone)<br />
Peterborough<br />
Clif<strong>to</strong>n House, 84 Broadway<br />
Peterborough PE1 1QZ<br />
01733 297600<br />
0845 608 8617 (textphone)<br />
Wisbech<br />
Albion House, Albion Place<br />
Wisbech PE13 1AN<br />
01945 675800
Benefits you can claim<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> Living Allowance (DLA)<br />
This is paid in two parts: care, if you need looking after, and<br />
mobility if you need help getting around. You may get both or<br />
only one of <strong>the</strong>se – it depends on your needs.<br />
Claim by getting <strong>the</strong> form from <strong>the</strong> Benefit<br />
Enquiry Line on 0800 882 200, textphone<br />
0800 243 355. A successful claim will date<br />
from <strong>the</strong> day you called <strong>the</strong>m if you return<br />
<strong>the</strong> form within six weeks. Or claim online<br />
at www.dwp.gov.uk/eservice. The form is<br />
very long – get help <strong>to</strong> fill it in as writing<br />
all <strong>the</strong> right information down will help <strong>the</strong><br />
claim succeed.<br />
DLA Care has three rates – lower, middle<br />
and higher. To qualify, you have <strong>to</strong> show<br />
that you need help with things like washing,<br />
dressing or going <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>to</strong>ilet, or that you<br />
might need <strong>to</strong> be supervised by someone.<br />
You don’t actually have <strong>to</strong> be getting <strong>the</strong> help<br />
– it’s about showing <strong>the</strong> need, so you can<br />
claim even if you cope on your own.<br />
If you get DLA Care, somebody who looks after<br />
you may be able <strong>to</strong> claim Carer’s Allowance,<br />
but that may affect o<strong>the</strong>r benefits you claim, so<br />
check first.<br />
DLA Mobility has two rates. You’ll get <strong>the</strong><br />
higher rate if you can’t walk, if you can’t walk<br />
without pain or walk safely, if you are deaf and<br />
blind, if you have no legs or feet or, from 2011,<br />
if you have a very severe visual impairment. You<br />
may get <strong>the</strong> lower rate if you can walk but need<br />
someone with you when outdoors.<br />
Getting DLA means you may get more money if<br />
you claim benefits like Income Support, Housing<br />
Benefit or Employment and Support Allowance.<br />
If you get higher rate Mobility you can use <strong>the</strong><br />
benefit <strong>to</strong> get a Motability car (see page 15) and<br />
you do not have <strong>to</strong> pay Vehicle Excise Duty (‘road tax’).<br />
If your impairment gets worse after you claim, you may get a higher rate than you did<br />
before or qualify for a component you did not get at all. Tell <strong>the</strong> <strong>Disability</strong> Contact and<br />
Processing Unit. <strong>It</strong>’s a good idea <strong>to</strong> get advice first.<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> Contact and Processing Unit<br />
Warbreck House, Warbreck Hill Road<br />
Blackpool FY2 0YE<br />
08457 123456<br />
08457 224433 (textphone)<br />
What has happened <strong>to</strong><br />
Incapacity Benefit?<br />
Incapacity Benefit (IB) is no longer<br />
available <strong>to</strong> new claimants – see<br />
Employment and Support Allowance<br />
(page 68)<br />
If you were receiving IB (or Income<br />
Support paid because of incapacity)<br />
before Oc<strong>to</strong>ber 27th 2008:<br />
l You will continue, for a period, <strong>to</strong><br />
receive that benefit as long as you<br />
continue <strong>to</strong> satisfy <strong>the</strong> entitlement<br />
conditions.<br />
l <strong>For</strong> a while, you will be assessed<br />
under <strong>the</strong> old rules.<br />
l If you are under 25, you will be<br />
assessed under <strong>the</strong> new Work<br />
Capability Assessment, but you<br />
will remain entitled <strong>to</strong> IB/IS if<br />
you pass this more difficult<br />
test.<br />
l You will eventually be moved<br />
on<strong>to</strong> ESA, but you will not get<br />
less benefit as a result.<br />
l If you s<strong>to</strong>pped claiming <strong>to</strong><br />
start full-time work before<br />
Oc<strong>to</strong>ber 27th 2008 you can<br />
make a new claim within<br />
104 weeks and return <strong>to</strong><br />
your old benefits.<br />
67
68<br />
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)<br />
www.dwp.gov.uk/esa<br />
This benefit replaced Incapacity Benefit (IB) and Income Support (IS) paid<br />
<strong>to</strong> new claimants on <strong>the</strong> grounds of incapacity in Oc<strong>to</strong>ber 2008. <strong>It</strong> is <strong>the</strong><br />
benefit you can claim if you are over 16 and have limited capability for<br />
work. The assessment is meant <strong>to</strong> focus on what<br />
you can do, not what you cannot do.<br />
To get ESA you have <strong>to</strong> undergo <strong>the</strong> Work<br />
Capability Assessment (WCA) which tests how<br />
your impairment affects your ability <strong>to</strong> work. <strong>It</strong>’s in<br />
several parts.<br />
l First <strong>the</strong>re is a test <strong>to</strong> see if your capability for<br />
work is limited<br />
l Then <strong>the</strong>y test your capability for ‘work-related<br />
activity’ – you may be put in what <strong>the</strong>y call <strong>the</strong><br />
Support Group, in which case you won’t have <strong>to</strong><br />
do any work-related activities<br />
l Or, you may be put in <strong>the</strong> Work-Related Activity<br />
Group – <strong>the</strong>n you go through <strong>the</strong> Work-Focused<br />
Health-Related Assessment which assesses what<br />
work you may be able <strong>to</strong> do and what help you<br />
might need <strong>to</strong> do it – you also have <strong>to</strong> attend work-focused interviews that aim <strong>to</strong> get you<br />
back <strong>to</strong> work<br />
l If you don’t do <strong>the</strong> required work-related activities <strong>the</strong>y may reduce your benefit<br />
The benefit you receive relates partly <strong>to</strong> your National Insurance contributions (but you don’t<br />
need <strong>the</strong>se if you’re under 20, or under 25 if you have been in education or training). See <strong>the</strong><br />
box called ESA In Youth, above. <strong>It</strong> partly depends on your income and savings. You get more<br />
after 13 weeks of <strong>the</strong> assessment period, and this varies with which group you are in.<br />
If you were getting Employment and Support Allowance and it s<strong>to</strong>ps because you start work<br />
or training, <strong>the</strong> work and training beneficiary linking rule allows you <strong>to</strong> re-claim your old<br />
benefit at <strong>the</strong> same rate as before at any time within 104 weeks.<br />
If you ‘fail’ <strong>the</strong> WCA – that is, <strong>the</strong>y decide your capability is not limited and you are capable<br />
of work – you will have <strong>to</strong> claim Jobseeker’s Allowance instead, or possibly Income Support.<br />
Get advice.<br />
Income Support<br />
Getting this depends on your circumstances and on what income and savings you have,<br />
and you may have <strong>to</strong> claim Jobseeker’s Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance<br />
instead. You may be able <strong>to</strong> claim if you are a student (see page 69).<br />
Jobseeker’s Allowance<br />
You may have <strong>to</strong> claim this if you are looking for work and do not qualify for Employment<br />
and Support Allowance. <strong>It</strong> may be income-based (it depends on your income and savings) or<br />
contribution-based (you’ve paid <strong>the</strong> right National Insurance contributions while working).<br />
Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit<br />
Employment and Support<br />
Allowance in Youth<br />
Once you are over 16 but still under<br />
20 (or under 25 if you have been in<br />
full-time education or training) and<br />
you have limited capacity <strong>to</strong> work, you<br />
may be able <strong>to</strong> claim <strong>the</strong> contribu<strong>to</strong>ry<br />
part of ESA without having paid <strong>the</strong><br />
National Insurance contributions.<br />
The advantage of this is that any o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
income or savings you have do not<br />
affect how much you get.<br />
Claim <strong>the</strong>se from your District or City Council. They may visit you, or <strong>the</strong>re may be a local<br />
office in your area or village – see <strong>the</strong> addresses inside <strong>the</strong> front cover.<br />
Housing Benefit helps you pay rent, Council Tax Benefit helps you pay Council Tax (<strong>the</strong>
money you pay<br />
your local council).<br />
How much you get<br />
depends on your<br />
income and savings<br />
and who is living<br />
with you. You may<br />
also be able <strong>to</strong><br />
claim if you are a<br />
student (see below).<br />
Reducing your Council Tax<br />
Before you even claim benefit – and even<br />
if you can’t claim it – your Council Tax<br />
bill may be reduced. If you live on your<br />
own you pay less and if you have a very<br />
severe mental impairment you may not<br />
have <strong>to</strong> pay.<br />
If you are substantially disabled you may<br />
get a Council Tax <strong>Disability</strong> Reduction.<br />
That’s if you have an additional bathroom<br />
or kitchen, or if you have ano<strong>the</strong>r room<br />
needed and mainly used by you, or if you<br />
have enough space <strong>to</strong> use a wheelchair<br />
indoors. Ask for a Council tax officer <strong>to</strong> inspect your home. Get advice.<br />
The Social Fund<br />
Jobcentre Plus makes one-off payments from this fund. <strong>For</strong> Community Care<br />
Grants (help <strong>to</strong> buy essentials like beds, fridges or heaters) or Budgeting Loans you<br />
have <strong>to</strong> be claiming Income Support or income-based Jobseekers’ Allowance or<br />
Employment and Support Allowance.<br />
Child Benefit and Child Tax Credit<br />
Benefits while you are working<br />
l <strong>Disability</strong> Living Allowance is unaffected<br />
by working – except that your getting<br />
a job may make <strong>the</strong> DWP review your<br />
claim <strong>to</strong> see whe<strong>the</strong>r your care needs<br />
have reduced<br />
l You can do permitted work while<br />
claiming Employment and Support<br />
Allowance, but <strong>the</strong>re’s a limit <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
number of hours and <strong>the</strong> amount you<br />
can be paid – get advice<br />
l Wages you earn may affect incomerelated<br />
benefits<br />
l You can work as a volunteer but always<br />
let Jobcentre Plus know what you are<br />
doing<br />
l You may be able <strong>to</strong> claim Working Tax<br />
Credit from Her Majesty’s Revenue<br />
and Cus<strong>to</strong>ms (HMRC) –<br />
www.hmrc.gov.uk<br />
These are both claimed from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Cus<strong>to</strong>ms (HMRC) –<br />
www.hmrc.gov.uk.<br />
Your parent or guardian will claim Child Benefit while you are under 16, or under 20<br />
if you stay in secondary education or approved training. They may also claim Child<br />
Tax Credit, if <strong>the</strong>y have a low income.<br />
If you claim o<strong>the</strong>r benefits in your own right after you are 16 this will affect how<br />
much your parents get. Get advice and check this before you claim.<br />
If you are responsible for a child <strong>the</strong>n you will be able <strong>to</strong> claim Child Benefit and<br />
may get Child Tax Credit <strong>to</strong>o.<br />
Benefits while you are studying<br />
l Get advice about this – you can do some studying, depending on your age, what<br />
<strong>the</strong> course is and how many hours you study each week, and still claim benefits,<br />
including Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance, Housing Benefit<br />
and <strong>Disability</strong> Living Allowance.<br />
l <strong>For</strong> student grants, loans and o<strong>the</strong>r sources of money when you are studying, see<br />
pages 64 <strong>to</strong> 65.<br />
69
70<br />
Grants from Charities and Trusts<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> (see<br />
back page) has a computer package<br />
called FunderFinder which helps <strong>to</strong><br />
find <strong>the</strong>se. Give us a call <strong>to</strong> find out<br />
more, or contact your local advice<br />
agency (see pages 72 <strong>to</strong> 73) <strong>to</strong> see<br />
if <strong>the</strong>y have it. Or you can look at<br />
www.turn2us.org.uk. A couple of<br />
possibilities follow.<br />
Family Action<br />
501–505 Kingsland Road<br />
London E8 4AU<br />
020 7254 6251<br />
www.family-action.org<br />
As a young person aged 19 <strong>to</strong> 25, or<br />
because you have a disability, you<br />
may be eligible for a grant <strong>to</strong> meet<br />
a range of domestic needs. They<br />
sometimes make educational grants<br />
and <strong>the</strong>y run <strong>the</strong> Educational Grants<br />
Advisory Service (page 65).<br />
SS<br />
The Family Fund<br />
4 Alpha Court<br />
Monks Cross Drive<br />
York YO32 9WN<br />
0845 130 4542<br />
01904 658085 (textphone)<br />
www.familyfund.org.uk<br />
If you are under 18 and are<br />
severely disabled, and your<br />
family has a low income and<br />
low savings, your parents or<br />
carer may be able <strong>to</strong> apply<br />
<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Fund for a grant.<br />
This might, for example,<br />
be for a holiday, a washing<br />
machine, driving lessons or<br />
a computer.<br />
Getting in<strong>to</strong> Debt<br />
S<br />
Sometimes things go wrong and you get in<strong>to</strong> debt that you<br />
can’t manage.<br />
Don’t ignore it: do get help from an advice agency (pages<br />
72 <strong>to</strong> 73). Citizens Advice Bureaux are a good option (page<br />
72), or contact National Debtline on 0808 808 4000 or look<br />
at www.nationaldebtline.co.uk.
Information, advice,<br />
and advocacy<br />
Most organisations in this book provide information and advice about <strong>the</strong>ir own area of<br />
interest. <strong>For</strong> example, <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Deaf Association and <strong>the</strong> Royal National Institute for<br />
Deaf People (page 46), have loads of information if you have a hearing impairment.<br />
But <strong>the</strong>re are many general services. Some offer advocacy – that can mean speaking for you,<br />
writing letters <strong>to</strong> organisations for you, and enabling you <strong>to</strong> speak for yourself.<br />
So, this section lists those mostly local services that give general help, advice and advocacy.<br />
Make use of <strong>the</strong>m – <strong>the</strong>y’ll help you gain access <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> benefits and services you’re entitled <strong>to</strong>.<br />
Use <strong>the</strong>ir websites <strong>to</strong> find information, and contact <strong>the</strong>m if you need more help. But look in <strong>the</strong><br />
Action chapter <strong>to</strong>o as many of those national information and campaigning organisations will<br />
also help.<br />
What’s in this section?<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> information and advice 72<br />
Citizens Advice<br />
and o<strong>the</strong>r advice services 72–73<br />
Advocacy 74<br />
Libraries 75<br />
Audio and Braille 76<br />
Computers and <strong>the</strong> Internet 77<br />
Accessible television and radio 78<br />
Telephones 79<br />
S<br />
Where <strong>to</strong> start<br />
<strong>Go</strong>od organisations <strong>to</strong><br />
begin with are <strong>Disability</strong><br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong><br />
and <strong>Disability</strong><br />
Huntingdonshire (also<br />
known as <strong>Disability</strong><br />
Information Service<br />
Huntingdonshire, or<br />
DISH). We’ve put <strong>the</strong>m<br />
<strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r on <strong>the</strong> back of<br />
this book.<br />
You may prefer <strong>to</strong> contact<br />
a young people’s service:<br />
try Centre 33 (page 57),<br />
Connexions (page 25) or<br />
Times<strong>to</strong>p (page 58). Look<br />
at www.youthoria.org or<br />
search <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>.<br />
net for information about<br />
groups, clubs and societies,<br />
local events, halls for hire<br />
and courses, plus links <strong>to</strong><br />
local council services.<br />
S<br />
71
72<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> information and advice<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong><br />
See back cover.<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> Huntingdonshire<br />
See back cover.<br />
Dial Peterborough<br />
Kingfisher Centre, The Cresset<br />
Bret<strong>to</strong>n, Peterborough PE3 8DX<br />
01733 265 551<br />
dialpeterborough@btconnect.com<br />
www.dialpeterborough.org.uk<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> information and advice for<br />
people who live in Peterborough.<br />
Citizens Advice Bureaux<br />
Citizens Advice Bureaux<br />
The CAB provides<br />
information and advice on<br />
many matters, including benefits,<br />
debt, employment rights, housing,<br />
immigration and nationality, family<br />
law and divorce, legal matters and<br />
consumer problems. They vary in<br />
size, and some may have workers<br />
who specialise in employment, debt,<br />
welfare rights or o<strong>the</strong>r subjects, but<br />
<strong>the</strong>y all help with all <strong>to</strong>pics. They<br />
may offer home visits.<br />
Check <strong>open</strong>ing times before you go.<br />
Cambridge CAB<br />
72/74 Newmarket Road<br />
Cambridge CB5 8DZ<br />
0844 848 7979<br />
www.cambridgecab.org.uk<br />
There are outposts in Gir<strong>to</strong>n and<br />
Saws<strong>to</strong>n and at Addenbrooke’s<br />
Hospital (see page 73).<br />
Gate<strong>open</strong>er<br />
Unit 5, Craven Way<br />
Newmarket CB8 0BW<br />
01638 667614<br />
www.gate<strong>open</strong>er.org.uk<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> information and advice for Suffolk and<br />
part of East <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>.<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> Law Service<br />
39–45 Cavell Street<br />
London E1 2BP<br />
020 7791 9800<br />
www.dls.org.uk<br />
Provides legal advice and information on<br />
discrimination, consumer matters, community<br />
care, fur<strong>the</strong>r and higher education, employment<br />
and, for London only, benefits.<br />
Ely CAB<br />
70 Market Street<br />
Ely CB7 4LS<br />
0845 130 6442<br />
www.elycab.org.uk<br />
There are outposts in Burwell,<br />
Littleport and Soham.<br />
Fenland CAB<br />
S<br />
12 Church Mews<br />
Wisbech PE13 1HL<br />
01945 464367<br />
www.fenlandcab.org.uk<br />
Main office in Wisbech, plus two<br />
or three sessions each week in<br />
March, Chatteris and Whittlesey,<br />
and monthly or twice-monthly in<br />
Emneth, Manea, Parson’s Drove,<br />
Upwell and Wimbling<strong>to</strong>n.<br />
S<br />
S S
Huntingdonshire CAB<br />
6 All Saints Passage<br />
Huntingdon PE29 3LE<br />
01480 388900<br />
www.huntscab.org.uk/Huntingdon.htm<br />
28 New Street<br />
St. Neots PE19 1AJ<br />
01480 388905<br />
www.huntscab.org.uk/St_Neots.htm<br />
Citizens Advice<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> County Council<br />
Village Benefits Advice Service<br />
Freepost CB66<br />
Ely CB7 4SB<br />
01353 666990<br />
This will visit you at home if you live in<br />
a rural area and help you claim social<br />
security benefits.<br />
Centre 33<br />
See page 57.<br />
S<br />
Newmarket CAB<br />
Foley Gate<br />
Welling<strong>to</strong>n Street CB8 0HY<br />
01638 665999<br />
Roys<strong>to</strong>n CAB<br />
Town Hall SG8 7DA<br />
08456 889897<br />
www.northhertscab.org.uk<br />
There’s an outpost in Bassingbourn.<br />
The national association publishes an online advice guide. www.adviceguide.org.uk<br />
O<strong>the</strong>r information and advice services<br />
Addenbrooke’s Hospital Information Centre<br />
01223 217397 (3397 inside <strong>the</strong> hospital)<br />
Different agencies run in <strong>the</strong> centre at different times:<br />
l Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is <strong>open</strong> every day, including Sunday afternoons.<br />
l <strong>Disability</strong> <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>: Tuesday and Friday, 1pm <strong>to</strong> 4pm<br />
l Cambridge Citizens Advice Bureau: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10am <strong>to</strong> 4pm<br />
S S<br />
Advice Now<br />
National website providing accurate, up-<strong>to</strong>date<br />
information on rights and legal issues.<br />
www.advicenow.org.uk<br />
Community Legal Advice<br />
Free, confidential and independent legal<br />
advice.<br />
0845 345 4 345<br />
www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk<br />
Turn2us<br />
www.turn2us.org.uk<br />
Information on benefits and grants.<br />
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<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Advocacy Project<br />
285 Coldhams Lane, Cambridge CB1 3HY<br />
01223 247957<br />
Advocacy service for adults over 16 with profound<br />
and multiple disabilities. One-<strong>to</strong>-one advocacy<br />
enables people <strong>to</strong> communicate <strong>the</strong>ir choices and<br />
have <strong>the</strong>m acted on.<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Independent<br />
Advocacy Service<br />
Fenland: 01354 652445<br />
Cambridge 01223 218500<br />
enquiries@cias.org.uk<br />
Advocacy for people with mental health problems.<br />
Centre 33<br />
See page 57.<br />
Just Us<br />
SS1015, Shire Hall, Cambridge CB3 0AP<br />
01223 717734 07785 333 307 (text)<br />
www.avoice4us.com<br />
Support for looked after young people in<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>, including from a Participation<br />
Officer who makes sure you can say what you<br />
want <strong>to</strong> about being in care. Also see NYAS, next.<br />
National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS)<br />
Eger<strong>to</strong>n House, Tower Road<br />
Birkenhead CH41 1FN<br />
0800 61 61 01 0777 333 4555 (text)<br />
help@nyas.net<br />
www.nyas.net<br />
The County Council pays NYAS <strong>to</strong> provide<br />
Advocates and Independent Visi<strong>to</strong>rs for looked<br />
after young people in <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>. To get an<br />
Advocate, who can make sure you are listened<br />
<strong>to</strong> when decisions about your life are made, call<br />
<strong>the</strong> NYAS number. To be put in <strong>to</strong>uch with an<br />
Independent Visi<strong>to</strong>r, who can offer you friendship,<br />
fun and support, call 01480 437953.<br />
Our Voice<br />
91 Cherry Hin<strong>to</strong>n Road, Cambridge CB1 7BS<br />
01223 240065<br />
www.our-voice.org<br />
Advocacy for disabled people, including<br />
Deaf people.<br />
S<br />
Advocacy<br />
Speaking Up<br />
Mount Pleasant House<br />
Huntingdon Road<br />
Cambridge CB3 0RN<br />
01223 555800<br />
www.speakingup.org<br />
Speaking Up provides a range of<br />
advocacy services from offices in<br />
Cambridge, March and St Neots:<br />
l Advocacy and self-advocacy in<br />
schools and colleges from Young<br />
People Speaking Up, empowering<br />
people aged 11 <strong>to</strong> 25 <strong>to</strong> speak up and<br />
be more in control of <strong>the</strong>ir own lives<br />
l The Next Steps self-advocacy project,<br />
in Cambridge, Ely and St Ives,<br />
supporting adults and young people<br />
with learning difficulties <strong>to</strong> develop<br />
<strong>the</strong> skills and confidence <strong>the</strong>y need<br />
<strong>to</strong> live an active life<br />
l Self-advocacy at Cambridge Regional<br />
College<br />
l Projects called Integrate and Getting<br />
a Life that bring <strong>to</strong>ge<strong>the</strong>r young<br />
people with and without disabilities<br />
l The <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Parliament,<br />
representing disabled adults, and<br />
<strong>the</strong> Speaking Up Youth Parliament,<br />
a forum for elected MPs, aged 14<br />
<strong>to</strong> 25 with learning difficulties, <strong>to</strong><br />
represent <strong>the</strong>ir peers and engage<br />
with decision makers<br />
l Independent Mental Capacity<br />
Advocacy, representing people<br />
who lack capacity <strong>to</strong> make specific<br />
decisions<br />
l Advocacy <strong>to</strong> support adults (18<br />
<strong>to</strong> 65) with disabilities living in<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong><br />
l One-<strong>to</strong>-one advocacy for parents<br />
with learning difficulties
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Libraries<br />
0345 045 5225<br />
your.library@<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>.gov.uk<br />
www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/leisure/libraries<br />
Our local libraries are brilliant sources of information. There are big libraries in <strong>the</strong> larger<br />
cities and <strong>to</strong>wns, many smaller ones in o<strong>the</strong>r <strong>to</strong>wns and villages, mobile libraries visit<br />
smaller villages, books and o<strong>the</strong>r items can be delivered <strong>to</strong> you and audio tapes posted.<br />
You can find your nearest library or mobile library s<strong>to</strong>p on <strong>the</strong> website or by calling<br />
0345 045 5225. There you will find books, journals, CDs, DVDs, community information,<br />
internet access, computers and local his<strong>to</strong>ry collections. Membership gives you access<br />
<strong>to</strong> a number of online services such as dictionaries and encyclopaedias, and you can do<br />
your reservations and renewals online <strong>to</strong>o.<br />
There’s access information on <strong>the</strong> website. Modern buildings, including those in<br />
Cambridge, Ely, Huntingdon, Papworth and Cambourne have good access and many<br />
o<strong>the</strong>rs have been improved with ramps, handrails, clear signs and hearing loops. The<br />
Learning Centres that are in some libraries, where you can do a range of courses, have<br />
assistive technology equipment.<br />
Here’s a list of some of <strong>the</strong> larger libraries and o<strong>the</strong>r services:<br />
Cambridge Central Library<br />
Lion Yard CB2 3QD<br />
Cambridge’s newly refurbished library<br />
re<strong>open</strong>ed in September 2009.<br />
Ely Library<br />
6 The Cloisters CB7 4ZH<br />
All facilities are on <strong>the</strong> first floor,<br />
accessible by lift.<br />
Huntingdon Library<br />
and Archive Centre<br />
Princes Street PE29 3PH<br />
A brand new building, <strong>open</strong>ed in<br />
June 2009.<br />
March Library<br />
City Road PE15 9LT<br />
A modern, accessible single-s<strong>to</strong>rey<br />
building.<br />
S<br />
S<br />
Papworth Library<br />
Lower Pendrill Court<br />
Papworth Everard<br />
Cambridge CB23 3UY<br />
This fully accessible library offers a<br />
training programme in library skills<br />
for users from <strong>the</strong> Papworth Trust (see<br />
page 33).<br />
Wisbech Library<br />
5 Ely Place<br />
Wisbech PE13 1EU<br />
Re<strong>open</strong>ing with new facilities in 2010.<br />
Postal Tape Service<br />
See next page.<br />
The Doorstep Service<br />
S<br />
S<br />
S<br />
Home delivery of books and o<strong>the</strong>r items if you can’t get<br />
<strong>to</strong> a library and have no one who can go for you.<br />
01223 718358 (Cambridge and South <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>)<br />
01353 616169 (East <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>)<br />
01354 754766 (Fenland)<br />
01480 375023 (Huntingdonshire)<br />
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76<br />
Audio and Braille<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Libraries Postal<br />
Tape Service<br />
Box RES 1016, Room 14<br />
Shire Hall, Cambridge CB3 0AP<br />
01223 712013<br />
Fiction, non-fiction and local interest<br />
cassette tapes from <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong><br />
Libraries. Catalogue available in a<br />
range of formats.<br />
Cue and Review Recording<br />
Service<br />
18 Crowhill Road, Bishopbriggs<br />
Glasgow G64 1QY<br />
0141 563 0306<br />
www.cueandreview.org.uk<br />
Audio in CD, mp3 or cassette<br />
formats, and podcasts.<br />
Magazines available include<br />
FourFourTwo, Kerrang!, SFX,<br />
Earth Matters and His<strong>to</strong>ry<br />
Today.<br />
Listening Books<br />
12 Lant Street<br />
London SE1 1QH<br />
020 7234 0522<br />
www.listening-books.org.uk<br />
Wide range of books in mp3<br />
format on CD or streamed<br />
<strong>to</strong> your computer.<br />
S<br />
National Talking<br />
Newspapers and Magazines<br />
National Recording Centre<br />
Heathfield TN21 8DB<br />
01435 866102<br />
www.tnauk.org.uk<br />
A wide range of papers and<br />
magazines in various audio formats<br />
(including downloadable).<br />
RNIB National Library Service<br />
PO Box 173<br />
Peterborough PE2 6W<br />
0303 123 9999<br />
www.rnib.org.uk/library<br />
Wide range of books and magazines<br />
(including some aimed at children<br />
and young adults) in a range of<br />
formats including audio, Braille and<br />
electronic text.<br />
Talking Newspapers in <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong><br />
A number of weekly or monthly recordings, mostly of news<br />
from local papers, are produced by local groups across <strong>the</strong><br />
County.<br />
Cambridge 01954 230037<br />
Fenprobe (East Cambridgshire) 01353 861153<br />
Lin<strong>to</strong>n (Granta Grapevine) 01223 893619 or 01223 892076<br />
Huntingdonshire 01480 810817<br />
March and Chatteris 01354 653848<br />
St Neots 01480 215892<br />
S S<br />
Wisbech 01945 773805
Computers and <strong>the</strong> internet<br />
This book assumes you’ll be<br />
chasing more information<br />
online – everything you ever<br />
need <strong>to</strong> know is on <strong>the</strong> Web somewhere! But<br />
finding what you need and telling <strong>the</strong> useful<br />
stuff from <strong>the</strong> rubbish takes a bit of practice and<br />
skill. You’ve probably got your own computer or<br />
you can use one at school, college, in a library,<br />
advice centre or Internet café.<br />
There’s a vast range of assistive software and<br />
hardware that enables you <strong>to</strong> make <strong>the</strong> most of<br />
information technology for fun, study and work.<br />
Websites should meet <strong>the</strong> standards set by <strong>the</strong><br />
Web Accessibility Initiative at www.w3.org/WAI.<br />
Cambridge Online<br />
Hester Adrian Centre<br />
Hawthorn Way CB4 1AX<br />
0845 458 0192<br />
www.cambridgeonline.org.uk<br />
Free computer access, training,<br />
information and accessibility advice.<br />
Reboot<br />
See page 34.<br />
Ability Magazine<br />
www.abilitymagazine.org.uk<br />
AbilityNet<br />
PO Box 94, Warwick CV34 5WS<br />
0800 269545 (includes textphone)<br />
www.abilitynet.org.uk<br />
The experts on assistive technology:<br />
<strong>the</strong>re’s loads of information online,<br />
including factsheets and skillsheets,<br />
or give <strong>the</strong>m a call.<br />
British Computer Society<br />
Assistive Technology Group<br />
www.bcs.org/disability<br />
This newly formed group<br />
encourages good practice and <strong>the</strong><br />
development and use of assistive<br />
technology.<br />
Information technology<br />
for study and work<br />
If you are going <strong>to</strong> university<br />
you will be assessed for any<br />
equipment you need, including<br />
information technology, at<br />
an Assessment Centre (page<br />
65) when you apply for your<br />
Disabled Students’ Allowances.<br />
At work this is covered by<br />
Access <strong>to</strong> Work (see page 31).<br />
Staying safe online<br />
The Web and <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r services on <strong>the</strong><br />
Internet are a fantastic resource but when<br />
you are online and using social networking<br />
sites you don’t always know exactly who<br />
you’re communicating with. Be careful what<br />
information you put out. Surf safely – <strong>the</strong>se sites<br />
tell you how:<br />
l www.chatdanger.com<br />
l www.childline.org.uk/Info/OnlineSafety<br />
l www.childnet-int.org<br />
l www.getsafeonline.org<br />
l www.<strong>the</strong>site.org<br />
l www.thinkuknow.co.uk<br />
l www.cybermen<strong>to</strong>rs.org.uk<br />
<strong>For</strong> more information about bullying, see page 60.<br />
British Computer Association<br />
of <strong>the</strong> Blind<br />
58–72 John Bright Street<br />
Birmingham B1 1BN<br />
0845 430 8627<br />
www.bcab.org.uk<br />
BCAB promote <strong>the</strong> use of information<br />
and communication technology by<br />
visually impaired people in education,<br />
employment and <strong>the</strong> home.<br />
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78<br />
Accessible television and radio<br />
Television providers offer a range of services that include audio<br />
description, subtitles and sign-language interpretation. <strong>For</strong> programmes<br />
with disability content see page 86. Here are relevant web pages from<br />
some of <strong>the</strong> main producers:<br />
l BBC www.bbc.co.uk/reception/digitaltv/audio_sub.shtml<br />
l Channel 4 www.channel4.com/access<br />
l Channel 5 www.five.tv/accessibility<br />
l ITV www.itv.com/AboutITV/<strong>Disability</strong>-Accessibility<br />
l Sky www1.sky.com/accessibility<br />
l Virgin http://allyours.virginmedia.com/pdf/002034_EPG_Statement.pdf<br />
Television audio description and easy-<strong>to</strong>-use radios<br />
On some digital TV programmes audio description allows you <strong>to</strong> hear a verbal description<br />
of what is happening on screen in between <strong>the</strong> dialogue. <strong>It</strong>’s available on cable and satellite<br />
services: <strong>to</strong> get it on Freeview you may need a new receiver. See www.tvhelp.org.uk.<br />
British Wireless for <strong>the</strong> Blind Fund<br />
10 Albion Place<br />
Maids<strong>to</strong>ne ME14 5DZ<br />
01622 754757<br />
www.blind.org.uk<br />
BWBF sell robustly built radios with high-contrast controls and give <strong>the</strong>m on permanent<br />
loan <strong>to</strong> people in need.<br />
Television sub-titles and sign-language interpretation<br />
Subtitles are available on all digital services and on some programmes on download<br />
services like iPlayer and ITV Player. <strong>For</strong> subtitles on an analogue television you must have<br />
one that receives teletext. Television in <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> will be digital only from 2011.<br />
The RNID has a factsheet called How <strong>to</strong> Get Subtitles. Download it from www.rnid.org.uk.<br />
Some BBC Programmes on <strong>the</strong> iPlayer include BSL interpretation. Click on Sign Zone in <strong>the</strong><br />
categories list.<br />
Sign Post (www.signpostbsl.com) is run by ITV but provides information about interpreted<br />
programmes on several channels.<br />
British Sign Language Broadcasting Trust<br />
www.bslbt.co.uk<br />
The BSLBT has been set up by broadcasters and <strong>the</strong> Deaf Community <strong>to</strong> commission new<br />
and exciting BSL-presented programmes.<br />
S<br />
S
Telephones<br />
You probably use a mobile phone most of <strong>the</strong> time, but for mobiles<br />
and non-portable phones <strong>the</strong>re’s equipment available <strong>to</strong> make<br />
life easier: hands-free phones, amplifiers, phones with big<br />
but<strong>to</strong>ns, and more.<br />
BT has a catalogue of equipment: see www.btplc.com/inclusion/<br />
BTproducts.<br />
The RNID and RNIB websites (see pages 46 and 47) have pages of information about<br />
phones, including mobiles, for people with visual or hearing impairments. These include<br />
information about phones that have features like large and well spaced but<strong>to</strong>ns that may be<br />
good if you have trouble handling small gadgets. Check out <strong>the</strong> Disabled Living Foundation<br />
(page 54) and Ricability (page 15) sites as well.<br />
Telephone relay, textphones and real-time text<br />
With a textphone plugged in<strong>to</strong> a telephone line Deaf people and people with speech<br />
impairment can have two-way conversations with o<strong>the</strong>r textphone users. If you use your<br />
textphone <strong>to</strong> call someone who uses a telephone, a relay assistant joins <strong>the</strong> conversation,<br />
tells <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r person what you type and <strong>the</strong>n types <strong>the</strong>ir replies for you. <strong>It</strong>’s all confidential.<br />
A hearing person can contact you, <strong>to</strong>o. With <strong>the</strong> right software you can turn your computer<br />
in<strong>to</strong> a textphone.<br />
Instead of <strong>the</strong> telephone system, TalkbyText uses <strong>the</strong> Internet. With an Internet connection<br />
on your mobile phone or your home computer and <strong>the</strong> TalkbyText software, you can have<br />
free real-time text conversations.<br />
www.textrelay.org<br />
www.ictrnid.org.uk/talkbytext<br />
S S<br />
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80<br />
Equality, action,<br />
politics and media<br />
Disabled people have long campaigned for an end <strong>to</strong> discrimination and an equal place<br />
in society. There has been a lot of progress – a series of laws, beginning with <strong>the</strong> first<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> Discrimination Act, have been passed since 1995 and services developed as<br />
a result. The support disabled students receive <strong>to</strong> gain access <strong>to</strong> higher education, for<br />
example, has expanded considerably. Disabled people in public life and in <strong>the</strong> media have<br />
raised <strong>the</strong> profile of disability.<br />
You will expect <strong>to</strong> have a say in matters that affect your life, <strong>to</strong> be in control of<br />
organisations that serve you or speak for you and <strong>to</strong> have your abilities recognised.<br />
The Social Model of <strong>Disability</strong> – <strong>the</strong> view that disability is not caused by your<br />
impairment but by social attitudes – has been widely adopted and recognised. There are<br />
many organisations that campaign on this basis, and you may wish <strong>to</strong> be involved.<br />
What’s in this section?<br />
Equal opportunity 81<br />
<strong>Go</strong>vernment and disability law 81<br />
Local disability action 82<br />
National disability action 83<br />
Political parties, representatives and voting 84–85<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> in <strong>the</strong> media 86<br />
S<br />
S
Equal Opportunity<br />
Many organisations and people claim <strong>to</strong> promote equal opportunities,<br />
but what it means can be ra<strong>the</strong>r vague. <strong>For</strong> <strong>Disability</strong> <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong><br />
it means making sure that everybody, especially disabled people,<br />
has <strong>the</strong> same opportunity <strong>to</strong> be independent, work <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> best of<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir ability and make <strong>the</strong>ir way in <strong>the</strong> world, be respected and listened <strong>to</strong>, receive <strong>the</strong><br />
support <strong>the</strong>y need, and develop <strong>the</strong>ir potential without experiencing discrimination.<br />
Providing information, advice and advocacy can help make that happen.<br />
Legally, this means that you cannot be treated less well by an employer, somebody<br />
providing you with goods or services, or in education:<br />
l Because of your disability<br />
l Because of your religion or belief<br />
l On <strong>the</strong> grounds of race, colour, nationality or ethnic or national origin<br />
l Because you’re a woman, a man or transsexual<br />
l Because you’re gay or bisexual<br />
Older people are also protected against discrimination on <strong>the</strong> grounds of age.<br />
The Equality and Human Rights Commission is <strong>the</strong>re <strong>to</strong> help enforce <strong>the</strong> law<br />
(see next page).<br />
<strong>Go</strong>vernment and disability law<br />
As a disabled person you are protected from illegal discrimination<br />
in employment, education and <strong>the</strong> receipt of goods and services<br />
by <strong>the</strong> <strong>Disability</strong> Discrimination Act. The original Act of 1995 was<br />
extended and streng<strong>the</strong>ned in 2001 and 2005 when The <strong>Disability</strong><br />
Equality Duty was introduced. The Duty is meant <strong>to</strong> ensure that<br />
all public bodies – such as central or local government, universities, schools, health trusts<br />
or emergency services – promote equality for disabled people in every area of <strong>the</strong>ir work.<br />
There is more new legislation on <strong>the</strong> way: <strong>the</strong> Welfare Reform Bill before Parliament<br />
in 2009 includes a right <strong>to</strong> control <strong>the</strong> way services are provided <strong>to</strong> you, and <strong>the</strong> Single<br />
Equality Bill will streng<strong>the</strong>n anti-discrimination law. The <strong>Go</strong>vernment, through its Office<br />
for <strong>Disability</strong> Issues, is working with o<strong>the</strong>r agencies <strong>to</strong> achieve its goal of equality for<br />
disabled people by 2025.<br />
Office for <strong>Disability</strong> Issues<br />
6th Floor, The Adelphi<br />
1–11 John Adam Street<br />
London WC2N 6HT<br />
www.officefordisability.gov.uk<br />
The Office is <strong>the</strong> centre of disability expertise across government and is <strong>the</strong><br />
guardian within government of <strong>the</strong> vision of equality for disabled people by 2025 –<br />
see www.officefordisability.gov.uk/equality2025.<br />
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82<br />
Equality and Human<br />
Rights Commission<br />
Freepost RRLL-GHUX-CTRX<br />
Arndale House<br />
Arndale Centre<br />
Manchester M4 3AQ<br />
0845 604 6610<br />
0845 604 6620 (textphone)<br />
0845 604 6630 (fax)<br />
www.equalityhumanrights.com<br />
Local disability action<br />
Cambridge City Council Access Officer<br />
The Guildhall, Market Hill Cambridge CB2 3QJ<br />
01223 457075<br />
Gives advice on any aspect of <strong>the</strong> Council’s work<br />
that specifically involves disabled people, planning<br />
and facilities, and on <strong>the</strong> standards set out under<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Disability</strong> Discrimination Act. Also produces <strong>the</strong><br />
Council’s Guide <strong>to</strong> Services for Older and Disabled<br />
People.<br />
Cambridge City Council<br />
Equalities Development Team, Mandela House<br />
4 Regent Street, Cambridge CB2 1BY<br />
01223 457876<br />
www.cambridge.gov.uk/equalities<br />
The Team provides support and information <strong>to</strong><br />
groups and organisations working with people<br />
who experience discrimination, including disabled<br />
people.<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> User-Led Organisation<br />
c/o Speaking Up<br />
Mount Pleasant House, Huntingdon Road<br />
Cambridge CB3 0RN<br />
01223 555800<br />
info@cambsulo.org.uk<br />
www.cambsulo.org.uk<br />
A new user-led organisation for people who<br />
experience disability or health impairment, and<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir family and carers. Services are developed<br />
and, where possible, delivered by people who have<br />
support needs. <strong>It</strong> offers new ways <strong>to</strong> get involved<br />
and get your voice heard.<br />
The Commission works <strong>to</strong> eliminate<br />
discrimination, reduce inequality, protect<br />
human rights and build good relations, ensuring that<br />
everyone has a fair chance <strong>to</strong> participate in society.<br />
The EHRC <strong>to</strong>ok over <strong>the</strong> role of <strong>the</strong> <strong>Disability</strong> Rights<br />
Commission in 2007. There is plenty of information<br />
on <strong>the</strong>ir website on disability discrimination and<br />
how <strong>to</strong> make <strong>the</strong> <strong>Disability</strong> Discrimination Acts work<br />
for you. If you have a case you need <strong>to</strong> fight, <strong>the</strong><br />
Commission may take it up for you.<br />
S<br />
Cambridge <strong>For</strong>um of<br />
Disabled People<br />
c/o <strong>Disability</strong><br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong><br />
(see back page).<br />
<strong>the</strong>cfdp@yahoo.co.uk<br />
A campaigning group<br />
for <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong><br />
that puts on four events a year.<br />
Changing Directions<br />
01223 704994<br />
cdkarenhunt@ntlworld.com<br />
A self-help and support group of<br />
young disabled people who discuss<br />
issues and help each o<strong>the</strong>r sort out<br />
problems. They aim <strong>to</strong> improve<br />
access <strong>to</strong> and increase <strong>the</strong> facilities<br />
for young disabled people. The<br />
group is <strong>open</strong> <strong>to</strong> any disabled<br />
person over 18.<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong><br />
<strong>Disability</strong> <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> (see back<br />
cover) is a disability information<br />
service ra<strong>the</strong>r than a campaigning<br />
organisation, but it does make its<br />
voice heard, it supports some local<br />
forums of disabled people, and<br />
its disabled staff, volunteers and<br />
committee members understand<br />
<strong>the</strong> issues. Contact <strong>the</strong> <strong>For</strong>um<br />
Manager for more information.
<strong>Disability</strong> Huntingdonshire<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> Huntingdonshire (see back cover) works in partnership with<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r voluntary and statu<strong>to</strong>ry organisations <strong>to</strong> raise disability issues and<br />
ensure equal rights <strong>to</strong> access and services.<br />
Friends with Disabilities<br />
01223 425595<br />
gerri.bird@yahoo.co.uk<br />
Campaigning and social group that works closely with <strong>the</strong> Cambridge <strong>For</strong>um.<br />
Speaking Up<br />
See page 74 for information about <strong>the</strong> <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Parliament and <strong>the</strong><br />
Speaking Up Youth Parliament.<br />
National disability action<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> Awareness in Action<br />
www.daa.org.uk<br />
info@daa.org.uk<br />
An information network on disability<br />
and human rights with a mission <strong>to</strong><br />
provide information and evidence <strong>to</strong><br />
support disabled people in <strong>the</strong>ir own<br />
actions <strong>to</strong> secure <strong>the</strong>ir rights – at all<br />
levels: local, national, regional and<br />
international.<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> Lib<br />
6 Market Road, London N7 9PW<br />
0844 800 4331<br />
07967 185 752 (text)<br />
www.disabilitylib.org.uk<br />
An alliance offering capacity building<br />
support and advice <strong>to</strong> disabled<br />
people’s organisations in England<br />
using rights-based principles and<br />
business skills.<br />
Disabled People’s Direct Action<br />
Network (DAN)<br />
cripps_r_us@tiscali.co.uk<br />
DAN is a grassroots network of proud,<br />
angry and strong disabled people,<br />
who use non-violent civil disobedience<br />
as a means <strong>to</strong> fight for freedom and<br />
equality. There’s a DAN Facebook<br />
group. To join DAN’s email community<br />
send a blank message <strong>to</strong>: danmailsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.<br />
Mencap<br />
123 <strong>Go</strong>lden Lane<br />
London EC1Y 0RT<br />
020 7454 0454<br />
www.mencap.org.uk<br />
Mencap works <strong>to</strong> change<br />
laws and services, challenge<br />
prejudice and directly support<br />
thousands of people <strong>to</strong> live <strong>the</strong>ir lives<br />
as <strong>the</strong>y choose. See <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong><br />
Mencap on pages 6, 33, 45, 52 and 57 and<br />
Huntingdonshire Mencap on page 45.<br />
National <strong>For</strong>um of People with<br />
Learning Difficulties<br />
PO Box 2100<br />
Shoreham-by-Sea BN43 5UG<br />
www.nationalforum.co.uk<br />
The <strong>For</strong>um tells <strong>the</strong> government what<br />
people think about services, plans and<br />
changes that are being made.<br />
People First<br />
Unit 3.46, Canterbury Court<br />
Kenning<strong>to</strong>n Park Business Centre<br />
1–3 Brix<strong>to</strong>n Road, London SW9 6DE<br />
020 7820 6655<br />
www.peoplefirstltd.com<br />
Run by and for people with learning<br />
difficulties <strong>to</strong> raise awareness of and<br />
campaign for <strong>the</strong>ir rights and <strong>to</strong> support<br />
self advocacy groups.<br />
83
84<br />
RADAR<br />
12 City <strong>For</strong>um, 250 City Road, London EC1V 8AF<br />
020 7250 3222<br />
020 7250 4119 (textphone)<br />
www.radar.org.uk<br />
National network of disability organisations and<br />
disabled people. Represents members <strong>to</strong> policymakers<br />
and legisla<strong>to</strong>rs in Westminster and<br />
Whitehall, runs campaigns <strong>to</strong> promote equality<br />
for all disabled people in all areas of life and<br />
publishes a range of guides.<br />
Scope<br />
6 Market Road, London N7 9PW<br />
020 7619 7100<br />
www.scope.org.uk<br />
Scope runs many campaigns and services<br />
focused mainly on people with cerebral<br />
palsy but with plenty of general disability<br />
action. <strong>It</strong> runs Time <strong>to</strong> Get Equal (www.<br />
time<strong>to</strong>getequal.org.uk) and publishes <strong>Disability</strong><br />
Now (see page 86).<br />
United Kingdom<br />
Disabled People’s<br />
Council<br />
Rodin House<br />
Ivy Grove<br />
Ripley DE5 3HN<br />
01773 746698<br />
The UKDPC is run by<br />
disabled people <strong>to</strong><br />
promote full equality and<br />
participation within society.<br />
Values In<strong>to</strong> Action<br />
Oxford House, Derbyshire Street<br />
London E2 6HG<br />
020 7729 5436<br />
www.viauk.org<br />
This UK-wide campaign with people<br />
with learning difficulties works <strong>to</strong><br />
support and promote <strong>the</strong>ir right <strong>to</strong><br />
enjoy and be treated with <strong>the</strong> same<br />
respect due <strong>to</strong> all citizens.<br />
Political parties, representatives and voting<br />
Political parties pay quite a lot of attention <strong>to</strong> disability, so we’ve listed <strong>the</strong><br />
main ones. Use <strong>the</strong>ir websites <strong>to</strong> find <strong>the</strong>ir local offices.<br />
Conservative Party<br />
30 Millbank, London SW1P 4DP<br />
020 7222 900<br />
www.conservatives.com<br />
www.<strong>the</strong>disabilitychallenge.com<br />
www.conservativedisability.com<br />
Green Party<br />
1a Waterlow Road, London N19 5NJ<br />
020 7272 4474<br />
www.greenparty.org.uk<br />
Labour Party<br />
Eldon House, Regent Centre<br />
Newcastle Upon Tyne NE3 3PW<br />
08705 900 200<br />
0191 246 5111 (textphone)<br />
01609 773284 (Disabled Group)<br />
www.labour.org.uk<br />
S<br />
S S<br />
Liberal Democrats<br />
4 Cowley Street, London<br />
SW1P 3NB<br />
020 7222 7999<br />
www.disabilitylibdems.org.uk<br />
www.libdems.org.uk<br />
UK Independence Party<br />
PO Box 408<br />
New<strong>to</strong>n Abbot TQ12 9BG<br />
0800 587 6587<br />
www.ukip.org<br />
Register <strong>to</strong> vote<br />
You can vote when you are 18. Make sure you get<br />
on <strong>the</strong> Elec<strong>to</strong>ral Register, kept by <strong>the</strong> Elec<strong>to</strong>ral<br />
Registration Officer at your District or City Council.<br />
You can do that when you are 16 and you can<br />
register <strong>to</strong> vote by post if you want <strong>to</strong>.
<strong>Go</strong>vernment has many layers and you’ve<br />
probably got all <strong>the</strong>se people who represent<br />
you: Member of Parliament, Member of <strong>the</strong><br />
European Parliament, County Councillor,<br />
District or City Councillors and (outside<br />
Cambridge), Parish or Town Councillors.<br />
WriteToThem<br />
www.write<strong>to</strong><strong>the</strong>m.com<br />
A quick way of finding your local<br />
representatives at all levels except parishes.<br />
TheyWork<strong>For</strong>You<br />
www.<strong>the</strong>yworkforyou.com<br />
A non-partisan website which helps you keep<br />
tabs on your representatives.<br />
Members of <strong>the</strong> European Parliament<br />
(MEPs)<br />
UK Office of <strong>the</strong> European Parliament<br />
2 Queen Anne’s Gate<br />
London SW1H 9AA<br />
020 7227 4300<br />
Seven MEPs for <strong>the</strong> Eastern Region from <strong>the</strong><br />
Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats and<br />
UKIP were elected in June 2009: find <strong>the</strong>m at<br />
www.europarl.org.uk or www.write<strong>to</strong><strong>the</strong>m.com.<br />
Members of<br />
Parliament<br />
Because a General<br />
Election is due<br />
within a few months<br />
of publishing this<br />
book, we have<br />
not listed MPs. In<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> <strong>the</strong>y represent<br />
Cambridge, Huntingdon, North<br />
East <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>, North<br />
West <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>, South<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> and South East<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>. Find your MP at<br />
http://findyourmp.parliament.uk<br />
where <strong>the</strong>re are links <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir own<br />
websites, or contact her/him at <strong>the</strong><br />
House of Commons<br />
London SW1A 0AA<br />
020 7219 3000.<br />
Local Councillors<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> County<br />
Councillors<br />
0345 045 5200<br />
www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/council<br />
City and District Councillors<br />
Telephone your City or District<br />
council or look at <strong>the</strong>ir websites (see<br />
inside front cover).<br />
Parish Councillors<br />
There will be a Parish Clerk in your<br />
village or <strong>to</strong>wn who will know who<br />
your Parish Councillors are. Your<br />
District Council (see inside cover) will<br />
tell you who it is and how <strong>to</strong> contact<br />
<strong>the</strong>m.<br />
S<br />
S<br />
85
86<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> in <strong>the</strong> media<br />
Disabled people from all walks of life, but notably politicians,<br />
journalists, sports people, ac<strong>to</strong>rs and broadcasters, are much more<br />
visible in <strong>the</strong> media than a few years ago. But media representation<br />
still has its problems: you may object <strong>to</strong> non-disabled ac<strong>to</strong>rs<br />
playing disabled people, for example. Unfortunately, old-fashioned,<br />
discrimina<strong>to</strong>ry language is still seen and heard. <strong>For</strong> help with watching<br />
and listening <strong>to</strong> television and radio see page 78.<br />
Here are some programmes, magazines, papers and websites that cover disability issues.<br />
Able Magazine<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> lifestyle magazine, online and in print.<br />
www.ablemagazine.co.uk<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> Now<br />
Monthly newspaper, published by Scope, available in print and online.<br />
www.disabilitynow.org.uk<br />
Hearing Times<br />
Print and online news for you if you have a hearing impairment.<br />
www.hearingtimes.co.uk<br />
In Touch<br />
News, views and information for people who are blind or partially-sighted.<br />
www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/factual/in<strong>to</strong>uch.shtml<br />
Ouch!<br />
www.bbc.co.uk/ouch<br />
Ouch! reflects <strong>the</strong> lives and experiences of disabled people. <strong>It</strong> has regular columns, features,<br />
quizzes, a monthly podcast, blogs and a community message board. Nearly all contribu<strong>to</strong>rs<br />
are disabled, as are <strong>the</strong> members of <strong>the</strong> edi<strong>to</strong>rial team.<br />
Maverick<br />
www.mavericktv.co.uk<br />
A production company with a positive record of making programmes with disabled people.<br />
See Hear<br />
The BBC television magazine programme for <strong>the</strong> Deaf community. There’s lots of<br />
information at www.bbc.co.uk/seehear.<br />
You and Yours<br />
Radio 4’s general consumer programme has regular coverage of disability issues.<br />
www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/youandyours.<br />
S<br />
S S<br />
S
When things go wrong<br />
– how <strong>to</strong> complain<br />
County and District Councils<br />
There’s a complaints or cus<strong>to</strong>mer care<br />
service in every council. Apart from talking<br />
<strong>to</strong> council staff, don’t forget you can ask<br />
your councillors for help (see page 85).<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> County Council<br />
0345 045 5200<br />
01223 699663 (for complaints about<br />
social care)<br />
cus<strong>to</strong>mercare@cambridgeshire.gov.uk<br />
www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/feedback<br />
Cambridge City<br />
01223 457000<br />
complaints@cambridge.gov.uk<br />
www.cambridge.gov.uk/complaints<br />
East <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong><br />
01353 665555<br />
cus<strong>to</strong>merservices@eastcambs.gov.uk<br />
www.eastcambs.gov.uk<br />
Fenland<br />
01354 654321<br />
www.fenland.gov.uk/contact-us<br />
3cs@fenland.gov.uk<br />
Huntingdonshire<br />
01480 388388<br />
www.huntsdc.gov.uk/complaints<br />
South <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong><br />
0345 045 0500<br />
www.scambs.gov.uk/complaints<br />
The Local <strong>Go</strong>vernment Ombudsman<br />
PO Box 4771, Coventry CV4 0EH<br />
0300 061 0614<br />
www.lgo.org.uk<br />
Use this if you’ve been through <strong>the</strong> stages<br />
of a council’s complaints procedure and you<br />
are not happy with <strong>the</strong>ir response.<br />
Health Service complaints<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>, Norfolk<br />
and Suffolk ICAS<br />
POhWER, Unit 26A<br />
E Space North<br />
181 Wisbech Road<br />
Littleport CB6 1RA<br />
0845 456 1084<br />
0845 337 3067 (textphone)<br />
ICAS provides free advocacy<br />
support if you wish <strong>to</strong> make a<br />
complaint about <strong>the</strong> service that<br />
you have received from <strong>the</strong> NHS.<br />
Patient Advice and Liaison<br />
Service (PALS)<br />
Information and advice about<br />
health services in each NHS trust<br />
and advice about complaints<br />
procedures: see pages 48 and 49.<br />
Independent organisation<br />
complaints<br />
Voluntary and commercial<br />
organisations you use should<br />
all have <strong>the</strong>ir own complaints<br />
procedures.<br />
S<br />
S<br />
S<br />
87
88<br />
2byou 59<br />
4us 25<br />
16–25 Railcard 20<br />
A Night Less Ordinary 6<br />
Ability Magazine 77<br />
AbilityNet 31, 77<br />
Able Magazine 86<br />
Accent Nene 52<br />
Access Officer, Cambridge City<br />
Council 82<br />
Access <strong>to</strong> Employment<br />
Project 32<br />
Access <strong>to</strong> Higher Education 28<br />
Access <strong>to</strong> Learning Fund 65<br />
Access <strong>to</strong> Work 31, 40, 77<br />
Action and politics 80–86<br />
Action for Blind People 47<br />
Adaptations 15, 37, 50, 52–53<br />
Addaction 61<br />
Addenbrooke’s Hospital 46, 47,<br />
49, 54, 73<br />
Addenbrooke’s Hospital<br />
Information Centre 73<br />
ADeC 4, 8<br />
Adult education 31<br />
Adult Special Learning Team 31,<br />
34<br />
Advice agencies 70, 72–73,<br />
back cover<br />
Advice Now 31, 73<br />
Advocacy 42, 46, 57, 60, 71,<br />
74, 87<br />
AIDS 59<br />
Air travel 13, 21<br />
Airports 21<br />
Alcohol 56, 57, 61<br />
Angles Theatre 5<br />
Anglia Assessment Centre 65<br />
Anglia Ruskin University 2, 28,<br />
29, 65<br />
Angling 10<br />
Apprenticeships 27<br />
Archery 10<br />
Arts 3, 4, 5, 6–8, 34<br />
Arts centres 5<br />
Arts development 7, 8<br />
Index<br />
Arts Development East<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> 4, 8<br />
Artsline 4<br />
Asperger Syndrome 58, 64<br />
Aspire 58<br />
Assessment centres 65, 77<br />
Assistance dogs 17, 55<br />
Assistive and Telecare<br />
Technology 53<br />
Assistive technology 28, 29, 31,<br />
46, 47, 53, 54, 75, 77–79<br />
Assistive Technology Group 77<br />
Association of Disabled<br />
Professionals 31<br />
Association of National<br />
Specialist Colleges 27<br />
Audio description 5, 78<br />
Audio recordings 76<br />
Audiology departments 46<br />
Axiom Housing Association 52<br />
Barring<strong>to</strong>n, hippopotamus<br />
found at 5<br />
Beat 61<br />
Befriending 6, 57<br />
Benefit Enquiry Line 67<br />
Benefits 25, 66–69, 72, 73, back<br />
cover<br />
Berern Arts 6<br />
Bicycles 16, 33<br />
Bike Care 16<br />
Biking 15<br />
Bisexual people, support for 59<br />
Blue Badge 15–16, 18<br />
Braille 76<br />
Branching Out 32<br />
Bridging <strong>the</strong> Gap 64<br />
British Blind Sport 9<br />
British Computer Association of<br />
<strong>the</strong> Blind 77<br />
British Computer Society<br />
Assistive Technology Group 77<br />
British Deaf Association 46<br />
British Paralympics Association<br />
9<br />
British Red Cross 19, 54<br />
British Sign Language 23, 46,<br />
64, 78<br />
British Sign Language<br />
Broadcasting Trust 78<br />
British Wireless for <strong>the</strong> Blind<br />
Fund 78<br />
Broadcasting 10, 78, 86<br />
Brookfields Hospital 49<br />
Budgeting Loans 69<br />
Bullying 60, 77<br />
Bullying UK 60<br />
Bullys<strong>to</strong>p 60<br />
Bursaries 64, 65<br />
Burwell Community Print Centre<br />
33<br />
Bus passes 17<br />
Buses 13, 17<br />
Cam-Mind 62<br />
Cam Sight 47<br />
Cambridge Access Centre 65<br />
Cambridge and Huntingdon Deaf<br />
Children’s Society 46<br />
Cambridge Arts Picturehouse 5<br />
Cambridge Arts Theatre 5<br />
Cambridge Camtad 45<br />
Cambridge Card 6<br />
Cambridge City Council inside<br />
front, 6, 8, 9, 17, 51, 52, 53, 82, 87<br />
Cambridge Corn Exchange 5<br />
Cambridge Dial-a-Ride 19<br />
Cambridge Ethnic Community<br />
Council 60<br />
Cambridge events 4, 5<br />
Cambridge Explorer 4<br />
Cambridge Film Trust 6<br />
Cambridge Folk Festival 5<br />
Cambridge <strong>For</strong>um of Disabled<br />
People 82<br />
Cambridge Home Aid 53<br />
Cambridge Housing Society 52<br />
Cambridge Online 77<br />
Cambridge Regional College 27<br />
Cambridge Volunteer Centre 35<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Advocacy<br />
Project 74<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Agenda 4<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> and Peterborough<br />
County <strong>Disability</strong> Sports<br />
<strong>For</strong>um 9
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Community<br />
Services 48<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> County Council<br />
inside front, 2, 5, 9, 15, 16,<br />
17, 24, 73, 74, 85, 87 see also<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Social Care<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Deaf Association<br />
46, 71<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Direct Payment<br />
Support Service 42, 43<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Independent<br />
Advocacy Service 74<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Independent<br />
Living Centre 53, 54<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> libraries 75–76<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Mencap 6, 33,<br />
45, 52, 57<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Music 7<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Parliament 74<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Passenger<br />
Transport Information 13<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Social Care 23,<br />
37–44, 50, 52–53, 54<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> User-Led<br />
Organisation 82<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Youth Bank 35<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>, Norfolk and<br />
Suffolk ICAS 87<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>.net 4, 71<br />
Camlearn 31<br />
Camtad 45<br />
Camtrust 34<br />
Canine Partners 55<br />
Canoeing 10<br />
Car schemes 13, 19<br />
Care Network 19<br />
Care Quality Commission 42, 44<br />
Career planning 25, 26, 57<br />
Careers Advice Service 26<br />
Carers 37, 45, 58 see also<br />
Young carers<br />
Carers’ Support Team 37<br />
Casualty 49<br />
Catering 33<br />
Cats (centre in St Ives) 39<br />
C-Card 59<br />
Centre 33 57, 59, 71, 73, 74<br />
Changing Directions 82<br />
Charities 70<br />
Child and Adolescent Mental<br />
Health Service 62<br />
Child Benefit 69<br />
Child Tax Credit 69<br />
Childline 58, 59<br />
Children’s Social Care Teams 38<br />
Cinemas 4, 5, 6, 7<br />
Cineworld 5<br />
Cintra 2<br />
Circle of support 38, 41, 42<br />
Citizens Advice Bureaux 70,<br />
72–73<br />
Clarion 46<br />
Climbing 10<br />
CLiP 7, 8<br />
Clubs 4, 5, 7, 11<br />
Coaches 13, 20<br />
College of West Anglia 27<br />
Community buses 13, 19<br />
Community car schemes 19<br />
Community Care Grants 69<br />
Community health services<br />
48–49<br />
Community Legal Advice 73<br />
Community Service Volunteers<br />
35<br />
Community Transport 13, 17, 19<br />
Complaints 44, 48, 87<br />
Computers 28, 34, 77, 79<br />
Concessions 6<br />
Condoms 59<br />
Confidentiality 57<br />
Congestion charge 16, 18<br />
Connexions 6, 11, 23, 25, 26, 27,<br />
31, 57, 64, 71<br />
Conservative Party 84<br />
Contact a Family 24, 58<br />
Contraception 58, 59<br />
Council housing 51, 53<br />
Council Tax Benefit 68, 69<br />
Council Tax <strong>Disability</strong> Reduction<br />
69<br />
Councillors 85<br />
Counselling 57–58, 60<br />
Coursefinder 26<br />
Crime 58<br />
Cromwell, Oliver, his hat 5<br />
CrossCountry Trains 20<br />
Crossroads Cambridge City 45<br />
Crossroads West Anglia 45<br />
Cue and Review 76<br />
Cybermen<strong>to</strong>rs 60<br />
Cycling 10, 16<br />
D.TEK 16<br />
DAN 83<br />
Dance 6<br />
Darwin, Charles, his egg 5<br />
Darwin Nurseries 33<br />
Darwin Workshops 39<br />
Daytime activities 39<br />
Deaf awareness training 46<br />
Deaf people – services 4, 39,<br />
45–46, 55, 74, 78, 86<br />
Deaf/blind people – services 39, 48<br />
Debt 70<br />
Dental treatment 48, 49<br />
Dentists 48<br />
Dhiverse 59<br />
Dial Peterborough 72<br />
Dial UK 2<br />
Dial-a-Rides 13, 17, 19<br />
Dialdruglink 61<br />
Digital television 78<br />
Direct Payments 40, 42, 43<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> action 80–84<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> Awareness in Action 83<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> 1, 2, 42,<br />
53, 66, 70, 71, 73, 82, back cover<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> Contact and Processing<br />
Unit 15, 67<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> Cultural Projects 8<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> Discrimination Act 3, 80,<br />
81, 82, back cover<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> Employment Advisers<br />
31<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> Equality Duty 81<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> Huntingdonshire 1, 42,<br />
53, 66, 71, 83, back cover<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> information 72, back<br />
cover<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> Law Service 72<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> Lib 83<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> Living Allowance 15, 44,<br />
66, 67, 69<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> Now 84, 86<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> Rights Commission 82<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> Sport Focus Group 9<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> sport forums 9<br />
<strong>Disability</strong>, Pregnancy and<br />
Parenthood International 60<br />
Disabled Entrepreneurs<br />
Network 31<br />
89
90<br />
Disabled Facilities Grants 52–53<br />
Disabled Living Foundation 53,<br />
54, 79<br />
Disabled Parents Network 60<br />
Disabled People’s Direct Action<br />
Network 83<br />
Disabled Person’s Railcard 20<br />
Disabled Students’ Allowances<br />
28, 29, 30, 64, 65, 77<br />
Disabled<strong>Go</strong> 32<br />
Discounts 6<br />
Discretionary Support Funds 64<br />
Discrimination 80, 81–82, 83–84,<br />
86<br />
Distance learning 30<br />
DJs 7<br />
Doc<strong>to</strong>rs 48<br />
Dodding<strong>to</strong>n Community<br />
Hospital 49<br />
Dogs 17, 55<br />
Dogs for <strong>the</strong> Disabled 55<br />
Don’t Lose <strong>the</strong> Music 4<br />
Door <strong>to</strong> Door 13<br />
Doorstep Service 75<br />
Draft Wheelchairs 16<br />
Drama 4, 5, 6, 7, 8<br />
Drinksense 61<br />
Driver and Vehicle Licensing<br />
Agency 14<br />
Driving 14–16, 18<br />
Driving lessons 14, 15, 70<br />
Drugs 56, 57, 61<br />
Dual sensory loss 39, 48<br />
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award 10<br />
Dyslexia 28, 29, 64, 65<br />
East Anglian Medical Genetics<br />
Service 60<br />
East <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Care and<br />
Repair 53<br />
East <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> District<br />
Council inside front, 8, 9, 17,<br />
51, 87<br />
East <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> events 4, 8<br />
East Coast Main Line<br />
Company 20<br />
East Midlands Trains 20<br />
Eating disorders 61<br />
Edith Cavell Hospital 46, 49, 54<br />
Education 22–31, 64–65<br />
Education Maintenance<br />
Allowance 64<br />
Educational Grants Advisory<br />
Service 65, 70<br />
Elec<strong>to</strong>ral registration 84<br />
Eligibility criteria 22, 37, 40, 52<br />
Ely and District Volunteer<br />
Centre 35<br />
Ely and Soham Dial-a-Ride<br />
Ely Diocesan Committee for<br />
Family and Social Welfare 45<br />
Ely events 4, 5<br />
Ely Folk Festival 5<br />
Employment and Support<br />
Allowance 66, 67, 68, 69<br />
Employment support 23, 31–32,<br />
42, 46<br />
English Federation of <strong>Disability</strong><br />
Sport 10<br />
Entry <strong>to</strong> Employment 27<br />
Equal opportunity 80–83<br />
Equalities Development Team 82<br />
Equality 2025 81<br />
Equality and Human Rights<br />
Commission 21, 81, 82<br />
Equipment 23, 37, 52–54, 64<br />
Essex Coalition of Disabled<br />
People 43<br />
Ethnic minorities, people from<br />
24, 60<br />
Eurostar 21<br />
Evening classes 31<br />
Eye units 47<br />
Fair Access <strong>to</strong> Care Services<br />
37, 40<br />
Family Action 65, 70<br />
Family Fund 14, 70<br />
Family Matters 58<br />
Fenland Area Community<br />
Enterprise Trust 33<br />
Fenland Arts 4, 8<br />
Fenland Association for<br />
Community Transport 19<br />
Fenland Camtad 45<br />
Fenland Care and Repair 53<br />
Fenland <strong>Disability</strong> Sports<br />
<strong>For</strong>um 9<br />
Fenland District Council inside<br />
front, 8, 9, 17, 51, 87<br />
Fenland events 4, 8<br />
Fenland Volunteer Centre 35<br />
Fenvision 47<br />
Film see Cinemas<br />
First Capital Connect 20<br />
Fish Insurance 14<br />
Fishing 10<br />
Flipp 57<br />
Flying 11, 13, 21<br />
<strong>For</strong>ums 74, 82, 83, back cover<br />
Frank 61<br />
Friends 25, 56, 58<br />
Friends with Disabilities 83<br />
Fun 3–11<br />
Funky Flamingo 4, 7, 11<br />
Fur<strong>the</strong>r education 22, 23, 26–27,<br />
64<br />
g2g card 6<br />
Gardening 7, 32, 33, 34<br />
Gate<strong>open</strong>er 24, 72<br />
Gateway Clubs 11<br />
Gay people, support for 59<br />
Genetics 60<br />
German railways 21<br />
Glasses 49<br />
GPs 48<br />
Grafham Water Centre 10<br />
Granta Housing Society 52<br />
Grants 25, 30, 52–53, 64, 65, 69,<br />
70, 73<br />
Green Party 84<br />
Gret<strong>to</strong>n School 27<br />
Guide Dogs for <strong>the</strong> Blind<br />
Association 55<br />
Hands off My Plan! 42<br />
Health Service 23<br />
Health service complaints 87<br />
Health services 23, 37, 48–49<br />
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People 55<br />
Hearing impairment – services<br />
4, 39, 45–46, 53, 55, 74, 78, 86<br />
Hearing Times 86<br />
Hertfordshire Action on<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> 14<br />
Higher education 22, 28–30,<br />
64–65<br />
Hinchingbrooke Hospital<br />
46, 47, 49<br />
Hippopotamus, found at<br />
Barring<strong>to</strong>n 5<br />
Holidays 11, 37, 70<br />
Home Improvement Agencies<br />
52, 53<br />
Home-Link 50, 51
Hope Social Enterprises 33<br />
Horizon Resource Centre 39<br />
Horticulture 7, 32, 33, 34<br />
Hospitals 49<br />
Housing 25, 50–53, 57<br />
Housing advice 52<br />
Housing associations 51–52, 53<br />
Housing Benefit 67, 68, 69<br />
Housing support 51<br />
Huntingdon Community Centre<br />
39<br />
Huntingdon Mencap 45<br />
Huntingdonshire <strong>Disability</strong><br />
Sports <strong>For</strong>um 9<br />
Huntingdonshire District Council<br />
inside front, 8, 9, 17, 51, 53, 87<br />
Huntingdonshire events 4, 8<br />
Huntingdonshire Home<br />
Improvement Agency 53<br />
Huntingdonshire Regional<br />
College 27<br />
Huntingdonshire Society for <strong>the</strong><br />
Blind 47<br />
Huntingdonshire Volunteer<br />
Centre 35<br />
Hunts Mind 62<br />
ICAS 87<br />
Improving Choice 26<br />
In Control 42<br />
In Touch 86<br />
Incapacity Benefit 67, 68<br />
Income Support 66, 67, 68, 69<br />
Independent Complaints<br />
Advisory Service 87<br />
Independent living 26, 36–49,<br />
50–55<br />
Independent Living Fund 40, 44<br />
Independent Visi<strong>to</strong>rs 74<br />
Information and advice agencies<br />
72–73, back cover<br />
Information Shop for Young<br />
People 57<br />
Inspire 7, 8<br />
Inspire Green Team 7<br />
Insurance 14<br />
Integrated Community<br />
Equipment Service 53, 54<br />
Internet 77<br />
Interpreting 2, 23, 46, 64, 78<br />
In<strong>to</strong>uch 59<br />
Job coaches 32<br />
Job Introduction Scheme 31<br />
Job seeking 31–32<br />
Jobcentre Plus 26, 31, 66, 69<br />
Jobseeker’s Allowance 66, 68, 69<br />
Junction 5, 6<br />
Just Us 74<br />
Kayaking 10<br />
Kilvers<strong>to</strong>ne Mobility Assessment<br />
Centre 14<br />
Labour Party 84<br />
Language <strong>the</strong>rapy 48<br />
Larkfield Resource Centre 39<br />
Leadership Recruitment 32<br />
Learndirect 30<br />
Learning Centres 75<br />
Learning <strong>Disability</strong> Partnership<br />
37, 39<br />
Learning <strong>Disability</strong> Team 62<br />
Learning support 28, 29, 64<br />
Legal advice 72, 73<br />
Legislation 37<br />
Leisure 3–11<br />
Leonard Cheshire In<strong>to</strong>uch 59<br />
Lesbians, support for 59<br />
Liberal Democrats 84<br />
Libra Theatre Company 7<br />
Libraries 37, 75, 76<br />
Lifecraft 62<br />
Lifetracks 26<br />
List Live 4<br />
Listening Books 76<br />
Living independently 36–49,<br />
50–55<br />
Living Sport 9<br />
Loans 64, 65<br />
Local <strong>Go</strong>vernment Ombudsman<br />
87<br />
Local Secrets 4<br />
London 4, 16, 18<br />
London Cycling Campaign 16<br />
Looked after young people 74<br />
Luminus Homes 51<br />
Luxe Cinema 5<br />
Magazines 86<br />
Maltings (venue in Ely) 5<br />
Man in Seat Sixty-One 13, 21<br />
Manderson Trust 10<br />
Maverick 86<br />
Media 4, 78, 80, 86<br />
Meldreth Manor School 27<br />
Mencap 83 see also<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Mencap,<br />
Huntingdonshire Mencap<br />
Mental capacity advocacy 74<br />
Mental health 56, 57, 61, 62, 74<br />
Mepal Outdoor Centre 10<br />
MEPs 85<br />
Mind 62<br />
Minor treatment centres 49<br />
Misfits 34<br />
Mobilise 15<br />
Mobility Information Service 15<br />
Money 63–70<br />
Motability 14, 15, 67<br />
Moving On Up 24<br />
Moving Tone 4<br />
MPs 85<br />
Mumford Theatre 5<br />
Museums 5<br />
Music 4, 5, 7, 8<br />
National Association for Bikers<br />
with a <strong>Disability</strong> 15<br />
National Centre for Independent<br />
Living 42, 43<br />
National Debtline 70<br />
National Express 13, 18, 20<br />
National Express East Anglia 20<br />
National Express East Coast 20<br />
National Extension College 30<br />
National <strong>For</strong>um of People with<br />
Learning Difficulties 83<br />
National Health Service 48<br />
National Talking Newspapers and<br />
Magazines 76<br />
National Youth Advocacy<br />
Service 74<br />
NATSPEC 27<br />
Nene and Ouse Community<br />
Transport 19<br />
Newspapers 4, 86<br />
Next Steps 74<br />
Nextstep 26<br />
NHS Business Services<br />
Authority 64<br />
NHS charges 49<br />
North <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Hospital<br />
49<br />
NYAS 74<br />
Occupational Therapy 38, 52–53,<br />
54<br />
Office for <strong>Disability</strong> Issues 81<br />
91
92<br />
Ofsted 4<br />
Olympic Games 9<br />
Online safety 77<br />
Open University 28, 30, 64<br />
Opportunities Trust 42<br />
Opportunities Without Limits 7,<br />
16, 32, 33<br />
Orchard Manor 27<br />
Ouch! 86<br />
Our Voice 46, 74<br />
Outdoor activities 10<br />
OWL see Opportunities Without<br />
Limits<br />
PALS see Patient Advice and<br />
Liaison Service<br />
Papworth Library 75<br />
Papworth Trust 32, 33, 42, 43, 45,<br />
52, 75<br />
Paralympic Games 9<br />
Parasport 10<br />
Parent Information Pack 24<br />
Parent Partnership Service 24<br />
Parenthood 60, 74<br />
Parking 14, 15–16<br />
Pathways <strong>to</strong> Work 31, 33<br />
People First 83<br />
Personal Adviser 23, 24, 25, 26,<br />
27, 28, 64<br />
Personal assistance 23<br />
Personal budgets 22, 40–43, 44,<br />
63<br />
Personal development 10, 26, 35<br />
Personalisation Network 42<br />
Person-centred planning 37, 38,<br />
40–43<br />
Peterborough and Fenland Mind<br />
62<br />
Peterborough District Hospital<br />
47, 49<br />
Peterborough events 4<br />
Peterborough Regional College<br />
27<br />
Phab Clubs 11<br />
Phoenix Centre 61<br />
Phoenix Trust 34<br />
Physical <strong>Disability</strong> Team 39<br />
Pinpoint 24<br />
Political parties 84, 85<br />
Politics 80, 84, 85<br />
Postal Tape Service 76<br />
Pregnancy 49, 57, 58, 59, 60<br />
Prescriptions 49<br />
Princess of Wales Hospital 49<br />
Progress magazine 24<br />
Prospects Trust 34<br />
Queen Elizabeth Hospital 46, 47,<br />
49, 54<br />
Racism 60, 81<br />
RADAR 84<br />
Radio 37, 78, 86<br />
Rail travel 13, 20, 21<br />
Rail Travel Made Easy 20<br />
Railcards 20<br />
Ramsey and District Community<br />
Bus Association 19<br />
Real-time text 79<br />
Reboot 34, 77<br />
Red Cross see British Red Cross<br />
Red2Green 34<br />
Regional colleges 22, 23, 26, 27,<br />
28, 74<br />
Relationships 56, 57, 58–59<br />
REMAP 54<br />
Remploy 32<br />
Residential education 22, 27<br />
Residential Training 31<br />
Ricability 15, 79<br />
Richmond Fellowship 34, 57<br />
Riding for <strong>the</strong> Disabled 10<br />
RNIB 47, 76, 79<br />
RNIB National Library 76<br />
RNID 4, 46, 71, 78, 79<br />
Road tax see Vehicle Excise Duty<br />
Roddons Housing Association 51<br />
Romsey Mill 58<br />
Rough Times 1, 56<br />
Rowan Humbers<strong>to</strong>ne 34<br />
Royal National Institute for Deaf<br />
People see RNID<br />
Royal National Institute of Blind<br />
People see RNIB<br />
Sailing 10<br />
Sanctuary Hereward 51<br />
Saws<strong>to</strong>n Cinema 5, 7<br />
Saws<strong>to</strong>n Compass Centre 39<br />
Scholarships 64, 65<br />
Scope 32, 84, 86<br />
See Hear 86<br />
Self-directed Support 36, 38,<br />
40–43<br />
Sense East 48<br />
Sensory Services Team 39, 47, 53<br />
Sex 56, 58–59<br />
Sexual abuse 58<br />
Sexual health 57, 59<br />
Sexuality 56, 58, 59, 81<br />
Shaw Trust 32<br />
Shopmobility 18<br />
Showcase Cinema 5<br />
Sight tests 49<br />
Sign Post 78<br />
Sign Zone 78<br />
Sixth form 22, 23, 26<br />
Skill: National Bureau for Students<br />
with Disabilities 28, 35<br />
Social care 22, 36–48, 50, 51,<br />
52–53, 54 see also<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Social Care<br />
Social Care teams 38<br />
Social clubs 11<br />
Social Fund 69<br />
Social model 80<br />
Social services see<br />
<strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Social Care<br />
Social training 32–34<br />
Social Training Enterprise<br />
Group 32<br />
South <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> District<br />
Council inside front, 8, 9, 17, 51,<br />
53, 87<br />
South <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> events 4, 8<br />
South <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> Home<br />
Improvement Agency 53<br />
Speaking Up 42, 74, 83<br />
Speaking Up Youth Parliament 74<br />
Special Educational Needs<br />
Co-ordina<strong>to</strong>r 23<br />
Special Olympics 10<br />
Specialist residential colleges 27<br />
Speech Therapy 48<br />
Sport 3, 9–10<br />
Stagecoach 17<br />
Statement of Special Educational<br />
Needs 23<br />
Student Finance England 64, 65<br />
Student Loans and Grants 64, 65<br />
Student support 28, 29, 64<br />
Sub-titles 78<br />
Support Dogs 55<br />
Support Plan 40, 43, 50<br />
Supported activities 22, 39<br />
Supporting Arts Development in<br />
South <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> 8
Supporting People 37, 40, 50, 51<br />
TalkbyText 79<br />
Talking books 76<br />
Talking newspapers 76<br />
Tape services 76<br />
Taxicard 13, 17<br />
Taxis 17, 18<br />
Telephone relay 79<br />
Telephones 37, 53, 55, 79<br />
Television 7, 37, 78, 86<br />
Tenant Services Authority 52<br />
Tennyson Lodge 39<br />
Text relay 46, 79<br />
Textphones 79<br />
Theatres 4, 5<br />
TheyWork<strong>For</strong>You 85<br />
Three Counties Transport 19<br />
Time <strong>to</strong> Get Equal 84<br />
Times<strong>to</strong>p 58, 71<br />
Timetables 13<br />
Tinnitus 46<br />
Torc, gold, found in <strong>the</strong> Fens 5<br />
Tourism for All 11<br />
Training 22, 23, 26–27, 31,<br />
32–34, 34<br />
Training 26<br />
Trains 13, 20, 21<br />
Transition Information Network<br />
24<br />
Transition planning 22–35, 38<br />
Transitions Team 38<br />
Translation 2<br />
Transport 12–21, 37<br />
Transport Direct 13<br />
Transport for London 13, 18<br />
Traveline 13, 17<br />
Travelling abroad 21<br />
Tube trains 18<br />
Turn2us 70, 73<br />
UK Disabled People’s Council 84<br />
UK Independence Party 84<br />
Universities and Colleges<br />
Admissions Service 28<br />
University 22, 28–30, 64–65<br />
University of Cambridge 5, 28,<br />
30, 33<br />
Values In<strong>to</strong> Action 84<br />
Valuing People 42<br />
Vehicle Excise Duty 14, 15, 18, 67<br />
Vic<strong>to</strong>ria Lodge 39<br />
View Cambridge 4<br />
Village Benefits Advice<br />
Service 73<br />
Vinvolved 35<br />
Visit Cambridge 4<br />
Visual impairment – services 9,<br />
39, 47, 49, 53, 76, 77, 78, 86<br />
VJs 7<br />
Vocational rehabilitation 33<br />
Voice UK 58<br />
Voluntary Network Dial-a-Ride 19<br />
Voluntary work 25, 33, 35<br />
Volunteer Centres 35<br />
Volunteering see Voluntary work<br />
Voting 84<br />
Vue Cinema 5<br />
We’re All Neighbours 4<br />
What’s on 4, 8<br />
Wheelchairs 16, 18, 53, 54<br />
Whippet Coaches 17<br />
Whittlesey Young People’s<br />
Counselling Service 58<br />
Windmill Hydro<strong>the</strong>rapy Pool 45<br />
Windsurfing 10<br />
Wisbech events 4, 8<br />
Work Capability Assessment<br />
67, 68<br />
Work experience 32–34<br />
Work Preparation 31<br />
Work4You 33<br />
Working Tax Credit 69<br />
Workstep 31, 33<br />
World Wide Web 77<br />
WriteToThem 85<br />
Wysing Arts Centre 5<br />
You and Yours 86<br />
Young Adult Service 62<br />
Young carers 45, 58<br />
Young People Speaking Up 74<br />
Young Users 61<br />
YoungMinds 62<br />
Youth Bank 35<br />
Youth Centres 11, 57<br />
Youth clubs 11, 57<br />
Youthoria 1, 3, 4, 11, 25, 57, 71
<strong>Disability</strong> <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong><br />
Pendrill Court, Ermine Street North,<br />
Papworth Everard CB23 3UY<br />
01480 839192<br />
info@disability-cambridgeshire.org.uk<br />
www.disability-cambridgeshire.org.uk<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> (formerly Directions Plus) is <strong>the</strong> publisher of this book, and<br />
we have a lot more information than we can put in here, so if you live in our patch<br />
make use of us (or if you don’t, contact our colleagues at <strong>Disability</strong> Huntingdonshire).<br />
We’re <strong>the</strong> information and advice service for disabled people and carers in<br />
Cambridge, South <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>, East <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong> and Fenland.<br />
Here’s what we do:<br />
l Help you follow up <strong>the</strong> information, services and benefits listed in this book<br />
l Give you information on any <strong>to</strong>pic – discrimination, benefits, health and social<br />
care, independent living, support groups, national organisations, equipment and<br />
adaptations, education and employment, transport, leisure and holidays<br />
l Help you with your benefit claims and appeals or communicate with any<br />
organisation for you<br />
l Maintain an online direc<strong>to</strong>ry of services on our website<br />
l Offer volunteering and work-experience placements in a friendly and supportive<br />
workplace<br />
l Survey access <strong>to</strong> buildings and services <strong>to</strong> help organisations comply with<br />
<strong>the</strong> <strong>Disability</strong> Discrimination Act, train you on <strong>the</strong> Act and provide <strong>Disability</strong><br />
Awareness Training<br />
l Provide support <strong>to</strong> forums of disabled people<br />
Contact us by phone, fax or email, Monday <strong>to</strong> Friday, 10am <strong>to</strong> 5pm, or drop in <strong>to</strong><br />
see us at <strong>the</strong> Addenbrooke’s Hospital Information Centre (by <strong>the</strong> main entrance) on<br />
Tuesdays or Fridays between 1pm and 4pm. We may be able <strong>to</strong> visit you at home if<br />
you cannot get <strong>to</strong> us.<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> Huntingdonshire<br />
Pendrill Court, Ermine Street North<br />
Papworth Everard CB23 3UY<br />
01480 830833 01480 830036 (fax)<br />
info@dish.org.uk<br />
www.dish.org.uk<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> nformation Service Huntingdonshire<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> Huntingdonshire (formerly known as <strong>Disability</strong> Information Service<br />
Huntingdonshire or DISH) provides information and advice for disabled people<br />
and carers living in Huntingdonshire, covering <strong>the</strong> same range of <strong>to</strong>pics as<br />
<strong>Disability</strong> <strong>Cambridgeshire</strong>.<br />
Contact us by phone, fax or email, Monday <strong>to</strong> Thursday 9.30am <strong>to</strong> 2.30pm.<br />
Home visits are available for families.
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