View from the Chair

Hello and welcome to my last diary for this year

All Aboard

We started the month celebrating this year's International Day of Disabled People by launching our latest partnership initiative with Network Warrington, the town's premier bus company. Councillor Mike Biggin, Mayor of Warrington cut the ribbon to launch of our 3rd bus to be decked out with our livery that includes a giant Queens Award logo, massive Two Ticks 'Positive About Disabled People symbol and our own 'dancing man' logo, together with details of our websites, phone number and a huge Mobility & Independent Living Store advert on the rear panel.

Another Year Over and a New One Just Begun

Later that evening we headed off to Bewsey Old School where we were joined by over 100 guests for this year's Annual General Meeting. Jayne and I planned to deliver the annual report, but due to Jayne's ongoing throat problems it was left to me. I gave a month by month account of our key achievements including the successful Scuba Challenge and fundraising campaign that saved our 20th anniversary Disability Awareness Day, the official opening of the Centre for Independent Living, the Royal visit that saw Her Royal Highness the Countess of Wessex meeting with our teams, Granada TV's excellent coverage of the visit and Sunday's big day, our many visitors including a senior politician Nick Hurd MP, and a delegation from Thailand, confirmation that a group in India had organised a DAD event, held at the same time as ours, the new Mobility & Independent Living Store located in the Golden Square, and much more. Next on the agenda was a couple of changes to our constitution, one the extension of our boundary to include England and Wales, not just Warrington, two the expansion of our board of Trustees from 12 to 14, and finally the payment of professional fees. The recent retirement of one of Trustees and the constitutional changes allowed us to vote in Sarah Hall and Ian Grant who had previously been co-opted, and a new addition Dave Williams who also received Best Newcomer jointly with his wife Janis. Sue gave our mandatory finance report which this year included news that we had achieved the milestone £1million, well 1,000,040 to be exact.

Councillor Steve Wright Deputy Mayor of Warrington assisted with the presentations of WDP's staff and volunteer awards, and our 17th Annual Appreciation of Efforts Awards that recognised the contributions made by local organisations and individuals by helping improve the lives of local disabled people. One of the highlights was reading out the nomination for Jade Kersalls, a colleague and friend who volunteers at Hollins Park and at our store in the Golden Square. Jade regularly uses her lived experience to promote the Trusts Sticks and Stones campaign that aims to challenge the stigma faced by mental health service users. Councillor Wright was getting into the swing of me reading out the nomination, leaving him to present the award and join the winner for the official photo. That was until he realised that the final nomination I was reading out was actually him, for his excellent work he does in the community. Looking at this year's nominations, it certainly looks like we will be celebrating our 20th anniversary of the awards in three years' time. As we concluded the evening with time to network over a cup of tea and mince pies we were able to view a DVD of this year's Disability Awareness Day produced by Dave Molyneux.

On Behalf of Her Majesty the Queen

The following week Pam and Jayne joined me as I undertook my first official engagement as a Deputy Lieutenant when I pulled the cord unveiling the wall plaque commemorating the official opening of the Challenging Behaviour Unit at St Cyril's Hospital in Chester. The hospital is the 3rd main development of the St Georges Healthcare Group who has supported the development of the Mobility Training Track at our Centre for Independent Living, as well as being one of our sponsors for this year's Disability Awareness Day. Due to the official nature of the occasion I was able to wear the official insignia. The local newspaper was on hand to take the photos and I was asked make a speech. Overall it was a very memorable experience, an absolute honour and very proud occasion for both Pam and I. Due to another appointment I left shortly after the opening ceremony, leaving Pam and Jayne to represent WDP, they were invited to head the queue for the lunch, and they took great delight in reminding me how good it was, and it's a pity I missed it.

Victory for Disability Campaigners

After more than a year of hard work, meeting MPs, writing letters to the Minister, talking to the press and supporting the Hardest Hit protests, disability campaigners have succeeded in getting the Government to reverse their decision to withdraw the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance for disabled people living in residential care. The decision will be a huge relief to thousands of disabled people worried that without their mobility allowance they would have been trapped in their homes. We must applaud the Government for listening to campaigners and reversing the plan to scrap this vital benefit. The allowance is so important for those who receive it, making the difference between being able to get out independently, and being trapped inside. I'm sure that we will see more campaigns like this as the Government rolls out the Personal Independence Payment which is due to be introduced in 2013 as the replacement of Disability Living Allowance; we already know that the introduction will involve a mandatory medical assessment for almost everyone receiving the benefit. One has to ask why undertake such a massive task, unless there is to be new levels of compliance that will see a reduction in numbers, and cost to the Government.

Confusion and Frustration

Another recently introduced change to welfare benefits is causing confusion and frustration which is resulting in high states of anxiety and even fear for many people facing new assessments introduced under the Employment Support Allowance. Those undertaking the assessments don't have an understanding of fluctuating long term health conditions including pain management and mental illness, that's the message those who have gone through the process are telling me. The changes include hearing appeals in County Courts, which leaves individuals feeling like criminals. During times of austerity that we are currently witnessing it's hard enough for anyone to gain employment, and even though we have seen an increase in public awareness of disability and excellent results from campaigns that challenge the stigma faced by millions of people, we simply cannot expect mental health service users, people with learning disabilities and many other disabled people to be able to compete fairly in an open job seeking environment. We need the Government to continue its current specialist employment initiatives and where necessary develop new initiatives for those experiencing the most serious cases of social disadvantage.

Learning Lessons from the Closure of Warrington CVS

Sadly the latest News Letter from the National Association for Voluntary and Community Action includes an article with the same title as the one above. It reviews the facts behind the decision taken by the Trustees of Warrington Council for Voluntary Services which led to the closure of one of Warrington's longest established charities. The Councils decision to put out their contract to open competitive tender was the final straw after years of disinvestment and uncertainty. Having taken the difficult decision, the board wanted other 3rd Sector groups and those responsible for commissioning local services to learn lessons from their demise.

Debbie Dalby, the author of the report was an ex-member of staff at CVS and a well-respected 3rd Sector Manager identified three main areas, financial, reputational and governance.

Financially: they had become too reliant of public funding.
Reputational: their staff were so busy delivering infrastructure support to hundreds of its members leaving them little or no time to promote the good work they actually did. Their role was not recognised by some agencies, including funders, and potential funders.
Governance: due to the small number of Trustees, three genuine resignations in one week led to a massive increased reliance and extra responsibility on the remaining small team. One key concern was the loss of corporate memory and knowledge.

Interestingly WDP also recognised the importance of these key topics when we were planning our short, medium and long term strategies.

The development of our Disability Trading Company and the adoption of a policy for full cost recovery on our contracts are aimed at increasing un-ring-fenced income which will allow us to sustain current services and develop new services in the future.
In terms of reputation, we are constantly striving to receive feedback from the people who use our services, and our staff, volunteers and funders. We involve Trustees, staff, volunteers, the users of our services, our funding partners and other stakeholders in celebrating our successes. The launch of our Community Patrons aims to sustain the high profile of our work, locally, regionally and nationally. We are proud of our reputation as the largest 3rd Sector investor in partnerships working, and advertising and promotions. We work closely with hundreds of voluntary, private and public sector providers, as well as local media including Warrington Worldwide, Warrington Guardian, WIRE FM and our website management team at Skillzone.
We have a carefully selected and well balanced Management Board that enjoys good team spirit. Between us, we provide leadership, through challenge, foresight and support that is required to ensure the organisation not only survives, but also flourishes in today's markets. Together we offer a wide range of skills and experience gained from our roles in the business, statutory and voluntary sectors. These skills include business and charity governance, finance, organisational and personal development, marketing and promotions, education and training, and an in-depth knowledge of political and community life.

As you can see we can influence the three key areas raised in Debbie's report, but as we look forward to 2012 we know that we will be required to tender for many of our mainstream services, sadly, the same service that our staff and volunteers have invested huge efforts into developing for years and sustaining during the recent hard financial times. I feel we need to work more closely with the Council and NHS commissioning teams to raise awareness of the benefits of one of the new ways of thinking 'intelligent commissioning', which acknowledges the investments made by local charities in terms of social responsibility and their in-depth local knowledge and highly respected reputations. This includes employing local staff from high risk groups such as disabled people, the procurement of local provisions and services, linkages with their other services which may provide seamless services that are vital when dealing with vulnerable people experiencing times of crisis, acknowledgement of the potential loss of other services that could be unfunded or part funded. This form of competitive tendering shows a real level of appreciation of the investment given by a charity which in our case stems back two decades.

Whilst the commissioners consider their options, let's hope that in the meantime we don't lose any more of Warrington's hard working charities to add to those already lost during 2011, namely Warrington Community Law Centre, Griffiths Court Foundation, Warrington Council for Voluntary Services and potentially the Princess Royal Trust Warrington Carers Centre.

A Timely Reminder of What Really is Important

Within 48 hours we were reminded how fragile our lives really are with the untimely loss of Kate Banks, seven year old daughter of my friend and recently retired WDP Trustee Simon Banks and little over a day later the news that Murdo MacDonald, husband of my friend and fellow Trustee Eileen MacDonald had died unexpectedly whilst working away in Scotland. Attending their funeral services reminded me how precious life is, and reminded me that we should cherish every moment we have together with family and friends. Everyone at WDP sends their best wishes to Simon and Eileen, and their families.

Christmas Festivities

During the past month I had the pleasure of doing two readings at local Carol Services, the first was an invitation from Mavis, Chaplain from Warrington Market at the annual market carol service. The next was an invite from Pam, our Chaplain at Hollins Park at the annual Trust carol service. Throughout December our fundraising team have led a fantastic effort with our Santa's Grotto, Giant Christmas Tombola, sale of Christmas items and specialist Teddy Tombola, collectively the income looks set to break last year's record tally of £9,000. Well done guys.

X Factor Can Wait

I was beginning to think that I was getting better at singing in public, well two carol services in one week; I must have been getting better. The content of an unexpected parcel from Chester University reminded me not to give up my day job for singing. As I opened the parcel first I saw an A4 sized specially bound book containing pictures from my recent MBA Degree award ceremony. It brought a tear to my eyes, and it really is beautifully presented. I then noticed a DVD, so Pam and I immediately sat down to watch it. It starts with an overhead shot of the cathedral and an introduction from Vice Chancellor Professor Tim Wheeler DL. Next it covers the whole ceremony including my award and acceptance speech. The closing section includes the trumpeters and a booming rendition of 'God Save the Queen'. It was at this point that we both looked at each other smiling as we remembered my impromptu failure to switch off my radio microphone, and as expected my 'out of tune' singing assisted by the microphone was evident over and above the huge audience. I'm sure that the producers of the DVD left it in just to see if anyone noticed it. Well we did. Pam said she will remind me about it when I next suggest getting up on a Karaoke!

Inspired

On completion of the Going the Extra Mile Scuba Challenge, my friend and fellow WDP volunteer Dave Molyneux said that he was so inspired by what Graham and I had achieved that he was interested in completing his PADI Open Water qualification. The week after I joined Dave when he met Terry Wood at his Cybaqua Dive Store, Dave explained that he was interested in doing a PADI course but wasn't sure if his extreme medical history would result in a barrier. Dave won't mind me sharing the fact that little over a year ago he was seriously mentally ill which resulted in him being admitted as an inpatient, and less than a year before he had undergone a lifesaving quadruple heart bypass. Knowing the questions on the PADI Medical Form I wasn't convinced that it would be good news, but Terry said, if Dave could get clearance from his doctors, he was prepared to take it one step at a time and see how it goes. After a few months Dave got the clearance required and during autumn he completed the theory and closed water tests, leaving just the deep confined water dives, but unlike Graham and I Dave wasn't going to complete them in the warm waters of the Egyptian Red Sea, he was off to Capernwray Dive Centre located in a Lancashire sandstone quarry, oh and water temperature of only 10c. Graham and I dove there last year when it was 18c, and that was cold, believe me, very cold and even colder when you take into account the wind chill as you get out of the water. Dave had four dives to complete, two on Saturday and two on Sunday, I called Dave at home on Saturday and he explained that everything had gone well, but it was cold. I bet! I wished him all the best for Sunday and told him Pam and I would be thinking about him. Unknown to Dave, Pam and I planned to drive up to Capernwray. Together with Janis and Dave, we planned to be there as Dave reached the surface after his last dive. As we arrived things didn't go exactly to plan, after a look around the car park and café we assumed that Dave, Terry and the team were already in the water undertaking their final dive. We sat on the jetty eagerly waiting for them to surface, as the minutes ticked by it got colder and colder, the wind chill took the surface temperature around freezing. One by one the teams of divers emerged, but no sign of Dave. Then we noticed divers who had entered the water whilst we were there, then we spotted Dave's mum Chris and his sister Michelle and they explained that they were about to do their second dive, and we realised that they must have been in the changing rooms or dive shop when we were looking for them. So we headed up to the café for a hot cup of drinking chocolate and a chance to thaw out. We got back to the jetty in time to see Dave, Terry and the team surface for the final time and as Dave saw us his face lit up. I called over to Terry 'How has he done', and to everyone's delight, especially Dave's, he announced that Dave had passed. I know everyone was pleased, but inside I felt a special sense of fulfilment, I know how I felt when it was confirmed that I had passed, I also remembered the times when I doubted myself, and I know that Dave too had experienced the same feelings. I know that Dave said that Graham and I had inspired him, but knowing how ill Dave has been during the past few years, I feel inspired by him, and I'm sure that there will be plenty more people who will be inspired by his journey.

Hip Hop or Was It Hip Op - Sorry Karen

Talking about inspiration, I couldn't believe it when one of my fellow Trustees Karen announced that she would be missing our festive activities as she would be recuperating after a major hip operation. Only those closest to her were aware of the extreme pain and discomfort she had been enduring which resulted in a second hip replacement in a decade. To her credit, Karen simply got on with life. Get well soon Karen, from all your friends at WDP. x

It's Party Time

Yes it party time again, over 100 members of Team WDP joined in the festive fun at our Christmas Party, the crazy party hat competition, free raffle and a chance to have a dance or two were the highlights for me. I'm sure that most of our staff and volunteers only ever see me and the other Trustees in 'business mode', the party gives everyone a chance to socialise and let their hair down. The week after nearly as many again signed up to our annual Secret Santa, played by yours truly. Once again it's an opportunity to relax, meet up with people from across the organisation; it was good to see our Wizard volunteers and to meet some of our new volunteers from across our services. I hope everyone enjoyed their present from WDP.

Whilst we are talking about parties, this week Cheshire's Lord Lieutenant David Briggs MBE announced that The Westminster Foundation will give £100 to the first 100 successful applicants for Street Parties in Warrington aimed at celebrating the Queens Diamond Jubilee. The same amount of money will be made available for the first 175 parties in Cheshire East and West. This money is being distributed by The Cheshire Community Foundation. More details are available on Warrington Borough Councils website.

Boxing Day Rugby League

After the excessive food and drink from Christmas Day it's good to get out in the fresh air on Boxing Day, this year I joined my grandson Jamie and 5,500 fans at Warrington Wolves 'friendly' against local rivals Widnes Vikings. Some friendly, in between the mass brawls there was signs of some pretty good rugby, especially from the youngsters who used the opportunity to show off their skills in an attempt to claim their place on the team sheet for next year's season. Warrington ran out easy winners, but most importantly whilst Widnes fielded most of their first team players, Warrington rested ten first teamers and by the end of the game they had only two first teamers on the pitch as Coach Tony Smith gave his young guns a run out. We can't wait for the 2012 Super League season to start.

All Aboard

During the past 20 years we have worked closely with local and regional rail operators to improve access and facilities at railway stations. You may remember that last year work was completed at Bank Quay, and Central stations, further work at Central station was completed earlier this year. After nearly two decades of lobbying, news was announced this week that £1million has been secured to undertake vital access improvements at Birchwood Station. These improvements will also be good news for parents with pushchairs and prams, as the main scheme will provide lift access to both West and East platforms.

Time for Reflection

There is no doubt about it; the past year will be recorded as the most significant yet in WDP's 20 year history. My personal highlights include the sense of overwhelming support we received from businesses and individuals that helped rescue our 20th Anniversary Disability Awareness Day, the visit from Her Royal Highness the Countess of Wessex, the official opening after the £1.3million refurbishment of the Centre for Independent Living, the launch of our Disability Trading Company, the opening of our Mobility and Independent Living Store, our Positive Action Awards and the launch of our new bus. Overall I think the very best was WDP's 20th Anniversary reception at the Town Hall where we were joined by Eric and Alan my fellow founder members, and so many of our past and present supporters, including several of our new Community Patrons. All in all, it has been an absolutely amazing year.

Although I have felt pride in everything 'Team WDP' has achieved, I also had a couple of moments that were personally memorable, completing the Going the Extra Mile Scuba Challenge left me with a real sense of physical achievement, receiving the honorary Masters in Business Administration from Chester University and the whole experience of the award ceremony, undertaking the official opening of St Cyril's Challenging Behaviour Unit and one of many memorable moments at work when we received feedback from Jason Wolfe Chief Officer from the Beryl Institute based in America. He visited Hollins Park during his world tour reviewing Patient Engagement and Experience initiatives. We organised a group to meet him that involved our Deputy Chief Executive, one of our doctors, other staff, service users and carers. His feedback, which has been posted on the internet, provides external recognition of the work we do in terms of involving service users and carers. It was very humbling and supportive.

Looking Ahead

We look forward to working with NHS Liverpool and members of their user group on the redesign of their Disabled Living Centre, especially the development of the retail service. We also look forward to completing the extensions to the Learning Centre and Mobility Workshop located on our Beaufort Street site, both will provide us with space to expand these services. Our fundraising team are planning an exciting event that should capture the imagination of hundreds, if not thousands of local people; watch this website for more about this later in the year. Two great new facilities will be officially opened next year; first Warrington Borough Councils flagship Orford Park Project will open offering state of art sports, leisure, health, library and community services. Later in the year NHS Warrington will open their replacement for the Garven Place Clinic. Given the current financial climate, I think both NHS Warrington and the Council should be applauded for following through on the commitment to complete these projects which will help improve the health and well-being of local people. Through our involvement in both developments, we have ensured that disabled people will be able to make best use of these services. We look forward to our 21st Anniversary Disability Awareness Day, whilst I'm on that subject, we will soon be looking for partners from around the world to join us in holding awareness raising events, small or large, on the 15th July, the same day as our event. If we can gain enough support we will be able to claim the date as the 'International Day for Disability Awareness'. What do you think; will we get the support we need?

Happy Christmas and New Year

We had an extra special Christmas present, courtesy of Brian Hughes and his team at Bramall Construction when they supplied and installed a set of patio doors in our Galleries Café and Conservatory, thanks guys, your support is appreciated. On a personal note, I hope like me and my family, you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. I am looking forward to using one of my Christmas presents, a dive with the sharks at Blue Planet Aquarium, but before that, next week Pam and I will be joining our friends Dave and Janis for a trip back to Sharm El Sheikh. Dave has expressed an interest in doing a try dive when we are out there. I know that once he experiences the abundance of colourful fish, coral and fauna, he will be converted and ready to sign up for his PADI Open Water qualification. I'll let you know how we get on next time.

Finally, don't forget your New Year resolutions, will yours be diet related, spending time with you loved ones, or creating more time for yourself? If you can't think of one, try this; why not try to think more before you speak, it can take a split second to destroy a relationship with words that were said in haste, and years to repair the trust again, and that's if you are lucky. Until next time, all the very best for 2012, take care and thanks for your interest.

2010

2009

View from the Chair

All Aboard

Another Year Over and a New One Just Begun

On Behalf of Her Majesty the Queen

Victory for Disability Campaigners

Confusion and Frustration

Learning Lessons from the Closure of Warrington CVS

A Timely Reminder of What Really is Important

Christmas Festivities

X Factor Can Wait

Inspired

Hip Hop or Was It Hip Op - Sorry Karen

It's Party Time

Boxing Day Rugby League

All Aboard

Time for Reflection

Looking Ahead

Happy Christmas and New Year