Aware January 2015

Aware Newsletter of East Sussex

Disability Association

Issue 52 - January 2015

_________________________________________________

actively empowering and supporting disabled people

Save the Independent Living Fund (ILF) The campaign to save the Independent Living Fund has been one of the most high profile among the

many battles disabled people are currently fighting against current government policy that is

having a detrimental impact on disabled people.

The Government won a case in the Royal Courts of Justice on Monday 8th December 2014, which

made their decision to close the ILF – Independent Living Fund – lawful; and this closure will now go

ahead on 30th June 2015.

Tracey Lazard, CEO of Inclusion London said: “The closure of the ILF effectively signals the end of the

right to independent living for disabled people in the UK. Whilst never perfect the ILF represents a

model of support that has enabled thousands of disabled people to enjoy meaningful lives and to

contribute to society as equal citizens. Since the closure of the Fund to new applicants in December

2010 we have seen disabled people left with their most basic needs unmet and unable to seek

employment, to volunteer or go into education or simply even to leave the house.”

Linda Burnip, co-founder of the campaign Disabled people Against Cuts, said: “Regardless of this

ruling, disabled people will not be pushed back into the margins of society, we will not go back into the

institutions, our place is in the community alongside our family and friends and neighbours and we are

fighting to stay”.

We can still make a difference with our families, friends and supporters and stand in solidarity with ILF

Users campaign to Save the ILF, and together apply the sort of political power which changes minds

and policy.

Easy steps to campaign:

Write or email your MP now to help save the ILF and encourage all your

friends and family to do the same follow this link:

http://action.pcs.org.uk/page/speakout/save-the-ilf

Tweet #savetheILF and Facebook the link to the e-action so others can join

the campaign

Disabled people Against Cuts—http://dpac.uk.net/

Aware - Jan 2015

ESDA - actively empowering and supporting disabled people - www.esda.org.uk 2

Contents

Save the Independent Living Fund …..cover

Editorial & News from the Office.................2

View from the Chair & the Wedding of the

Year……………………………..………….....3

ESDA Centre for Independent Living.....4 / 5

News from ESDA Local groups .............6 / 7

ESDA Information Service .....................8 / 9

Volunteering & Events… ..........................10

Safeguarding the Future...........................11

East Sussex Credit Union…………...12 / 13

Information - Ataxia UK ...........................14

Letters ……………………………………...15

Events and Contact Information ..........back

Editorial

Nick Tapp

CEO

Unfortunately I have to start the New Year with

some sad news that broke at the end of 2014.

On 19th December 2014, ESDA Coach

Services (ESDACS Ltd) announced that they

would no longer be in operation as their Board

have taken steps to place the company into

voluntary liquidation.

Here at ESDA we recognise all that the

ESDACS Ltd Board have done to try to avoid

having to shut down and we realise that this

decision will be extremely disappointing and

upsetting for ESDACS staff, our local groups,

other disability organisations and disabled

people who have always valued the service

highly.

We know that the ESDACS Ltd Board explored

all other potential options and the situation

leaves them with no alternative other than to

close the service with immediate effect.

Services run by ESDA from the Centre for

Independent Living, (ie the Daily Living Centre,

Information Service, IT training etc) are not

affected by this. Some of your local group outings

may be affected but your local organiser will tell

you if they are.

ESDA Trustees and Managers will now be working

hard to find alternative transport solutions to

support local services, both our own and those run

by others. We already have some ideas and have

recently appointed Mark Kelner on a temporary

contract to help us bring them to reality. In the

meantime if you have any questions then please

contact us and we will do our best to answer them.

On a more positive note 2015 started well when

we heard that we were successful with a small bid

for a project that will help ESDA and disabled

people get ready for Personal Health Budgets.

These are similar to Adult Social Care’s Personal

Budgets that many of you will be aware of now

but, as their name implies, are for health services.

We have our first briefing meeting in mid-February

and will tell you more over the year.

Let’s hope this positive start will continue

throughout 2015 both for ESDA and disabled

people in general. I hope your 2015 is a happy and

prosperous one.

News from the Office

Welcome to the first edition of Aware 2015. Aware will be changing in format and focus over this coming year so we look forward to your feedback.

My role is changing to accommodate both Information and Local Services. We want to develop the Information Service across the County as well as self help tools and resources for disabled people to enable individuals to be confident in accessing services and support for themselves and other disabled people. It is really important that the voice of disabled people continues to be heard to mitigate the impact of cuts to services and continue to challenge decisions like the closure of the ILF (Independent

Living Fund). Marianne Colliard

Aware - Jan 2015


View from the

Chair

Sarah Playforth

As we come to the end of another year of changes and challenges to ESDA, it's all too easy to reflect on the difficulties we, as a small, user led but highly valued charity and company, have had to face rather than see the year as one when we have survived and survived well. As I write, we are beginning to deal with the aftermath of the closure on December 19th of our subsidiary company, ESDA Coach Services Limited. Words really are not enough to describe our sadness and concern at this event. I know that the ESDACS Board tried really hard to find an alternative to closing but with the withdrawal of crucial funding, it was just impossible to avoid this action. ESDA Board is fully aware of the need to look at how transport can still be a feature of our local service provision. The year has seen the launch of our new strategy, which was developed in the light of the survey of how disabled people in East Sussex want to live their lives. I am very proud of that strategy and of the time and efforts staff and trustees put into its creation. It describes our way forward at this time when disabled people's lives are being hard hit by the current austerity regime, both nationally and locally. We have just heard that the Independent Living Fund is to be closed in June, despite the fight to keep it open. The idea is that the money will be shared among local authorities to meet the needs of people who were receiving it but that money is not ring fenced so there are no guarantees. At the same time, another judgement means that First Buses have been confirmed in their view that people using wheelchairs do not have priority over people with children with buggies on buses.

This is fortunately not a policy for every bus company. This is yet another example of failure to consider the reality of lack of choice and control for disabled people. We on the ESDA Board are working hard to develop ways of supporting local disabled people, and in the light of ESDACS’ closure, transport is even more a key element of this work; we welcome all ideas and suggestions for this and the rest of our strategy. Choice and control: still the aim for ESDA and will still remain the aim. At times like this, we have to focus on the needs of disabled people in East Sussex for very basic rights to be met and for the right to be part of the community. Disabled people themselves are already helping each other - the Karten centre volunteers are a wonderful example of this. Sharing experience, expertise and time with each other is great for everybody. My grateful thanks go to the most dedicated and hardworking staff team I have ever known for their unfailing attention to the demands of their jobs; to the Board of trustees for their support, time and expertise; and to every volunteer working for ESDA for their time, energy and commitment. Special recognition, thanks for their dedication, customer care and commitment to all the ESDACS staff who have lost their jobs at a difficult time; I and the ESDA Board wish them all the best for their future. Wishing everyone a Healthy, Peaceful and Happy

New Year.

STOP PRESS

ESDA's Wedding of the Year took place quietly and in great secrecy in Brighton on January 16th. Chief Executive, Nick Tapp and Graham Boys were married. After such a quiet occasion, a riotous time was had by all at their post wedding party. I'm sure you will all join me in wishing them many years of

happiness.

Aware - Jan 2015


We have set some dates for the upcoming year:

Our regular “drop in” sessions are held on the first Thursday of the month from 9.30 to 12.30

and you are welcome to visit at these times without an appointment.

Our product days will be held on 4th June and 1

st October from 9.30 to 12.30 - dates for your new

diary! More news to follow.

Kitchen workshops – practical advice and an opportunity to try a wide variety of kitchen

products in a small group setting. The sessions are held every 8 weeks from 17th February.

To book a place please contact the Daily Living Centre.

New Year Resolutions and Solutions

Many of us are already planning our gardens and thinking of the year ahead. Some of us may even

be dreaming of summer barbeques! With this in mind we thought you might be interested to read

about some new types of gardening tool that are widely available through high street shops. These

lightweight ergonomic tools are designed to reduce stress on arthritic wrists and hands.

ESDA Centre for Independent Living

Alternatively you may prefer to use Easi grip add on handles. These can convert conventional tools

to make them more “ergonomic” which reduces the amount of wrist and finger movement required

and maintains a more neutral position.

You are welcome to contact the Daily Living Centre to find out more about these and other products

and equipment that can be helpful on a day to day basis.

Our Daily Living Centre has a permanent display of a large range of assistive technology and

products including a “live” display of telecare products. Telecare is a service that enables people,

especially older and more vulnerable individuals, to live independently and securely in their own home.

Free and impartial advice and information is available via our Occupational Therapy staff. You can

contact us by phone: 01323 514515 or email: [email protected] or book an appointment to meet with

a member of our team.

If you can’t book an appointment you could attend one of our “drop in” sessions which are held on the

first Thursday of the month.

mailto:[email protected]

Aware - Jan 2015


ESDA Centre for Independent Living

Still on the gardening theme - THRIVE is a large charity that promotes gardening as a way of

bringing positive change to people who may be disabled, isolated, vulnerable or disadvantaged.

Their Carry on Gardening website: http://www.carryongardening.org.uk/ offers practical information

to make garden jobs easier, advice on taking care, useful hints and tips and details of the equipment

and tools available to assist. It makes for helpful and interesting reading.

Arthritis Research UK produce a useful booklet that offers self-help advice about gardening whilst

protecting arthritic joints, and ways to arrange the garden layout to makes things easier. We have

copies of this booklet here in the DLC so feel free to contact us if you would like one. Alternatively

you can look on the website: http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/ or contact them direct.

The Gorringe Road Allotment site in Eastbourne has purpose built toilet facilities and a raised bed

area for wheelchair users , and its shop is fully wheelchair accessible. For more details contact

Eastbourne Allotments and Gardens Society who manage the sites on behalf of Eastbourne

Borough Council. Telephone: 01323 430970.

So when you are making your new year’s resolutions to maintain your garden or find suitable

solutions to assist independence, think of us!

Daily Living Centre Team

ESDA Assistive Technology Pathfinder Training

This accredited training has been developed by East Sussex Disability Association (ESDA) in

conjunction with Assist UK.

The programme aims to enable support staff and volunteers to assist their service users to help

themselves when seeking assistive technology (AT) solutions. The programme focuses on raising

learners’ awareness of products and minor adaptations which support independence in everyday

living. Also how to empower disabled and older people to access services such as Centres for

Independent Living, high street outlets and the internet to provide sufficient information for them to

make informed decisions. This programme is particularly suited to people working in the voluntary

and statutory sector who have a lot of contact with older and disabled people but who do not

assess for or issue disability products.

These courses are free, but participants will be expected to complete an assignment and a

personal workbook in order to be accredited.

Two courses are planned for 2015 in the Spring and Summer with dates to be confirmed.

If you are interested please contact the Daily Living Centre for more details.

Email: [email protected] or telephone 01323 514515

Aware - Jan 2015


News from local groups

DAWNS

Uckfield police have donated £200 to DAWNS (Disabled Adult Wealden North Social) which helped fund their Christmas party and a trip to a pantomime. DAWNS offers social meetings, events and sporting activities to people with any disability in and around the North Wealden area. PC Jennifer Black said: "It was a pleasure to make this donation on behalf of the Uckfield Neighbourhood Policing Team as recognition for the invaluable work that DAWNS does." The donation comes from the Police Property Act Fund (PPAF), made up of monies received by the police from property confiscated by

order of the court and then sold.

Hailsham DC

Hailsham DC went to a new venue, the Coast

Restaurant for their Christmas Lunch this year

at Sussex Coast College in Hastings. The food

was delicious and the service was also very

good and the venue accessible. The

restaurant is staffed by hospitality and culinary

art students; students prepare, cook and serve

the food in the restaurant as part of their

training with support from the Restaurant

Manager and College Lecturers.

2 Course Lunch £8.95, 3 Course Lunch £9.95.

All include tea and coffee to conclude meals.

To make a reservation please contact us on: 01424 458535 or e-mail

[email protected]

Seaford Kurlers

Since my last update we have been to Rye Market

and to the Kettle o’ Fish restaurant for lunch on 4th

September. The weather was just wonderful; warm

and sunny, Rye certainly was a good place to be

on that day. Lunch at the Kettle o’ Fish restaurant

was a resounding success. Thanks go to Val and

Keith Hylands for sorting this place out for us. The

owner is Greek and also does a wide range of

Mediterranean dishes. There is something for

everybody’s taste. The restaurant caters for any

dietary needs if they know in advance. The food

was excellent and the staff are all so welcoming

and helpful. Well worth a visit.

During September we were also voting for the

Bob Matthews Achievement Cup. This year the

member who received the most votes was Joe

Humphries. He has achieved a lot for himself this

year and also for the club. He now feels confident

to play with any club member and is good to play

with or against.

We had our AGM in October. Our Treasurer, Val

Hylands ,wanted to give up after four years in the

role. I would like to say a big thank you to Val for

all her hard work. We now have Jane Price and

Lyn Rees sharing the role of Treasurer. Wanda

Grant and Barbara Chapman have taken on the

roles of Social / Welfare Secretaries. I hope that

all the new committee members enjoy their roles

and are not overwhelmed by the rest of us on the

committee.

We went to The Moorings, Pevensey Bay for Christmas lunch as we enjoyed it so much there the year before. Our last Kurling meeting was on the 16

th December and we all enjoyed festive

mince pies. As always I have to thank all the Wave Leisure staff at the Downs Leisure Centre, Seaford for all their hard work for us throughout the year. May I wish you all a Happy 2015 June Wood Secretary for Seaford Kurlers Tel. 01323 895376

Email: [email protected]



Aware - Jan 2015


News from local groups

Bexhill

On 12th December the Bexhill branch

celebrated Christmas with an excellent lunch

at the Langham Hotel. It was a joyous

occasion made extra special by the presence

of two guests, representing the Lions club of

Bexhill. Much to the members surprise,

Richard Winrow, their president, and Jim

McGlynn distributed presents of chocolates,

Christmas puddings and cakes to everyone.

The Lions club have supported our group

throughout the year and we are very grateful

for their help.

We wish everyone a very happy New Year

and look forward to future outings that will

commence again in March.

Members of the Lions Club with our

Chair Ann Kellet

Lewes District Committee &

Hastings & Rother Disability

Forum (HRDF)

We are sorry to advise that the Lewes District Committee closed at the end of December. HRDF decided at their AGM in November to leave ESDA and we wish them every success. ESDA is looking at opportunities to develop similar and new services in these areas. If you are keen to be involved or have ideas please

contact Marianne on 01323 514500

Crowborough

Crowborough members enjoyed their Christmas

lunch at the Green Man in Ringmer which is one

of the group’s favourite venues.

Obituary

We were very sorry to hear of the death of Hilary

Corlett. Hilary had been a very active Committee

member with our Lewes District Committee for

many years, She was also a past Trustee of the

Association and then became the first President

of DELTA (one of ESDA’s local groups) in 1997.

She held that post for a number of years before

stepping down but remained very much interested

and involved in their activities. She was a very

special lady who was passionate about helping

disabled people and everyone who knew her will

miss her wisdom and sense of fun.

Aware - Jan 2015


Information

Do you know about the

Priority Services Register?

By joining the register, you will receive: ✔ A priority phone number that you can call 24 hours a day ✔ A welcome pack with useful advice about preparing for a power cut ✔ Regular text message or phone updates during a power cut ✔ Extra support from the British Red Cross

Who can apply • Customers who are dependent on medical equipment • Customers who are chronically ill • Customers with a disability • Customers who are visually impaired or blind • Customers who are hearing impaired or deaf • Elderly customers • A nursing or residential home • Customers with young babies in household • Any other case that you would like us to consider

To sign up for the Priority Services

Register

Telephone: 0800 31 63 105

Call from a mobile: 0333 32 32 105

Text POWER and your postcode to 80876

Online: ukpowernetworks.co.uk

Tweet us or send us a Facebook message

Need extra support during a power cut?

Register for free:

Online: ukpowernetworks.co.uk/priority


Scan this QR code to get signed up

East Sussex Winter

Home Check Service

To help you get advice and support to keep your home warm.

If you are an older or disabled person, or if any-

one in your household is disabled, or if you are a

family with children and on a low income, you may

qualify for this service. It includes:

>> A full assessment of your home and how best

to keep it warm

>> Small preventative works, such as improving

insulation, repairing boliers, clearing gutters

or chimneys

>> Providing emergency temporary heating

>> Advice on getting help with the cost of heating

your home

For more information:

phone Social Care Direct

on 0345 60 80 191 or email

[email protected]

Or Help to keep warm and well

www.eastsussex.gov.uk/keepwarm

Or Keep Warm Keep Well

www.nhs.uk/livewell/winterhealth

Or Met Office Get Ready for Winter

www.metoffice.gov.uk/getreadyforwinter

Aware - Jan 2015


Information

Opportunities for Disabled People

Eastbourne Borough Council has a good track record of engaging and working with disabled

people, both residents and visitors.

In 2007 the Council set up the Disability Involvement Group (DIG). The DIG provides a scrutiny role

of the Council’s progress towards disability equality and helps improve relations between disabled

and non-disabled people. Members have taken part in a wide range of consultations adding value

to Council plans and initiatives, providing invaluable advice and guidance to the Council in regard

to its public spaces and access to its services.

The DIG, together with the Council, was instrumental in developing Access Eastbourne, an exciting

initiative for Eastbourne. Access Eastbourne is an on-line database of accessible venues surveyed

by disabled people.

The Council not only works with disabled people as residents or visitors; it is an employer too.

Eastbourne Borough Council is proud to have been awarded the 'two ticks' positive about disability

symbol. This is awarded by Jobcentre Plus to employers who have made commitments to employ,

keep and develop the skills of disabled staff.

Eastbourne Borough Council is keen to encourage disabled people looking for work to consider

them as an employer. They would be happy to discuss job vacancies, or work experience

opportunities with you. Have a look on the website for job vacancies at

www.eastbourne.gov.uk/residents/jobs/

http://www.eastbourne.gov.uk/residents/jobs/

Aware - Jan 2015


Volunteering

I am really pleased to say that Maria who

featured in the last edition of Aware about her

volunteering experience with ESDA has

successfully found employment. Maria is now

working for Action for Blind People in Hove in a

reception and administration role very similar to

her voluntary role here at ESDA. Volunteering

really can be a key part of the journey towards

employment.

So if you have only ever thought about

volunteering I would really encourage you to

take the next step and contact ESDA about

becoming a volunteer. ESDA has a variety of

opportunities that enable people to develop

confidence, utilise their skills, develop new skills

and gain experience in not only the workplace

but also out in the community as well.

A big welcome to our new office based

volunteers Claudette, Helena, Jimmy, Lorraine,

Mac and Shannon.

Current opportunities at the Centre for

Independent Living include:

Karten Centre—computer training, peer support

Information Service—research and

administration

ESDA’s garden—maintenance and development

Out in the community we always need support

for our local groups and district committees as

well as escorts on outings.

Give us a call today on 01323 514500

ESDA Photo Competition

“Living Life to the Full”

Please send in an original photo which best

illustrates your own personal meaning of “Living

life to the full”. The competition categories are:

1. Sport 2. Barriers 3. Fun 4. Landscape

Please email your photographs to Matt Colliard

at [email protected] who will upload the

photograph or photographs to the ESDA Photo

Gallery. When your photos are uploaded we will

send you a link so that you can see your work

alongside the other entrants.

The winner of the competition will receive a £25

voucher and the photo may be used in ESDA

promotional materials with your written consent.

All photos must be sent to Matt’s email address

by midday on 31st March 2015

For further information please contact Matt

Colliard or Linda Pawlowski on 01323 514500


Aware - Jan 2015


As the new year dawns and we look back over some of our favourite moments of 2014, we smiled when we remembered the visitor who told us: “This is the best service I’ve had anywhere since

becoming disabled!”

It’s typical of our routine feedback.

As you know, ESDA’s purpose is to support

disabled people to have choice and control in

their lives.

If you would like the generations of the future to

continue to benefit from our services, please do

think about ways of safeguarding the future for

those who will follow you.

If you are not in a position to make a donation to

ESDA right now - you could leave a lasting gift in

your will – and help us support more disabled

and older people.

It is, of course, important to plan for your own

healthcare and make sure that your family and

friends are taken care of – that must come first -

but, if after that, you would like to send a

message of support to other disabled people, it

really is easy to leave a gift to ESDA in your will.

You can simply ask your solicitor to name ESDA

as your preferred charity of choice in your will

and state which type of gift you would like to

leave.

These are the different types of gift you can

choose from:

A residuary gift; this is where any money

left from your estate (your property, your

belongings, your savings etc.) once your

family and friends have been taken care of,

can be left to one or beneficiary or a

number of beneficiaries in your will.

Safeguarding the Future

A pecuniary gift is a stated sum of money

(you could leave £200 or £2,000 for

example).

If you want donate an item or a specific gift to

ESDA you can too.

Some people worry that they don’t have very much

money to spare and ask us if it is worth leaving

just a small amount, well the answer is: “yes it is

worth it!”

Around 2,000 people a year visit our Daily Living

Centre, here at ESDA and that’s only one of the

services we offer. Even a small gift could pay for

the time it takes an Occupational Therapist to help

someone find the right armchair. Simply sitting

back and relaxing then being able to get up out of

the chair alone – it’s one of the little things that

make such a difference in helping retain dignity

and independence.

The services we offer don’t always cost a lot but

they always mean a lot to someone!

Leaving a final gift in your will safeguards future

services for others.

Linda Pawlowski 01323 514528

Aware - Jan 2015


East Sussex Credit Union

The East Sussex Credit Union (ESCU) is an

ethical not for profit savings and loans

cooperative owned by its members who all live or

work in East Sussex: our ‘Common Bond’.

We have been running since 2000. All members

have a say in the policies. We have a current

membership of over 5000 people and they have

increased their savings with us to well over

£1,900,000 and have lent out more than

£1 million.

By joining us and saving you are directly helping

to financially support and strengthen our

community. By offering low cost affordable loans

to members we are directly investing in the

Community. By doing this we are able to assist

some of who could be the most vulnerable or in

need in our community. We actively work to

discourage the use of high cost loan companies

that can plunge people into terrible debt and lead

to years of financial stress and suffering. We

actively provide services to alleviate poverty and

promote financial capability delivering free money

management and budgeting training to

organisations, groups and individuals.

We engage across a number of sectors (housing,

business, government, academia and advice)

with a view to building joined up approaches to

tackling financial exclusion. We also work all over

the County alongside statutory and non statutory

groups.

Savings:

We encourage savings for adults and young

savers and now are able to offer business

accounts for small businesses, voluntary sector

and social enterprises.

Savings accounts:

Anyone over the age of 16 can join us, you don’t

need to be employed, rich or have a clean credit

rating. One account with up to 4 envelopes

inside allowing you to save for 4 different things

at the same time: holiday, a new car, a deposit

on a new property, or anything you like. You

save on a regular basis or when you can.

Easy to pay in to as you can use: standing order,

pay point cards, cheque by post or in person to

our main office in Brighton or ask your employer

to join our pay roll deduction scheme. Always be

able to easily access to your money, just email,

phone or post your withdrawal to us and your

savings will be transferred to your bank account.

This normally takes 2 days or can be put onto a

Visa debit card for you to spend it and earn

rewards or a cheque can be drawn up that can

be collected, it’s your choice. With the added

bonus that members earned more in dividends

this year than they would have earned in interest

with most high street banks. Because we are

regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

(FCA) your money is always safe with us.

Young savers:

Anyone up to the age of 16 can become a

young saver. Offering 2% interest to encourage

children to save. Young Savers can have a pay

point card so they can pay money into their

account themselves, cheque, standing orders or

electronic transfers. They can not remove this

money themselves. The adult who set up this

account for a child has control of

withdrawals .Like the adult accounts the money

can be transferred a variety of ways.

Aware – Jan 2015


East Sussex Credit Union

Payroll Deduction Saving Scheme

We also have a payroll savings deduction

scheme running with various employers across

the County: East Sussex County Council, East

Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, Brighton and

Hove Buses, NSL Parking to name but a few.

A free scheme members and employers are

taking advantage of. Save directly from your

salary right into your Credit Union savings

account. Members joined through the Payroll

deduction scheme also have the added bonus

that they can borrow right away.

Our Loans:

Our loans are low cost, affordable. We will lend 4 times what you have saved and you must have been a member for 8 weeks. There are no hidden charges. No penalties for paying off your loan early. Loans from to £500 to £15,000. Interest rates on loans vary depending on the amount you borrow ranging from 26.8% to 10% and with our borrow to save scheme as you pay your loan back a small part of the loan payment is paid into your savings account, so when you finish your loan you will have a pot of savings too. Being able to offer low cost loans to members

we are able to invest savings within our

community and have saved our members

around £60,000 in interest compared to people

taking over priced loans from pay day and

doorstep lender types this year alone. Helping

our community to advance local wealth and

becoming more financially sustainable while

helping others.

We also offer the CredEcard, a pre pay top up

Visa Debit card that gives you an account

number and sort code that any money (wages,

benefits, random amounts) can be paid into. It

also offers a Rewards Programme with many

retailers providing cash rebates or special

online discounts and offers when you shop

using your card Cashback rewards saves you

£££’s: monthly rebates – straight into your

CredECard account.

At the end of each month we calculate your

cash rebate, using the percentage rate for each

retailer you have shopped with, and the total

cash reward you have earned is credited to

your CredECard account the following month.

For example: if you spend £100 in Asda

throughout April, a cash reward of £3 will be

credited to your account at the end of May.

You can join us on line, or we hold various help

points, come along and see us, we are always

happy to help. You can find us at:

Monday: 10-12pm Hampden Park (at the

back of Tesco’s) Broderick Close

Eastbourne BN22 9NQ

Tuesday: 10-1pm Eastbourne Council

Contact Centre, 1 Grove Road,

Eastbourne, BN21 4TW

Wednesday: 12-2pm Hailsham Town

Council Offices, Inglenook, Market Street,

BN27 2AC

Thursday: 10-12pm The Source, The Hub,

Civic Approach, Uckfield, TN21 1AL

There is also a help point in Lewes every

fortnight

Our main office is in Brighton: Community

Base. 113 Queens Road. Brighton. BN1 3XG

Phone : 01273 234858


Website: www.eastsussexcreditunion.org.uk


http://www.eastsussexcreditunion.org.uk

Aware - Jan 2015


Information

Orlando, The Face Behind the Photo

Orlando is 13 and has Friedreich’s Ataxia; he

was diagnosed with the condition when he was

5. He lives on a farm with his five siblings and,

although he doesn’t take part in sport at school

anymore because of his Ataxia, he looks after

the farm animals which helps him keep active.

His mum Madeleine encourages the family to

eat healthily and they also swim to help keep

fit.

ATAXIA

ATAXIA means “lack of order”, and is used by

doctors to describe problems with balance and

co-ordination. There are many different types of

Ataxia, and more than 10,000 patients have

been diagnosed with a type of progressive Ataxia

(Sometimes it is not possible to find out the

cause of the patient’s Ataxia).

Apart from balance and co-ordination, people

may notice a problem when they realise they

have been falling over more, or struggling to walk

in a straight line, or just generally noticing that

they have become more clumsy. Other

symptoms can be: slurred speech, problems with

swallowing, which can cause choking or

coughing, tremors or shaking, often of the hands,

fatigue or tiredness, problems with sight, blurred

or jumpy vision, due to difficulty controlling eye

movements.

Ataxia affects people in different ways. Some

people are affected very mildly, for example they

only experience slight balance problems, whilst

other people experience symptoms more

severely and require assistance to carry out

everyday tasks. Many people with the condition

continue to lead full and active lives, attending

school, further education and training, working,

bringing up families and travelling.

For more information please contact

Jean Gillard on 01323-653931

East Sussex Ataxia Support Group

Aware - Jan 2015


Letters

Dear ESDA

Just to say a big “Thank You” for keeping the Seaford group going and for all the delicious meals out, especially the Christmas get together at the Moorings and the lovely raffles. Thanks too to the excellent drivers.

Shall look forward to doing it all again next year, all being well!

From S

Dear DLC

A very informative, helpful and friendly service. I was shown lots more options/possibilities to help at home.

Best wishes

Anon

Dear DLC

Having someone unbiased giving information was wonderful. I was very impressed with the dedication of the staff towards helping us.

Yours sincerely

Anon

Dear ESDA

Just to make you aware that we have circulated the following: ESDA have a fabulous computer suite and if you see anyone who would benefit from some support please pass them the details. We will continue to refer people to you. You are offering people a great service.

Kindest regards,

SJ

Dear ESDA

Thank you so much for taking the time to listen

to my situation and for the clear and concise

information that you passed on to me. I know that

it is really going to help me with the difficulties

that I am facing since I have moved to the area.

The information on the services and support that

my family and I can access will make it much

easier for us to settle into East Sussex. I am

really glad I found your organisation and it’s good

to know that you are there.

Many thanks

K

Dear DLC

Jan spent a good deal of time with me discussing the individual needs of our residents and demonstrating products and advising. She gave excellent, friendly and helpful advice before and after my visit. If I had not had help from ESDA I would not have known where to start. Thank you so much!

Regards

Care Home Manager

Aware - Jan 2015

Events and contacts

East Sussex 1 Faraday Close, Eastbourne BN22 9BH

Disability Tel: 01323 514500

Association Fax: 01323 514501

Text: 07564 932445


Website: www.esda.org.uk

Daily Living Centre [email protected] - 01323 514515

Information Service [email protected] - 01323 514500

Meeting Room Hire [email protected] - 01323 514500

Local Services [email protected] - 01323 514500

Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter

East Sussex Disability Association @ESDAEastSussex

Registered Charity No. 1042071. Company Limited by Guarantee No. 2979027. Registered in England & Wales

Please note that the views or articles in the Aware newsletter are not necessarily the views of ESDA.

ESDA DLC Open Days

Thursday 5th February 2015 - 9.30 am to 12.30 pm at the DLC

Thursday 5th March 2015 - 9.30 am to 12.30 pm in the DLC

Thursday 2nd April 2015 - 9.30 am to 12.30 pm in the DLC

Thursday 7th May 2015 - 9.30 am to 12.30 pm in the DLC

To book a place at the Kitchen Workshop on Tuesday 17th February 2015 2pm - 4pm

please contact the Daily Living Centre.

Karten Centre IT + Computer Training

These informal drop in sessions are held in the Karten Centre every Tuesday and

Thursday afternoons from 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm.

If you are interested in attending or would like more information, please contact

Marianne on 01323 514531.

Aware January 2015

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