View from the Chair
Hello again, since my last ‘View from the Chair’ we have held our Annual Meeting and Awards Night. The meeting gives us a chance to celebrate the achievements of the past year and to share a number of key messages including our plans for 2016. In mission terms, it was good to report that Warrington Disability Partnership (WDP) and our social enterprise the Disability Trading Company (DTC) continue to deliver a wide range of high quality mobility and independent living services.
Our performances against contracts, which are subject to regular inspection, continue to receive excellent outcome results. In a recent meeting with one of our key funders it was pleasing to report that we are currently delivering over 30% more than we are contracted to deliver. This was acknowledged by our funders, so to was the difference we make to the lives of the people using our services.
Our financial position has improved thanks to increased self-generated income from DTC and an excellent year for fundraising and community engagement. Including an outstanding effort from Mike Hough, who through his year as captain at Sutton Golf Club, raised a magnificent £6,600. WDP as it is today is a charity which has an excellent team of staff and volunteers, as well as a constantly expanding customer base.
During the past 24 years we have benefitted from the selfless involvement of hundreds of people. It would be easy to forget, given our present size, with over 50 staff and 200 volunteers, just how much voluntary effort went into the early days. The reason for reflection on those early pioneering efforts – which shaped the charity’s mission and its early direction; is because, regrettably, two very significant people from that era have passed away in the past year – and I think it is appropriate to acknowledge their major contribution.
Two of the founders, Alan Shaw and Eric James sadly passed away. Alan played a critical role in the development of our disability information systems, and Eric was fundamental in us establishing Shopmobility and our Market Information Point. Sadly we also lost one of our longest serving volunteers Terry Gatley. As you will know from last time, in October we sadly lost three more volunteers Elaine Ives, Julia Derbyshire, Andrea Glenn. Well in early November our resilience was stretched to the limits when we also lost Richard Ward and Marie Whitfield.
Richard was a keen volunteer at Shopmobility and the Workshop. Maria originally joined us as a volunteer, later became a member of staff with our Employment Team, and more recently she moved to our Fundraising and Community Engagement Team. I was honoured to provide a eulogy at Marie’s funeral, during which, I recalled that during a day at an event we realised that Marie’s little yellow car was actually a Tardis. We used one of WDP’s van to drop off the gazeebo, tables, tombola drum, leaflets and prizes, we later heard to our amazement that Marie managed to pack it all away in her little car...
Marie was the only member of staff to have a WDP dress! When we asked her where it was from, she explained it was a triple extra-large polo shirt. It’s true she lived up to her tomboy reputation, but occasionally she blew us away when she donned a ball gown, always looking beautiful and elegant. Marie took her role in fundraising very seriously, often taking home boxes of toys that she would wrap for the WDP Santa’s Grotto. Her commitment was on show when we visited her in Arrow Park Hospital; her bed was full of books of raffle tickets that she was folding for the Tombola. We found her doing it again only days before she died in St Rocco’s.
At the end of November news broke about another loss, my good friend, Peter Ashley, lost his battle against cancer. I first met Peter through my role in the NHS, at a Service Users and Carers Forum. I knew immediately that Peter was an extremely intelligent man, who was passionate about the rights of patients and more importantly, he wanted to raise awareness of Lewy Body Dementia.
Silver Anniversary
Our 25th Anniversary Legacy Appeal was officially launched at our Annual Meeting on the 2nd December. It gave me great pleasure to announce that we have already received pledges of support totalling over £83,000, which is over 50% of our £150,000 target. The fund will be used to support jobs for 5 young disabled people each year, contributing up to £10,000 each per year. During the year, each young person will be based at one of our services and will receive opportunities for personal development through work placements with one of our business partners or attending training courses.
During 2016 we are looking for:
- 1000 individuals or families (children or adults) to pledge to raise a minimum of £25,
- 100 individuals, families, small businesses or organisations (scouts, guides, sea cadets, football teams, schools, etc.) to pledge to raise a minimum of £250,
- 30 individuals, families, businesses or organisations to pledge to raise a minimum of £2,500.
The first initiative as part of our 25th anniversary celebrations was our poster competition that focuses on what disabled people can do, was launched in the Warrington Guardian in October. We received over 60 entries, Adam from the Warrington Guardian joined us in shortlisting and the winners, who will be announced in January, were voted by visitors to our Galleries Café. The overall winners amazing prize (thanks to our friends at the Golden Square) is to have their poster turned into a huge shop front poster promoting our 25th anniversary activities.
The dates have been set for our Going the Extra Mile Sponsored Swim, 5k Run and Walk, Scuba Challenge, Spring Ball and Mega BBQ and Quiz. We are currently waiting on confirmation of the dates of two world record attempts, our Mobility Scooter Rally and Giant Tombola; I’m delighted to announce that both have been accepted by Guinness as official world record attempts.
Corporate Supporters
It has been another busy couple of months, with dozens of partner/supporters visiting the Centre for Independent Living. It was great to welcome my former boss Simon from 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust; our discussion included possible joint work and next year’s Disability Awareness Day. One of the most interesting visits involved leaders from Chester University, which has led to a number of opportunities including work-placements, presentations to students and Disability Awareness Day.
The most successful outcome from a visit resulted in 3 years funding for a much needed post of Volunteers Co-ordinator and a promise to support a new DTC service which has the potential of becoming bigger than anything we have done so far in the 24 year history of WDP; more about this in 2016.
Generous Supporters
We launched WDP’s Christmas fundraising campaign in mid-November when Santa arrived in style at our grotto in Warrington Market on the back of his animated sleigh, courtesy of our friends at Warrington Lions.
Janis, James and their other Elf friends kept a constant supply of presents for the hundreds of children, and one or two adults, who visited Santa, whilst Dave W, Pam and I joined our team of over twenty volunteers who each week staffed our Teddy Tombola’s. Together with outstanding efforts from Sue and Kevin, and our Christmas Raffle we raised over £12,000. I don’t think these few words do justice to the huge effort that has been involved, week in and week out during the past two months. A very big ‘Thank You’ to everyone who got involved.
Giving Something Back
It gave me great pleasure to join Janis to drop-off a dozen presents for the WIRE FM Christmas Present Appeal. It was good to catch up in person with their key presenter and our good friend Dominic Walker and the team.
The favour was returned when Dominic and the WIRE FM Team delivered boxes full of presents at the Centre for us to share amongst children involved in our sports clubs. Stacey kindly invited me to handover the presents to some of the children who collected theirs. It was nice to meet some of the kids; I smiled when one asked me if I used a wheelchair all the time, and when I said yes, he asked if I slept in bed in it?
BBC Question of Sport
Whilst writing my last ‘A View from the Chair’ I had a secret, earlier that week Stacey and some of the members of our wheelchair basketball club were busy filming for BBC Question of Sport with Olympic medallist and the most successful British gymnast Beth Tweddle MBE. The film, which was aired mid-November, was part of the ‘Guess the Celebrity’ slot and also promoted the BBC Children in Need mega-fundraiser which raised over £37million.
Welcome on Board
Last month we waved farewell to Phil, who retired from his post as captain of our Wizard narrow-boat, and we welcome on board, Gareth, who was previously part of Phil’s team of volunteers. Phil went out on a high, registering a record 135 daytrips during 2015 season. Looking ahead to January, we are excited to welcome Mike to our Fundraising and Community Engagement Team.
Speaking Invitations
Following a very success lecture on Disability Equality to over 80 radiography students at Liverpool University, I returned to deliver a lecturer on sex and disability matters, to over 100 student occupational therapists. I’m looking forward to delivering more lectures during 2016. I was honoured to be invited to deliver a workshop at the Health in Business Summit organised by Warrington Borough Council and Warrington & Co in January, but humbled to have been invited to deliver the key note speech.
I was equally humbled to receive an invitation to chair the 2016 conference and exhibition organised by the National Association of Equipment Providers which attracts over 300 delegates to a two day event. I chaired their 2015 event, standing in at the last minute for Roy Lilly, the nationally acclaimed writer and speaker on Health and Social Care. I am also looking forward to chairing a new event for me, NRS Healthcare’s national workshop. I am also looking forward to working with Steve and his team, together with WDP’s staff, volunteers and customers, as we look to find the next innovative product in independent living.
WDP International
WDP’s international activities continue to expand; in November four members of the Uganda Diaspora Health Foundation visited Team WDP at the Centre for Independent Living. The topic of discussion was future joint work, including exchange visits. But the most exciting news was that they are committed to organising a Disability Awareness Day on the 10th July, to coincide with DAD Warrington.
Our plans are firming up for our joint project with St Mark Universal Copts Care that will see us supplying refurbished mobility aids to disabled people living in Egypt and Sudan.
WDP Local
Closer to home, we have been busy working with Warrington Borough Council, organising focus groups on consultation on the developments of the Bridge Street Quarter, which will include a new market, cinema, restaurants, shops, multi-storey car park and council offices. We were also involved in other consultation events on the proposed changes to Junction 8 of the M62 and major changes to roads involving Chester Road and Bridge Foot. We also organised a focus group to review Livewire’s plans to develop a Dallam and Bewsey Hub that will offer new and improved health and social care services. One of the main services will be a much needed Hydrotherapy Pool. The main focus of our discussion centred on the changing rooms and pool access hoists.
All the Fun of the Fair
The Silcock family were very kind and supportive to WDP this year. First, Arthur Silcock donated the takings from the opening night of his Winter Wonderland Funfair setup on the site of the former Mr Smith’s Nightclub. Secondly, Tammy once again donated over one hundred free tickets to her Mega Winter Wonderland Funfair and Show at the Trafford Centre.
I would like to thank my grandchildren Jamie, Ellie and Chloe for once again showing me up as a big whimp... After Gavin, Dave W, Gary and Nick managed to pick me up, by my arms and legs, and plonk me onto a ride at the Mr Smith’s site. The grandkids waved their arms about in the air, smiling and laughing, while I held on for my life, grimacing until it stopped. Oh, and it was raining, so I ended up with a wet backside...
At least at the Trafford Centre site it was undercover, but I’m sure the rides were even faster, and more frightening...
Christmas at WDP
Christmas at WDP would be the same without our Secret Santa and staff Christmas Party. Both lived up to expectations, John joined me in handing out a huge selection of presents that were graciously received by Trustees, staff and volunteers. It always amazes me hoe inventive some people can be spending just a few pounds on presents. In true WDP style, Caroline and Gavin led the Christmas Party games, including Pin the Tail on the Donkey, Christmas Character Racing and Crazy Photo’s. Caroline’s table fancies are always a treat.
If we ever needed reminding of the true spirit at Team WDP we got it on Christmas Eve. First thing in the morning I set the individual teams a fun challenge; to change the words of the '12 days of Christmas', using items found in the CIL Showrooms. Oh boy, they loved it, in fact it became fairly competitive!
At 12.30 everyone gather in the Showroom and each team sung their rendition, cheered on by the other teams. Some sung in teams of 3, 4 and 5, and Steve B went solo. It was brilliant, it was fun and it was a great show of the spirit that we have within Team WDP.
Oh, the winners of my huge box of chocolates were.... our Finance Team. In true team spirit, they shared the chocolates with everyone. Happy Christmas
Accessible Transport now Law, well nearly!
On January 1st 2016, regulations come into force that requires the operators of all single-decker buses in the UK to meet minimum accessibility regulations. The Public Service Vehicle Access Regulations (PSVAR) 2000 states that all single decker buses have accessibility standards including:
- a wheelchair ramp or other boarding device
- priority seating
- a wheelchair bay
After January 1st, it will be a criminal offence under the Equalities Act 2010 for a bus not to comply with these access regulations. However, sadly double decker buses need not be compliant with PSVAR regulations until January 2017. And disabled people have a long wait until all coaches have to be accessible: there’s no requirement for coaches to comply with PSVAR regulations until 2020. The PSVAR regulations also set out requirements about:
- Clear signage of the wheelchair bay
- Height of steps
- Visual contrast so that visually impaired people can easily see handrails and steps
- Bells throughout the bus so passengers can request the driver to stop
- A ‘kneeling’ system to lower the floor of the bus
- Non-slip floor and steps
Bus operators will need to beware: any bus companies which are found not to comply with the PSVAR regulations can be fined up to £2,500 and prosecution not just of the company, but also of the person responsible. The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is the body responsible, and is pursuing operators whom it believes to be flouting the law. The DVSA can also raise the issue with the Traffic Commissioner, who may in extremis rescind the operating licence of the bus company.
I agree that the PSVAR regulations are welcome and a big step forwards to including disabled and older people in society, but it is disappointing that they stop short of making all buses in the country properly accessible to blind and visually impaired people. For more details visit www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2000/1970/contents/made
All in a Day’s Work at WDP
When little Lydia Cooper’s wheelchair was stolen during a burglary at her family home, WDP offered to lend her a loan wheelchair until a permanent replacement could be found. Although, this is all in a day’s work at WDP, Lydia’s mum and dad were delighted with our response when an appeal was put out on social media. I joined Tommy when we delivered the loan wheelchair and armfuls of some presents in an attempt to ease their pain. Whilst Tommy got busy setting up the wheelchair to fit Lydia’s needs, I spoke with mum and dad about the support available from WDP. We were also pleased to support a crowd funding appeal launched by WIRE FM’s Dominic Walker and promoted by the Warrington Guardian and Warrington Worldwide. The fund currently stands at over £3,000. Fortunately the Police discovered the family car abandoned in Liverpool, along with Lydia’s wheelchair.
Nearly There
During the past few months we have received sad news about two local disability related charities. First, news broke about the closure of Cotebrook Residential Home in Lymm, originally opened in 1946; Cotebrook was home to 30 physically disabled adults. Reduced income from charges and fundraising, together with increased costs of staffing and building maintenance were cited as contributing factors to the closure. More recently, we received news that door to door wheelchair accessible transport provider, Dial a Ride, have given notice to their staff. With closure expected in early 2016, unless a rescue package can be found. Contract cuts and reduced income have been cited as contributing factors to the redundancy notices and potential closure. Both are timely reminders as to the importance of finding alternative funding sources verse reliance on contracts from statutory services, such as the local authority and health.
Being mindful of future challenges, in a climate of continuing funding pressures and strong competition for corporate support I am confident that with everyone’s help, will continue to deliver our mission statement.
Websites
You can now keep up to date with what’s new at WDP with our new and exciting website. Thank you to Sue, Penny and Alan at Skillzone, for replacing all three (WDP, DTC and DAD) of our websites during the past year.
Finally for this Year
As we head towards 2016, our 25th Anniversary Year, I would like to thank our team of staff and volunteers, and our Board of Trustees/Non-Executive Directors for their valued support. We would also like to thank our partners, our funders and supporters.
I predict a very exciting year ahead, one where our quest to smash the £150,000 target of our Legacy Appeal will no doubt keep us all very very busy.
Thanks for your interest; on behalf of Team WDP, may I wish you a very Happy New Year.
Take care.
PS. Keep up to date with what's new at WDP follow me on Twitter @davet21
