NCODP AGM
17th October 2009
The Coalition’s AGM this year was held at Swaffham's EcoTech Centre, on a crisp October Saturday.
This year saw a wonderful representation of the Coalition’s membership, both individuals and groups, old and new, with over 130 people attending the EcoTech centre.
Displays by Coalition groups filled the EcoTech hall; along with the Coalition’s own big display, depicting the past years work and campaigns in photographs.
The AGM started with feedback from member groups and the Coalition’s new Youth Forum. This gave a good overview, alongside the displays, of a busy year that has seen the Coalition growing with new services and teams meeting the ever growing needs of disabled people in Norfolk.
This year's AGM also saw a number of changes within the Trustees, not least with the election of our new chair, Kathy Saunders. You can read more about our new chair and trustees on page 2.
Following the main business of the day, we ran three workgroups around Inclusive Education, Centre for Independent Living and NCODP's Celebration’s for 2010 and 2011.
We were also fortunate to have as this years keynote speaker, Tara Flood Director at the Alliance for Inclusive Education.
She discussed the work her organisation is involved in, with focus on the campaigning and concerns related to the barriers disabled people face in accessing education, work or training. This, she felt, was especially concerning in light of the government's attempts to move people off benefits and into work.
For anyone interested in the full minutes of the AGM, they are available on our website at www.ncodp.org.uk/agm2009
Board Changes
We are very grateful to Pat Crawford for her leadership during the last year and look forward to her continued involvement as a trustee.
Kathy Saunders. Chair
I have been an NCODP member for over 10 years and a trustee since 2006, during that time I have gained a good understanding of the culture and dynamics of the organisation. I believe that the mix of skills and experience of working with disabled people in Norfolk and nationally I can help NCODP achieve success for all disabled people in the exciting years ahead of us.
Michael Ebanks. Trustee
My first involvement with NCODP was with the Social Action Research project during 2007/08 I am also involved with Independent Living and Employment, part of the Centre for Independent Living development. I find that working with other disabled people is very empowering and I have learned that through a collective effort disabled people can make a difference and influence decisions.
Shaun Hobbs. Trustee
I have been involved in disability rights since 1989. I now help run two member groups, Talkback, whose aim is to help voice hearers to work towards recovery, and Navigator, a self-help and support group for ex-armed forces, carers and family's with mental health problems.
Disability Pride
Disabled Artists and Performers wanted
We are launching a search for local disabled artists and performers to be part of an amazing event to celebrate disability.
The Coalition will be hosting two events in 2010 & 2011.
The first, Disability Pride, to be held on Saturday 5th June 2010, at the Forum in Norwich, will explore the experiences and aspirations of disabled people and our struggle for equality and human rights.
The second, in 2011, will celebrate our 15 year anniversary, reflecting the Coalitions work across the years.
We are looking for local disabled artists and performers to be involved in either event. We would particularly welcome work that is informed by the experience of disability.
Disability Pride Logo Competition
As part of the Disability Pride events we are launching a competition to find a logo which will be used as the symbol for Disability Pride.
We are looking for a powerful yet easily reproduced logo to use as our Pride symbol.
The winner will see their logo used in the run up and during the event, and be seen far and wide across the UK. In addition the winner will receive a full range of merchandise produced with their logo.
The logo should reflect the experiences and aspirations of disabled people and our struggle for equality and human rights.
The deadline for entries is, Wednesday 31st March, 2010
If you would be interested in performing, exhibiting, or for more information on either event, please contact Ann Young:
- Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
- Tel: 01508 491218
- website: www.ncodp.org.uk/disability-pride
Personalisation
Our last newsletter highlighted the July launch of the Joint Commissioning Strategy, as part of the Personalisation agenda in Norfolk. Following on from the launch, the Coalition is running a number of training sessions, which will continue into 2010.
The Coalition, via Independent Living Norfolk, has been involved for some time with Personal Budgets in a further move to provide more individualised care. This will give the individual control over their support.
The previous system with Direct Payments saw a Social Worker making the assessment and deciding what people needed. Personal Budgets change this process, and allow the individual to set out in a questionnaire and planner, what they need and the best way for their budget to be spent.
As these new plans for Personal Budgets are rolled out, the number of people using ILN's support services will expand quite considerably.
Included in the changes, Norfolk has been chosen as one of thirteen sites in the new trials for Personal Health Budgets. The Coalition is working in partnership with NHS Norfolk to provide Health care in a similar way to Personal Budgets.
For further information please contact ILN Advice Tel: 01508 491222
or visit our website, for:
- Joint Commissioning Strategy: www.ncodp.org.uk/jcs
- Personal Budgets introduction: www.ncodp.org.uk/iln/downloads-iln
Youth Forum
The Youth Forum [launched on 14th November] meets every other Saturday from 11am to 2:30pm at Open Youth Centre, 20 Bank Plain, Norwich, NR2 4SF.
The aim is to develop a range of projects and programmes to engage and involve young disabled people in Norfolk, this could include developing consultation, information and advice, peer support and raising disability awareness/equality.
If you're interested in getting involved and are between 14 and 25, contact Caroline Golding:
- Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
- Tel: 01508 491217
- website: www.ncodp.org.uk/youth-forum
Evaluation Report
The evaluation of Independent Living Norfolk (ILN) and Suffolk (SIL)
We would like to say a big 'Thank You!' to everyone who took the time to complete the questionnaire sent out and also to those who attended one of the focus groups. 623 completed questionnaires were received and 51 people attended the focus groups.
Dr. Carol Dawson carried out an independent evaluation of ILN and SIL and, using your responses to the questionnaire and your thoughts and ideas at the focus groups, she has now produced her report.
Here are some of the findings:
- Over 80% of people said they feel more in control of their daily lives now that they are arranging their own support through direct payments.
- Almost 80% of people said they feel more confident in how they live their lives, now that they are arranging their own support.
- Over 65% of people said they felt they would be unable to manage their direct payments without support from ILN or SIL.
- Over 65% of people felt they had more knowledge of their rights after using the services of ILN or SIL.
There are some areas people thought we could improve on, including:
- Better communication between the advice and payroll teams.
- Using email and the internet more. Making sure people are aware of the User
- Groups and how to get involved.
- Getting in touch with people more often to see how things are going.
Now that we have this feedback and a better idea of what people want from our services, we can get started on making some changes and improvements. Watch this space!
A summary of the report and the findings is available. If you would like a copy please contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Tel: 01508 491222
We would like to wish all the members, volunteers and staff of the NCODP a very Happy Christmas and a successful 2010
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