The WDP In Touch Project is a WINNER!

Warrington Disability Partnership’s Young Ambassador’s Team have been working in partnership with the worlds largest disability charity Leonard Cheshire Disability on their ‘In Touch’ Project which has been awarded the Best Sexual Health Project 2010 at the national Brook Awards.

When Leonard Cheshire were looking for partners to work on this Project they approached WDP who have been running a successful Relationships, Sex and Disability Matters Project in partnership with NHS Warrington and NHS Halton & St Helens. The WDP project is based around information and advice for Health and Social Care Professionals and disabled people and carers on matters relating to Relationships, Sex and Disability.

The ‘In Touch’ project was launched in 2008 and involves WDP’s Young Ambassador’s working closely with Leonard Cheshire Disability. The Project Team have organised several workshops involving young disabled people from across the country. Together they have developed the ‘In Touch’ DVD and interactive game, which covers Sexual Health and Relationships for young disabled people. The DVD has officially been launched following the awards ceremony and can be found on-line at www.lcdintouch.org .

Representatives from the Young Ambassador’s Team; Rachael Worrall and Naomi Cheetham travelled to London for the Awards Ceremony on Thursday 4th March. They were presented by the National Director of Brook, Mr Simon Blake at Arsenal Football Club, Emirates Stadium, London.

Rachael said ‘The event was inspirational and ensured that Sexual Health for young disabled people stays on the national disability agenda in the future’.

Dave Thompson MBE DL – Chair of WDP said “It is a great credit to our staff and volunteers who work on this project and our partners from NHS Warrington and NHS Halton & St Helens who have supported the development of our local service. Leonard Cheshire Disability stated that WDP’s work with young disabled people is both innovative and inspirational”. Dave said “From personal experience I know that relationships and sex are often overlooked by many professionals and information wasn’t that easy to find, added to the embarrassment felt by many people we decided that it was an area that we would invest our time and efforts in, and this award is recognition for this work”.

Johnny Coleman – Leonard Cheshire Disability Project Manager said ‘A big ‘thank you’ needs to be passed to all the young people and staff at WDP who have been involved in this Project. Without their input, enthusiasm and support as part of the team, we would never have achieved it’.

Warrington Disability Partnership are working to take this project national and if you would like further information please contact Rachael Worrall or Dawn Gerrard on 01925 240064, or mailing either lrs@disabilitypartnership.org.uk or ya@disabilitypartnership.org.uk . If you would like further information on the Relationships, Sex & Disability Project please contact Jayne Horton or Brun Corbishley on 01925 240064 or email j.horton@disabilitypartnership.org.uk or b.corbishley@disabilitypartnership.org.uk .