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NCODP's 15th Annual General Meeting
Members at this year's AGM
NCODP Trustees welcomed members, volunteers and staff to the AGM at Poringland, Norwich on 8th October to give our report of NCODP activities in the year to March 2011. Kathy Saunders, NCODP Chair, talked about the campaign with our members against the loss of vital services used by disabled people to maintain equality and independence. Locally, the campaign saved some services, but many disabled people are left struggling with less support. NCODP services in Norfolk and Suffolk were busier than ever because more people need information, advocacy and support in more difficult times. There is detailed information on all our services in the full Annual Report.
NCODP makes a real difference to all sorts of people who face disabling barriers. Some tell their stories in our colourful “Our Year” report, which highlights projects like Biz-ability for disabled people thinking about starting businesses, and the Independent Living Groups. A copy of the report is on our website, or contact NCODP for a copy. Kathy thanked all the staff, volunteers and trustees for their magnificent efforts during a difficult year.
Mark Harrison, CEO, said this 15th anniversary of NCODP represented the coming together of organisations of disabled people in Norfolk: organisations run by disabled people, to make us stronger. Mark said it is important that member groups come together with Independent Living Groups, to be a real force in their local areas. Mark congratulated the Suffolk Coalition of Disabled People on their launch and the Youth Forum which is going from strength to strength. The UKDPC art project which represents disabled people’s views in art work has produced a mural which will be displayed in Chapelfield Gardens in time for the Hardest Hit March in Norwich on 22 October, which he urged everyone who could to join.
Sarah Carter, Finance Director, reported on a better financial position than the previous year. Hard savings had been made which will continue next year, and we will look for funding to make NCODP more sustainable.
Trustees stepping down this year are Sarah Middleton who has worked tirelessly to highlight the views of Norfolk Mental Health Advocacy Service users, and Stephanie Ash, an original member of the Coalition. Stephanie has given 15 years of trusted and wise service to NCODP and will be much missed. Trustees elected were Kathy Saunders as Chair, Shaun Hobbs as Vice Chair, and Rick Cotton, Alan Mackim, George Saunders and Kate Wyatt as trustees.
Member group Black Dog entertained during lunch, then everyone enjoyed a Sing Your Heart Out workshop. Finally, in the Youth Forum’s 15th anniversary film, some of the original members joined present members to celebrate our amazing journey from an idea of ‘nothing about us without us’ to a leading Coalition promoting the equality and voice of all those facing disabling barriers in Norfolk and beyond.
Member Group Report from First Focus…
On Saturday 8th October Irene Doughty and I attended the NCODP's AGM, in our roles as members of the organisation representing Fakenham's First Focus Information and Social Centre.After everyone had been introduced and all the regular business with officers' reports and the election of new trustees was completed, we listened to a very interesting talk from Mark Harrison and watched films concerning the importance of Disabled People's Organisations. This was particulartly relevant to us and we were most interested by his comments concerning trying to obtain sustained funding and the setting up of Community Interest Companies.
After the mornings events the whole meeting enjoyed being entertained by Black Dog, and taking part in a lively singing wokshop with the “Sing Your Heart Out” group. The meeting concluded with a celebration of the 15th anniversary of the NCODP and a the showing of a lively film produced by the Youth Forum.
Both Irene and I also found the AGM very useful as an opportunity to develop networks with representatives from many other member organisations.
Howard Young 2011 (First Focus Community Information drop in centre).
Hardest Hit March - 22nd October
On the 22nd October the hardest hit march took place in Norwich, to tell the Coalition Government that cutting services will make life very difficult for disabled people and people with long term conditions. Disabled people, their families and carers will be the Hardest Hit by cuts to benefits and services.
Mark Harrison (NCODP CEO) said: “Fantastic turnout, over 400 disabled people and their supporters attended to show the strength of feeling over the cuts to services and changes to benefits.”
Kim Arthurton (NCODP Exec PA) said: “I attended to support those affected by the cuts. I am more aware of the situation since joining NCODP and felt it was my absolute duty to support the demo”.
Tracey Beadle (NCODP – Head of HR and Central Support) said: “I was as an ally to support disabled people in their campaign against the cuts. It was inspiring to see so many people united in their protest against the disproportionate cuts to disabled people”.
Jonathan Toye (West Norfolk Disability Information Service) said: “Its important to get our views across in as many ways as possible, and there is a wonderful feeling of solidarity and togetherness when everyone is marching along making a racket, it really shows that people will not just sit back and let these cuts happen. Attracting media attention is a good way to raise awareness of what is happening to people who may not know.”
A Report from Stephen Pullinger which appeared in the Eastern Daily Press on Monday 24th October 2011
Disabled people and their families came to Norwich from all parts of the region to take part in a protest march and rally against government cuts.
More than 200 protesters, including wheelchair users and visually impaired people with guide dogs and white sticks, gathered in Chapelfield Gardens at 11.30am on Saturday, with a placard-waving march around nearby streets beginning at noon.
The rally was one of several organised around the country by Hardest Hit, a consortium of 40 disability organisations. The event ended with passionate speeches by disabled people highlighting the impact of government plans on individuals’ lives.
Mark Harrison, Chief Executive of Norfolk Coalition of Disabled People (NCODP), said cuts to local authorities’ funding already posed a “huge problem” to disabled people. “Sensory support services which enable deaf and blind people to live independently in the community have been cut by 60pc in Norfolk,” he said. “One blind woman in north Norfolk told me it has left her like a prisoner in her home.” He said the government’s plan to scrap disability living allowance and replace it with personal independence payments- cutting the pot by 20pc – was also hugely worrying. He said “They are replacing a benefit disabled people rely on for access to the world – just to get out of their houses – by one with highly medicalised and inappropriate tests to judge wheher they are eligible," Mr Harrison highlighted the fact that disabled people were already 20pc worse off than the able-bodied because of the costs of living with disability. He added that by the government’s own figures, disability living allowance has the lowest rate of fraud of any benefit.
The Chairman of NCODP, Kathy Saunders, who travelled from King’s Lynn, said “We are asking the government to keep its promise that disabled people will be protected and people won’t be forced into poverty if they are unable to work.” She said she has heard of countless hardship cases, including people who relied on home help just to get them out of bed, having their hours reduced from 15 to 5 because of social services cuts.
Stuart Thompson, campaigns officer for Mencap, said all disabled people trying to access the new personal independence payments would be subject to a face-to-face interview – a daunting prospect for someone with a learning disability who might struggle to convey the range of ways it affected them.
Kate Wyatt, of North Elmham, near Dereham, who has had multiple sclerosis for 30 years, said the effects of the disease fluctuated, and someone in a period of remission might be excluded from benefit unfairly.
Siobhan Meade, from Gorleston, brought her guide dog Mac to the rally and highlighted just how much the sensory support services, now being cut, helped her with everything from learning how to use mobilty aids to becoming familiar with local routes to the shops.
A spokesman for the Department for Work and Pensions said: “This government is absolutely committed to supporting disabled people and we continue to spend more than £40bn a year on disabled people and their services. “However, the current benefit system is not always reaching those who need it most, which is why we will be introducing the new personal independence payment to ensure people get the right levels of support.”
LGBT History Month
Anna Gurney: Heroine of Norfolk’s LGBT Community
As part of Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transsexual (LGBT) History Month 2012, the Norfolk Association of Disabled LGBT People is creating an exhibition about Anna Gurney, a member of the famous Norfolk Gurney family. Anna is one of the lesser known members of the family, the others being John Gurney known as the Weavers’ Friend; Elizabeth Gurney (married name Fry) the prison and social reformer; and Thomas Fowell Buxton, who fought for the abolition of the slave-trade. Although less famous than her other family members, when Anna died in 1857 at the age of 62, her coffin was carried by a dozen fishermen who mourned her passing alongside hundreds of others at Overstrand in North Norfolk. Many there had been touched by her courage and compassion over the years. Some even owed her their lives.
Anna was born in 1795. As a child she was severely disabled by polio but, despite having her legs bound in iron callipers, she was soon pulling herself around the floor.
Anna was determined not to spend her life being cared for by others, as she was expected to do. Instead, she used her immense talent to achieve considerable academic success. At the age of 24, she translated the Anglo-Saxon Chronicles into English from their original Anglo-Saxon. In 1845 became the first woman member of the Royal Archaeological Society.
In 1825, Anna moved into Northrepps Cottage, built in 1793 as part of the Gurney family’s Northrepps Estate. She lived there with her beloved cousin, Sarah Buxton, in what is assumed to be a romantic friendship.
Anna was determined to help others in whatever way she could. The couple, commonly known as the Cottage Ladies, supported Sarah’s brother, Thomas Fowell Buxton, in his abolitionist work. They established a school in Overstrand. Ships were frequently wrecked in the treacherous waters off the North Norfolk coast and the couple did much to help shipwrecked sailors. In heavy storms, Anna was often pulled to the cliffs in her wheelchair by her servants so that she could fire life saving rockets and lines. She used her skills of persuasion to convince Trinity House to put a lightship off the coast. She did much to establish a lifeboat service in the area.
When she died of bronchitis in 1857, Anna’s coffin was carried by 12 fishermen. Many hundreds more were in attendance, a mark of the immense esteem in which she was held by the local community.
The Norfolk Association of Disabled LGBT People intends to use its research to create a touring exhibition about Anna. We plan to tour the County’s libraries and other public places, educating and inspiring people through the achievements of this disabled heroine of Norfolk.
We are in discussion with the Gurney family and hope that they will support the project. We hope the exhibition may even find a permanent home at the end of the tour in The Cottage, the residence of Anna and Sarah that is now run as Northrepps Cottage County Hotel by the Gurney family.
Hate Crime: Sticks and Stones....
There have been a stream of horrific cases where disabled people have been attacked, tortured, held hostage and killed ‘just’ for being disabled. It grabs the headlines for a day or two and then vanishes. Despite all these cases, there hasn’t been a ‘Stephen Lawrence’ moment for disabled people, where the mainstream is so shocked by a case that policy makers have to react. Luckily this level of violence is rare and not experienced by most disabled people.
But there’s the problem. Most abuse is more low grade, frequent and unchallenged. Katherine Quarmby calls this ‘background noise’ in her excellent study of disability hate crime “Scapegoat”. This background noise is the name calling, minor bullying, anti-social behaviour directed at disabled people. It occurs throughout our society, where ever disabled people go.
I’ve had conversations where non-disabled people have told me to be more ‘thick skinned’, to shrug off the comments. I can see where they are coming from but a line has to be drawn. All the serious hate crimes started out as name calling. When the violence started, in most cases, bystanders did nothing. Some even spectated or took pictures and video with their phones. This is all permitted by the background noise of low level abuse that helps de-humanise disabled people in the eyes of the public.
If we all stand up and take a zero tolerance approach to hate crime directed at us then we can change things.
- The background noise will get less
- Media companies will have to take our complaints seriously
- The police and local authorities will no longer be able to say “It doesn’t happen here as we have no record of it
These changes will reduce the more serious offences as they will be seen as far more unacceptable and response and prevention will be better funded.,/p>
It won’t be easy and it won’t be quick and not every disabled person will be able to do it but that shouldn’t stop us. Those of us that have the capacity to report and follow up should hold the authorities to account. If we can’t feel safe in our homes, on public transport, while going out and on the internet, all the rights we have worked hard for will be compromised.
These are just my thoughts on the issue and I’d love to hear what you think, whether you agree or disagree.
If you have had any experience of a hate crime or would like to comment on any aspect of this article please contact Hazel Simons: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Tel 01508 491210.
Mind Justice Norfolk
Have you been a victim of crime or abuse? You are not alone. Mind Justice Norfolk is a proposed local group offering peer support and information for people whose lives have been affected by a range of crimes, abuse, harassment and discrimination. The aim of Mind Justice Norfolk is to campaign to stop disability hate crimes, fight discrimination, raise awareness on issues and to inspire individuals to help themselves and each other.
Becoming a member will be free. The group will offer a supporting environment in which to discuss concerns and to help resolve problems. Guest speakers from local authorities and other organizations will be invited to attend. Topics will include how hate crimes, bullying, harassment, including cyberstalking and electronic harassment, are all violations of our human rights.
Become a survivor, feel empowered, and aspire to a brighter future.
Please contact Kim on 07588 627342 if you are interested in becoming a member.
Success for Great Yarmouth VIP Group
In 2005, as secretary to the 'VIP User Group of Gt.Yarmouth', it was made clear to Norfolk County Council that yellow and black awareness tape gave a far stronger contrast, on scaffolding, than red and white. Our local MP, at the time, Tony Wright was fully supportive and also corresponded with Norfolk County Council on this issue.
The 'Inclusive Mobility Guidelines' however stated that Red and white was the required colour and had the backing of the RNIB. As a result of a great deal of correspondence, and numerous telephone calls, the RNIB and Guide Dogs for the Blind gave full backing for the change to Yellow and Black.
In the meantime Tony Wright MP sent details to all MPs requesting their support which was very productive. Unfortunately before the Inclusive Mobility revision committee could meet we had a change of government and everything was put on hold.
Following the general election I met with our new MP 'Brandon Lewis' who agreed to continue with the cause and persuaded Norfolk County Council and Great Yarmouth Borough Council to accept the new colours.
This was made effective from April 2011 and the colour scheme is now fully in force.
Brandon Lewis MP has now taken this matter further by writing an article, on this issue, for the 'Local Government Association' magazine with a view to encouraging the change on a national level.
Penny Cox. Secretary of the VIP User Group Great Yarmouth.
Egress
Part M Buliding Regulations
A question I would ask is, what do you know about them? If you are the same as me, it is absolutely nothing. They are not the sort of thing you go delving into unless you have a reason. How many of you are aware that Part M of the building regulations does not cover “egress”? Well that is the posh word for “exit” and that is the word I understand, and no doubt I speak for many of you.
I am a member of Norwich Access Group. We are a small group of disabled people campaigning for better access to Norwich and the surrounding area. Greater equality is achieved by better access. It came somewhat of a surprise to be passing a recently built Supermarket with a step at the Fire exit. This was placed on my “I must look into this” list. Another visit to the store revealed even more concerns, a further fire exit at the rear of the building with a rescue platform and two steps, when a platform and ramp could so easily have been put in. This Supermarket stands right next to a very busy road with a five exit roundabout a few yards away, an incident waiting to happen.
Much time was spent in writing to the Supermarket, Planners, Building Control and, Local Authorities but it transpires that the building regulations have been met and it is acceptable to have a rescue platform and steps, even where it is possible, at ground floor level, to have a ramp. The Fire Department was also consulted but if there is a suitable and workable plan for rescue in place, they cannot force the premises to put in a ramp at ground floor level. Fire rescue comes under Part B of the regulations but are linked to Part M. A letter to the head office of the company asking them, as a gesture of goodwill, to replace the steps with a ramp fell on deaf ears. They said the building regulations had been met.
It would seem that we, as disabled people can enter a building, which you must admit, is much improved these days, go all round the building and get to where we need and want to be, but in the event of a fire, you are denied the freedom, if possible, to leave independently. We are directed to a safe area, or placed on a platform waiting for rescue. This could put us in a dangerous situation. All because one little four letter word is omitted from the Part M building regulations. Common sense does not seem to prevail. Victor Meldrew would say, “I don’t believe it”.
There is a review of the building regulations taking place at the end of the year with Andrew Stunell MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State leading the talks. If, like the members of Norwich Access Group, you are incensed by exit/egress being omitted from the Part M Building Regulations, please support our campaign to get this included. If we miss this window of opportunity, it could be several years before they are reviewed again and new builds will continue to go up as now.
To make it easy for you, we have written a letter which you can download from our Website. You only need to put your name and address on, sign and date it. If you would rather use your own wording please do. We need all the support we can get.
http://norwichaccessgroup.org.uk/partm.shtml
On the other hand, if you have fantasies of being rescued from a raging burning building by a good looking burly uniformed fireman, or firewoman, you can sit back and do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.
Margaret E Cossey NORWICH ACCESS GROUP.Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Mural unveiled
“Disabled People use Art to express their feelings”
This year NCODP has been working with some of its members to consider their hopes and priorities, the barriers to achieving them, how the barriers can be overcome. Instead of producing a report, participants have been taking part in discussion and art workshops and working with a research artist to create an attractive, thought provoking mural which conveys the group’s main messages. This public artwork will be on display permanently and can be seen on the walls of the café in Chapelfield Gardens, Norwich.
The project is being run by the United Kingdom Disabled People’s Council (UKDPC) and received Big Lottery funding. Similar workshops and art work has been produced in Frome, Somerset and London.
The research will also produce a photographic exhibition and a more detailed written report with recommendations for policy makers, service providers and others. The project will finish in October 2012.
Eastern Evening News article, 24th October 2011
Disabled artists drew their messages and worked with artist Andrew Bolton to produce a painted mural on the wall of the cafe.
Councillor Amy Stammers, who unveiled the work yesterday, said: “Art is a brilliant medium for expression, and it’s great to see all their ideas brought together in this form for all the people that visit Chapelfield Gardens to observe and enjoy.”
Researcher Rebecca Yeo, from the UK Disabled People’s Council, said the project was trying to discover the priorities of disabled people and their aspirations.
The mural includes a soldier looking at a mine, which is meant to show how soldiers continue to live in a metaphorical minefield when they return from the frontline. One ex-serviceman, who did not want to be named, described his extreme isolation and the lack of support he had received. He said: “They try and fit you into a category. They haven’t got the understanding, so they pass you on and class you as an inconvenience.”
Caroline Fairless-Price, from Norwich, expressed her dismay at being offered funding to buy the home care services she needed, only to find that the county council service she was using had been axed. Caroline said: “Social service is no longer a service, but the smaller private providers can’t match their flexibility and stability.”
Biz-ability Project
The latest workshop in the biz-ability programme was given a touch of glamour from one workshop participant, wishing to set up a dance group for disabled people.
The workshop facilitated by Barry Dennis, was very informative and interactive, covering PR, Advertising, Social Media,Press Releases and much more.
To find out more about our biz-ability Project go to http://www.biz-ability.org.uk
or contact Penny Parker on 01508 491576, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Hazel Simons on 01508 491210, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
We are currently exploring the idea of a disabled dance group with a local dance company, and would love to hear from you if it is something that you may be interested in, please contact Penny Parker if you are interested on Tel 01508 491576 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
NCODP introduces an E-bulletin option
The first NCODP E-bulletin went out to Members on Friday 4th Nov 2011.
The aim of the e-Bulletin is to keep all our members informed of forthcoming events, workshops, projects, campaigns, consultations, vacancies, benefits and welfare updates – in fact all the stuff we currently send out separately, but now together in one place.
Members have told us that they receive loads of emails from us, some of which are not relevant to their age, location or interest. The E-bulletin means that you can just click on the bits that interest you.The E-Bulletin also provides an area where our Member Groups can advertise their own meetings, campaigns and events etc to individuals and other groups and organisations.
If you have not received an E-bulletin by now, it is probably because you have not chosen to have information sent to you by email, or that we do not have an up to date email address for you.
If you have not received the E-bulletin and would like to then please send your email address to Penny Parker: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or Tel 01508 491576.
As this is our first E-Bulletin it is really good to get your feedback on it, so that we can continue to develop it.
Dear Santa
Cartoon by Helen King
This year has been a very difficult year for disabled peoples user led organisations in Norfolk. Despite a year overshadowed by cuts disabled peoples organisations have continued to fight to increase the independence of people facing disabling barriers in Norfolk.To support this work to continue next year please could you provide the following?
Christmas 2011
We would like to wish all the members, volunteers and staff of the NCODP a very Happy Christmas and a successful 2012