Enable January / February 2022

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DANIEL DURANT

Increasing visibility on screen

The UK’s leading disability and lifestyle magazine

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January / February 2022

Not every disability is

VISIBLE

People from the disabled community share their experiences

ree on f s u l l a C 2727 0808 134 for more tion informa

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Welcome Get ready to enjoy another exciting issue of Enable for January/February

The UK’s leading disability and lifestyle magazine

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EDITOR’S PICKS...

40 SEEKING FAMILY SUPPORT A good support network can be a lifeline for parents, providing respite and support. One parent and charities share their top tips.

42 RECIPE: THE HAIRY BIKERS’ STUFFED PASTA SHELLS Presented in easy read format, this delicious recipe from the Hairy Bikers is quick to make and can easily be adapted to meet your tastes.

48 HOLIDAYS CLOSE TO HOME Popular with travellers from around the world, there’s plenty of holiday spots around the UK for your next escape.

elcome to a new year and the latest issue of Enable Magazine! As we start 2022, we’re putting the spotlight on the hidden disabilities making up 85 per cent of all disabilities. On page 10 we meet actor Daniel Durant to talk about his role in Apple TV’s CODA and increasing visibility of the deaf community on screen, before three people living with invisible illnesses share their experiences on page 32. Also this issue, we’re celebrating different voices from the disabled community: we learn about the job of a specialist epilepsy nurse on page 16; on page 20 deaf actress and comedian Caroline Parker MBE discusses theatre and COVID; professional rugby player Jodie Ounsley talks TikTok on page 29; and Samantha Renke takes us through her career journey from teacher to freelancer on page 70.

Have you set your goals for 2022 yet? Mine is to connect with even more people in the Enable community. Head to page 13 to see what our interviewees and public figures want to achieve. If you need some ideas we can help you find your next hobby on page 45, or get inspired by the story of one entrepreneur changing the landscape of inclusive dance on page 78. While this can be a time for new starts, it can still be difficult to process change. Organisations are sharing their advice on understanding anxiety on page 22, and on page 64 we learn about the housing laws negatively affecting the disabled community.

Read this and much Get in touch more inside.

All the best, editor@enablemagazine.co.uk facebook.com/enablemagazine twitter.com/enablemagazine

Emma Storr, Editor

instagram.com/enablemagazine

COVER PRICE £3.00

PUBLISHER Denise Connelly denise@dcpublishing.co.uk EDITOR Emma Storr emma.storr@dcpublishing.co.uk EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Caroline Parker Tim Rushby-Smith Alisdair Suttie DESIGN AND PRODUCTION Lucy Baillie lucy.baillie@dcpublishing.co.uk SALES Marian Mathieson marian.mathieson@dcpublishing.co.uk ENABLE MAGAZINE www.enablemagazine.co.uk

Behind the scenes NEW YEAR READY

YOUR VOICE

Have you been setting your intentions for the next 12 months? At Enable, our goals range from fitting in more exercise to volunteering online and in our local area.

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ONLINE YOUR VOICE

Look out for our online reader poll in January where we’ll be asking what you would like to see in future issues of the magazine.

Visit the Enable website to ensure you never miss the latest news, interviews and information from the disabled community.

©DC Publishing Ltd 2022. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any way without prior written permission from the publisher. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of DC Publishing Ltd. The publisher takes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers within the publication. Every effort has been made to ensure that information is accurate; while dates and prices are correct at time of going to print, DC Publishing Ltd takes no responsibility for omissions and errors.

WIN

Enter our competition to win an Amazon Echo Dot on page 46.

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What’s inside January / February 2022

Care

18 RECOGNISING CARERS’ SKILLS How can unpaid carers’ skills benefit their future?

Interview

10 DANIEL DURANT Increasing visability of the deaf community on screen

Voices

16 ON THE JOB WITH AN EPILEPSY NURSE We learn about the role of a specialist epilepsy nurse 20 NAVIGATING THEATRE AND COVID Caroline Parker MBE writes about her experiences 29 BREAKING BARRIERS Jodie Ounsley is changing people’s perceptions online 30 TIME TO GET REAL Tim Rushby-Smith discusses the use of non-disabled models when depicting disabilities 4

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70 CREATING INCLUSIVE WORKPLACES Samantha Renke on her journey from teacher to freelancer

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Spotlight

22 UNDERSTANDING ANXIETY The importance of support when anxiety affects your day-to-day life 64 THE RISK OF HOMELESSNESS The flawed laws causing homelessness for disabled people

Health

25 MENTAL HEALTH: GROWING TOGETHER Taking action to support children’s mental health 35 TECHNOLOGY IN THERAPY Using virtual reality to help people regain independence

Motoring

58 REVIEW: FORD KUGA PHEV Alasdair Suttie hits the road in this spacious hybrid

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WIN

AN AMAZON ECHO DOT ON PAGE 46

Life

13 NEW YEAR GOALS Interviewees and public figures share their aspirations for 2022 32 SEEING INVISIBLE DISABILITIES What does a hidden condition look like?

61 EMBRACING MOBILITY AIDS Changing the perceptions of mobility aids 62 PRODUCT ROUNDUP Our pick of products to start the new year

38 THE DIARY Events for January and February

81 DOCUMENTING DISABILITY HISTORY Using real voices to investigate the disabled community’s past

40 SEEKING FAMILY SUPPORT Charities offer tips and advice

82 BRIT: CHALLENGING STIGMA Highlighting youth mental health with the annual BRIT Challenge

42 RECIPE: THE HAIRY BIKERS’ STUFFED PASTA SHELLS A quick recipe in easy read format

Sport

45 NEW YEAR NEW HOBBY Get inspired to try a new activity 48 HOLIDAYS CLOSE TO HOME Relax, unwind and discover new places without leaving the country 51 HEATING YOUR HOME As energy prices rise, there is help and support available

67 CHANGING FOOTBALL YOUR WAY The ground-breaking plan to transform disability football

Housing

54 IMPROVING YOUR HOME Making big or small adaptations can help improve your daily life

Finance

52 DIRECTING YOUR CARE A personal budget could give you control and flexibility when considering care

Employment

72 REMOVING BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT Pathways to the workplace for people who are neurodivergent 75 CHOOSING TO DISCLOSE When to share details of your disability to get support at work 78 EMBRACING OPPORTUNITIES Pursuing your interests by launching a business

Education

76 FINDING STUDENT SUPPORT It’s time to get prepared for higher education

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PIC: © DRAGONFLY FILM & TELEVISION PRODUCTIONS LTD - PHOTOGRAPHER: SAMUEL DORE

News New drama to explore the battle for disabled civil rights LATER THIS YEAR, the BBC will air a factual drama telling the true story of the people behind the campaign that lead to significant gains in the battle for disabled civil rights in Britain. The upcoming show, Then Barbara Met Alan, was written by Jack Thorne and Genevieve Barr

and tells the story through the eyes of Barbara Lisicki, played by Ruth Madeley, and Alan Holdsworth, played by Arthur Hughes. Barbara and Alan, both disabled cabaret performers, met at a gig in 1989 and went on to become the driving force behind the Direct Action Network.

BFI GOVERNMENT PASSPORT TO THE PRESENTS HELP DISABLED GRADUATES DISABLED A NEW GOVERNMENT PASSPORT is to help disabled graduates get in to employment.

Hundreds of disabled university students could benefit from the Access to Work Adjustment Passport which will ease the transition from higher education into employment by reducing the need for repeated health assessments when starting a new job.

The pilot scheme, which was announced as part of the National Disability Strategy, is now underway at two universities in England. A passport will be offered to students who already receive extra support during their studies, holding information about their condition and the adjustments they already benefit from. This could avoid repetitive disclosures when applying for the Access to Work grant once they start work.

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TALENT CAMPAIGN THE BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE (BFI) and its Disability Screen Advisory Group has launched the second iteration of the Press Reset campaign.

The digital campaign tackles the damaging impacts of ableism and calls for the screen sector to change how it engages with disabled talent both behind and in front of the camera.

A film to launch the campaign offers testimony from disabled creatives about ableism, the different forms it can take and its impacts. With the new film, the campaign aims to inspire decision makers in film and television to recognise, tackle and prevent ableism, calling for a figurative reset in the sector.

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News NORTHERN RAIL INTRODUCES PRIORITY SEATING CARDS THE UK’S SECOND LARGEST TRAIN operator, Northern, has partnered with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme to make rail travel easier for people with visible and hidden disabilities through the launch of a priority seating card. The free card is designed for people with a condition that makes it difficult to stand to give

them the confidence to ask other passengers to give up a priority seat.

The card is easily recognisable as a disability aid, featuring the Sunflower Lanyard symbols with space for the customer to personalise it with their details. Anyone eligible for the cards can ask for one at their local station or download a card online at www.northernrailway.co.uk

Scotland launches changes to benefits system

10 YEAR ADULT SOCIAL CARE PLAN REVEALED THE UK GOVERNMENT HAS published a 10-year plan to reform the sector as part of the wider social care plans announced in 2021. The white paper, titled ‘People at the Heart of Care’ details what help will be provided for people who receive and provide care. The changes to the social care system will apply to people in both residential and at home care. The white paper sets daily living costs at a lower rate than originally proposed with the aim of helping people to save more money and reduce the need to sell homes to pay for care.

Within the white paper, the government outlines further details on how more than £1 billion will be spent on system reform over the next three years. This includes funding to adapt homes and improve the physical, digital and technological infrastructure of the sector.

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OVER THE NEXT TWO YEARS, the Scottish Government will take over the delivery of multiple disability benefits which are currently regulated by the Department for Work and Pensions. The benefit roll-out, which was originally due in April 2020 but delayed due to the pandemic, will affect three benefits for people living in Scotland: Disability Living Allowance Child; Personal Independence Payment; Attendance Allowance.

With the aim of making the process more streamlined and reducing the need for face-to-face assessments, the three benefits will become Child Disability Payment, Adult Disability Payment and Pension Age Disability Payment under new agency Social Security Scotland.

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DANIEL DURANT

Daniel

Visibility on screen

CODA

10 enablemagazine.co.uk

B

efore Daniel Durant was starring in films and tv dramas, he was on stage at his local town theatre and making YouTube videos using American Sign Language (ASL). A member of the deaf community, Daniel always knew he wanted to pursue acting.

“I started at a young age and fell in love with the act of becoming another character,” remembers Daniel. “I love learning what others go through by becoming them, and putting myself in their shoes as an actor.

“I have always felt at home on stage or in front of a camera, and I love working with people.”

At just 31-years-old, Daniel has become a well-known name in the industry, winning awards for his work on stage and starring in American drama series Switched at Birth, hit Netflix show YOU, and now the Apple TV original CODA. Throughout his diverse career, Daniel has learnt to communicate with audiences in different ways, drawing on

his personal experiences to tell stories.

“When I act on stage I have to sign as large as possible,” explains Daniel.

“I have to exaggerate my emotions and expressions to make sure I reach everyone in the audience down to the last row. When I started working on camera for Switched at Birth, I learned that film work is much more subtle, it lends to a very different way of expressing emotion.”

CODA

In 2021, Apple TV announced the release of CODA. The film’s title stands for child of deaf adults and follows teenager Ruby Rossi, the only hearing person in her family, as she tries to balance her ambitions to attend Berklee College of Music and helping her family with their struggling fishing business. The film shows the family connecting with their community and each other, and increasing visibility of the deaf community within the hearing community.

Written and directed by Sian Heder, known for writing the first three seasons of the Netflix original Orange Is the New Black, the acclaimed film has proved impactful with viewers and film critics around the world.

Daniel stars as Leo Rossi, Ruby’s older brother, alongside Troy Kotsur and Marlee Matlin who play their parents in the film.

“I first heard about CODA from Troy, he was excited about this movie being produced,” recalls Daniel. “When I heard about the audition from my manager and I realised it was the same movie Troy was talking about I was blown away. I have never wanted to nail an audition so badly.

“Finding out after that Marlee and Troy were going to play my parents, you can only imagine my excitement.”

The process of auditioning and

PICS: © APPLE TV

Since his first experience acting at just nine-yearsold, Daniel Durant has worked to build his career on stage and on screen.

Now, the award-winning actor is part of a cast increasing visibility of the deaf community around the world

enable

interview being cast only took two weeks, with Daniel then especially excited to work alongside Marlee. To date Marlee is the youngest Oscar winner in the best actress category and the only deaf recipient of an Academy Award since her win in 1987.

“It was a dream come true. I grew up wanting to be an actor so of course I admired Marlee,” enthuses Daniel. “She was like a real mother to us on set, she was so caring and was always making sure we were alright.

“She definitely made our family feel real, not to mention the acting. She was amazing and I learned so much about myself as an actor and how to work on set watching her.”

Alongside Marlee and Troy, Daniel had the opportunity to work with Emilia Jones who plays Ruby in the film. Before being cast, the Welsh actress had little knowledge of the deaf community and no basis of ASL. “She got to have a CODA experience with us in her own way,” reveals Daniel.

“She dove right in and became part of us. She had to learn how to sign, how to sing, how to fish, and how to speak with an American accent.”

With a diverse cast and the relatable story of a family in need of support, it’s unsurprising that CODA has resonated with audiences, winning awards at the Sundance Film Festival, Gotham Independent Film Awards and more.

REPRESENTATION

For Daniel, the film’s accurate representation of the deaf community is a key part of its success.

“When I first read the script, I was so amazed at how authentic it was,” explains Daniel. “Sian did a great job studying deaf culture and I immediately knew this story was going to be great.

“For so long the Deaf community has been overlooked by the hearing community so it was important to see us on screen communicating in our way.

For so long the Deaf community has been overlooked

And at the end of the day, it is just a story about a family and everyone can relate to that.”

The film is now earmarked for more awards and a favourite for the upcoming Oscar nominations, but for Daniel, greater awareness is the best reward.

“It is less about the awards and more about getting people to see the movie,” stresses Daniel. “I think it’s a very special film and I want it to be seen by as many people as possible.

“I hope doors continue to open for deaf actors. I know many talented deaf actors who could use their own opportunities to shine. I also think that

Hollywood thinks it is difficult to have a deaf actor or actors on set, but actually it’s really easy.”

As Daniel prepares to star in the Netflix series Florida Man, he is sure that this growth will continue, he concludes: “I’ve definitely seen more diverse casts in general in streaming and production companies, and I think after CODA it will only continue to grow.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Watch CODA now on Apple TV. Keep up to date with Daniel on Instagram @danielndurant

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The Motability Scheme is administered by Motability Operations Limited (Registered Company No. 1373876), City Gate House, 22 Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HB. The facilities offered are for the hire (bailment) of goods. You will not own the vehicle. Agreement subject to acceptance and age restrictions may apply. The agreement can be terminated early with the consent of Motability Operations Limited and administrative charges may be applicable. Mileage allowance of 20,000 miles per annum over three- or five-year terms. To qualify you must be in receipt of one of, the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA), the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS) or the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP), which will be taken in lieu of the four weekly hire rental. Attendance Allowance is a nonqualifying allowance. Terms and conditions apply and are available on request. Lookers is a trading name of Lookers Motor Group Limited, 3 Etchells Road, West Timperley, Altrincham, WA14 5XS, registered in England & Wales Reg. No. 143470.

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Welcoming 2022 As a new year begins it marks a fresh start and a sense of motivation for many. Notable figures and friends of Enable share their goals for the upcoming year Chloe Smith

Minister for Disabled People

One of my top priorities in 2022 is to ensure the cross-government commitments made in the National Disability Strategy are being met to improve the lives of disabled people and those with long-term health conditions. As we look beyond the pandemic, we hope to see a continuation of the progress we’ve made so far to see one million more disabled people in work by 2027, and I look forward to bringing forward our findings from the Health and Disability Green Paper into a White Paper later this year.

Farah Nazeer

Chief executive at Women’s Aid

In 2022, we want to see violence against women and girls become a priority, so that women are responded to effectively and specialist domestic abuse support services receive the funding they need to help survivors heal. Too many women continue to be belittled, dismissed and disbelieved.

Sophia Warner

Paralympic athlete and founder of Superhero Series

I got really injured from too much running over lockdown and got a stress fracture in my hip. I now have a Hydrow rowing machine and my plan is to use this at least five days a week with the ultimate goal to get out on the water in the summer. This is a huge challenge as I don’t have much use of my left arm and my balance is dreadful!

Euan MacDonald Founder of Euan’s Guide

PICS: ©RICHARD TOWNSHEND; CLAIRE BALLARD; IAN POTTER; DOLLY CLEW

Let’s use 2022 to share the glimmers of hope and the new discoveries disabled people have made in finding fresh places to visit.

While doing this we can all help to make accessible toilets safer too as we hang more Euan’s Guide Red Cord Cards in Britain’s loos.

Grace Spence Green

Junior doctor and disability advocate

I think my new year’s resolution is to first of all be more patient with myself, and secondly to meet some of the wonderful disabled people I’ve met online in real life.

Jack Thorne

Screenwriter and playwright

My new year goal is for a truly accessible television landscape and disabled toilets for all who need them. And if not, for the fight to continue.

Wolverine claws on!

Corinne Hutton

Founder of Finding Your Feet

I'll be starting the new year with the same goals I've had since I lost my limbs to sepsis and started Finding Your Feet charity: to help more and more amputees on their journey.

That, and I'll be looking for another big challenge. I've climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, wing walked and completed the London Triathlon...maybe Enable readers can suggest my next endeavour?

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enable life Ruth Owen

Cassidy Megan

Chief executive of Leonard Cheshire

This year I’m looking forward to continuing vital conversations around social care reforms. I want to make sure disabled people’s voices are heard loud and clear as plans are developed, championing a system that prioritises individual needs and creates more independence and choice for disabled people.

Founder of Purple Day

Don’t Screen Us Out

My new year goal is to see real change for people with Down's syndrome. Alongside continued awareness raising, I would like to see change in law or policy in 2022 so that people with Down’s syndrome can be free of the stereotypes that Down’s syndrome screening programmes in their current form are perpetuating.

Daniel Durant Actor

I want things to continue to open up, and roles to continue to be more and more authentic: you can never be too diverse on screen. Last but not least, everyone needs to stay healthy!

Dr Lisa Cameron

Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Disability and MP for Whitehall

It’s time Parliament started walking the talk, so as Chair of the APPG on Disability, my new year’s goal is to increase equality, diversity and inclusion in Parliament and substantially change the narrative surrounding disability across Whitehall.

Gary Burnham-Jones

Clinics Admiral Nurse at Dementia UK

This year, I'm looking forward to developing my service further in East Sussex - an area which has a much higher than average number of people living with dementia. After a diagnosis, families can feel overwhelmed by the significant changes which dementia can bring. It's an honour to provide that direction and support which so many families need.

Daniele Lul

Co-founder, Parapride

My goal for 2022 is to amplify the voices of the disabled LGBTQ+ community across the UK through Parapride. We want to ensure we continue addressing the lack of inclusion for disabled people, not only through our struggles but especially from our stories of empowerment.

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Samantha Renke Actress, presenter and consultant

I think my goal is just to be kinder to myself: to not compare myself to others or feel guilty for taking breaks or putting my health first.

I also want to get better at setting boundaries because I’m not the best person at doing that.

Janis Winehouse

MS Society ambassador

My wishes are for disabled people’s needs and requirements to be taken more seriously, we are valuable members of society and can offer so much if given the right opportunities, respect and financial help.

Read more resolutions from our interviewees at www.enablemagazine.co.uk

PICS: ©DENIS ROBINSON; NIKKI POWELL; MITCH VALCOURT; NICKY JOHNSTON

Lynn Murray

For 2022 my goals are to continue learning and growing as a person. A large part of this is having Purple Day and epilepsy awareness grow an even bigger presence on a global scale.

I want people to realise that epilepsy is more than just a seizure. We need more awareness of the impact it has on us, our family and friends, the toll it has on our mental health and we need to talk more about SUDEP.

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ON THE JOB

Specialist epilepsy nurse

It is thought that there is less than 500 epilepsy specialist nurses in the UK in comparison to more than 600,000 people living with the condition. Now, there’s fresh calls for dedicated courses in the area

INTEREST

“I was always much more interested in working with people who have multiple and profound disabilities rather than those with mild or moderate disabilities,” explains Phil.

Epilepsy is a common diagnosis for people with a learning disability: around one in five people with a learning disability have the condition. Phil took on the role of an ESN without any formal training and learnt on the job, but worked to build professional skills and a high level of trust with his patients.

Now, having progressed to a consultant role, his days are split between clinical work and being involved with research.

“A typical day in the clinic could now

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also be remote, I see people who have recently been diagnosed, people who have been diagnosed Phil a long time and want to see what more we can do to help them, or emergencies coming into the clinic,” offers Phil. “I am part of several research projects so I may be dealing with everything from data analysis to proposals for projects to writing for academic journals, all sorts of things. I am also a member of the steering group at Epilepsy Research UK.”

EDUCATION

Being part of this steering group means Phil has the chance to advocate for the profession, putting forward calls for more courses and recruitment.

“I’ve got some interest in trying to get more educational courses going, at the moment there isn’t actually an epilepsy course running anywhere in the UK,” reveals Phil.

It is hoped that a new course will launch at Edinburgh Napier University this year, but until additional nurses join the specialist area, current ESNs will be stretched across services. Although this is the case, new methods of liaising with patients could be beneficial to both them and nurses.

“I think there will be a significant amount of remote work going forward,” explains Phil. “It does have some advantages in the fact that you can bring people together from several different locations.

There isn’t actually an epilepsy course running anywhere in the UK “If you think about people with intellectual disabilities, we could be working with the person who is with them in a care home setting then family members are based somewhere else, so this could really open doors for communication.”

Phil expects most clinical appointments to remain in person, but the new landscape in the area and a chance to train additional nurses will create benefits for both patients and ESNs.

PIC: © BEN FONES PHOTOGRAPHY

E

pilepsy specialist nurses (ESNs) play a vital role in the lives of people with the condition, but the career path isn’t a typical one. There are currently no dedicated university degrees in the area, meaning that health boards are often left with few of the vital nurses to run specialist services.

Phil Tittensor is a consultant nurse for the epilepsies for the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust and the chairperson for the Epilepsy Nurses Association. Thought to be one of only two consultants in the sector throughout the country, Phil first trained as a learning disability nurse before taking a role as an ESN due to personal and professional interest.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

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20/10/2021 12:01

A lot of unpaid carers simply don’t recognise the skills they have developed

Recognising

CARERS’ SKILLS While supporting their loved ones, unpaid carers are building a range of skills that could go on to benefit them in the future without even realising

F

rom problem solving to empathy and good communication, unpaid carers are equipped with the transferable skills to suit different jobs in the future. The expertise the UK’s 13.6 million carers are building could lead to a new career after their loved one’s caring needs have changed.

SKILLS

“With caring responsibilities, you are building on a number of skills that could be really useful to employers

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and cater to a lot of jobs,” emphasises Ruth Hendery, a board member at Vocal, an organisation working with unpaid carers across Lothian. “I really think a lot of unpaid carers simply don’t recognise the skills they have developed in that role.”

At different stages in her life, Ruth has been a carer for her son and both of her parents, and spent her professional career working in education. Through all of these roles she has learnt that resilience, organisation and advocacy are just a few examples of the abilities people

enable care

INFLUENCE

with caring experience can have.

“We need to recognise the amazing range of communication skills that they have had to develop in order to be an effective carer: they are working with so many other individuals and organisations and that is a key employability skill,” stresses Ruth.

“These people will be working with other agencies within social care: the Department for Work and Pensions; transport providers; healthcare providers.

“These are not people just sitting around having a chat with their loved ones, they have a wide range of practical skills, behaviour management skills, are able to be prepared, flexible, adaptable and know how to handle problems.”

Regardless of age or previous experience, these skills can be beneficial in a range of settings including employment.

For Ruth, the skills she gained in her caring role as the mother of a disabled child helped to shape her career path, with both responsibilities becoming an important part of her identity.

“I went from working in mainstream schools to special education, right from school level to further education colleges,” remembers Ruth. “Then when my son was leaving his special education school his head teacher was retiring so I went back to take on the role. I have very much professionally mirrored the experience I had as a carer.”

When Ruth retired she had more time and wanted to give something back so began volunteering with Vocal. She believes that work can be a great next step for people with caring experience in order to utilise the skills they have gained.

“I just find it highly rewarding,” admits Ruth. “It sounds a bit weird, but work can act as a sort of therapy: it’s good to find yourself again in another role and think ‘this is something I know how to do’.”

Some careers, like work as a paid carer in a social care setting, can be a great fit for people who were previously unpaid carers, especially if they are unsure of their next steps.

“Caring can lead to doing so many other caring-related jobs in the future,” emphasises Ruth. “I spent a lot of my professional life trying to encourage people that we live in an everchanging world and you just don’t know what’s around the corner.”

In order to create these opportunities for unpaid carers, employers also need to be aware of the wealth of skills they bring to a role.

“I think it’s getting the message across that carers are just as worthy of the investment from an employer than anybody else because carers are well motivated, well organised and have incredible skills whether they recognise it or not,” offers Ruth.

of England in order to build on vital skills and gain insight in to the career opportunities available.

Maggie Asquith is the integrated voluntary services project lead at Lancashire and South Cumbria Health and Care Partnership, and has worked closely with partner organisations to develop the programme.

“The purpose of this project is to give people who we feel have the right attitude and core skills a supported look into care homes, to experience that environment so they can make an informed decision about whether they want to follow that employment path,” explains Maggie.

The project recognises the valuable skills that unpaid carers have, providing a pathway for them to follow after their role has come to an end.

“People who are unpaid carers are generally too busy to be thinking about volunteering, but if they have been an unpaid carer in the past then they have the values that care homes need, they are special people in the community and already have the interest,” reveals Maggie. “Thousands of people do this already but we know we need a lot more and we want to develop that, unpaid carers are people who need to be needed and can make a real difference in these settings.

“Care homes are looking after others and they are doing a really good job for them, it’s something carers can be proud of: they are making a difference to people’s lives and they are a special breed of people.”

People who apply to the pathway will be supported during their 12 weeks in a care home and will have travel expenses covered. At the end of the pathway, the range of skills that participants have built on could lead to a career as a paid carer. Mirroring the skills necessary as an unpaid carer, a career in a care home or another area of social care could be your next steps.

DARE TO CARE

As 2022 begins, a new programme is launching to create opportunities for unpaid carers and other individuals in care homes: Dare to Care. The 12week pathway, which is currently in the pilot phase, will place volunteers in care homes across different parts

FOR MORE INFORMATION To learn more about Dare to Care visit www.healthwatchblackpool.co.uk Find carer support from Vocal (www.vocal.org.uk), Carers UK (www.carersuk.org) and Carers Trust (www.carers.org).

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Caroline Parker MBE

Navigating theatre and COVID as a deaf artist After a turbulent two years, the arts now have a chance to return to the stage in person. Caroline Parker MBE, a deaf artist, actress and comedian, reflects on her virtual performances and how she has adapted theatre to be more accessible

I

n November, I was in a production of Wind and the Willows playing Badger, however, our choreographer, director, stage company manager and four actors all came down with COVID. We were in the beginning of our second week and because of all the PCR tests and chaos, we lost four days of rehearsals.

We took to rehearsing at home over Zoom. Even for a technophobe like myself, online communication is now far less daunting thanks to all my experience during the various lockdowns.

“

I’ve had to adapt my storytelling techniques

“

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ENERGY

Taking work online for audiences in this time has been strange. As a performer, the energy you get through the screen is very different to that of a live audience. I’ve had to adapt my storytelling techniques in a number of ways, learning to perform in a little box, all crunched down. It’s so different: you can’t use big, exaggerated gestures because then the screen will be far too busy, and I have to remember to nod and respond visually instead of just sitting and watching my screen. It’s not always easy when you’re staring at yourself and can’t see anyone else there smiling back and responding.

Being partially-sighted, it’s sometimes a struggle to see people in a tiny box. Luckily, Graeae Theatre gave me a grant to buy a bigger screen so I could lip-read and see others’ sign language more clearly.

REACH

There are upsides to self-isolating: it removes the dreaded commute and my online work is more accessible than ever. I mean, I’ve been able to reach people across the world!

Accessibility is why I created an online course for Storyversity that teaches people to use gesture creatively, with the hopes that we can better educate the hearing community.

I used iconic gestures with my colleagues in Wind in the Willows, helping the theatre to achieve their goal of making the show more accessible to people who are hard-of-hearing.

As we begin 2022, maybe live theatre isn’t back to normal quite yet, but at least now I’m prepared for anything a global pandemic can throw at me.

Nothing beats the energy you get as a performer being in front of a live audience, however, I’ve used my time during lockdowns well and I hope that people across the globe will now be able to learn more about gestures through the training I offer. I am going to miss working in my slippers, though.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Caroline is a tutor on Storyversity (www.storyversity.org), the world’s only online learning platform dedicated to teaching the art of storytelling.

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Understanding

ANXIETY

Whether you are experiencing anxiety for the first time or it is something you have dealt with in the past, it is important to seek support if it begins to affect your day to day life

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spotlight

A

nxiety affects everyone and comes into action when your body has a fight or flight response, but when it begins to take over every day life, it can become a barrier: that’s why recognising feelings of anxiety and seeking support is so important.

RECOGNISING ANXIETY

The symptoms of anxiety can be split into three categories: psychological, physical and behavioural.

Nicky Lidbetter is the chief executive at Anxiety UK, a user-led organisation supporting people who have anxiety, stress, anxiety-based depression or a phobia that is affecting daily life.

“There’s the psychological symptoms like having thoughts of I can’t cope and being worried that you’re losing control,” identifies Nicky. “Along with psychological symptoms, people with anxiety experience physical symptoms and often struggle to understand that.”

Anxiety causes a release of adrenaline, leading to increased heart rate and muscle tension, but there are other physical symptoms that can easily be mistaken for different issues, Nicky explains: “People say they have a sore head all of the time or they constantly feel sick or have no appetite, these can be classic symptoms.

“If you haven’t had anxiety yourself then you don’t understand how awful it can be.”

Your symptoms could be labelled as behavioural if you are doing things differently than usual or not doing things any more out of fear.

Throughout the pandemic, concerns around mental health and wellbeing have risen, and as we enter another year living with this, anxiety is no exception.

“Our long-term study of how the pandemic is affecting people’s mental health indicates that people are feeling

If you haven’t had anxiety yourself then you don’t understand how awful it can be increased anxiety,” explains Jolie Goodman, programmes manager for empowerment and later life at the Mental Health Foundation.

“As a society, we are facing greater uncertainty: huge change, loss for what we probably did not appreciate we had and we feel collectively less safe than we used to.”

CARER SUPPORT

In a time where carers are often faced with extra responsibilities and stress, both their mental and physical health are also at risk.

One support service for carers experiencing anxiety is the Oxfordshire Carer’s Support Service which is run by mental health charity Rethink.

Rosamund Forbes is a mental health recovery worker at the service.

“With the person they are supporting often there is a lot of anxiety around them and the unknown,” sympathises Ros. “It’s different than anxiety for someone who cannot pin point the reason why.

“This anxiety is actually born out of their circumstances and so I think it’s important to normalise it for people: what they’re feeling is a natural response and there’s nothing wrong with them.”

Most healthcare services have now resumed, but carers are still picking up

ANXIETY AND DISABILITY Although anxiety can affect anyone, it can be particularly detrimental to people with existing health conditions.

“Things like auto-immune conditions which flare up and those flares can be triggered by anxiety, once they are triggered it becomes cyclical, the more you are unwell with your illness the more you might feel depressed or anxious,” reveals Nicky.

“Especially for people who have disabilities and long-term conditions, I’m in that camp too and I know from my own living that it’s important to look after your mental health, if you don’t then you pay for it with your physical health.”

If you feel that anxiety is increasing symptoms of your disability, speak to your healthcare provider.

the pieces and dealing with new, additional needs of those that they care for.

“In the giving of care, we can also end up having our own wellbeing eroded and it’s so important to look after yourself,” reinforces Nicky. “It doesn’t have to be formal, it can just be scheduling in time for yourself.”

Ensuring you are healthy as a carer will help you to better care for your loved one or dependant, Ros says: “We do know it’s hard for carers to take time out for themselves and you can’t know what’s going to happen to the person you care for but you can try to keep yourself well.”

REACHING FOR HELP

Without proper help and support, anxiety can lead to further health problems, Ros says: “I always refer to anxiety and depression like a married couple, they always hang out together, so the stress of the anxiety will ultimately lead to depression and it’s a vicious cycle.”

There are many ways to seek support for anxiety and how it is affecting your day-to-day life might influence where you turn to for help.

“It’s good to share your experiences and get tips from others who have been there,” suggests Nicky. “There’s no need to suffer alone, there’s a lot of help and support out there now, we are no longer in the dark ages of mental health.”

A host of organisations exist to support people struggling with mental health problems including anxiety, but alongside these services your first port of call should be your GP. They can rule out any physical conditions that could be contributing to your anxiety and refer you for specialist support.

“Being able to manage stress and challenges will have a positive impact on your overall well-being,” stresses Jolie.

Whether you have previous experiences of anxiety or have recently experienced high levels of anxiety for the first time, it isn’t shameful and you are not alone. Seeking support at an early stage will help you to manage your anxiety and live a normal life.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Anxiety UK www.anxietyuk.org.uk Rethink Mental Illness www.rethink.org Mental Health Foundation www.mentalhealth.org.uk

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MENTAL HEALTH:

GROWING TOGETHER

It’s time to take action around young people’s mental wellbeing and growth

I

n the UK, one in six children and young people have a diagnosable mental health problem and are faced with a host of challenges from bullying to bereavement. This also comes with the stresses and pressures of daily life.

Whether you are a parent, carer or work with children in another capacity, Children’s Mental Health Week opens new avenues to discussing the topic and being part of a change in attitudes and actions.

Taking place from 7 to 13 February, the week, which is run by children’s mental health charity Place2Be, primarily focusses on schools and the

wider community they encompass.

Julia Clements, principal educational psychologist at the organisation, works to promote inclusive practices in schools through workshops for teachers. This includes teachers who work with students with special educational needs and disabilities.

“The mental health needs of these students can tend to get overlooked, so it’s important that school staff are encouraged to have this on their radar and know how to support these students,” insists Julia. “I also work closely with Place2Be counsellors to ensure our counselling is accessible, adapted and appropriate for students with special educational needs.”

IMPROVE

Since its launch in 2015, the week has highlighted a different theme annually, each based around the current issues affecting children and young people across the UK. “Place2Be launched the first Children’s Mental Health Week in 2015 to highlight the importance of children and young people’s mental health.

Throughout the week and beyond, we aim to help improve teachers’, parents’ and carers’ understanding and confidence to promote good mental health for all children and young people,” explains Julia. “The idea of the week has always been to get people involved and talking about children’s mental health,

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and each year we have a theme that helps to drive those conversations.

“Over the years we have covered a wide range of themes such as bravery, kindness and the links between physical and mental health.”

In 2021, it was the biggest Children’s Mental Health Week yet, emphasising the importance of self-expression and its link to mental health with the theme express yourself.

“We had the most engagement we’ve ever had for the week, and we know that the more people involved and talking, the more the week achieves,” admits Julia.

As we approach the awareness event for 2022, Place2Be are celebrating growth. This year’s theme, growing together, is about growing emotionally and finding ways to help others grow.

It encourages children and adults to consider how they’ve grown, and how they can help others to grow now and in the future.

GROWTH

This theme and the surrounding resources reflect the events of the last two years.

The idea of the week has always been to get people involved and talking “During the pandemic, people have sometimes felt a bit stuck or as if their lives have been put on hold,” empathises Julia. “Despite this, many individuals, groups, families and school communities have managed to keep going and keep growing.

“Recent times have reminded us of how much we need others in our lives to help us to keep growing, especially when things get tough. So, we’re encouraging children, adults and school communities to explore how they have grown together, and to celebrate how, even through difficult times, with the right support, they can continue to grow and even flourish.”

While physical growth is easy to see,

emotional growth can be more difficult to measure, but it is just as important in helping us to cope with life’s ups and downs.

“Although life can be tough at times, with the right support, challenges and setbacks can help us to grow and develop,” offers Julia. “By highlighting how much we have all grown it gives us a chance to reflect on how we have overcome the challenges we have faced in our lives.”

STIGMA

In order to create a nurturing, safe environment where children and young people have the opportunity to grow emotionally, the community around them has to encourage the right conversations.

“At Place2Be we take a whole-school approach to mental health. That means that we want all school communities – the students, their teachers and their parent carers - to feel that they can have conversations about mental health,” explains Julia. “This approach to mental health, being able to speak about it in an ordinary, everyday way, will help reduce the shame and stigma that can still surround mental health.

“Reduced stigma and shame can lead to teachers and parent-carers being more open to talking about mental health, and in turn, children and young people will be more empowered to speak up when they need help.”

Destigmatising mental health is important in all areas of society, especially for the disability community who can often face loneliness and isolation. In the lead up to and during the week, there will be dedicated resources to support communities to get involved. These free tools include a social media toolkit to help share the week’s message, with further resources and videos due to be added as the week begins.

Any schools or groups taking part can also add themselves to an interactive map to inspire other people around the country to take part, and to symbolise the growth of conversations on mental health at this time.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Resources for Children’s Mental Health Week are available from www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk and www.place2be.org.uk

26 enablemagazine.co.uk

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Breaking Barriers Whether she’s playing rugby or making videos on social media, Jodie Ounsley is changing people’s perceptions

E

lite rugby player Jodie Ounsley is no stranger to curiosity and questions: she was the first profoundly deaf player to be selected for the England Sevens team. Now, the 20-year-old is using social media platform TikTok to share her journey.

RISK

Jodie’s path to professional sport hasn’t been simple: she didn’t start playing rugby until she was 15-years-old but quickly impressed coaches.

“My rugby career has been a rollercoaster, but I wouldn’t change a thing,” shares Jodie. “The reason why I started later on in life is because of my cochlear implant and the risks.

Individuals are medically advised not to do any contact sports so throwing rugby, an aggressive contact sport, into the equation is not ideal.”

A direct impact to Jodie’s head could dislodge the magnet in the cochlear implant that helps her hear. When her younger brother started playing rugby, Jodie and her parents looked into safety measures that would allow her to play, agreeing on a scrum cap to provide some padding to her head during games.

“This isn’t 100% safe, it’s just my decision to take this risk and play the sport I love,” reveals Jodie. “Five years later, I am the first deaf female rugby

It’s just my decision to take this risk and play the sport I love

player to represent England Sevens and I’m working hard towards my dream of competing at the Olympics.”

NOT JUST ANYONE

Jodie has always had a passion for sharing her story, having previously launched Not Just Anyone (www.notjustanyone.co.uk), what she describes as a positive platform sharing human stories. Now, Jodie is talking about being a profoundly deaf rugby player on TikTok. “Being profoundly deaf from birth, as a child I soon developed a determined mindset to overcome barriers and succeed,” reveals Jodie. “Some would say this was a disability, but in actual fact, this has become my strength and given me the opportunity to connect and reach out to people across the globe.

“The impact of connecting and sharing our own stories is incredibly powerful in my eyes, with the potential to inspire others to be curious and push themselves beyond comfort with the knowledge that anything is possible.”

Disabled creators have a strong presence on TikTok and Jodie now has more than 65,000 fans and 2.9 million likes on her profile.

“I assumed TikTok was all young girls doing dancing trends, but I thought I would try and share a little bit about my story and spread deaf awareness the same way I do on my other social media platforms,” remembers Jodie.

“The feedback I got was incredible.

Most of my supporters are parents of young deaf children or individuals who have never come across a deaf person and are genuinely intrigued to learn more.

“I don’t think we should underestimate the volume of people who use TikTok these days and how powerful it can be.”

As she continues to use social media as a positive tool, Jodie is returning

to play with the England Sevens in 2022 while working towards the 2022 Common Wealth Games and the 2022 Rugby World Cup Sevens in South Africa.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Learn more about Jodie’s experience playing professional rugby on TikTok @jodieounsley

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Tim Rushby-Smith

Time to get real In his latest column, Tim Rushby-Smith discusses the use of non-disabled models in photoshoots depicting disability, asking why the practice is considered acceptable

T

here’s an issue that has been nagging at me for a number of years now.

At least once a week, I’ll find myself staring at an image and thinking to myself, ‘you’re not a wheelchair user.’ To be clear, this isn’t when I’m looking at a professional footballer, or the cast of Hamilton.

For this thought to appear, the subject has to be sitting in an actual wheelchair.

DOUBT

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Tim

UNACCEPTABLE

It’s a fun game. You should try it sometime. Once you start to look, you’ll find the media swimming with images of similarly suspect representations of disability. The same cheap wheelchair will contain a model at a bus stop, at the bottom of a flight of stairs, in an office, on the beach, etc. If you want proof, simply search for stock images of disability and see what comes up.

There are plenty of genuine images, but somehow, they don’t seem to make the cut quite as often as the howlers.

Now, I appreciate that picture editors are busy people. If you are up against a deadline, it’s easy to just grab whatever your stock image catalogue spits out.

But ask yourself this: if the issue in question was race, would images of someone pretending to be that which they are not be considered acceptable?

People with disabilities are underrepresented in the images we see every day. It’s time this issue was addressed.

“

People with disabilities are under-represented in the images we see every day

“

A few years back, this nagging doubt came to the fore when a national newspaper illustrated an article I’d written with the image of a man in a wheelchair sitting on what appeared to be the summit of a mountain.

‘Curious’, I thought...when I dug a little deeper, I found other images from the same photographer, including several of a climber tackling a cliff face. Lo and behold, the model was the same man who is sat in a wheelchair in the image that accompanied my words.

Since then, I have seen hundreds of images that look equally dubious.

I recently saw a call for people to share their experiences of household adaptations for people with disabilities, and this time the image showed a man in a wheelchair putting clothes in a washing machine. The model had legs with considerably more muscle tone than mine. Well, I know wheelchair users with similarly proportioned legs. He was bent forward without support, so obviously using his core. Again, I know wheelchair users who can do this. But, the wheelchair that this very active ‘wheelchair user’ was sitting in was a cheap transit chair with large armrests that was clearly far too small for him. On balance, I’m going to call this as an able-bodied model sitting in a hired wheelchair.

Follow Tim on social media on Twitter @Trushbys, and on Instagram @trushbys.art

SEEING INVISIBLE DISABILITIES Making up 85 per cent of disabilities, hidden illnesses can come with stigma and a battle to have your voice heard. Better understanding of how they affect day to day life can make a big difference YANNICK Colitis Having experienced digestive issues throughout his teens, Yannick felt ashamed to talk about his painful experiences, only reaching out for medical advice after losing a substantial amount of blood while away on a trip.

After opening up to his doctor, he received a diagnosis of colitis.

“It’s a topic that’s shameful and you don’t really want to talk about it,” admits Yannick. “I didn’t know anything about the condition, you get information papers about the disease but there’s not really a platform for people to share their experiences.

“I think in general there needs to be

32 enablemagazine.co.uk

more openness when talking about digestion, complications and this disease, what it does to your body and to your mind.”

Yannick has found the people around him don’t always understand how unwell he might be, or how it affects his daily life.

“A big aspect of this disease is you develop this fear of certain foods, you feel so responsible for your wellbeing and your body, like if I’m still not getting better then I give myself the blame for that,” shares Yannick. “When an illness is invisible you don’t really see how people are suffering, especially when the topic is about digestion and going to the loo, you don’t talk about it and so even my friends didn’t know what I was dealing with.”

For Yannick this has sometimes meant that his friends don’t know what to do when he is sick or can’t attend social

events which can be hard to deal with emotionally.

“There is a lack of understanding in society of how limited you are in your movement and in your energy,” explains Yannick. “It would be a great relief for people working, for people studying, for others to understand that when you’re sick, you’re not just laying around and watching TV: you’re dealing with the disease.”

It’s a topic that’s shameful and you don’t really want to talk about it

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CHRISTINE AND CLARE Epilepsy When Christine, who is now in her 30s, was just a few months old, her mother Clare was told that she had epilepsy.

With even less awareness around hidden illnesses at this time, Clare was met with stigma from this diagnosis.

She has seen this improve as Christine has gotten older and undergone multiple operations, including the removal of her temporal lobe in an effort to reduce her seizures.

“The first doctor or neurologist that I saw said that it was the ‘e word’, they didn’t want to mention the word epilepsy because of the stigma involved,” remembers Clare. “In that moment I thought I’m going to tell everybody and anybody about this condition.”

As Christine grew up and became more independent, awareness and understanding of epilepsy increased and she feels she hasn’t experienced personal prejudice when out and about.

“It’s more at times when she’s fallen, some people think she’s fainted

because of the types of seizures that she has,” explains Clare. “Perhaps the downside of that is if I’ve not been with her somebody will phone an ambulance and they just say she’s fallen.

“If she’s had a seizure then she’s likely to have more and she needs a blue light, but if they’re told she’s fallen it could be 40 minutes for an ambulance to come.”

Rather than experiencing direct judgement from others, Christine sometimes finds herself worried that people see her using her blue badge or an accessible toilet and wonder why she could possibly need these.

“I’m also registered as a carer so we can go places where we get the entrance like a two for one,” explains Clare. “You can sometimes see people looking and wondering who the carer is in this situation.”

Clare and Christine feel that the use of sunflower lanyards has helped people understand in recent years, especially during the pandemic.

“It’s another way of identifying that perhaps there is a reason why someone isn’t wearing a mask or why they’re parking here.”

CHLOE Colitis

I had years of being told that I was imagining it

When Chloe was 11-years-old she began experiencing issues with her digestion, from this point it took 10 years for her to receive a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis which led to life-changing consequences that may have been avoided if she received treatment faster.

“I had years of being told that I was imagining it, that it wasn’t there and then all of a sudden I was told it might kill you so we have to do something drastic,” reveals Chloe.

After her diagnosis, Chloe spent three weeks in hospital receiving treatment normally used in chemotherapy in an attempt to save her colon, but after this failed she had to have it removed.

“It was very quick, I had no real time to process it and I was only 20 years old,” remembers Chloe. “When I got the diagnosis I was crying out of relief more than anything because I knew I hadn’t been making this up, there was actually something wrong with me and it hadn’t all been in my head.”

Since her first surgery, Chloe has undergone three more operations to refashion her stoma, but has gone on to live a full, active life: something she didn’t think

You can sometimes see people looking and wondering who the carer is in this situation

would be possible.

“I do pole fitness and now I’m an instructor and I’ve gone on to do all of that after surgery,” reveals Chloe. “I thought I wouldn’t be able to touch my toes again but I can touch them upside down behind my head.”

Now, Chloe wants other people to see that there is life after a diagnosis, highlighting her journey with the condition on Instagram (@cocoluxx_pole) and TikTok (@coco_luxx).

“I think knowing that other people have these conditions or invisible illnesses and disabilities helps to know that you’re not alone, because it can be really isolating,” admits Chloe. “I wanted to make a difference and I wanted to make sure that if people go to Instagram and search for Crohn’s and Colitis they see someone who’s living their life.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Find out more about invisible disabilities from organisations including Crohn’s and Colitis UK (www.crohnsandcolitis.org.uk), Diabetes UK (www.diabetes.org.uk), The Brain Charity (www.thebraincharity.org.uk) and Epilepsy Action (epilepsy.org.uk).

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33

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enable health

Technology in therapy Through technological advances, new types of treatments and therapies are constantly being created. Using virtual reality, one clinic is helping people to regain their dignity and independence

U

sing three different machines, the Brain And Spinal Injury Centre (BASIC) is rebuilding lives through virtual rehabilitation.

Treatment using the revolutionary technology is dubbed AIR accelerated interactive recovery – and consists of the CAREN, the C-Mill and the DYNSTABLE. Together, the machines offer children, young people and adults with neurological injuries or conditions specialist treatment through virtual reality (VR).

TOOLKIT

Sylvia Moss, a neuro-physiotherapist at the centre, works with patients to rebuild strength, balance and Sylvia Moss

confidence using the machines.

“When it first arrived and we started the training I was very sceptical of it, I thought that it couldn’t possibly replace one-to-one, hands on therapy, but I soon realised it’s another toolkit that we have to draw from and we are seeing very good results coming through now,” shares Sylvia. “You can simulate anything from going for a walk on a bridge or in the forest, to steering a sailing boat, and it can measure balance on top of that.”

The Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment, or CAREN, is a multi-sensory VR system to help with back pain, posture, balance, spinal stability and motor control. It puts patients at the helm of real-life

activities using a harness, treadmill and 180-degree extended screen, allowing physiotherapists to rewire connections in the brain and improve the chances of recovery after a brain injury, spinal injury or stroke.

By recording 300 muscle elements in real time, the CAREN also gives an immediate assessment to the physiotherapist and client.

“Feedback from our clients is that it’s motivational and because you get that feedback immediately, it actually enhances their desire to try more,” reveals Sylvia. “Our clients could have been told that they might not be able to walk again or might not be able to use their arm again. Here we are giving them further opportunities to enhance their recovery.”

Patients can be referred to the centre or get in touch privately, benefitting from the C-Mill, an interactive treadmill, and the DYNSTABLE, a balance platform combined with VR, as well as the CAREN.

ESSENTIAL

Maureen, who had a pre-existing brain condition and then experienced

It’s going to be another toolkit towards making patients happy

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35

PIC: © BASIC CHARITY

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The CAREN

stroke-like symptoms as a result, came to the centre before the VR therapy was available. Maureen had previously received six weeks of physiotherapy in another healthcare setting but struggled with her balance and tasks like walking.

“BASIC saved us, before that Maureen was in a wheelchair and the support we got was just brilliant,” explains Maureen’s husband and carer, Richard. “I think one of the main things that came out of it before the VR therapy was the community of people we met who were stroke, spinal injury and brain injury victims.

“That was a very important part in Maureen’s recovery because she realised all these people were having difficulty as well and she could also exchange her experiences with them.”

Community can be an important tool after a brain or spinal injury, reducing isolation for patients.

“I started with the VR therapy as soon as they got the machines,” recalls Maureen. “The CAREN machine enabled me to walk and avoid objects and the best thing was going on the DYNSTABLE machine because my balance was very bad before.

“I’m now able to have a shower properly, avoid objects when I’m

36 enablemagazine.co.uk

walking, just simple things that make a big difference to my daily life.”

The use of VR therapy has given Maureen some of her independence back, and for her, has been more beneficial than regular physiotherapy by itself.

“It was absolutely vital in restoring her balance and confidence,” reveals Richard. “I cannot imagine how that would be simulated by a physio alone.”

FUTURE OF THERAPY

Having once been sceptical herself, Sylvia now understands how physiotherapists can utilise technology like this to enhance therapy and recovery.

“We can explore balance in much greater detail and without having the need for two to three therapists, you only need one therapist that can go on the machine with the client,” highlights Sylvia. “All these machines have harnesses and are a safe environment to take recovery further with patients, they take it beyond what you can do in a normal physiotherapy session.”

Due to these safety features, some of the technology can even be used by wheelchair users to replicate real-life settings and challenges. Now, Sylvia and patients like Maureen would like

to see the technology become more widely available, to give people greater prospects during recovery.

“The VR machine should be available for everybody, it’s so helpful. It helps with my cognitive skills too because my vision has been impacted,” explains Maureen.

The technology could also go on to benefit physiotherapists themselves.

“I think it’s going to be another toolkit towards making patients happy and the thing is we don’t have enough physiotherapists overall in the industry, technology like this allows us to look at opportunities where they can practise more and more independently,” enthuses Sylvia.

In 2021, physiotherapists were on the UK Government’s healthcare and education shortage occupations list for all areas of the UK. VR therapy could be part of the solution in providing quality care during recovery for patients who have experienced a brain injury, spinal injury or stroke.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Get support after a brain or spinal injury from BASIC (www.basiccharity.org.uk), the Spinal Injuries Association (www.spinal.co.uk) and Headway (www.headway.org.uk).

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enable life

thediary 14 JANUARY MANCHESTER JOBS FAIR

Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester www.thejobfairs.co.uk With a mix of employers from all industries attending, the Manchester Jobs Fair is a great way to see what opportunities are available in your local area and to speak to employers about what support they provide in the workplace. Attendance is free and people are encouraged to bring their CV in order to find the right role for them. Job fairs are a great way to connect with employers face to face to understand if they can provide any adjustments you need to thrive in your career.

1 FEBRUARY DIGNITY ACTION DAY

Nationwide www.dignityincare.org.uk Dignity Action Day gives people the chance to uphold people’s rights to dignity when receiving care. The day aims to ensure people who use care services are treated as individuals and are given choice, control and a sense of purpose in their daily lives. On 1 February, health and social care workers will be asked to promote dignity in their place of work, with resources available from the Dignity in Care website to support this.

9 FEBRUARY OTAC EXETER

Exeter Racecourse www.otac.org.uk An essential day out for occupational therapists in and around Exeter, the Occupational Therapy Adaptation Conference (OTAC) showcases the latest equipment, adaptation guidance and the latest developments in the sector to aid your day to day practice. The event will include exhibitor stands, workshops, CPD accredited seminars and training sessions, offering an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge in specialist areas.

Events to keep you busy during 2022

JANUARY 17 JANUARY BREW MONDAY 2022

Nationwide www.samaritans.org As the winter weather takes over, Brew Monday is the perfect chance to catch up with loved ones over a cuppa. The annual campaign by mental health charity Samaritans falls on the so-called Blue Monday annually, the date thought to be the saddest day of the year. Brew Monday changes the tone of this Monday, encouraging the public to get together to combat mental health problems by having an open conversation over a cup of tea.

FEBRUARY 1-2 FEBRUARY SEXUALITY, RELATIONSHIPS AND AUTISM

Online www.autism.org.uk

This online course from the National Autistic Society will develop the notion of the ‘listening professional’ in order to generate strategies to answer questions, respond to behaviours and address sexuality in an appropriate and effective way for autistic people.

Perfect for professionals working with this community, the course will further your understanding of how to enable autistic people to have healthy and successful relationships and sexual experiences.

15-16 FEBRUARY INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON DISABILITY AND DIVERSITY

Online www.waset.org

The International Conference on Disability and Diversity aims to bring together leading academic scientists, researchers and scholars to share their experiences and research around disability and diversity. The conference provides an interdisciplinary platform for these groups to present and discuss the most recent innovations, trends and concerns in this area, along with any practical challenges they have encountered and solutions to these.

If you have any events coming up in March or April 2022 email us at diary@enablemagazine.co.uk with the details for inclusion in next issue’s diary.

38 enablemagazine.co.uk

Weekly Welcomes

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If you are: A parent/carer new to a child with Cerebral Palsy An adult living with CP or other neurological conditions A Case Manager or Health Visitor who wishes to know how we can help you, or those you care for, be enabled to maximise potential then please contact us to see how we can help.

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Audio described, BSL-integrated, captioned and chilled performances available.

Book now rsc.org.uk

The work of the RSC is supported by the Culture Recovery Fund

SEEKING

Family

support

A good support network can be a lifeline for parents, but this comes with a need for honesty and effective communication

S

upport from family can provide the opportunity for respite or just a listening ear for parents, but getting the right help is dependent on being open and honest about your child’s condition and needs.

“Sadly, so often we speak to a mum, dad or carer who have felt so exhausted from fighting to get support for their child that they have lost hope.

This might be for respite, education, fighting for a diagnosis or medical or financial issues: the list is endless really,” empathises Anna Wells, first contact team officer at Family Fund. “Families need to know that the help is out there, as it can be a lonely and isolating time raising a disabled child.

“Having someone to speak to, who can recognise the challenges they face is so important.”

REACHING OUT

This support can be especially helpful during or after receiving a diagnosis for your child, a time which can cause uncertainty and anxiety.

“It can be frightening and overwhelming finding out a child has a disability. Families sometimes feel alone and isolated. They are anxious to know about their child’s condition and how to help and get support for them,” explains Shona Chambers from Contact. “We know that knowledge is power and we are here to guide families through what can be a confusing system of support.

“Family support works together with respite to help families cope with the

40 enablemagazine.co.uk

challenges they face. There is a wealth of research that shows that respite is crucial in stopping families reach crisis point.”

It can be difficult to start these conversations, but they are essential to your wellbeing as a parent, in turn helping you better support and care for your child.

“I think in the first instance, a parent or carer needs to step back and think about everything they do throughout their day and the stresses that they face. So often, these activities become just a part of normal life and routine that it can become difficult to recognise that yes, actually this can be hard work and is not something that another family may go through daily,” suggests Anna. “A good place to start would be to try and think about what element is currently putting the most pressure on their family.

“Is it the child’s behaviour needs, for example, sleep deprivation or the financial strain of raising a disabled child? We often get people saying that they feel bad for asking for support, as there are people far worse off than they are. We really do not want people to feel this way. Every family’s struggles and challenges are just as important to us.”

This support can also come from charities like Contact and Family Fund.

Getting in touch with the Contact Listening Ear Service is a great first step for parents who feel worried or uncertain after a diagnosis.

“Parents and carers talk to us at

length during the hour-long sessions.

There is no judgement,” offers Shona.

“Parents can offload, sometimes they rant, sometimes they cry, sometimes we just listen, sometimes we talk seriously and sometimes we laugh together too.”

SHARING

One parent who has been on this journey is Emma Clarke, whose fouryear-old daughter Kourtney has a rare genetic condition called 10q26.3 deletion syndrome and a host of secondary diagnoses.

“It wasn’t until she was active at nine months old that we got a diagnosis and they classed Kourtney as a child with a development delay,” explains Emma.

“It takes a good minute as a mother or father to really understand.

“We had to learn to digest what was going on with Kourtney and it did take us a while to have those conversations with family members.”

As Kourtney’s condition was so rare,

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it was difficult to find anyone in the local area to relate to, making family support even more vital.

“We just sat everyone down and said this is what’s going on with Kourtney and we showed them the information that we received from the relevant support group at the time,”

Family support works together with respite to help families cope

remembers Emma. “We had those awkward, difficult conversations but we always said if you want to ask us questions then please do and we will try to explain it.”

Luckily, the healthcare professionals on Kourtney’s team embraced the family dynamic, allowing grandparents, aunties and uncles to attend the same workshops and classes as her parents so that they could all provide the best support.

COMMUNITY

Through their experiences, Emma knows how little specialist support is available for families of children with rare chromosomal disorders and decided to create her own community.

“When I had no idea what was going on with my child and I needed support but I couldn’t find it, that’s when I decided to start my Instagram account,” recalls Emma. “It’s not about the comments or about the amount of

people that I want to follow Kourtney’s journey, we want to be able to spread that as far as we can to educate people and help them understand.

“These people have become like our network that we can have conversations with about what we’re going through every day and they give us ideas.”

Through conversations with those closest to them, and by building a wider network using social media, the family is now on the way to having the right support around them. This can be a lifeline at a vulnerable time like diagnosis, and provide key respite breaks when you need it most as a parent carer.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Find support from Contact (www.contact.org.uk) or Family Fund (www.familyfund.org.uk), and follow Emma and Kourtney’s journey on Instagram @thatkidkoko

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41

enable life

EASY READ:

THE HAIRY BIKERS’

STUFFED PASTA SHELLS

This recipe from the Hairy Bikers is quick and delicious

RECIPE

YOU WILL NEED 200g large pasta shells 1 portion of tomato sauce 4 tablespoons olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 1 small courgette, grated 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 garlic clove, cut in half 2 rosemary sprigs, finely chopped 100g almonds, finely chopped 75g breadcrumbs Zest and juice of 1 lemon 300g spinach, wilted Handful of basil, shredded Salt and black pepper

42 enablemagazine.co.uk

STEPS

1. Chop and grate all ingredients.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a frying pan. Add onion and cook until soft.

3. Add the courgette and cook until wilted, then add finely chopped garlic and rosemary.

Cook for another 2 minutes.

4. Remove mixture from heat and put into a bowl until cool.

5. Add more olive oil to the pan and add the almonds and 25g of the breadcrumbs. Toast on a medium heat until lightly toasted then remove from heat and leave to cool.

6. Mix with the onion and courgette mixture, then add the lemon zest, juice, spinach and some basil. Season with salt and pepper and mix.

7. Cook pasta in salted water until it is just slightly hard. Drain and rinse under cold water until it is cool enough to touch.

8. In your frying pan heat the rest of your olive oil and add the

With simple, easy to follow instructions, this recipe can be used by anyone

cut in half garlic clove. Fry for two minutes, remove the garlic and then add the rest of your breadcrumbs and almonds. Stir and cook until lightly toasted then season, remove from heat and add the rest of your basil.

9. Preheat the oven to 200°C/Fan 180°C /Gas 6.

10. Lightly grease a large oven dish with oil. Stuff each shell with a heaped teaspoon of the courgette mixture and place them in the oven dish.

11. Pour the tomato sauce over the pasta and sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top.

12. Bake for 30 minutes until the top is crispy and the pasta is piping hot.

The Hairy Bikers’ Veggie Feasts

by Si King and Dave Myers is published by Seven Dials in hardback at £22, photography by Andrew Hayes-Watkins

PIC: © ANDREW HAYES-WATKINS

T

he Hairy Bikers’ Stuffed Pasta Shells is a great recipe which can be made vegetarian, or you can add your favourite meat or additional vegetables so that it suits your taste. With simple, easy to follow instructions, this recipe can be used by anyone whether they are new to the kitchen or a seasoned cook.

If you are worried about using the cooking equipment required, like the grater, a knife or the hob, ask a carer or loved one for assistance.

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43

The eagerly awaited Sirus VW Caddy 5 has arrived.

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VW Quality:

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• Brand new slick and sporty Caddy Maxi Life body shape

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• The latest technology including Voice Control

• F lat floor throughout for ease when entering and exiting

• A fresh platform derived from the latest VW Golf

Reserve your VW Caddy now and book a free home demonstration from January 2022.

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enable life

NEW YEAR NEW HOBBY Get involved with a new interest or activity as we begin a new year with inspiration from our top picks

WILD SWIMMING As we look forward to the spring months, you could take up outdoor swimming in 2022. The hobby has become more popular in recent years and is thought to come with benefits like increased mental wellbeing, better sleep and a boosted immune system.

It is important to plan ahead to ensure you are safe when swimming outdoors.

Always do this in a group, consider what parking and accessible changing rooms are nearby, and what assistance you might need. Local groups are popping up across the UK, but online communities like the Adaptive/Disabled Open Water Swimmers (ADOWS) group on Facebook (www.facebook.com) are bringing people together to ensure the hobby is accessible and safe.

VOLUNTEERING With thousands of opportunities available throughout the UK, anyone can volunteer in their local area or from home. Perfect for carers and people living with a disability, your experiences and transferable skills could make you a great candidate for volunteering opportunities like befriending or becoming an advocate for a disability-specific charity.

There are a range of organisations that can help you to find the right position.

Volunteering Matters (www.volunteeringmatters.org.uk), Reach Volunteering (www.reachvolunteering.org.uk) and NCVO (www.ncvo.org.uk) all provide search engines for this purpose, or you could contact a local charity shop or day centre to see if they need support.

KNITTING Did you know knitting is extremely adaptable? Alongside traditional knitting needles, adaptive tools are available to make the activity easier for people of different abilities like knitting forks and knitting circles which can reduce the need for hand movement, and stitch counters to help you keep track while you follow a pattern.

The pastime is great for aiding the development or maintenance of cognitive skills, and you could even find a community online or in person to share this hobby with. In recent years, knitting patterns have become more accessible with websites like the Accessible Patterns Index (www.accessiblepatternsindex.com) and Yarn Database (www.yarndatabase. com) providing patterns that are lowvision and screen reader friendly.

CRICKET With clubs available for people at all levels, cricket has a host of benefits from increased physical and mental health which can improve how you feel on a daily basis, to being part of a strong community. The England and Wales Cricket Board (www.ecb.co.uk) has recently launched the Disability Cricket Champions Clubs programme, supporting cricket clubs to open their doors to the disability community.

Over 100 clubs across England and Wales are involved in the programme, with opportunities at grassroots level right through to professional teams.

Some of the clubs involved are tailoring programmes for blind and visually impaired children, providing the chance to start a new hobby for all ages.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Find accessible sports clubs through Parasport (www.parasport.org.uk) and venues using Euan’s Guide (www.euansguide.com).

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45

enable competition

WIN

AN AMAZON ECHO DOT Build independence with a chance to win a smart speaker

G

et independent in 2022 with our exciting prize. This issue, we’re giving readers the chance to win an Amazon Echo Dot. Accessible technology is the future and smart speakers with virtual assistants can provide vital support to people living with a disability. The Echo Dot, complete with Alexa, can help you take control of your day and simplify your routine.

With the latest Echo from Amazon, you can use your voice to ask Alexa to play a song, artist or genre, set timers, make lists, create reminders, or to search the web handsfree. The smart speaker can also check the traffic and weather, tell you the news, and is compatible with thousands of Alexa skills, such as the TV Guide.

The Echo Dot is a great product for people living with a disability, providing an excellent source of support, ideal for building independence. Plus, with a simple voice command, you can enjoy entertainment such as radio, podcasts, music streaming and even control your home using compatible smart home devices. You could switch on a lamp, dim the lights or adjust your thermostat without ever leaving your sofa.

The device is designed to protect your privacy while offering support.

Each speaker has a microphone off button that electronically disconnects the microphone so you are in full control.

All this plus the sleek, compact design of the Echo Dot means that it looks good in any room and can fit perfectly into small spaces.

HOW TO ENTER

To be in with the chance of winning this prize, simply send us your name, contact details and where you picked up your copy of Enable to competitions@dcpublishing.co.uk quoting Echo Dot. Or visit the Enable website and enter online at www.enablemagazine.com/echodot22 All entries must be received by Monday 28 February 2022. Good luck!

TERMS AND CONDITIONS: All entries must be received by Monday 28 February 2022. The prize is one Echo Dot which will be sent to the winner. The contents of the prize may differ from the images and descriptions included here. The prize is non-transferable, non-refundable, there is no cash alternative and cannot be sold to another party. One entry per household. The publisher’s decision is final.

46 enablemagazine.co.uk

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Stay somewhere special

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Mobile hoist Specialist equipment Roll in wetroom shower

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HOLIDAYS

CLOSE TO HOME F

Providing an opportunity to relax, unwind and discover new places, a staycation could be the perfect getaway

rom city breaks to country retreats, the UK’s many destinations are popular with travellers from around the world and can be perfect for a break close to home. A staycation comes with the benefit of less travel and could mean you save money on future trips.

LOVELY LAKES If you aren’t sure whether to escape to the country or spend some time by the water, a holiday near the lakes could be a perfect fit. The UK is home to some of the world’s most famous lakes like Lake Windermere, Coniston Water and Kielder Water.

Perfect for nature lovers or book bugs, the Lake District is situated in northwest England and has more than 2,300 square kilometres to explore. Famous for its many lakes, rugged mountains and literary history, the area is a great place to visit all year round.

Classified as a National Park, the Lake District’s irregular landscape is still accessible no matter your ability

or needs. Cumbria Tourism (www. cumbriatourism.org) provide information on accessible accommodation in the area from self-catering cottages and hotels to campsites. While you’re there, you could use one of 48 easy-access routes to take in the scenery. The routes, dubbed miles without stiles, are suitable for

IN THE CITY A city break is the perfect getaway if you like to travel all year round and fit some shopping in between sightseeing.

Known to be one of the most accessible cities in the UK with a wealth of accessible taxis and high-quality standards for attractions, Liverpool (www. visitliverpool.com) is the fifth largest metropolitan area in the UK. The city boasts many inclusive attractions like the Museum of Liverpool which has braille guides for people who are visually

48 enablemagazine.co.uk

impaired, and the World Museum which has previously been rated as the third most accessible UK tourist attraction.

Anfield (www.liverpoolfc.com), the home of Liverpool Football Club, has a reputation for being an accessible destination for football fans with wheelchair spaces in the stadium accommodating up to two personal assistants, ambulant and easy access in multiple stands, two Changing Places facilities and complimentary headsets for visually impaired supporters.

people with limited mobility, wheelchair users, pushchairs and people with visual impairments.

Based near Keswick, the Calvert Trust (www.calvert-trust.org.uk) centre in the area provides a range of outdoor activities for children and adults with a range of disabilities.

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Respite breaks with Revitalise

BY THE SEA Go just a few hours from home and you could mistake one of the UK’s many coasts for somewhere farther afield. Including islands, the coastline of Great Britain spans more than 31,000 kilometres.

Arguably the UK’s most well-known staycation spot, there’s good reason why Cornwall is so popular. The coastal area can be explored by train or by car and has a range of accessible places to visit. The dedicated Disability Cornwall website (www.disabilitycornwall.org. uk) highlights accessible activities and provides information on sand chair

rental so you can enjoy the more than 300 beaches in the region.

There are plenty of wide, level paths in the area including the two mile stretch of South West Coast Path between Penzance and Marazion, the Camel Trail cycle path and the Pentire Haven trail which has been updated for easy wheelchair access.

Cornwall has more to offer than coastal views and great beaches: there’s woodland and gardens to explore, including Trebah Garden with 80 per cent of the attraction accessible by car, and the Eden Project, a global garden housed in tropical biomes.

The UK’s many destinations are popular with travellers from around the world

Providing a comforting break during times of need, Revitalise offer fun and relaxing respite holidays for disabled people and their carers to help tackle isolation and loneliness.

After the loss of his wife Sheila, John found comfort in the familiar faces of the holiday provider after previously visiting together.

John, who is a wheelchair user, has been a frequent Revitalise guest for fifteen years. The holidays have given him the opportunity to meet new people and form connections.

“I come here because it really gives me a break to just relax and be carefree. The staff are always amazing, I have established really close ties with the team here,” says John. “Especially during the death of my wife, the kindness and support the Revitalise team offered me was a lifeline. They were really here for me during my most challenging and difficult time.”

Revitalise has been supportive for John throughout the years, providing a change of scenery and environment.

“They are always at hand to help with any queries and issues,” explains John. “In February I felt a bit down and depressed and called for a last minute holiday, they really accommodated me.”

With purpose-built holiday centres in Essex and Southport, Revitalise offers disabled people a great holiday experience, backed up by the reassurance of expert care, alongside activities, live evening entertainment and quality fullboard hospitality.

Find out more about Revitalise online (www.revitalise.org.uk) or contact their team by calling 0303 303 0145 or emailing info@revitalise.org.uk

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Discover more staycation ideas through Visit Scotland (www.visitscotland.com), Visit England (www.visitengland.com) and Visit Wales (www.visitwales.com).

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49

Denis Duncan House

A fully accessible holiday home in Dirleton, East Lothian provided by national respite charity, Leuchie House.

Three bedrooms including one accessible bedroom with twin profiling beds Overhead hoist from bedroom to en-suite bathroom Height adjustable wash basin and Clos-o-Mat toilet, hi-lo bath and full size wheel-in shower Height adjustable kitchen including hob and sink

Dirleton is situated on the Firth of Forth, between the Scottish capital of Edinburgh and the pretty coastal town of North Berwick.

For booking & availability

www.denisduncanhouse.co.uk Leuchie is a charity registered in Scotland no SC042249

Meadowsweet Bungalow Chipping Campden’s history in stone is the Cotswolds’ hidden gem - an idyllic centre for easy access to the local towns and villages, Stratford, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Oxford, Warwick & Worcester, etc.

George Barn is within no more than a 7 to 8 minute walk to the curved High Street, its inns, restaurants, shops & attractions.

Michael Haines George Barn, Blind Lane, AA 4—Star Self catering

Chipping Campden, Glos. GL55 6ED Mobile/Text: 07889 649812

Beautifully presented modern self-catering bungalow with spectacular views. Fully accessible for wheelchair users, with specialist equipment. Sleeps 5.

Meadowsweet is near Kilmartin Glen, in the Moine Mhor National Nature Reserve. Heating and linen is provided. Fibre broadband, BT TV and WiFi. • Level drive and ramp • Theraposture Profiling bed • Oxford Mini 140 hoist

• Freeway Tilting Shower Chair • Fully adapted wet room • Wide doors, spacious rooms

Email: info@cotswoldcharm.com Visit our website: www.cotswoldcharm.com

Ruth Bebb ruthbebb@btinternet.com

www.meadowsweetbungalow.co.uk

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HEATING your home T

hroughout the last two years financial pressure has been at an all-time high for many families, but as we enter the peak of winter and the nights get colder, some people might be concerned about the cost of energy bills.

COST

Over the last three months, the cost of energy has risen, leaving many people concerned about heating their homes during the winter. While this rise is expected to continue until 2023, there is financial support available to help you with this.

Ensuring your home is warm is essential to keep you healthy and safe, especially if you have a condition where symptoms are worsened by cold weather. You could be eligible for certain benefits, grants and help offered by the government or energy suppliers.

The most well-known support measure is the Warm Home Discount Scheme which gives those eligible £140 off their electricity bill or a voucher of the same value for a prepayment meter.

You can get this help if you are on certain benefits or have a low income.

You could also be eligible for Winter Fuel Payments or Cold Weather Payments. The Winter Fuel Payment is a one-off, annual payment to help with the cost of your heating during the winter, but how much you get will depend on your individual circumstances.

If you receive pension credit, income support, jobseeker’s allowance, employment and support allowance or universal credit, you could receive

As we enter the middle of winter and energy prices continue to rise, the idea of growing bills can be daunting

a payment each time the temperature drops for a prolonged period of time. All of these schemes are controlled by the UK Government (www.gov.uk).

If you are in debt to your energy supplier and are concerned about keeping up with payments during winter, you might be eligible for a grant to help pay it off. Some of these grants come directly from suppliers themselves, or they could offer an alternative solution like deferring payments. Contact your energy supplier directly to see how they can help.

It is important to reach out for advice to avoid problem debt and increased levels of stress

ACCESSING ADVICE

If you are having problems with your energy bills, struggling to pay them or feel you could get a better energy deal, it is important to reach out for advice in order to avoid problem debt and increased levels of stress. Looking for information alone can be overwhelming, but organisations including Citizens Advice, the Energy Saving Trust and many disability-specific charities can provide support in this area.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Find support and advice from the Energy Saving Trust (www.energysavingtrust.org.uk) or Citizen Advice Bureau (www.citizensadvice.org.uk).

BIG ENERGY SAVING WEEK Big Energy Saving Week is taking place from 17 to 22 January, a month which can bring especially high energy bills.

The week highlights ways to overcome difficulties in paying energy bills with a host of

advice available from the Energy Saving Trust and Citizens Advice Bureau. The campaign focuses on reducing the amount of energy you use in order to lower your bills, and also highlights key sources of support.

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51

enable finance

DIRECTING YOUR CARE

A personal budget gives you control and flexibility when it comes to your care and support

people who already support you, like your loved ones or a social worker, can help you choose the right services in this instance.

“There is also the term personal health budgets given to disabled people whose needs are primarily healthcare needs, and this is funded by the NHS,” highlights Banane. “They can also get this in the form of direct payments granting them choice and control.”

EMPLOYER

W

hen the Care Act was implemented in 2014, it gave disabled people the option to receive a personal budget: an agreed amount of money that is allocated to you by your local authority or other funding streams following an assessment of your care and needs. This simply gives you authority over the money for your care and support.

Controlled by you or your representative, it can be a route to achieving independent living through self-directed support. In order to receive a personal budget, your council has to work out your entitlement for public funded care and support. If you need this, regardless of your finances your local authority has a duty to carry out a needs assessment to determine your eligibility.

Once it is decided that you are eligible, the council will inform you about your personal budget as part of a

52 enablemagazine.co.uk

care and support plan which puts you at the centre of decision making.

FLEXIBILITY

Promoting flexibility, choice, control and quality of life, a personal budget comes with multiple benefits.

Banane Nafeh is a personal budget advisor at Disability Rights UK (DRUK), giving advice on personal budgets and direct payments to disabled people and their families.

“Having personal budgets or direct payments empowers disabled people to make informed choices in utilising their budgets to best meet their daily needs,” explains Banane. “They have a tailored care and support plan and have a say in how and when to be supported in order to remain independent.”

This sense of independence could come through employing your own personal assistants (PAs) instead of getting carers from an agency, but this means becoming an employer. The

The idea of employing your own care can be scary, but there is support available.

“It can be daunting at the start of the process, particularly looking for skilled PAs and being an employer, but then most disabled people become familiar with it and choose to remain the employers of their own PAs,” emphasises Banane. “They can get ongoing support from the direct payment support service, local user led organisations and disabled people’s organisations.”

DRUK have a general information helpline, email address and factsheets that cover personal budgets, and can signpost people to relevant contacts for support. With the right assessments and advice, you could take control of your care and gain independence through a personal budget.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Get more information on personal budgets and if it is the right fit for you from Disability Rights UK (www.disabilityrightsuk.org).

Products and solutions for all phases of rehabilitation Implement evicence based therapy concepts (for lower extremity) consistently with THERA-Trainer.

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Improving

home your

Making big or small adaptations to your home can help improve your daily life and futureproof your space

W

hether you privately rent, own your home or are in social housing, making improvements to your house can make it suitable to your needs. Before you begin the process of requesting or carrying out adaptations, it’s important to think about what you need. Consider your daily routine, anything you find difficult to do and think about the future: you might need adaptations in the coming years that aren’t essential right now.

Adaptations Different additions and adaptations to your home can make your house more disability-friendly without the need to move. Depending on your home and situation, you might need to make large adaptations like the conversion of a bathroom to a wet room or installing a stairlift if your home is on multiple levels. A wet room could help with washing or changing, made easier with hoist systems that help with tasks like moving and handling.

Along with big adaptations, there are simple aids to help transform your home, including temporary measures.

This could be things like non-slip mats for the bathroom, easy turn handles that slip on to taps, adjustable grab rails, or a key lock box to help family or carers access the home easily.

A swivel or portable bath seat could also make transporting into the bath and washing easier, removing the need to completely lower yourself into the bathtub or stand in the shower for long periods of time.

These small adaptations can be a quick and cost-effective solution until

54 enablemagazine.co.uk

you wait for an assessment for funding from your council, and don’t have to drastically change the look of your home.

Assessment When considering what adaptations would help you each day, a home assessment can help. These are provided and carried out by your local authority to help disabled people and their carers complete everyday tasks.

It is a free service that can easily be requested online through the UK Government website (www.gov. uk). During a home assessment, an occupational therapist will come to your home, ask questions about your daily routine and what you need assistance with, then walk around your home with you to see what adaptations could help.

During this visit, it is important to

speak about any issues you have in the home whether they are big or small: an occupational therapist can work with you to find a solution. A home assessment is an important step if you feel your local authority should cover the cost of an adaptation.

Funding and support If an occupational therapist agrees that you need adaptations or additions to your home, your local authority should cover up to £1,000 for each individual adaptation. If the cost is higher, or you are unable to receive this support, there is other funding available to help.

For more expensive adaptations, like converting a bathroom into a wet room or widening doors to make them suitable for wheelchair access, you

enable housing

Transforming bathrooms with Fine & Able UK-based accessible bathroom specialist Fine & Able brings a new approach to accessible design, based on the ethos that accessible doesn’t have to mean clinical. Offering design, product supply and installation of beautiful accessible bathrooms, the company was co-founded by friends James Taylor and Ed Warner who wanted something better than the hospital-style equipment that James used after he sustained a spinal cord injury. James and Ed set up Fine & Able to ensure no one else had to endure the same frustrations when installing an accessible bathroom.

To create attractive but accessible bathrooms, Fine & Able use designled products with innovative dualpurpose features including basins with integrated hand grips, shower riser rails that double up as grab rails, and an extensive range of modern finishes. The company now helps hundreds of people to have a

bathroom they love each year. Just one of these people is TV presenter Sophie Morgan.

“For those of us with access needs, so often our homes are made to look and feel like hospitals, and personally, I’m over it. It’s time for an inclusion revolution,” enthuses Sophie.

“My bathroom was functional and practical, but clinical and basic.

“Before I moved in, the flat developers had installed a standard accessible wetroom; white plastic grab rails, a grey shower chair and grey flooring, which I assume met building regulations, but honestly, I was reminded of my time in hospital every time I used it.”

The bathroom felt out of place in Sophie’s home, but has now been transformed by the Fine & Able team. Using design-led features and colourful tiles, Sophie’s bathroom is now functional and beautiful. Find out more at www.fineandable.co.uk

could apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant (www.gov.uk). The amount you receive will vary depending on your needs, household income and savings.

Charities like Shelter (www.shelter. org.uk), the Disabled Living Foundation (www.dlf.org.uk) and Age UK (www. ageuk.org.uk) also provide support and advice on home adaptations. This advice is especially helpful if you are unsure about the financial support you are entitled to for adaptations.

If you decide to self-fund an adaptation but don’t know where to begin, contact a Home Improvement Agency (HIA). These agencies can support you to find schemes to help with the cost of adaptations and give advice on the process. Home Improvement Agencies (www. findmyhia.org.uk) is a search tool to find HIAs in your local area that can help.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Alongside the organisations mentioned, the Money Advice Service (www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk) and Independence at Home (www.independenceathome.org.uk) can provide information and advice.

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55

First-class care for physically disabled veterans and their families How we support Steve Steve, a former Warrant Officer in the Royal Engineers, was involved in a motorbike accident.

Do you need help to communicate?

Then perhaps The Sequal Trust can help

He suffered a severe brain injury which greatly affected his speech and paralysed one side of his body.

Our comprehensive range of services, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, are helping Steve make good progress towards his goals for rehabilitation.

Lee Lost Voice Guy - Patron

Based in West Sussex, we provide residential nursing care, rehabilitation, respite and end-of-life care Request an information pack:

01903 213458

careforveterans.org.uk

Registered Charity No. 1072334

Sequal is a national charity which aims to provide speech aids to those people who cannot afford to purchase such vital equipment, to allow them to lead more independent lives when statutory bodies are unable to help.

To find out more call 01691 624222 or visit www.thesequaltrust.org.uk

Setting lively minds free

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lqhomes.com/accessibility For full L&Q terms and conditions visit lqhomes.com. All details are correct at time of print. Copyright © 2021 L&Q Group. All Rights Reserved.

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01/12/2021 12:36

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s the UK’s most respected and exciting disability and lifestyle publication, each issue of Enable Magazine is bursting with relevant and exclusive content from real life stories and celebrity interviews to advice and spotlight features on the topics that really matter to readers.

Every issue we cover subjects pertinent to the disabled community whether you have a physical, hidden, learning disability and/or mental health conditions, you are a paid or unpaid carer, or a medical professional working with disabled people.

From interviewing politicians, activists and big names in disability to investigating topical causes such as smear tests for women with a learning disability and stem cell treatments for multiple sclerosis, Enable goes above and beyond to produce specialist content.

WHAT DOES IT COST? You can subscribe for either one or two years at a time.

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January/February 2022

REVIEW

FORD KUGA PHEV With a good driving position and adjustable boot space but a large PIP Advance Payment, columnist Alisdair Suttie explores the benefits of the Ford Kuga PHEV

INSIDE There’s not much to give the game away inside the Kuga PHEV that it’s a plug-in electric-petrol hybrid car. One clue is if you scroll through the infotainment screen to discover how much battery charge there is and if it’s being charged or drained during driving. The other giveaway is the ‘EV’ button positioned behind the rotary gear selector. It lets you choose which electric vehicle (EV) mode the car drives in, which is displayed on the main dash screen.

The dash itself is clear and neat in a way we expect of Fords. The digital display’s blue background isn’t distracting, while the centre console has individual buttons for

58 enablemagazine.co.uk

the stereo and heating rather than putting everything through the highset info screen.

As with most SUVs, the driving position gives a good view to the front and sides, while rear quarter windows address the blind spot to some extent, where many of the Kuga’s rivals suffer. There’s plenty of adjustment in the driver’s seat, plus lots of room for taller driver’s legs, shoulders and head. In the back, the Kuga has generous room for two adults or three kids, and the rear bench can slide back and forth to vary passenger and boot space. However, the PHEV model does sacrifice some boot space to accommodate the battery.

enable motoring

The rear bench can slide back and forth to vary passenger and boot space

The Ford Kuga PHEV is available through Motability with an Advance Payment from £3,195.

Find out more at www.motability.co.uk

EQUIPMENT The Kuga PHEV comes in ST-Line, ST-Line X or Vignale trims. With the ST-Line, you get 18-inch alloy wheels, heated door mirrors with integrated puddle lights, all-round parking sensors, power tailgate, and rear privacy glass. Inside, you have a rear-view camera, keyless ignition, cruise control, and Ford’s excellent SYNC 3 stereo and infotainment set-up. The St-Line X gains 19-inch wheels, a panoramic glass sunroof, and heated seats and steering wheel. Choose the Vignale and it does without the sports suspension of the ST-Line models, but it does have unique exterior detailing and more sumptuous seats trimmed in leather.

DRIVING Once you’ve unplugged the Kuga PHEV from an EV charging point, there’s little to tell this car runs on any particular type of fuel. It often pulls away in EV mode for near silent starts, while the 2.5-litre petrol engine joins in seamlessly and with barely any noise.

The only time you will hear the petrol motor is during hard acceleration, when the CVT (continuously variable transmission) automatic gearbox causes it to rev harder than seems necessary.

Performance is adequate rather than swift, but it’s fine for most needs and you can drive for up to 35 miles on battery power alone.

The sports suspension of the ST-Line

models introduces a firmness to the Kuga that helps in the corners but hinders on anything other than perfect smooth tarmac. For this reason, we prefer the Vignale with its more supple suspension set-up. In any Kuga PHEV, noise from the wind and road is kept at bay for a refined driving experience.

SUMMARY Refined, comfortable and affordable to run, the only downside of the Ford Kuga PHEV is its high PIP Advance Payment.

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59

The Motability Scheme enables disabled people to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair without the worry of owning and running one. Parents and carers can drive on behalf of the customer.

The vehicle should be used by, or for the benefit of, the disabled person.

Making life easier for disabled people

“We went on our first family camping trip.

Something we couldn’t have done without the new car.”

Sam, Elisabeth’s mum

Who can join the Motability Scheme?

You may be able to join the Scheme if you receive one of the following: • Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

• Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

• War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement (WPMS).

• Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP).

What’s included on the Motability Scheme?

Insurance Breakdown assistance Servicing and repairs

How Motability, the Charity can help We can provide charitable grants for: • Car adaptations to help make travelling as comfortable as possible.

• Vehicle Advance Payments for larger, more expensive vehicles.

• Up to 40 hours of driving lessons, to ensure disabled people have access to driving tuition in specially adapted cars as necessary.

To find out more visit motability.org.uk or call 0800 500 3186

Tyres and battery replacement

To find out more about the Motability Scheme visit motability.co.uk or call 0800 093 1000

11782_Motability_Sen_Advert_UPDATE_V1.indd 1

Motability is a Registered Charity in England and Wales (No.299745) and in Scotland (No.SC050642). Motability is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Reference No.736309). All cars, scooters and powered wheelchairs provided under the Motability Scheme are leased to customers by Motability Operations Ltd, who operate the Scheme on a contract basis for Motability. Motability Operations Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Reference No.735390).

19/01/2021 11:29

enable life

Embracing

mobility aids Mobility aids like walking sticks, wheelchairs and walkers all contribute to people with mobility problems leading happy, independent lives, but the perception of these tools is often negative

E

very day, thousands of people rely on mobility aids to live independent lives, but they are often viewed in a negative light. For Georgina Wasdall, this perception affected her own journey of accepting her mobility aids.

“Anybody using one I just accepted that they needed it, but yet when it came to me getting one I couldn’t come to accept it,” remembers Georgina. “I pushed the idea of one away for so long which had a detrimental effect on me.”

In hindsight, Georgina feels like this was down to ableism in society.

“It’s still often thought that using a mobility aid is a hindrance, that we aren’t happy or can’t be proud to be a wheelchair user or use a walking stick,” explains Georgina. “This couldn’t be more untrue. Without our mobility aids, everyday life would be incredibly hard or impossible for some.”

LIFELINE

When Georgina was 13 she received her first manual wheelchair, but had to rely on someone to push her around as she couldn’t self-propel.

“Before I got my first wheelchair in 2014, I was housebound and had been for a couple of years,” reveals Georgina.

“My chair literally got me living again, it’s my lifeline to the outside world.”

In 2020 Georgina found her perfect power wheelchair and everything changed.

“That initial feeling of being able to move myself freely for the first time since I was a kid was nothing short of pure joy, a feeling of independence I’ll never forget.

Since then its only got better and better,” emphasises Georgina. “It doesn’t just allow me to live my life again, it allows me to live it to the fullest and be in charge of my own journey.”

Georgina now embraces her mobility aids, but it took her a long time to reach this stage. Georgina felt fully accepted in her chair during a visit to Disney World Florida where she was treated as an equal. She was then signed to modelling and acting agency Zebedee Talent, before connecting with the disabled community on Instagram. The combination of these experiences has changed Georgina from someone who felt shy, anxious and insecure to someone who is confident, proud and filled with self-love.

My chair literally got me living again, it’s my lifeline to the outside world

SHIFT

Armed with her own experiences, Georgina would like to see the negative perceptions of mobility aids shift.

“I’d like for people who use mobility aids to have the same access to everything as able-bodied people do,” reveals Georgina. “For example, access into venues and by that I don’t mean through a shady back door where you get a lovely tour of the back alleys and bins.”

While users of mobility aids talk about their lived experiences, the onus also falls on the media, transport providers, venues and the general public to redefine what we consider accessibility and to change the perception of mobility aids to a positive one.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Follow Georgina’s journey on Instagram @georginawasdall

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Product Roundup Our pick of products to help you gain independence or support your loved ones KIDS

HYGIENE

BEARHUGZZZ BED

WASHPOD TEMPORARY WETROOMS

POA, Kinderkey Healthcare Ltd www.kinderkey.co.uk, 01978 820714

£200-£415 per week or from £16k to buy, Dignity Access www.dignityaccess.co.uk, 07708173397

If you currently find access to the bathroom difficult, this range of temporary accessible wetrooms can be hired or bought using a Disabled Facilities Grant, to provide quality washing facilities without lengthy and expensive adaptations. The pods take one to two days to install, either internally in a spare room or externally.

TECHNOLOGY

ONE BUTTON RADIO

Ravencourt Living, £49.99 ex VAT shop.alzheimers.org.uk, 0300 124 0900

Bearhugzzz Bed is suitable for vulnerable children and adults.

Providing a calm environment, it can help to improve poor sleep patterns and ensure safety for people who wake during the night. A major benefit is the bed’s ability to withstand vigorous behaviour thanks to its soft padded sides, which protect the user against injury.

This simple AM/FM analogue radio is easy to use, helping with entertainment and cognitive stimulation; expression and engagement; stress and reassurance. The station and volume can be set using control knobs, covered by a magnetic panel. The radio can then be turned on and off using one button, making it simple to use for people living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

TECHNOLOGY

CLOTHING

WIRELESS BRAILLE KEYBOARD

UNISEX JOGGERS

RNIB, £239 ex VAT www.rnib.org.uk/stores, 0303 123 9999

RNIB have launched an innovative wireless braille keyboard in partnership with Hable One. The pocket-friendly device can connect to any iOS or Android smartphone or tablet through Bluetooth and uses a selection of braille key combinations to help users navigate their mobile or tablet. No installation is needed to start using the keyboard, just connect via Bluetooth.

Bealies, £55 www.bealiesadaptivewear.co.uk, 07789963162

HYGIENE

MEN’S LIBERTY

iMEDicare, £9.80 incl. VAT www.mypelvichealth.co.uk, 01923 237795

Men’s Liberty is a discreet, dignified, dependable solution for urinary incontinence. It is made of a gentle, skin-friendly material called hydrocolloid, a proprietary adhesive that softly stretches and moves with the user as they change position.

One Men’s Liberty keeps you dry and comfortable for up to 24 hours with one size fitting most anatomy.

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These unisex joggers are designed with a higher back giving full coverage whilst sitting and transferring for wheelchair users. The joggers are made with soft cotton jersey material for comfort with a large ankle cuff that can fit over the foot in most positions and sits comfortably on the ankle, and include a side pocket on the thigh for style.

wellspect.co.uk

The risk of

homelessness

Due to outdated laws and the ongoing housing crisis, the disabled community is currently left at a disproportionate risk of homelessness

M

ore than half of people with a significant disability are currently impacted by the housing crisis, living in unsafe or unsuitable housing. With just one social home built for every 192 in England during 2020, there is little hope for disabled people in this situation.

This crisis, combined with outdated and dangerous laws, is leaving members of the disabled community in England at risk of becoming homeless.

“The housing crisis is a national crisis and it’s a problem for the vast majority of people, but it does have a disproportionately negative effect on

64 enablemagazine.co.uk

certain groups of people and disabled people especially,” stresses Rose Arnall, solicitor at Shelter. The charity campaigns to end homelessness and bad housing in England and Scotland.

A lack of social housing is a main barrier to safe, secure and affordable housing for many people, with a lack of regulation in the private rental sector also contributing to the problem.

The risk of homelessness remains a concern due to many factors, but two key players are section 21 eviction notices, commonly referred to as no fault eviction notices, and unlawful blanket no DSS (Department of Social Security) policies. These

We came home one day and the locks had been changed

enable

spotlight homeless by their local authority in order to find other accommodation.

“If you get a notice you want to get advice as fast as you can through Shelter or Citizens Advice Bureau,” advises Rose. “The local authority has a duty to everyone to provide them with advice and support in terms of finding alternative accommodation, but there are certain categories of people that they have to secure housing for.”

Classed as a priority, disabled people with health needs fall into this group. This means the local authority has a duty to find alternative accommodation and this does have to be suitable to your needs. But the reality is that councils often displace disabled people in privately rented accommodation or temporary accommodation that isn’t right for them.

DISCRIMINATION

policies discriminate against people receiving housing benefits, looking for accommodation in the private rental sector.

Around 45 per cent of renters who claim benefits also receive housing benefits, but 63 per cent of private landlords say they prefer not to let to people in receipt of these.

RISK

Despite a selection of rules around when a section 21 notice cannot be used, they remain lawful. With little knowledge of their rights around housing, tenants are often left with no option but to be declared as

After asking for adaptations to his privately rented home, Stephen, his wife and their children were given a section 21 notice and forced to leave their family home.

“I was in a car accident in 2016 that left me in a wheelchair, we asked the landlord for adaptations to the property to get in and out, just minor ones, and we received a section 21 eviction notice,” recalls Stephen. “We came home one day and the locks had been changed on us.”

Stephen and his family were classified as homeless by their local authority before being given temporary accommodation. Often provided in the form of hotel rooms, this temporary accommodation could only be used for a maximum of seven days each time it was issued and was regularly inaccessible.

“They were all just hotel rooms, not wheelchair friendly hotel rooms, just normal, able-bodied hotel rooms,” remembers Stephen. “It put a massive strain on my mental health. One of the temporary accommodations was over an hour away from my psychiatrist.

“My kids couldn’t get to school because it was an hour there and an hour back so four hours a day driving, then I had to miss doctor’s appointments, psychiatrist appointments, hospital appointments.”

To Stephen and his family, it felt like the local authority didn’t care, but after contacting Shelter he was able to bring

a court case against their previous landlord claiming DSS discrimination.

Despite winning this court case in a landmark ruling that found DSS discrimination unlawful, and being given social housing, the family are still waiting to be placed in a suitable home by their local authority.

“The property we’re in at the moment is not fit for purpose, we’ve been here now for two and a half years and all I have is a ramp to get in the property,” reveals Stephen. “The doors are not wide enough, there’s no downstairs toilet, it’s just a basic house.”

CHANGE

Without meaningful changes to the law, the disabled community will continue to face discrimination.

“I think the downfall is the eviction notices, there shouldn’t be a section 21,” stresses Stephen.

“It isn’t my fault that I was put into a wheelchair or that we were evicted, it needs to change, not just to protect disabled people but to protect everybody.”

Stephen’s thoughts are echoed by Rose and Shelter, who are campaigning for these changes to the law.

“We would like the government to get rid of section 21 no fault evictions so that you can only be evicted if you’ve done something wrong or where the landlord has to sell the property, not just for no reason,” expresses Rose. “We’d like to see the private rental sector regulated so that when people complain about disrepair or when they asking for adaptations, there’s a system in place to protect them, and of course our number one priority is building social housing.”

In 2021, it was estimated that one in every 206 people in England find themselves without a home. Until more safe, suitable social housing is built and the private rental sector is held accountable, disabled people remain at risk of homelessness.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

If you receive a section 21 notice or are at risk of homelessness, contact Shelter (www.shelter.org.uk) or Citizens Advice Bureau (www.citizensadvice.org.uk) for help.

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65

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enable sport

Changing football your way A

iming to develop, improve and raise awareness of disability football in England, The Football Association’s (FA) latest launch could create permanent change in the game.

Football Your Way is tackling all aspects of the game, not just taking into account one group, interest or disability, but encompassing everything from grassroots clubs that play for fun, through to professional teams competing in world championships.

PILLARS

The ambitious three-year plan is built around seven pillars: our people and FA culture; participation; talent pathway; national teams; coach development; marketing and communications; partnerships.

“

We’re trying to create wider access to the game

“

PIC: NAOMI BAKER - THE FA/THE FA VIA GETTY IMAGES; EDDIE KEOGH - THE FA/THE FA VIA GETTY IMAGES

In the last decade there have been massive changes to the perceptions of disability sport, most notably during the London 2012 Paralympic Games, but the fight for equal opportunities and inclusion continues as we mark 10 years since the event later this year Baroness Baroness Sue Campbell sure that the support Sue Campbell is one of the pioneers around those teams is as behind the plan. With a good as it is around any of our long history working in sport, national teams.”

Sue previously took women’s football in England to a new level, and is now BASIS invested in doing the same for current Underpinning the plan is a need to and future players with a disability. create the right environment, both “We were trying to understand what physically and through coaching. we’re doing right across the whole “We’ve incentivised clubs by making of the FA and realised that unlike the them a one star, two star or three star women’s game and the men’s game, we club,” reveals Sue. “At one star you’re didn’t have an overarching strategy that providing for one gender, two stars is everybody understood and recognised,” a club providing opportunities for boys remembers Sue. “As we began to talk and girls or boys and people with a across departments our ambitions grew, disability per say, and three stars means the plan was created and I think it’s quite you are doing all three. an ambitious plan but it’s a doable one.”

“To do that you also need to have Using a culture review done within the good toilets, have disability access, the organisation, the team began to gather right changing rooms, there’s a whole feedback from disabled players and used raft of things that the clubs have to look this to inform the plan’s objectives. at to provide a really meaningful and “We want to get more people with welcoming environment.” a disability enjoying the game and that Over the next three years the plan doesn’t mean we expect everybody will aim to meet these requirements, to be highly competitive, we want to changing and adapting as the team provide fun opportunities to play,” offers learns in order to create a more inclusive Sue. “We’re trying to create wider access future for football in England. to the game and as many different opportunities as we possibly can.

FOR MORE INFORMATION “For those people at the top wearing Read the full Football Your Way plan at an England shirt, whether they are blind www.thefa.com players or players with cerebral palsy Find accessible sporting opportunities or people with multiple disabilities who near you at www.parasport.org.uk play in power chairs, we want to make

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67

enable advertorial

I’m proud of the Ministry of Justice’s work to champion disability inclusion. We’re recognised as one of the departments leading the drive for inclusion across Whitehall.

We’re building on strong foundations, having been awarded Disability Confident Leader status. This reassures me that our commitment to attracting, recruiting and developing disabled people and creating disability inclusive environments is having an impact.

Our reputation for creating opportunities where everyone can develop their talents and flourish is growing. In the last four years we’ve welcomed more and more disabled people into our organisation and the public services we deliver are undoubtedly richer for the contribution that our colleagues are making.

Disability inclusion is very clearly embedded in how we work.

Our Disability Confident interview scheme supports candidates with a disability through the recruitment process. For successful candidates we’ll continue to support you as you’re welcomed into your new role, and throughout your careers, where we’ll create accessible environments and a culture of support tailored to each individual’s needs

But we want to keep on improving, which is why we’re engaging people with a disability who work across the justice system to learn what we could do better.

Working closely with our staff networks, we’ve been thinking about how we can improve our workplaces so the physical environment is one in which everyone has the same opportunity to thrive. For example, earlier this year we created a ‘quiet space’ at our main offices, an area for staff to go without distractions, with frosted windows and acoustic curtains where neurodiverse staff and visitors have priority access.

One of my key priorities is to better understand the lived experiences of staff with disabilities. We will also support and empower colleagues across the department to build their understanding and capability on issues of disability.

By working together like this we can achieve our ambition to become the most disability inclusive department, both as an employer and as a provider of public services.

So our message is clear, if you have a disability and want to work for an organisation that is committed to inclusion and accessibility then the Ministry of Justice is here, ready and waiting to welcome your application.

James McEwen Director General - Chief Financial Officer

Visit www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk and look for “Ministry of Justice” in the Department.

enable advertorial

Building confidence with the

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE Working to deliver a world-class justice system, the Ministry of Justice and Property Directorate are creating opportunities for a diverse and inclusive workforce

A

n essential public service, the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is relied upon by millions of victims, families and businesses across the country to deliver a world-class justice system. The MoJ works across a range of departments to oversee the justice system, including the Property Directorate.

DIVERSE

The MoJ prides itself on being a diverse and inclusive employer, encouraging applications from all candidates irrespective of identity, background, life experience or disability. As a Carer Confident and Disability Confident employer, the MoJ and Property Directorate welcome the different perspectives disabled people and carers can bring to the team.

When applying for roles, you will have an opportunity to discuss adjustments you may need for the recruitment process. Under the Disability Confident scheme you may be offered an interview if you meet minimum criteria.

This commitment to creating an inclusive environment is something that Alannah Collins experienced during a summer internship with the Property Directorate. Alannah secured this placement after applying to Change 100, charity Leonard Cheshire’s flagship programme of paid summer work placements, professional development and mentoring. The MoJ work with Change 100 to remove barriers to work for the disabled community.

“I learnt a lot of key skills during my internship, but the main thing I

am grateful for is how I developed my confidence and teamwork skills,” reveals Alannah. “I also received an overwhelming amount of support and guidance from my manager who I still keep in touch with now.”

RESPONSIBILITY

Alannah started her internship in June 2021, working with the Property Services Office on a range of projects.

Impressed by her work, the office gave Alannah the opportunity to work alongside Keith Maddison, the director of Property Services for probation, prisons, the Home Office and judges’ lodgings. Visiting different properties in this role allowed Alannah to broaden her horizons and consider what her next steps could be after the internship.

“These properties need to be maintained to a certain standard for several reasons, but the one that stuck with me was that good housing would help to rehabilitate those individuals who had left prison and wanted to re-join society,” shares Alannah. “I was very lucky as I was able to join Keith on these visits and see first-hand what work needed or had been done.”

Now, Alannah would encourage other people with a disability to apply for roles with the MoJ due to the opportunities and support that she received.

“I highly recommend completing an internship with the civil service in the property team, maintaining property is important work for the MOJ,” emphasises Alannah. “Whilst initially I may not have chosen to work in property, I thoroughly enjoyed it and can assure you it is much more interesting than one may think.”

Alannah

The main thing I am grateful for is how I developed my confidence

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Could your future career be with the Ministry of Justice and the Property Directorate? Find out more at jobs.justice.gov.uk

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enable voices

Creating

INCLUSIVE

workplaces Culture, accessibility and flexibility all play a vital role in creating an inclusive workplace. Presenter, actress and consultant Samantha Renke has adapted the way she works to suit her needs

H

aving previously worked as a teacher, now presenter, actress and activist Samantha Renke is a diversity and inclusion consultant, providing training to help businesses to improve their workplace culture.

After feeling like her mental and physical wellbeing were being affected by her working environment, Samantha made the decision to become a freelancer and is now her own boss.

“I needed to take a step back and I needed to have flexible working hours,” explains Samantha. “I was very guilty of masking and covering up my disability and not being vocal about it because I constantly had to offer up this information. It can be extremely tiring.”

PIC: © NICKY JOHNSTON

STABILITY

Samantha Renke

I was very guilty of masking and covering up my disability

70 enablemagazine.co.uk

Although this has been a positive move, it also comes with a new wave of concerns and considerations, especially for freelancers living with a disability.

“Freelancing is definitely the option for me, however, there can be quiet times and knowing that you might not have financial stability is quite scary,” admits Samantha. “I’ve written a lot about growing older with a disability, I’m only 35 but it creeps into your mind, especially because I understand that I’m looking at a couple of operations in the coming years.

“On the one hand I do crave the stability of a full-time job, but I think my mental health is absolutely more positive since becoming my own boss.”

For Samantha, the pandemic has further highlighted the ways in which flexible working can benefit her and other disabled people in employment.

“I think it has shown that reasonable adjustments are able to work: not

having to commute; not having to worry about how accessible services like public transport are or getting into a black taxi,” reveals Samantha. “For me it was quite liberating and it just shows that you can be your best self when you work together to recognise different needs.”

FUTURE CHANGE

While Samantha has benefitted from going freelance, she would like to see a cultural change in workplaces to ensure both employers and employees feel comfortable discussing disability and adjustments.

“I think it’s about getting organisations and senior leadership figures to recognise the needs of disabled people, but you’re only going to be able to do that if you engage with disabled people and if you recognise that disability has many different guises: disability doesn’t always look like me,” emphasises Samantha. “I think clear understanding of the law around disability support is the first thing because there’s so much help out there for businesses. We also need a culture shift in the way we talk about disability.”

Through her consultancy work, Samantha is helping to instigate change, but more needs to be done to show employers the simple ways they can adjust to ensure disabled employees are properly supported in the workplace.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Keep up to date with Samantha on Instagram @samantharenke

Individual employer funding Apply for money for training If you employ your own care and support using a direct payment from health or social care, or your own money, you can apply for money for training.

The money can be used to pay for: ■ Training to develop the skills of your personal assistants and to improve your knowledge as an employer.

■ Direct cost of training and qualifications, travel costs and the cost of hiring replacement support whilst your usual PA is attending training.

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The closing date for applications is 31 March 2022 and any training that you would like funded must be started by 30 April 2022.

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Enable magazine A4 advert.indd 1

21/12/2020 10:52

For people who are neurodivergent, finding employment comes with additional barriers and considerations, but there is support available

Removing barriers to

employment I

t is estimated that more than 15 per cent of the UK population are neurodivergent, and this group can face extra challenges to finding and staying in work. With a host of support available from different organisations, there is help to remove these barriers, but information for employers is also essential.

BARRIERS

Huw Davies is the chief executive at the British Association for Supported Employment (BASE). The organisation exists to support, promote and develop the principles and provision

72 enablemagazine.co.uk

of supported employment. Using their model, BASE members can work to secure sustainable employment for people with a disability.

In this position, Huw understands the concerns employers have and the barriers that still exist to truly inclusive employment which appear from the beginning of the recruitment process.

“A lot of employers say people don’t apply for jobs with us, but that’s a lot to do with where companies advertise and how they engage,” explains Huw. “If you’re looking to build a diversified workforce you have to put your advert where people can engage.

“If companies just recruit through

“

We like getting to know that person in every setting they might be in

“

enable employment and if it’s not online it’s a CV or a covering letter which doesn’t work for the people that we support,” adds Alexandra.

While people can ask for adjustments to applications and the wider recruitment process, making these requests can be a scary prospect if you are unsure of how an employer could react.

“There are definitely issues about sharing personal information and feeling comfortable to do that,” empathises Huw. “But if you don’t say anything then it’s quite hard to get adjustments to the recruitment process.”

If employers aren’t open to adapting their recruitment process or making adjustments, this doesn’t just close doors for jobseekers.

“The argument for diversity is if you’ve got different people coming in then you have different perspectives and you’ll get a lot more ideas, if companies tend to recruit all the same type of people, that can’t happen,” emphasises Huw.

SUPPORT

their own websites then a lot of people will never see them.”

From being fully digital to the use of vague language in job descriptions, there are a range of reasons why online applications can exclude people who are neurodivergent.

“A lot of it is inaccessible methods of application,” stresses Alexandra Seddon, head of supported employment and community enterprise at Discovery UK. The charity helps people with a learning disability, autism, challenging behaviour and complex needs through training and into employment.

“Most things are online now

Fortunately, there is support available for people who want to get into employment, and advice for employers is becoming more readily available.

“There are ways around barriers, I think things like working interviews where people have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills are great,” reveals Huw. BASE can inform member companies on how to adapt, while organisations like Discovery UK and their parent company Dimensions (www.dimensions-uk.org) are providing solutions for jobseekers who are neurodivergent.

People are referred to the organisation and this begins a series of meetings where the team at Discovery UK get to know the person looking for employment, their circle of support, where they feel they would like to work, and how they work best.

“We like getting to know that person in every setting they might be in, just to really see all of the different aspects of their life because people behave differently in varied environments,” explains Alexandra. “That also gives us the opportunity to see what people’s abilities are, to see where their natural gifts and talents are so that we can

use those as our selling aid when we’re talking to employers.”

Finding new ways, like the use of photos and videos, to build a CV and demonstrate people’s abilities can help highlight their strengths to employers, but also help the individual identify where they would like to work.

“This can help them make an informed choice about what steps they want to take next,” offers Alexandra.

“The main aim of this is not just to find people paid employment, but also to make sure that they can sustain that.”

Once someone is placed in a job, the team monitor them for 12 months and help with training during this time.

“Employers are usually really happy to have us because it saves them a resource and we are a free resource to an employer,” reveals Alexandra.

CHANGE

Without greater information and resources for employers, they won’t be able to create inclusive recruitment processes or working environments.

“It’s about promoting different models, making sure they’re good quality and trying to influence commissioners,” stresses Huw. “An interesting thing is that employers are getting much more involved recently, partly I feel because of skills shortages, but I think it’s a longer-term change.

Some really big companies are much more involved in inclusive recruitment now.

“We often find employers saying that they don’t know where to get support, they don’t know where to find information. I think employers need to have a lot of easily accessible information, resources, signposting to support guidance, because I’m not convinced it’s there at the moment.”

Increasing employment opportunities for the disabled community generally is a key aim of the National Disability Strategy announced in 2021, but more has to be done to support people who are neurodivergent as well as employers who want to diversify their workforce but don’t know how.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Get advice on finding employment and the support available from BASE (www.base-uk.org), Discovery UK (discovery-uk.org) and AchieveAbility (www.achieveability.org.uk).

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73

Committed to equal opportunity We’re Scotland’s public sector auditor.

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We are committed to equal opportunity and to a culture that respects difference. We welcome applications from all sectors of the community.

We offer an interview to all disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria. As an employer, and in our audit role, we play a leading part in the promotion and application of diversity and equality.

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enable employment

CHOOSING TO DISCLOSE There are many benefits to disclosing your disability to an employer, but the language and culture around the personal choice can seem outdated

S

haring how your disability will affect your work with an employer can mean access to essential adjustments, but it is a personal choice that won’t be right for everyone. Angela Matthews is the head of policy at Business Disability Forum (BDF) and has both personal and professional experience in this situation.

BENEFITS

For Angela, deciding to discuss your disability in this setting should be because it will benefit you and, in turn, your employer.

“It’s knowing what you want out of sharing something really personal to you,” offers Angela. “One of the things we talk about is really knowing what you want from that conversation, and that’s for the individual’s benefit, but it’s also for the employers benefit.

Sharing this with your employer gives you a legal right to reasonable adjustments in the workplace. Starting this conversation can be daunting, so it can help to plan what you want to say before having a meeting with your line manager, boss or a member of the human resources team.

LANGUAGE

While these conversations can lead to many benefits, the way they are perceived is something organisations like BDF would like to see change.

“Generally, we try and encourage members to just use normal language,” advises Angela. “The word disclosure is associated with other things like your right to be working in the UK, your criminal convictions: is that helpful when discussing disability?

“Using that language leaves us to prove something about our identity before we can be let in the door.”

The sometimes-negative connotations of the word can also leave employers wary of what they have to do or worried they will say something wrong.

“Disclosing or sharing can only happen

if I feel that I’m not going to be bullied, if I feel that I am going to be helped or it’s going to be beneficial to me personally,” admits Angela.

REPORTING

During 2022, a decision is expected on whether employers will have to publish the number of disabled employees in their organisation under mandatory reporting.

“If it becomes mandatory that’s going to be like a motivation for employers to get employees to say yes, I have a disability,” reveals Angela. “It’s going to be in an employer’s interests to increase disclosures.

“Any initiative that’s positioned as being disability inclusive is one we want to change lives for disabled people, what is currently being discussed is just employers reporting on the number of disabled people in their workforce: that doesn’t mean it’s the number of disabled people who have a good experience in your workforce.”

We try and encourage members to just use normal language Without a cultural shift, sharing details of your disability with an employer may lead people to speak with caution, but if you make this choice it could improve your work and lead to benefits for all parties.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Learn about the reasonable adjustments you could be entitled to and gain advice from www.gov.uk or Business Disability Forum (www.businessdisabilityforum.org.uk).

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75

enable education

Finding student support

It’s time to get prepared for higher education with the right support

Funding

If you have already accepted an offer or you’re waiting to hear back, it’s important to look at the funding you could be eligible for. There is a host of support available for students with a disability along with student loans and grants.

The most common benefit for disabled people in education, Disabled Students’ Allowance (www.gov.uk), can help with the cost of things like assistive technology when you start your higher education journey.

Alongside this benefit, most colleges and universities have their own grants and bursaries for disabled students. These could help with the cost of living, study expenses, or even pursuing an activity you’re interested in like music or sports.

OPEN LEARNING From brushing up on an old skill to learning a new one, or even getting a degree, learning from home can open the doors to higher education.

Courses from open learning providers like the Open University (www.open.ac.uk) and FutureLearn (www.futurelearn. com), or distance learning courses found through My World Of Work (www.myworldofwork.co.uk), can take as little as a week to as much as six years to complete. You could even gain a full Honours degree from the comfort of your own home.

These courses make getting a new qualification or degree accessible for more people, giving students the opportunity to study at a time and pace that suits them by utilising forums, tutorials, online course materials and often a dedicated support tutor.

76 enablemagazine.co.uk

Student support

Once your place is secure, it’s time to contact your chosen institution’s student services to enquire about the support they offer. Based in your students’ association, they can offer help with finances, accommodation and more, and should be one of your first stops if you have any issues with your course. Along with these services, they will have a disability advisor who is on hand to offer advice and guidance on accessibility and support. You can ask to revisit this topic if your needs change throughout your studies.

If you prefer to learn or complete work in a certain way due to a disability or health condition, contacting your lecturers ahead of your course to discuss your needs can be a great tool to ensure these are met.

Connections

Whether you will be living at home or moving to a new city for your time in higher education, meeting new people can seem daunting.

Connecting with fellow students through social media is a great way to find people with similar interests.

Many universities and specific courses have Facebook groups set up for this purpose.

Once you start your course, one of the easiest ways to meet new people is to join a club, society or attend freshers’ events. Not all events include nightclubs and parties, you could go on a day trip, attend a student mixer or go to a come and try session for an activity.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Get further support on preparing for higher education from Prospects (www.prospects.ac.uk) and the Disabled Students Helpline (www.disabilityrightsuk.org).

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Your college programme can open up a world of exciting opportunities.

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Queen Alexandra College (QAC) are working in collaboration with University of Worcester and The Albion Foundation to deliver a unique and ground breaking bespoke Wheelchair Basketball sport performance programme.

The programme is specifically designed for ambitious young sports people aged 16-24 years who use a manual wheelchair and are eligible under the International Wheelchair Basketball Association (IWBF) classification criteria.

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EMBRACING

Opportunities

Launching your own business lets you be your own boss and pursue your greatest ideas, but it is also a way to embrace community and improve access for the disabled community

W

hen Rashmi Becker was a child, she loved to listen to music with her brother.

The hobby was a way for the siblings to bond and communicate as Rashmi’s brother, who she is now a carer for, is non-verbal.

“Music was a way for us to connect, play and communicate because he is non-verbal and I have lots of memories of him moving to music, mimicking music and trying to vocalise along to the sounds,” recalls Rashmi.

CONNECTION

For Rashmi, her love of music and dance developed into a career. Working in policy and social care, Rashmi was always aware of the positive impacts of physical activity and dance for the disabled community, but after realising there wasn’t many accessible spaces,

78 enablemagazine.co.uk

she started volunteering to run dance workshops in settings like hospitals and care homes.

“There were lots and lots of requests to come and teach people and perform,” explains Rashmi. “When I did workshops people would ask if there was somewhere where they could dance more.

“I was ringing local dance halls and getting all sorts of negative feedback: one said they couldn’t accept anyone in a wheelchair in case it damaged their floor and another said it would be difficult to include someone with a learning disability in classes because this could interrupt the other dancers.”

When the opportunity arose to apply for the Dance Enterprise Ideas Fund, Rashmi applied and won the necessary funding to found Step Change Studios (www.stepchangestudios.com).

Rashmi Becker

enable employment The inclusive dance company is committed to making dance accessible to everyone and has given different communities a chance to take part in classes, perform and pursue professional dancing careers.

“I started off thinking it would be part time or that I’d run a few sessions a week, but very quickly it just took off,” enthuses Rashmi. “I started with one wheelchair dance class but then different people with different disabilities and impairments were asking if there was anything I could offer them.

Over time I have built up the offering and taken on a range of teachers.”

CHALLENGES

The company and Rashmi’s ambitions as an entrepreneur have been driven by demand and a desire to provide opportunities for people in the disabled community, but launching her own business has also been a learning curve.

“A lot of what I do is also about learning

from people’s experiences and making sure I’ve got ways of evaluating how we are doing and getting that feedback,” explains Rashmi. “I love dancing but I also have to step back a lot and focus on the paperwork, especially because we’re supported by a lot of grants and with that comes lots of monitoring.”

For people in the disabled community, like carers and disabled people themselves, there can be additional barriers to launching a business. Most notably, issues with accessibility and people’s perceptions of what is possible.

“There’s challenges because there are still lots of barriers to participation, there are a lot out there so that means a need for education for people and partners from all different backgrounds, whether that’s local authorities or the public or the media,” emphasises Rashmi. “We need organisations to understand the value of what we do and the importance of disabled people.”

Rashmi also has to juggle her role as a carer with being a business owner.

“It’s the same with carers, whether it’s paid carers or unpaid carers, I think there’s then a whole conversation around finding that work-life balance,” offers Rashmi. “You have to be super disciplined and be really clear in terms of what it is you’re going to achieve, both on a daily basis and longer term with your business.

“When I go to see my brother at his care home I know I need to make sure that everything stops, that my phone is switched off and he has my full attention. That’s something I had to build in to the way I work.”

PERSEVERANCE

Although these additional barriers exist, disabled entrepreneurs and those who are carers can still enter the world of business.

“You have to have perseverance because often people’s initial reaction when you start talking about disability and things like inclusive dance, there’s nearly always push back,” reveals Rashmi. “I’m not sure where that comes from, it could just be a combination of people being risk averse or not understanding how things work.

There’s tonnes of extra work around safeguarding and risk assessments and all sorts of other things.

“I think perseverance is really critical but it’s also having the confidence of knowing that you’re doing something that’s worthwhile and you know it’s what people want.”

Now, Rashmi is widening participation with the launch of Conversations with Carers, a collection of podcasts and articles by carers about their lived experiences that have inspired a series of short dance films featuring disabled and non-disabled dancers.

There is still work to be done to create a welcoming environment for carers and disabled people who want to be entrepreneurs, but confidence in your ideas is essential to change mindsets.

PIC: © STEPHEN WRIGHT

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Access resources and support to start your own business from Scope (www.scope.org.uk), Leonard Cheshire (www.leonardcheshire.org), The Prince’s Trust (www.princes-trust.org.uk).

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enable life

DOCUMENTING

DISABILITY HISTORY

A new million-pound programme could transform the way disability is represented by museums

T

he Curating for Change work placement programme, launched by Accentuate, will involve more than 20 museums across England and is backed by £950,900 of funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Accentuate works to create opportunities for disabled people in the cultural sector.

“We’ve been working in the sector for many years now and that’s always about promoting opportunities for D/deaf and disabled people, not only to participate in culture but also to take a leading role in culture,” explains Esther Fox from Accentuate. “We realised that it was quite difficult to ensure disabled people’s voices were heard within the context of those exhibitions when there weren’t really any disabled curators.”

REPRESENTATION

Offering 18-month fellowships to eight disabled people and 40-day traineeships to a further eight, the project aims to improve the way disability history is represented in museums and improve the accessibility of current collections.

The selected fellows will spend their time researching a collection with the objective of uncovering hidden narratives relating to disabled people “An object that might not mean anything to one person might have a very strong meaning to somebody with a disability, so it’s about really kind of bringing that fresh perspective,” enthuses Esther.

The project will also open up greater employment opportunities for the community within the museum sector: currently, just four per cent of the museum workforce self-identifies as disabled.

“We hope to embed that change within those host museums but also then have really great case studies and examples of how we’ve gone about delivering this project that we can share much more widely right across the museum sector,” emphasises Esther.

Each fellowship and traineeship will be paid roles, with salaries likened to that of a junior curator, but they will also come with the necessary support, mentoring and professional development.

“We spent a lot of time particularly looking at the recruitment process itself because much of the feedback that we had from disabled people was the recruitment process is one of the biggest barriers that they found to getting work,” reveals Esther. “We want to reach people

We don’t want this to be just another placement scheme

that might not otherwise be looking at the museum websites, that are not connected to museums in a traditional way.

“We don’t want this to be just another placement scheme where people have a great time on the placement then they’re kind of abandoned, we’ve built in time at the end of the programme to support them after their placement.”

With an additional £49,915 in funding from Art Fund, the project will also set up a Disability Heritage Co-production Group at each of the museums hosting which will support the research and test different, accessible ways to interpret the material, both digitally and within the museums themselves.

As part of the project, Accentuate has also established a Museums Strategic Disability Network. This includes museums and organisations across the country who will use lessons from the programme to help identify policy recommendations and develop an action plan for the wider sector.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Learn more about Accentuate and the Curating for Change programme at www.accentuateuk.org

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enable life

BRIT:

CHALLENGING STIGMA Bringing people of all abilities together to destigmatise mental health, the BRIT Challenge is back in person for 2022

A

s February approaches, it’s almost time for a key event in the calendars of universities and colleges around the UK: the BRIT Challenge. Taking place from 1 February until the first Thursday in March, the event was founded by Phil Packer who dedicates his time to making a positive difference to the lives of young people and the charities who support them. Phil spent 17 years in the Armed Forces before he was injured while serving, going on to found the British Inspiration Trust (BRIT).

Each year, the challenge encourages people of all abilities in higher education to band together, take part in a sporting challenge and destigmatise mental health, all while raising money for charity.

INCLUSIVE

“We are working in the space of young adult mental health, but it is all about being inclusive: that’s what drives everything that we do,” emphasises Phil.

“We wanted to come up with something that was fun, where you could come together as a team.”

Fundraising challenges are nothing new, but the BRIT challenge ensures anyone can take part, especially as the challenge spans a period of time rather than taking place in one day.

“I know how important that is from my experience of doing the London Marathon, I was given permission to do it over 14 days otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to do it,” reveals Phil.

2022

For 2022, teams taking part will complete 2,022 miles by hand-cycling; cycling;

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wheelchair pushing; swimming; walking; jogging; running; rowing or paddling. The return to physical events won’t be the only change for 2022: each participating team will also be able to pick a second charity to donate to.

“We’re a collaborative charity and I recognise that many charities have been affected by the pandemic, so we are inviting every team that takes part to choose a second charity of their choice to raise funds for,” explains Phil.

STIGMA

While the challenge takes place, BRIT ambassadors will be on hand to share their stories and encouragement, and share the message at the core of the event. Half of these ambassadors are Paralympians or para-athletes.

“Ambassadors want to share their lived experience, but they also want to share it to destigmatise mental health,” stresses Phil. “More young adults need to know where to find help when they need it and not feel awkward when they do, because no one should.

Any university or college around the UK can take part in the challenge and

More young adults need to know where to find help

help to change conversations around mental health. Once signed up to take part, higher education institutions can promote the challenge, start to grow their team and set out to reach the 2,022 target before the end of the challenge.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Find out more about the BRIT Challenge and how your team can take part at www.thebritchallenge.org.uk

Phil Packer

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