• Increase to the National Minimum Wage
• Increased Capital Limits on Means Tested Benefits
• Increases to the Independent Living Funds
• DoH funded Project Report
• Older Peoples Rights to Benefits
• New Law against Age Discrimination
• Readers Write
• The Charity Lottery
• Travel, Holidays and Breaks
• Free E-Access Bulletin
• Prescription Swimming Goggles
• News on Peer Support Groups
• Book Review
• Membership of the Rowan Organisation
  

INCREASE TO THE NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE

The National Minimum Wage will increase again in October 2006. So if you are an employer you will need to be aware of the increased rates. Details of the final increases will be published in the autumn edition of Directions, which will be distributed September. So watch this space.

If you would like more information in the mean time, please visit the DTI website: http://www.dti.gov.uk/employment/pay/national-minimum-wage , or telephone the National Minimum Wage Helpline on: 0845 6000 678.

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INCREASED CAPITAL LIMITS ON MEANS TESTED BENEFITS

If you have previously been unable to claim for means tested benefits because of your level of savings or investments, please read on! In April 2006 the limits on capital i.e. investments, lump sum payments and property were increased.

The set upper capital limit was increased from £8000 to £16000. So if your capital is £16000 or above you will be unable to claim the following benefits:

• Income Support
• Income Based Jobseekers Allowance
• Housing Benefit
• Council Tax Benefit

The lower capital limit was increased from £3000 to £6000 (if you are permanently in a residential or nursing home this lower limit is £10,000). So if your capital is worth £6000 the following benefits may be affected:

• Income Support
• Income Based Job Seekers Allowance
• Housing Benefit
• Council Tax Benefit

For more information on benefits please visit: www.disabilityalliance.org/capital.htm or telephone your Local Citizens Advice Bureau.

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INCREASES TO THE INDEPENDENT LIVING FUNDS

The Minister for Disabled People, Anne McGuire recently announced an increase in the maximum sums payable by the ILF.

The Independent Living Funds (ILF) are trusts set up by central government to provide long term financial support to disabled people, to enable them to choose to live in the community, rather than in residential care.

The fund helps towards the cost of large community care packages and therefore can be in addition to what Local Authority Social Services Departments are able to provide.

There are two ILF funds. The Independent Living (Extension) Fund is closed to new applications, and administers the payments to clients of the original ILF (prior to April 1993).

The Independent Living Fund (1993) is open to applications from people who meet its eligibility criteria and are permanent residents of the UK.

Joint ILF/Local Authority funding for new packages increases from £715 to £785. These increases took effect on 1 April 2006.

Please note that if you are receiving an award from the ILF, your payments will only be increased following a reassessment due to a change in circumstances or a review.

Updated policy guidance is to be published by ILF shortly. If you would like to know more call ILF on: 0845 6018815

(Source: http://www.ilf.org.uk/home/index.html )

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DoH FUNDED PROJECT REPORT

The DoH funded project reports are now available. The project team worked in partnership with 8 local authorities to actively remove barriers preventing under-represented groups of people accessing direct payments. In addition to raised awareness of direct payments, an opportunity has been created to compile a training directory which could be used to source appropriate training for employers of Personal Assistants.

If you would like to request a copy of the final reports please contact the Information Service on: 02476 322 860 or email your request to: info@therowan.org. You can also view a copy of the Executive Summary on this web site.

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OLDER PEOPLES RIGHTS TO BENEFITS

Changes to State Pensions and Benefits in April 2006, may mean that older people are unaware or poorly informed of what they are or are not entitled to.

To address this issue Age Concern launched a campaign to encourage older people to claim their entitlements. To coincide with the campaign, Age Concern has published a book titled "Your Rights 2006-2007".

The book is divided into five parts, giving details about:

• Pensions and retirement
• Financial help for people on a low income, including Pension Credit
• Benefits for disabled people and their carers
• Types of financial help, including the system for paying for care
• Sources of national and local help.

The book is priced at £5.99. If you would like to order a copy you can order online at: http://www.ace.org.uk/bookshop/index.cfm and select the link your rights or alternatively telephone 0870 44 22 120. You will receive 5% off when you order online.

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NEW LAW AGAINST AGE DISCRIMINATION

On the 1st of October 2006 new legislation (The Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006) will come into force. The new law will provide protection against age discrimination in the employment and education sectors, for people of all ages.

Regulations will make it unlawful to discriminate because of age, harass or victimise someone who intends to make a complaint about age discrimination and discriminate against someone after the working relationship has ended. More details will appear in the autumn edition of Directions.

If you would like more information please contact ACAS on: 08702 42 90 90 to order 'Age and the Workplace' guidance booklet. To download a copy please visit: http://www.acas.org.uk/www.acas.org.uk

(Source: http://www.ace.org.uk/ageism/)

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READERS WRITE

"My name is A, I am 35 years old and Cheryl (an Independent Living Advisor for the Rowan Organisation ) has invited me to describe how the Direct Payments Scheme and Rowan support, has totally changed my quality of life.

I live alone, and until last August spent a huge amount of time on my own. After attending a meeting with my new social worker she informed me and my mom about direct payments.

We thought it sounded too good to be true. As many of you know these ‘benefits' seem to be almost inaccessible. With not much hope my mom filled in the forms, with the help of a social worker and Cheryl from the Rowan Organisation.

I could not let myself believe that I could choose my own personal assistant and the things that I wanted to do.

I already had a lady in mind for the post and you can imagine my surprise when everything went through. I no longer rely on my mom so much, as I can now go shopping with S. We go out to museums and art galleries. I have started to do Badminton and have lost weight and feel healthier. I look forward to getting up everyday as there now seems to be a purpose.

I used to be very interested in art, but being on my own I lost touch with my creative side and became quite depressed. Since S has been supporting me I have again begun to paint. I paint with my fingers as I do not like the confines of the brush. My paintings are all abstract, using just colour and shape to form the picture.

Last week I entered four paintings in the Nuneaton Arts festival and to my surprise I received second place for one of my paintings. You can see in the photograph me receiving my award from the deputy Mayor of Nuneaton.

My mom seems more relaxed and we have time to talk instead of her just rushing around doing all the things that I can now do for myself with the support of S, my PA".

E plays the Blues

"Having Direct Payments has made a huge difference to my life. I am able to go places when I want to with my PA, C. We do things together like swimming, gym, music and cooking, helping me make snacks at lunchtimes.

I have been working on a new show for the Aberystwyth Gateway Club, which I performed in March, called Hitchhiker's Guide.

I have written a shortened version of the story and put it to music to go with my story. C has helped me with the slide show to go along with my performance.

We will be going fishing in the summer. Also C has been helping me sort out my bedroom with some shelves and making it more accessible.

Review of the Show

E who has recently joined the User Group played a concert of his own music for the Aberystwyth Gateway Club. He performed two sets, the first one being music that he has recently written called Hitchhikers' Guide to the Galaxy, a tribute to the book and film of the same name.

E plays keyboard and percussion in this 30 minute set. There was a slide show with lights to add to the entertainment. The set was well received by the club members. After the break E played drums over four Genesis tracks, also with a light show. E has been a fan of Genesis for a long time and has written his own book on their history. His biggest regret in life is that he never got to see them live".

How Direct Payments have benefited me. "I am a 23 year old lady who has recently started having Direct Payments. It has started to change my life in many ways. It means independence to come and go as I please and greater access to the community.

I have had support to go to the theatre, cinema, swimming, cafes, pubs, shopping, museum and Arts Centre. I have support to prepare an evening meal and make food I like.

While my parents were away recently I had support to enable me to stay in my own home, which was great as I was able to have a video evening where 16 of my friends came around.

We had pizza and chips and I stayed up very late. The best thing is being able to go on holidays without my parents.

I've booked a long weekend in Blackpool with my PA, T in the autumn. I'm going to Tenby in August with my PA R, when hopefully it will be sunny but just in case it isn't I'm going to Majorca with R for a week in May.

My PAs take me into town when I need to get a few things done and I feel more grown up going with them than having to go with my parents.

They have given me the confidence to do things for myself ,such as making my own appointments for things.

I now feel more like an adult rather than a child".

*** Many thanks to all those who contributed to the readers write in this edition of Directions. ***

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THE CHARITY LOTTERY

Many charities in the UK are under extreme pressure to continually seek funding in order to function. Over the past few years there have been a number of charities that have had to close down or make cut backs to the services and support they provide due to lack of funding.

"Monday- the Charities Lottery", which many of you may be aware of, is an online lottery which provides many charities with desperately needed funding.

It is played similar to the National lottery except that it is an online service, provides better odds to players and out of every £1 bet, 30p goes to the players elected charity. Out of 70 charities currently signed up players are able to choose one of the 5 elected, on a rotational basis.

If you would like a flutter at the same time as making a donation to a UK charity you could visit: https://www.playmonday.com/CF/games/lotto.do or telephone: 0870 77 44 44 2. There is an option of subscribing to the postal service or setting up a direct debit.

Who knows it could be you! Players must be 18 or over.

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TRAVEL, HOLIDAYS AND BREAKS

There are many organisations and charities which arrange and provide holidays for disabled people, older people, families and carers. Some charities also offer financial support.

Some travel companies deal specifically with holidays for disabled people. Depending on your needs and the holiday destination you chose, support can be provided by professional carers and volunteers.

Below is a range of organisations and charities that offer advice and information on travel and holidays in the U.K. and overseas.

3H Fund

Organises subsidised group holidays for physically disabled children and adults with the support of volunteer helpers. Telephone: 01892 547474. Website: http://www.3hfund.org.uk .

Break

Provides special care services for children, adults and families with special needs - including holidays and respite care, children's homes, adult day care and residential assessments for families in crisis. Telephone: 01263 822161 Website: http://www.break-charity.org .

Caravanning for the Disabled

Provides caravan-based holidays for disabled people and their family and friends.

Telephone: 08456 444185 Website: http://www.caravan-sitefinder.co.uk/features/disabled .

Tourism for All UK

An organisation which provides information to disabled and older people.

Telephone: 0845 124 9971 Website: http://www.tourismforall.co.uk .

Holidays for All

Represents a group of disability charities and organisations, all promoting quality, accessible breaks with improved choice and flexibility for holidaymakers.

The site is also translated into several Asian languages; Hindi, Urdu and Cantonese.

Telephone: 01865 432 877. Website: http://www.holidaysforall.org.uk .

Useful telephone numbers:

National Rail special assistance helpline. Telephone: 0845 748 4950

UK Airports

You can find information about the airport's facilities, transfers, parking, assistance with checking in and accessible toilets.

Birmingham Airport 0870 733 5511

London Gatwick 0870 000 2468

London Heathrow 0870 000 0123

London Stansted 0870 000 0303

Manchester 0161 489 3000

Southampton 0870 040 0009

Travelling with pets. The pet travel scheme is a system that allows dogs, cats (and ferrets!) to leave and enter the UK between certain countries. For more information contact DEFRA pets helpline on: 0870 241 1710, Website: http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/pets/index.htm. Remember to check with the holiday company and the airline before booking your holiday to ensure they can accept pets.

(Source: http://www.direct.gov.uk/DisabledPeople/TravelHolidaysAndBreaks)

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FREE E-ACCESS BULLETIN

E-access bulletin is a free independent monthly email Newsletter, on information technology issues, for people with visual impairment and blindness.

The Bulletin covers everything from consumer electronics, to the Internet, examining design and access issues and technical developments.

If you would like to subscribe to the E -access bulletin email eab-subs@headstar.com with the words 'subscribe eab' in the subject header.

To unsubscribe, email with 'unsubscribe eab' as your subject header.

Headstar promises that your email address will be held in complete privacy.

E-access Bulletin is produced by Headstar, with support from the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB).

(Source: http://www.headstar.com/eab/ ).

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PRESCRIPTION SWIMMING GOGGLES

Do you enjoy swimming but find it difficult to focus because you wear glasses or contact lenses? If so then why not try prescription swimming goggles. A Rowan Independent Living Advisor came across a company by the name of Butterflies Healthcare, who supply such goggles.

If you would like more information or just check out the price list visit: http://www.prescription-swimming-goggles.co.uk/.

This company can also be contacted on: 0845 838 6704.

Their email address is: info@butterflies-healthcare.co.uk.

We would suggest that you contact your own optician to discuss, before choosing to place an order because you will at least need to know your visual range. Always check with your optician as your vision may have changed since your last prescription.

Disclaimer: The Rowan Organisation does not seek to promote or advertise commercial services. This article is provided for information purposes only.

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NEWS ON PEER SUPPORT GROUPS

This month we focus on the Ceredigion Direct Payments User Group (CDPUG) . They meet up monthly at various venues between Aberaeron and Aberystwyth. The group has received an Objective 1 grant, to access training for PAs and DPs users.

CDPUG also publishes a bi-monthly newsletter promoting the group and listing their activities. This month the group have supported David Bartholomew - Biggs with his sponsored bike ride to raise funds for the group. We commend them for their hard work and commitment.

If you would like to join, provide support to the group or receive their newsletter contact: Colin Hunt, Training and Group Development Coordinator, Cliff View,Tan-y-Fron Lane,Southgate,Aberystwyth Ceredigion,SY23 1SG. Tel: 07971 550657 or email: colin.dpsug@hotmail.co.uk.

Peer Support Groups

If you are a member of a Direct Payments Peer Support Group with news to share why not pass the details to the Information Service. We warmly welcome contributions for each edition of Directions Newsletter. Please email info@www.therowan.org or telephone 01827 718 972 and ask for the Information Service.

BOOK REVIEW

Shirley Cheng is a blind and physically disabled author and poet, who by the age of 21 has published three books. The Revelation of a Star's Endless Shine: A Young Woman's Autobiography of a 20-Year Tale of Trials & Tribulations is an empowering autobiography full of humour, hope, and healing. The book documents Cheng's terrors, struggles and triumphs in this true life story, spanning twenty years as both herself and mother travel the world seeking care and compassion.

Publisher: Lulu Press Incorporated ISBN: 1411618580

For more info about the author please visit: http://www.shirleycheng.com/

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MEMBERSHIP OF THE ROWAN ORGANISATION

The Rowan Organisation is a registered charity and not for profit organisation. It is a user-led organisation and the majority of Board members are disabled people, as are a number of our operational staff. Membership of the Rowan Organisation is open to all service users and it's free !

Ordinary members receive a summary of the quarterly Board meetings, are entitled to attend and vote at the AGM and also have the chance to become a Board Member themselves.

Board membership offers an exciting opportunity to travel and meet up with others. Service user members who are elected on to the Board, influence the management and direction of the organisation. Board membership offers a mix of business and social elements and all reasonable travel, accommodation and other expenses are paid for by the Rowan Organisation.

If you are interested in applying for ordinary membership, with the chance of becoming a Board member, please contact the Rowan Organisation at Head Office on 01827 718972 or send an email to theRowan Organisation's Information Service, who will provide further information.

The following further information may help you to decide to become a member:

Mission Statement

"The Rowan Organisation exists to provide disabled people with access to information and support in order that they can make informed choices and be in control of their lives".

Vision Statement

"A society that is fully inclusive in which the barriers, whether environmental, attitudinal or institutional, that prevent disabled people from having equality of opportunity have been removed."

In providing services we advocate the following Principles:

• Services offered should support disabled people to have increased choices, independence and control of their lives.
• Support provided should be based on and directed by the aims, objectives and needs identified by each disabled person.
• The same range of opportunities and facilities should be available to disabled people as are available to others.
• Disabled people should not be excluded, segregated or discriminated against because of their impairment.

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