Disability & Ability

Positive Towards Disability

We are positive about the abilities and disabilities (or impairments) of our tenants, leaseholders, staff, councillors and customers.  We call these our stakeholders.

The Council itself displays the two ticks symbol of being positive towards disability on job advertisements and has an internal disability working group.

We want to challenge stigma, prejudice and discrimination around disability and need your help to do this.

We also fully support the Council's adoption of the Social Model of Disability.  This model says that the "problem" of disability comes from social structures and attitudes, rather than a person's situation.

 

Accessibility

We provide level access to our Housing office, at the Kinson Hub (Library) for those that have physical access issues.  We also provide support to those tenants that need adaptations to their home and we work closely with our occupational therapists to achieve this where possible. 

 

Not all disabilities are obvious

Of course not all disabilities are visible, there are many forms of disability that are not seen.  We are doing more work to ask our stakeholders what their preferred method of contact is, use plain English to help those with learning difficulties and provide support & assistance in any other areas.

We speak with local organisations such as Disability Wessex, Bournemouth People First and Dorset Occupational Therapy Services (DOTS).

We also want to ask our disabled tenants and leaseholders.  If you are one and you would like to join in please contact us|.

 

Access Dorset

Access Dorset| is an organisation which aims to enhance the everyday lives of disabled people, older people, carers and other people who may benefit from support or information.  Access Dorset releases a monthly newsletter| detailing its recent achievements.

 

Accessible Countryside for Everyone

The accessible countryside website www.accessiblecountryside.org.uk| was officially launched on the 1st January 2011.  The aim of the site is to provide information on walks, countryside and green spaces which are accessible to those using wheelchairs, mobility scooters, pushchairs and buggies.

 

Walks with Wheelchairs

Walks with Wheelchairs| is dedicated to providing free information on routes that are suitable for wheelchair users throughout the UK. If you know of any routes which are not yet on Walks with Wheelchairs, it is possible to upload them onto this site.

 

The Rough Guide to Accessible Britain

Find out where to spot bird-eating spiders, see a sheep steeple chase, or even control the arm of a JCB digger – all at attractions throughout the UK that offer fully inclusive experiences for disabled visitors – from the new updated Rough Guide to Accessible Britain.

 

The Rough Guide to Accessible Britain| is available Free to Blue Badge and Disabled Persons Railcard holders. To order a Free copy visit Accessible Guides, or call 0800 953 7070. An audio guide, with a special introduction by Ben Fogle, is also available to download Free from their website.

 

Living with HIV/AIDS

Dorset Aids Memorial Schools Educational Trust (DAMSET) is a charitable trust, formed to deliver an innovative community arts project aimed at raising awareness of HIV/AIDS in younger people in particular, and in the community at large.  Initially it covers Bournemouth and in time will extend over the local area.

Dorset Aids Memorial Schools Educational Trust (DAMSET)

3-5 Palmerston Road

Bournemouth

BH1 4HN

Tel/Fax 05600 466497

damset@btinternet.com|

www.damset.co.uk|

 

Mental Health Issues

Mental health problems can affect anyone.  Around one in four people will experience some form of mental health problem during their lifetime.  The most common forms of mental health problems are anxiety and depression, but there are many others, including manic depression, schizophrenia, eating disorders and obsessive compulsive disorder. 

Living with a mental health problem can have a devastating effect on a person's life.  They may lose their job, their family and friends.

 

Bournemouth Mental Health Forum

The Bournemouth Mental Health Forum objectives are to promote communication, education and to combat the social stigma of those experiencing mental health problems and accessing services.

Bournemouth Mental Health Forum|

The Boscombe Centre

2-A Owls Road

Boscombe

Bournemouth

BH5 1AA

Tel: 07726 303401

bmh.forum@ntlworld.com|

 

Dorset MIND

Dorset Mind is a registered charity and aims to help people to cope with their mental health problems and to rebuild their lives.  It is an independent mental health charity, part of the Mind family of charities.

Dorset Mind

• Provides services for people with mental health problems
• Represents the views of its members and service users
• Campaigns against the discrimination and stigma associated with mental health problems

Dorset Mind|

11 Shelley Road

Bournemouth

BH1 4JQ

Tel: 01202 392910

contact@bpd-mind.fsnet.co.uk|

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transexual mental health information line:

0845 6036 309 (open Tue, Wed & Sat 7.00 - 9.30pm)

 

RAISIN

Raisin (Resource And Information Social Inclusion Network)| provides up to date information on mental health and social inclusion events, leisure, activities, rights, services, diet, exercise, employment, arts, medication, psychology and alternative therapies in Bournemouth and the surrounding area. 

This is supported by the Together| registered charity whose slogan is 'working for wellbeing'. 

The contact details are:

Tel: 07793 529505

sim-bournemouth@together-uk.org|