| News & Information
This section includes the latest news about MDF's activities,
and will be updated regularly.
There is information here about:
 MDF newsletter
Local
voluntary groups of and for disabled people
Events
Access
audits
The Social Model
Training
Statistics
Latest News:
Motability exhibition at Aintree in July
The Motability Car Scheme's "One Big Day" exhibition will be at Aintree Racecourse on July 31st with over 50 cars to view.
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Disability Awareness Day 2008 - Warrington July 6th (MDF 0424)
The annual Disability Awareness Day in Warrington is the largest of its kind in Europe, with over 250 exhibitors, including equipment suppliers, transport, holidays, leisure, support groups and services. There’s a Sports Zone and Art Marquee, the Slice of Life Film Festival - and more.
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Social Risk Capital funding - no more applications please
Social Risk Capital funding was available from the European Union under Objective One in the form of small grants with a simplified application process. (see MDF0417). In Merseyside, MDF administered the programme for voluntary groups of and for disabled people. The current funding programme has now come to an end and MDF can accept no more applications. But we can still advise your organisation on other possible funding or grant sources. Contact us or see our website.
Let ChangeUp Merseyside give you a hand (MDF0428)
Ten minutes after reading these words you could have a printed report on your desk on the effectiveness of your organisation.
GRIPP has been developed by ChangeUp Merseyside as a simple way to give voluntary groups a quick overview of where they stand on the key factors of Governance, Resources, Information, Projects and People. Answer 25 questions at the privacy of your computer terminal to give you an instant idea of the areas that you need to address to put your organisation on a better footing in the future. Why not do it now before you turn the page?
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New national plans and promises on more accessible housing (MDF0393)
A number of changes to make housing more accessible were announced in the National Strategy for Housing in an Ageing Society - for example all new 3 bedroom homes will have to meet Life Time Homes standards by 2013, and all new public housing by 2011. The estimated cost per house is £550, so if a house costs £100,000 to build this is half of one per cent.
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Free resources to help you, from three local universities (MDF0431)
Students and postgraduates at Liverpool universities (mainly in sociology or other social sciences) are looking for specific projects that they can carry out from October that could help local voluntary organisations like yours. These could be short research studies, or producing documents or other resources. Make use - for free - of the local academic expertise to help your group.
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Social Return on Investment (SROI) (MDF0434)
SROI is one way to demonstrate to key people such as your funders, what your organisation is really achieving. It is a way to show social, economic or environmental value that you are creating – it is a way of putting a value on the changes that your group makes that people controlling budgets can understand.
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New video resource available (MDF0433)
The Equality and Human Rights Commission has set up its own video channel on YouTube. Here you can find personal stories from disabled people (which may be useful resources to refer people to in any campaigns or training activity) and a wide range of material relating to other aspects of equality and diversity with subtitles in BSL or English
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"What makes a good local compact?" The Commission wants to find out (MDF0421)
The Commission on the Compact was set up a year ago to push forward the national and local compacts (the codes of practice for relations between government and the voluntary sector). Its new head, Sir Bert Massie - formerly of the DRC - has announced research into what makes a good local compact.
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Seven "Principles for Self Care" announced (MDF0424)
The DoH has published new principles that it wants to see written into practice throughout the health and social care sectors, promoting ideas for "Self Care" that are "consistent with our policy of putting people first" so that "people, irrespective of illness or disability, are supported to: live independently". Should these be included in your quality standards - and should you check that your local authority plans to include them in any future contracts they award?
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Health is Wealth (MDF0432)
The Health is Wealth Commission for the Liverpool city-region has produced an intermediate report for consultation, with significant emphasis on the issue of the high number of Incapacity Benefit claimants in the area - and with possibly new thoughts on the ability of local voluntary groups to compete for service contracts from public authorities.
Coming from a background of pressure for economic and community regeneration and of reducing health inequalities, some may find the interim report reticent - and not always well-informed - about disability. It’s not surprising that there is no mention of the Social Model (which almost all the bodies supporting the Commission would claim to follow) either by name or implication. However, it surprising that the local street surveys they commissioned found a lot of people who were "Registered Disabled" - a description that hasn’t been really valid for over a decade.
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Subsidy for groups to become "Investor in People" (MDF0436)
There is an immediate opportunity for a few Merseyside voluntary groups providing care for adults to gain a quality accreditation as "Investors in People" (IIP) at a highly subsidised rate.
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Direct questions to the top in Sefton's "Meet the Director" (MDF0439)
At the initiative of Ability (Sefton) a series of meetings is being held where disabled people in the Borough can put questions directly to the top people in the Borough Council’s various departments. Why not ask your local authority if they will do the same?
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Emails and confidentiality (MDF0418)
Are you risking legal difficulties when you send out emails? A couple of simple steps could help you reduce the risks.
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Support for Social Enterprises in Health and Social Care (MDF0430) (apply by 31/7/08)
Nationally, £17 million grant funding is available from the Department of Health for new and existing Social Enterprises delivering health and social care services. Funds are available either as grants (up to £20K for start-up costs such as market research and business planning) or loans. As well as existing social enterprises, applications are welcomed from partnerships of voluntary and community groups that want to use their expertise to provide health and social care services, or groups of professionals (such as therapists) that want to form a new social enterprise.
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Never mind the width, feel the Quality (MDF0429)
MDF has been working closely with a number of voluntary groups to help them demonstrate the level of quality that they achieve, through the Practical Quality Assurance System for Small Organisations (PQASSO). Two of them - Options for Supported Living and Moving on with Life and Learning, tell you how painlessly the process went:
Options - "My advice for any voluntary organization considering PQASSO is to go for it, it’s a great tool for knowing where you need to improve your organization and for recognizing the things you already do well."
MOWLL - "despite the fact that for most of 2007 we only had 4 members of staff and despite the fact that we are a small organisation (although with a big heart!) we were able to prove that we are well-managed and administered; we look after our staff, volunteers, Trustees and, above all, our users; and that the finance and resources are taken care of and accounted for."
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Subsidy for groups to become "Investor in People"
There is an immediate opportunity for a few Merseyside voluntary groups providing care for adults to gain a quality accreditation as "Investors in People" (IIP) at a highly subsidised rate.
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Flexicurity
You may not have heard of Flexicurity yet– but politicians at a European and a national level have, and it officially appeared on the European agenda in the Lisbon Treaty (that’s the one that’s not a new European constitution).
In one sentence it means more training and improved social benefits to make it easier for people to get new jobs, but set off against less job security. There are differing opinions about whether that will be better for employees and for disabled people who want a job, or just better for businesses. It either represents “a new kind of security” in the face of inevitable global change or “or exploitation and insecurity [for] every worker in Europe”. (MDF0381)
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Unique Liverpool visitor guide in British Sign Language (MDF0399)
Liverpool Cathedral has become the first cathedral in the country to introduce a portable video guide to the building in British Sign Language
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New national Independent Living Strategy published (MDF0410)
The Office for Disability Issues has published a new cross-government strategy which claims it will “transform the lives of disabled people, including extra funding for organisations that are run by disabled people.”
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Social Risk Capital Grants – up to £10K for your new project (MDF0417)
The upper limit for European Social Fund Social Risk Capital Grants has now doubled to £10,000. The grants -
available through MDF for voluntary disability groups in Merseyside County - are designed for new groups and for new
projects for established groups. (The main purpose of the organisation doesn’t have to be working with disabled
people – but disabled people have to benefit from the project.)
At the March independent panel there were four applications put forward through MDF, and all were approved, bringing
the applicants a total of over £26,000.
* Liverpool Wheelchair Handball Club has money to support disabled handball players and bring in more coaching
and competition opportunities
* Charing Cross Methodist Neighbourhood Centre (Wirral) has money to arrange craft workshops to bring
confidence and co-ordination to young disabled people
* Lancaster Gardens Group has funds for a new organic gardening project for adults with learning disabilities
* Magic 7 Performing Arts Group has resources for its Breaking Barriers project – plays performed by people
with learning difficulties which raise awareness of the barriers that they face
The forms you need to fill in to get the money and tell us when you've spent it are pretty straightforward. And we’ll
help you with it – even if your idea is at a very early stage.
Decisions can be quick. The money won’t be there for ever. So why are you waiting?
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MDF AGM – and volunteers in Kenya (MDF0414)
MDF's AGM in February was notable for the inspiring presentation by "Options for Supported Living" on their project to take Merseyside volunteers with learning disabilities to Kenya - and was saddened by the retirement of Barbara Wood as an MDF Trustee, but delighted that she will still remain our Partron.
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Blue Badge strategy consultation (by 17/4/08)
After a review of the way the scheme for Blue Badges for operates, the Department for Transport is consulting on proposals that they hope will make the arrangements more consistent and reduce the risk of fraud (MDF0404).
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The Vision of St John (informal consultation - by mid May) (MDF0376)
The St Johns Shopping Centre in Liverpool is being redeveloped (could it have anything to do with the new competition from Paradise Street - or “Liverpool 1” as it will soon be?). There are planned improvements to accessibility, and the developers are consulting on their proposals for changes.
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Apply for project funds from Awards for All - with our help (MDF0373)
Money from the National Lottery's Awards for All is still available to voluntary groups. There is an emphasis in the NW on "increased involvement from people who face barriers to participation", so projects involving disabled people should have a very good chance. A number of voluntary organisations not specifically of or for disabled people have used funding to make their activities accessible to more disabled people.
Many applications fail just for administrative reasons: people didn't send in all the bits of paper needed with their bid, or they hadn't got the right sort of arrangements in place in their group. MDF can help you with both of these.
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Because you’re worth it (MDF0368)
Voluntary sector organisations continue to contribute their vital knowledge to the public sector, usually at no cost. One or two organisations in the region are beginning to budget for repaying at least some of your time and effort. We want to see that happening more widely - and we think government policy does, too.
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National plans for Lifetime homes (MDF0287)
A National Strategy for Housing in an Ageing Society is the aim of a government report published in February, 2008, which sets out a number of long-term changes, including increases of over 30% in funds for the Disabled Facilities Grant, and an aspiration for all new housing to be built to “lifetime home” standards by 2013.
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Who qualifies for local authority care? - national review under way (MDF0401)
The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) is to carry out a major review of the eligibility criteria that councils use to decide whether or not a person receives help from the council with social care services. This follows a report earlier in the year which showed the very sharp divide between people who do, and who do not, qualify for social care, and how the system for making that eligibility decision was frequently inconsistent.
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Supporting People programme in Sefton is officially “poor” (MDF0411)
A recent Audit Commission report assessed the Supporting People programme in Sefton MBC as “poor” and with “uncertain” prospects for improvement. Supporting People provides services to help some disabled people to live independently.
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Merseyside Hate Crime Scrutiny Panel set up (MDF0394)
As part of their new emphasis on making sure Hate Crime is effectively dealt with, the Crown Prosecution Service has established a Merseyside Hate Crime Scrutiny Panel, to get community input into the sort of decisions that the criminal justice system takes.
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Keeping vulnerable people safe from fire (MDF0415)
Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service have a dedicated team of Disability Advocates who can provide help for measures to reduce fire risks to disabled people. Contact them for information, or for a presentation to you group on the assistance available, including funding for equipment and to make safety-related refurbishment to homes.
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More flexibility on Merseytravel concessionary travel passes (MDF0402)
Merseytravel has changed the way it issues the concessionary travel passes that elderly or disabled people can use to travel for free on Merseyside buses and trains, to make it easier for people who have recently moved to the area to prove their eligibility.
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Disability Hate Crime - follow-up events
After the Regional Conference to launch their Disability Hate Crime Policy on 10/12/07, the Crown Prosecution Service is arranging for a number of more local follow-up events around the North West.
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MDF AGM - March 5th, 2008
The Annual General Meeting of Merseyside Disability Federation will be held on the afternoon of Wednesday, March 5th, 2008. More details will be announced later - but keep the date clear in your diaries.
Knowsley Compact Codes - consultation (by 4/2/08) (MDF0367)
The Knowsley Compact sets out the general standards for the way voluntary groups and public bodies work with each other. Five draft Compact Codes - giving more detail - are now available for the comments of Knowsley groups.
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Community Cohesion - supporting the victims of Hate Crime (MDF0356)
The Sefton Equalities Partnership is holding a conference about all forms of Hate Crime - including Disability Hate Crime - on 22/1/07 in Southport.
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"Tackling Hate Crime Together in the North West"
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) - in partnership with MDF (and supported by the North West Regional Assembly) - held an event to make more people aware of the new emphasis on the issue of Disability Hate Crime. Crimes against disabled people can now attract heavier sentences, and the CPS adopted a new policy this year on the way they take decisions on prosecuting this type of crime
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Proposed NHS changes in Liverpool (by 25/1/08)
Following the Big Health Debate last year, there are consultations underway about changes in the way that NHS services are delivered in Liverpool. These could have a big impact on disabled people - not because disabled people necessarily use health services more than anyone else, but because the NHS’s past record on accessibility has not always been exemplary.
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Knowsley services for disabled people (by 31/12/07)
A survey by the Knowsley Council and Knowsley PCT is asking people with sensory impairment or "physical disability" what they think about local services provided for them.
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"Rainey Day"
To support the re-launch of the Knowsley Disability Forum, and to mark the International Day of Disabled People on December 3rd, an event was held at Halewood Leisure Centre. In the morning there were presentations particularly aimed at local Knowsley businesses (as part of the International Day’s theme of employment for disabled people) and in the afternoon demonstrations of disability arts and sport. The day was titled “Rainey Day” in memory of John Rainey, for many years Access Officer at Knowsley MBC whose death we reported earlier in the year.
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DaDaFest 2007 ... and 2008
DaDaFest - the Disability and Deaf Arts Festival run by NWDAF - had another successful year: Over twenty events were held in Liverpool, and in Wigan and Manchester, with poetry, music, theatre, art and dance - including DaDaLesque an evening that mixed disabled burlesque dancers with comedy from Matt Fraser. And over 5,000 people took part in the online voting for the various award winners.
MDF was proud to sponsor one of these awards at a celebratory dinner that was the entertaining culmination of the 2007 programme. We supported the award for a "Community Event or Group" and Chris Wardle, MDF’s Development Officer, opened the Oscar-style envelope and handed over the trophy to 3D - Derby Deaf Drama Theatre Company. Founded in 2002, this group gives deaf adults the opportunity to learn new general skills (communication, administration and financial management) and craft skills such as directing, lighting, and acting.
DaDaFest International 2008 will be even bigger and involve many more international artists - as befits European Capital of Culture - and will be in September, with most events taking place in St George’s Hall.
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Women of MOWLL Bite Back! - Social Risk Capital Funding
MOWLL (Moving on with Life and Learning) is one of the projects that MDF has been able to help with a European Social Fund Social Risk Capital Grant (SRC). MOWLL is based at - though independent of - Liverpool University and is concerned with developing a person-centred approach with adults who have a learning disability.
One strand of MOWLL’s work is using Peer Advocates - members of MOWLL who can use their own experience to help others to develop and move forward. To help them do this they have received expert training in issues involved in working with “vulnerable” adults and children. In turn they have been helping their colleagues, both in the classroom and outside - for example helping people gain confidence in using public transport.
This has been very successful, though the innovative approach sometimes causes difficulties: a plan for two advocates who were friends to provide personal care help for each other – in effect to be their own support workers – was not acceptable to Social Services as they were both defined as vulnerable adults. Additional training in personal care will be provided to try and get over this issue.
At recent event for local groups held by MDF, Heidi Kenworthy of MOWLL described a new project that SRC funds had helped to get started. Women of MOWL Bite Back! (otherwise known as WOMBB!). This focuses particularly on Women’s Issues for women who have learning difficulties and was nominated in 2006 as the Most Inspirational Project on Merseyside by the Community Foundation for Merseyside. A conference in April or May is planned, to extend this approach to the questions of Women’s Issues to a wider range of disabled women.
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Regional conference on Disability Hate Crime
The Crown Prosecution Service is holding a conference in Liverpool on 10/12/07 to promote and explain new policies on tackling Disability Hate Crime. The event is open to all voluntary groups of and for disabled people in the North West. It is free, but advance booking is needed.
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ChangeUp - your chance to influence the plans
ChangeUp - the government-funded programme to inprove the effectiveness of voluntary and community groups - is looking for comments on its "Towards 2014" document, by the end of October.
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Social enterprise fund - consultation (by 2/11/07) (MDF0323)
The Office of the Third Sector is consulting on a risk capital investment fund for social enterprise. It is looking for evidence about the difficulties that social enterprises experience when trying to grow by borrowing money for investment.
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Liverpool funding for voluntary groups in 2008-11 (by 15/10/07) (MDF0342)
Following consultations about the way in which this funding is made available, Liverpool City Council have announced a new round of revenue support grants starting next April, for which applications have to be made by mid-October.
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Merseyside Pedestrian Strategy (MDF0343)
Audit of city and district centres in Merseyside to help improve accessibility for disabled people is a “first priority” in the current draft Pedestrian Strategy for Merseyside - they’re looking for your comments on the draft.
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Help Merseyside Police with their enquiries - on disability hate crime (MDF0327)
Hate crime has often been seen by organisations as something only experienced by people from Black and Minority Ethnic communities, and the information and publications about hate crime tend to emphasise this. But changes in attitudes and in the law are beginning to give more prominence to hate crime that affects disabled people, and to encourage disabled people to recognise hate crime for what it is, and to report it.
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Consultation on Wirral Compact (MDF0339)
The final two sections of the Wirral Compact – on Volunteering and Working with the Community – are now available for comments.
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Research opportunity: “the best way to provide Information for disabled people in Liverpool” (apply by 1/10/07) (MDF0334).
The Liverpool Partnership Board for People with Physical and/or Sensory Impairments is looking for organisations or disabled individuals to carry out a research project. They want to answer the question “What is the best way to provide advice and information to disabled people with physical and/or sensory impairments in Liverpool in order to facilitate them having choice and control over their lives?”
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New campaigning network for young disabled people in the NW (MDF0340)
“Powerful Voices” - a new network being established in the region to campaign for equal rights and opportunities - wants to contact young disabled people (and their groups) throughout the North West.
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150 years - and a new name - for LVSB (MDF0324)
LVSB, LVBS - or is it LSBV? Liverpool Voluntary Service for the Blind (LVSB) is celebrating its 150th anniversary, and is changing its name to Bradbury Fields, because we all get into a muddle with those initials – and anyway the old name doesn’t represent what it is today.
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Government changes (MDF0308)
Not only do we have a new Prime Minister since the last newsletter - he was already UK’s Most Influential Disabled Person in 2006 according to Disability Now - but a number of Westminster desks of significance to groups of and for disabled people have seen changes in personnel.
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When will the Department of Health get the message about disability? (MDF0331)
Large-scale Department of Health surveys on patient choice in the NHS are a frequent – and costly – part of the government’s efforts to show that it is monitoring important aspects of its initiatives on access to GP services and patient choice of hospitals. Yet the Department still collects no information on disability in these surveys, even though communications and transport are key issues
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You can act now to help make Liverpool more accessible in the future (by 19/10/07) (MDF0322)
Liverpool City Council is consulting on its licensing policy. Offers of free and subsidised help to small leisure businesses in the "08 for All" programme had limited success. Changes to the licensing policy may be a better way to make bars and restaurants more accessible for disabled people in the City. You may want to help us by taking part in the consultation - we've provided a template that you could use to do this.
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Does “Community Cohesion” include disabled people? (MDF0317)
A recent national report with recommendations on “community cohesion” has not been seen as especially relevant to disabled people or their voluntary groups. But the study itself does aim to be concerned with all types of inequality, and - as “cohesion” is increasingly central to government thinking - there could be some unintended consequences if its recommendations are taken up.
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Guide for groups and people who want to challenge physical barriers to access (MDF0341)
A step-by-step guide to working out whether a physical barrier is illegal under the DDA – and how to take action yourself to get that changed – is available from the Disability Rights Commission.
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Volunteer help for local groups from a global company (MDF0332)
International auditors and business consultants Ernst & Young’s Liverpool office is looking for ways in which the 60 staff can volunteer time and skills to local voluntary groups.
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Social Risk Capital for the CALLUP Buddies project (MDF0318)
CALLUP is a Liverpool group that supports people who use communication aids. Their new Buddy Project teaches new users how to make the best use of them to improve their self-confidence - one example of the local groups that have received help though MDF under the ESF’s Social Risk Capital funding.
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Accessibility equipment list online for Merseyside voluntary groups (MDF0325)
A new list of information about equipment, accessible meeting rooms and other accessibility assistance that is available to voluntary groups in Merseyside is now available online at the MDF website. The information was gathered from 16 infrastructure organisations in the area (CVSs and others) in a project that MDF carried out for the Merseyside ChangeUp programme in 2006.
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Capacity to Engage conference at the Pakistani Centre (MDF0335)
Our Capacity to Engage Project is breaking down barriers to contacts between disability groups and groups representing Black and Ethnic Minority communities. Capacity to Engage held a successful pilot conference recently at the Pakistan Centre (about neurological conditions and getting the voice of BME groups involved in health services) - an event which likely to be the first of a series.
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Lifehouse at the dock (MDF0319)
A number of Liverpool organisations providing support to disabled people are moving to a new location in late August, where the services will all be under one roof at the Brunswick Dock under the banner of “Lifehouse”. Lifehouse is part of the Community Equipment Partnership which links support services from Liverpool City Council and the NHS.
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Get early notice of future Council decisions that could affect you (MDF0274)
Local authorities publish a useful Forward Plan of important council policy decisions that they plan to take. In Liverpool’s current list, for example you will find a "Joint Commissioning Strategy for Disabled People", and the "Future use of Disability Support Grant". If your organisation or your members would be affected by these decisions, it is worth keeping an eye on the updates to the Forward Plan. There may be a chance to influences decisions by contacting the appropriate people even where there is no formal consultation process scheduled.
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The UN declaration on Disability Rights - what next? (MDF0338)
When the UN General Assembly passed the "Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities", in 2006 that was only the first step along the road to positive world-wide action for disabled people.
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Disability in 2020: research for the DRC (MDF0337)
A research paper looking at disability over 15 years indicates that national trends in - for example - demography and medicine suggest a growth in the need for support. Resources to make the needed changes and improvements in independence are not currently built in to Government spending plans.
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Voila! - it's VOLA (the Voluntary Organisations' Learning Association) (MDF0307)
The tender to set up and run a Merseyside Learning and Skills Consortium (a key route by which the LSC will commission voluntary sector training) has been awarded to VOLA - a consortium of Blackburne House, Merseyside Network for Europe, Sefton CVS and the WEA.
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"Privatised" Sefton adult care services - in competition? (MDF0281)
All adult social service care provision in Sefton MBC from April 1st has been provided through a new council-owned company, Sefton New Directions Ltd, which has taken over the existing staff, and the premises. There are some concerns about new competition over care activities for voluntary groups.
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Liverpool's voluntary sector funding programme (by 13/7/07) (MDF0303).
There is further consultation about the way that Liverpool will fund voluntary groups in the 2008-2011 period.
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Social Risk Capital (MDF0295).
Our very successful - and nationally featured - Social Risk Capital funding continues to be available at least until July 2008 for groups of and for disabled people in Merseyside. Additional funding from the European Social Fund has recently been made available.
Some Social Risk Capital Grants recently awarded include:
* The Dual Diagnosis Group representing people who have mental health issues in addition to another diagnosis or impairment - they were awarded £5,000 for a "drop-in" project which will help improve self-confidence and move people forward to learn new skills and look for education to improve their chances of getting a job.
* The Birkenhead Grange Hard of Hearing club supporting people who have lost their hearing ability. Their SRC grant of £4,600 will enable them to learn from other Merseyside groups for people with a hearing impairment, and will provide computer equipment to make communications easier at their meetings
* The new Healthcare Worker's Support Group supporting healthcare professionals with mental health issues. Often they are unable to use existing groups because of the risk that they might undermine confidence of their own clients. The SRC grant of £5,000 will enable them to get the same support for themselves as they give to their clients so that they can continue in employment.
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What would you like to say to Mr Miliband? (MDF0272).
Do you want a chance to sit down with the Minister for the Third Sector (or his Opposition equivalent) and tell him what you think of his party's policies at the annual conference? A National Council for Voluntary Organisations scheme for small voluntary groups (you don't have to be a member) could give you a chance to do that.
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European rights for disabled air passengers (MDF0305).
Just in time for a summer holiday, new legal rights for disabled air passengers start on 26/7/07 (with more to follow next year). It will be illegal (apart from air safety reasons) to turn away someone with "reduced mobility" - even if that is only a temporary problem.
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New Deal for Carers - a "national debate" (MDF0296).
A national discussion and debate about improving the future of carers has been launched by the Department of Health - both on the internet and as a series of meetings around the country arranged by the government and national carers' groups. The consultation will influence the direction of the new support for carers announced in February, and update the 1999 Carers' Strategy.
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The new Commission for Equality and Human Rights (MDF0249).
The new CEHR - merging the Disability Rights Commission, the Equal Opportunities Commission and the Commission on Racial Equality - starts work in the autumn, and has begun to assemble its resources and set out its plans. The jury is still out on whether the new arrangements will be more effective for breaking down barriers for disabled people.
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Voluntary Sector Independence Day - 4th July or "When did you last see your Compact?" (MDF0212).
The Compacts are agreements to help achieve productive relations between the voluntary sector and national and local government, but they have always suffered from being largely voluntary (and therefore not always effective) and not well known. A national Compact Commission has been set up to give the process new impetus, and there is a call from the voluntary sector side for every area to take one practical step on 4th July towards strengthening voluntary sector independence.
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More support for disabled children and their families promised (MDF0304).
The government has published the report of the disabled children’s review. "Aiming High for Disabled Children: Better Support for Families", which includes a new commitment to spending in 2008-11, for example on short breaks and accessible childcare, and promises more consultation and information for parents.
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Free course on self-employment for disabled people (MDF0280)
"Enterprise and Inclusion" is a new programme from Merseyside Expanding Horizons to develop self-employment skills amongst people who might not have considered this route to becoming more independent - for example, they may be disabled, or homeless. The first workshop was in June - others are planned for the autumn.
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Volunteers with Learning Disabilities to help out in Kenya (MDF0302).
Merseyside charity "Options" is planning a unique project in which five people with learning disabilities will help a community in Kenya complete a communal building.
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Discrimination Law Review Consultation (by 4/9/07) (MDF0291).
The Government's review into the different discrimination laws - which may lead to a new Equality Act - has come up with a number of proposals to bring the different strands together and to make changes with the aim of making the policies more effective. They are looking for comments on the proposals by September.
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What will your funding be like in five years? (MDF0273)
A new free booklet and worksheet have been produced to start third sector organisations thinking about how their funding will change (in the unlikely event it is not changing already). The changes are based on driving factors such as the increased expectation that groups will be charging for services; the greater complexity of grants and loans; more need to produce evidence; and more competition for resources. Download by following our direct link.
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Free guide to the new Charities Act available (MDF0270).
The Charities Act 2006 made big changes to the law for smaller registered charities in the UK. If you haven't read the 80 Sections and 10 Schedules yet there's now a free publication aimed at trustees and claimed as a "plain language guide" available.
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Charity Bank - loans when High Street banks turn you down (MDF0286).
The national Charity Bank is promoting its services in Merseyside where it has made few loans yet. It lends only to third sector organisations that have been unable to get loans elsewhere.
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Regional ICT help for voluntary groups (MDF0285).
Support for voluntary sector computing is now available (sometimes free) at a regional level from the ICT Hub - part of the government's ChangeUp programme to support the voluntary sector. You can get help with the most basic but computing issues - backing up your data, connecting computers together.
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Standard for website accessibility - now free (MDF0288).
You may have hesitated to spend £30 on last year’s “Guide to good practice in commissioning accessible websites" from the DRC, but it is now available as a free download.
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Care providers and care receivers in England and Wales (MDF0248).
Studies based on national Censuses confirm the large variations in the amount of unpaid care. There is a close connection with less prosperous and less healthy areas (such a Merseyside) but unpaid care-giving of over 20 hours a week is also more often provided by poorer individuals or people with ill health themselves.
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Paid research opportunity for young disabled people
Research into the views of disabled people aged 16-25 about opportunities in the construction industry takes place in Liverpool in May. You don't need actual experience in that industry to take part - travel expenses and a small fee will be paid.
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Training Jobs for disabled unemployed Liverpool residents
Liverpool City Council has announced a number of new opportunities (reserved for local disabled people) in its "Open Access" programme - applications by May 10th,
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Update on Disability Equality Schemes: a carefully-missed opportunity? (MDF0259).
Public bodies had to publish a Disability Equality Scheme by December 2006. Surprisingly, not all have done so yet, and few have had the level of ambition - or the quality of consultation - that they ought to have.
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Is your group a Member of MDF? (MDF0238).
MDF supports voluntary organisations of and for disabled people in the Greater Merseyside area - Liverpool City and Halton, Knowsley, St Helens, Sefton and Wirral districts. One of our jobs is to make the voice of disabled people and the organisations that support them heard where decisions are taken that affect you or your members. The more groups that become full Members of MDF - it costs you nothing - the stronger our voice can be for you and your own members.
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Surveys - where are the disabled people? (MDF0242).
National and local organisations that are carrying out surveys are still leaving out questions that would enable the disability dimension of issues to be examined. Recent surveys from the government (about getting involved in local politics); from the NHS (about access to GP surgeries); and Liverpool City Council (about waiting restrictions) are all examples of research that have not asked respondents any questions about whether they are disabled or have an impairment.
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DisabledGo - Liverpool Steering Group (MDF0240).
DisabledGo is the national initiative to provide detailed access information to buildings. Their information for the first 1,000 buildings in Liverpool was launched last year, and they are looking for local help to extend that and to keep it up-to-date.
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European petition for disabled people's rights - sign up now (MDF0246).
To celebrate its 10 years, the European Disability Forum is running an online petition "for a European Union in which disabled people’s rights are protected through effective legislation, combating all forms of discrimination and guaranteeing the full inclusion of 50 million citizens with disabilities". Already the list has 60,000 names and it plans to reach 1 million by October 3rd - the number at which the EU is obliged to respond.
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Equality for Disabled People: how will we know we are making progress? (by 9/5/07) (MDF0261)
The new Office for Disability Issues (ODI) is consulting disabled people - and organisations of and for disabled people - about what they think equality for disabled people would look like, and how they can measure progress towards that goal.
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Opportunities for your group in "Learning at Work Day", May 24th? (MDF0260)
If your group wants to help raise the awareness of businesses about disability, "Learning at Work Day" may give you a platform to help you do just that.
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Liverpool Disability Network Open Day (MDF0244)
"If you haven't got a Disability Equality Scheme yet - we'll be round shortly" was the simple message to public bodies from Caroline Gooding of the Disability Rights Commission at the February Open Day held by Liverpool Disability Network. The day focused on different aspects of the new DESs required - but in spite of encouragement to attend there were few key decision-makers from public authorities.
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European Year of Equal Opportunity for All (MDF0239)
It’s probably a surprise to you to learn that 2007 has been designated as the EU's "Year of Equal Opportunity for All", with aims to improve Rights, Representation, Recognition and Respect. (The new Commission on Equality and Human Rights (CEHR) is the UK contact).
Perhaps it won't be as surprising to learn that there aren't yet any detailed plans, or any firm funding arrangements. In fact they currently want you to put forward your existing events for inclusion in the Year, and to use their logo.
Perhaps we need a humane cull of well-meaning but distracting and un-funded initiatives like these?
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08 for All (MDF0252)
Our Objective One funded programme "08 for All" - bringing free and subsidised advice and training to local tourism venues - finishes at the end of March.
We are very pleased that there were a number of tourism businesses that we worked with who were enthusiastic about improving their accessibility and their disability awareness.
However we are disappointed at the limited enthusiasm that so many places in the hotel, restaurant and other tourism sectors showed towards this, even where there was public money available to them to subsidise advice and training. We will continue to try and get accessibility improved for visitors to Merseyside when we can - not least because that also helps people living in the area get into shops, restaurants and cafes. But we will have to do that using other methods now - for example we may publicise places where accessibility or attitudes are bad, or where awards are made against businesses under the DDA.
If there are tourism businesses that want advice or help to improve their access in the future, you should refer them to The Mersey Partnership, who will be able to signpost them to any alternative programmes of grant available in 2007. And if there any access nightmares in the sector, especially in new developments, let us have the details.
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Need somewhere for meetings or team building? (MDF0250).
The Barnstondale Centre in Wirral provides affordable residential and non-residential breaks to groups of all ages and backgrounds that are disadvantaged financially, socially, physically or have special needs for other reasons. The centre is just opening a new climbing wall and abseiling tower with funds from the Wirral Network.
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Liverpool - a new access officer (MDF0251)
After a gap that caused wonder to friends and rivals alike, Liverpool City has appointed a new Technical Access Officer, Mo Mohammadi. Mo wants to hear about new buildings and refurbishments in the City that are not up to standard.
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Social research funds - only for voluntary groups - soon from the Big Lottery (MDF0255)
Applications will be accepted soon by The Big Lottery for grants to enable voluntary and community groups to carry out research into social and medical issues that the sector has identified. Arrangements are in place for both applications and research to be supported with links to university researchers - but people who use the services that voluntary groups provide will also have a key part in the projects.
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Worklessness - a long term view (MDF0247)
Research published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation that analyses the national General Household Survey shows that over the past thirty years disabled men have seen their chances of being in a job worsen more than other groups.
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RISE - free tailored help for disabled people moving into work in the Wirral (MDF0257)
Resources in Seeking Employment (RISE) is a programme to help disabled people move towards work, available to residents of certain areas of Wirral who are claiming Incapacity Benefit. RISE is run by Inclusive Access, the trading arm of WIRED and a new 10-week course begins in May.
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Sharing Success - MDF AGM and Funding Fair (MDF0243)
MDF’s 6th Annual General Meeting in November was combined with a Funding Fair and with useful information about the Big Lottery.
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"Be Inspired" - an MDF and MEH conference (MDF0254)
MDF held a conference jointly with Merseyside Expanding Horizons to celebrate positive aspects of inclusion at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in the autumn. MDF's Merseyside Inspirational Award 2006 was presented to North West Disability Arts Forum's Shoot to Thrill project.
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From dereliction to TV fame for a project helped by an MDF SRC grant (MDF0253)
With help from Social Risk Capital Grant funds and links encouraged by MDF, there have been great changes in the last three years in the project for accessible gardening run through the Pilkington Horticultural Society. They have gone from "a partly derelict site with no facilities to a site that has featured on BBC television" said the Group’s secretary Alan Hull.
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Help keep bus operations accessible – if there’s a problem, report it (MDF0169).
There are new accessibility requirements for buses from December – but your Merseyside members can do their bit now to help improve things by letting Merseytravel know of problems they encounter with the buses.
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Celebr8 (don't discrimin8) 2007 gets under way!
The North West Regional Assembly's "Celebrat8 don't discrimin8" programme will be active again in 2007. There are a number of planing meetings in the region in December - including Liverpool on December 14th - and they want as many groups as possible to be involved.
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Liverpool training posts for disabled people
Liverpool City Council has six training posts currently available (closing date 5/1/07) and reserved for disabled and unemployed Liverpool residents.
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Capacity to Engage (MDF0223)
In partnership with Neurosupport (formerly the Mersey Neurological Trust), and funded by The Big Lottery , MDF has begun a new project, "Capacity to Engage". This will meet the needs identified by local voluntary and community organisations of and for disabled people to making their services welcoming to people from Black and Racial Minority (BRM) communities. Julia Purvis is co-ordinating the project.
Through "Capacity to Engage" we can provide support to your organisation in working towards best practice in relation to diversity and in meeting your legal responsibilities in respect of Equal Opportunities. We do this through first undertaking a ‘diversity health check’ with you and then providing support and advice in completing an action plan to address any areas that need further work or development. We will provide you with a ‘Diversity Tool kit’ and can provide training and sign-posting to staff, to volunteers and committee members.
"Capacity to Engage" can also benefit your organisation through volunteering. We want to find placements for volunteers from the BRM communities who want to help out in voluntary and community health and disability organisations. If you decide to have a volunteer in your organisation we will work to ensure that volunteers are properly trained and supported in their roles and we also offer best practice guidance to your organisation around volunteering.
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Mystery shopping – coming to a venue near you (MDF0226)
We launched a new Mystery Shopping project designed to capture the visitor experience of disabled people in September.
The 08 for All programme has already arranged for a number of people to come from outside Merseyside to test local facilities. With additional funding from the Community Chest Fund and Awards for All, local disabled people and their companions are trying out local hotels, restaurants and tourism venues to discover how they are meeting their obligations under the Disability Discrimination Acts. Many tourism and leisure organisations have responded to the DDA but there is still a long way to go.
Our Mystery Shoppers will be making anonymous detailed reports on the facilities and – just as important – about the sort of welcome and support they receive. Information from the visits will be passed to the venues. Those businesses that have shown a commitment of time and resources to making their venues accessible will be commended: those who fall short in their service provision will be encouraged to work towards becoming a more inclusive business which in turn will benefit the whole community not just disabled people.
Where they are small businesses they will be able to take advantage of the range of free and subsided services are available from the 08 for All programme, advisory visits, access audits and disability related staff training
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“Unique” local building gets national status – and advice on accessibility (MDF 0222)
The Casbah Coffee Club in West Derby – where the Beatles first performed – has recently been officially “listed” as a Grade II historic building. Earlier in the year it also had a subsidised Access Audit through our 08 for All programme, and changes are planned to improve its accessibility. Leigh Best, manager of the Club, said that she was surprised at the simple things that could be done to improve accessibility at little cost, and that the auditor had “made every effort to enhance the experience of the visitor without changing the feel or the structure”.
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No excuses. Embrace partnership now. Report of the third sector commissioning task force (by 31/10/06) (MDF0225)
While continuing to encourage "third sector" organisations to take a wider part in health and social care, the government accepts that there are still many barriers. This report looks at the barriers – such as short-term contacts and the high costs of bidding for small groups – sets out a number of commitments and actions, and asks for comments.
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'Working Together' - UK National Action Plan on Social Inclusion 2006-2008 (MDF0224)
This third national Social Inclusion plan summarises the various strands of social inclusion policy. It is published as required by the EU, but this year it involved a widespread consultation under the banner of "Get Heard” – for which MDF arranged the Merseyside consultation with disability groups.
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Comprehensive Spending Review - Merseyside groups have their say (MDF0205)
A conference and consultation on the national Comprehensive Spending Review and its impact of voluntary groups and the "third sector" was held at Aintree on 11/9/06.
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Voluntary Sector Learning Consortium proposals (MDF0229)
A consultation meeting on 21/9/06 examined what a Voluntary and Community Sector Learning Consortium would mean for Merseyside – and concluded that it was something that should be seriously considered.
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Morgan Foundation grants (MDF 0219)
The Morgan Foundation is a regional charity that gives grants to small to medium-sized local charities (and other local “not for profit” organisations) in Merseyside, Cheshire and N Wales that help children and families. They have supported projects addressing mobility impairments, learning difficulties and mental health issues – and this can be one-off capital costs or even core running costs over a number of years.
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Your advert free on Google? (MDF0221)
You wouldn’t want your group to be associated with some of those ads that pop up on the internet. However, if you’re a registered charity, Google has a new programme that will give you free advertising to link through to your website.
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Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowships available (MDF0231)
You are eligible for the 2007 awards if you are involved in “Special Educational Needs”; working with elderly people; involved in sport; or in Multicultural Relationships (among other categories). Apply by 19/10/06.
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Charity Employees Benevolent Fund (CEBF) (MDF0220)
A new fund has been established to provide support in difficult times for the over half a million people in the UK that are employed by charities – employees who often earn less than people in private or public sectors and whose jobs can also be less secure. Anyone who has ever been employed by a charity will be able to apply for assistance, though at this stage the CEBF is building up its fund by looking for donations, for example from tax-efficiient Payroll Giving.
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Liverpool CC training jobs available for disabled people (MDF0232)
A number of training positions reserved for disabled people are currently available in departments of Liverpool City Council.
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Disability groups merger plans in St Helens (MDF0209)
Four St Helens voluntary groups – DASH, Shopmobility, the Coalition of Disabled People and the Access Group - are looking to merge into one organisation to provide better, more effective services in the area.
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New Government Social Exclusion Action Plan (MDF0208)
"Reaching out" – the latest government plan on Social Exclusion – contains a wide range of promises and strategies to tackle the issues affecting the most disadvantaged people: that persistent 2.5% of the population that they see as "caught in a lifetime of disadvantage and harm". Proposals include more progress on Individual Budgets for disabled people, and promises of more action to help people with mental health problems get back into work.
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"08 for All" help for local tourism and leisure buinesses (MDF0196)
A new blunt leaflet advertising the “08 for All” services is being distributed to the local tourism sector. “What’s better for your business: a solicitor’s bill – or £700 from us – and more customers?”
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Liverpool City – Disability Equality Scheme (by 22/9/06) (MDF0199)
Liverpool City Council is looking for disabled people to become directly involved in its draft Disability Equality Scheme through a questionnaire (which will also be online) and a series of focus groups.
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”Be Inspired 2006” – nominations for awards ceremony on 3/10/06 (MDF1089).
Book your place for the second “Be Inspired” event (speakers include Doreen Lawrence OBE), and presentation of the Merseyside Inspirational Awards - including the “MDF Award”. These awards celebrate local groups providing outstanding service, and you can nominate for the MDF award from groups that have recently had MDF’s SRC grants.
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Local “Tourism for All” on the web – help us get it right (MDF0188)
One part of our “08 for All” project will help visitors who need accessible places to stay, by providing better information and a better booking service on official tourism websites.
The local Tourism Board - our partners in “08 for All” - are looking at (a) the symbols to use on the web and (b) the way that that websites could gather information about the accommodation needs of disabled people. You can help us get this right with your comments and opinions on the proposals.
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Government consultation with the “Third Sector” (by 30/9/06) (MDF0194).
The government wants the views of voluntary groups and other “Third Sector” organisations on the way in which the sector could be involved in “social and economic regeneration” in the next 10 years, in what has been called “the largest government consultation ever undertaken with the sector.”
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Liverpool City Technical Access Officer (MDF0176)
Some movement (and some surprises) in the on-going saga of Liverpool’s Technical Access Officer, where – at last – a permanent job has been advertised.
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New DWP information on volunteers who are on benefits (MDF0170).
A new government leaflet explains arrangements for people on benefits who are volunteering. It said that expenses for volunteers’ lunches should count as “income” – but protests against this apparent change have now been successful.
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The Mersey Partnership celebrates “Tourism for All” venues (MDF0201)
The Mersey Partnership's Annual Tourism Awards include a category for "Tourism for All" venues, and in 2006 this was won by Spaceport, Wirral.
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"Black ties and best frocks …” (MDF0180)
According to the Echo this was the dress code at the launch of Pathways to Work when local employers were wined and dined to create interest in the new programme. (We hope it’s not taxable – see MDF0170). To create interest among people on Incapacity Benefit, however, a compulsory “work-focussed interview” is seen as a more cost-effective solution.
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National policy and organisation changes that may affect your organisation’s budgets (MDF0193).
OCTSF, ODI, OTS? The government continues to make changes which are intended both to help the voluntary sector become more sustainable and to provide different routes to delivering public services.
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Free courses for community businesses or social enterprises (MDF0191).
If you want to enhance your groups’ survival chances by taking up some of the opportunities that are becoming available for enterprise activity, then the free local courses currently on offer from the new Liverpool Academy for Sustainable Enterprise can help.
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New Big Lottery Funding streams (MDF0174)
The Big Lottery has a range of new funding programmes. Among those currently open that may be of particular interest to groups of and for disabled people are: Advice plus, Awards for All, and Reaching Communities.
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Funds from The Liverpool Paradise Foundation (MDF0172).
Grants may be available for local groups from The Liverpool Paradise Foundation over the next two years.
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New rules on discrimination against disabled air passengers (MDF0197)
New European Union rules have been passed to prevent airlines blocking disabled people’s travel.
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Accessibility and money from Europe (MDF0198)
For the first time the question of accessibility for disabled people will be made part of the general European Union funding conditions.
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Safety leaflet to help vulnerable adults (MDF0158).
A new booklet (*Keep Safe*) designed to help vulnerable adults and people with learning difficulties to protect themselves from crime has been produced.
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Fundraising Standards Board - “give with confidence” (MDF0192).
If your organisation raises funds direct from the public you should consider joining the Fundraising Standards Board scheme to demonstrate your openness and your high standards.
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False economy in Wirral building design (MDF0182)
A recently-built public building in Wirral with access difficulties is likely to loose income as hirers go elsewhere.
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DaDa Fest 2006 call for artists (MDF0202)
DaDaFest – Europe’s largest disability arts festival – is looking for artists for its 2006 programme, in Merseyside from 13/11/06 to 6/12/06
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Free radio publicity for your Wirral events (MDF0120).
Buzz FM 97.1 will broadcast free ads for your events and services.
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Independent Living Funds Review: Call for evidence (31/8/06) (MDF0200)
Does the Independent Living Fund affect you or your members? The government is consulting on how it is delivered.
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PCT vacancies for Non-executive Directors – closing date 8th June. (MDF0168)
The NHS is recruiting nationally for Non-executive Directors to serve on the boards of the planned new consolidated Primary Care Trusts.
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Consultation opportunity - all expenses paid - about Mersey Waterfront (MDF0161).
The project that is planning developments on the waterside area on both sides of the Mersey wants to consult on their ideas. They are holding a meeting for disabled people on June 14th which includes a free tour of the area, lunch and £50 for expenses.
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Open meeting about accessibility of the Paradise Project (MDF0152)
Another public meeting to discuss accessibility arrangements at the Paradise Street Development area project in Central Liverpool has been arranged for June 7th.
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Investors in People (MDF0141)
MDF has sucessfully completed the process of getting the Investors in People (IIP) quality award.
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Welfare Reform Green Paper (by 21/4/06) (MDF0140)
Launched in January, this paper - "A new deal for welfare: Empowering people to work" - sets out a wide range of proposals to change the way that government supports people of working age, especially those now getting Incapacity Benefit.
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European Sports events supported by "08 for all" at Greenbank (MDF0137)
The heaviest snowfall for years didn't stop spectators from all over the Northwest coming to the first of a number of European-level sports events at the Greenbank Sports Academy.
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Further Social Risk Capital grants through MDF (MDF0136)
Over £40,000 has been awarded already in 2006 to local voluntary groups through MDF's Social Risk Capital grants.
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"08 for All" (MDF0135)
Our "08 for All" programme - funded through the Objective One Programme - aims to "make Merseyside a destination of choice for disabled visitors". Help us to encourage small business to take up the training and accessibility advice that's on offer.
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MDF AGM (MDF0134)
We held our Annual General Meeting on 9/2/06 - and we combined it with a lively discussion on the new "Welfare Reform Green Paper".
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MDF's new "Capacity to Engage" project (MDF0133)
MDF and Neurosupport are starting a new project. This will improve access (for people from Black and Racial Minority communities) to the support available from the many voluntary groups that are of and for disabled people.
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Trainee police officers need experience of voluntary groups (MDF0131)
A new training process for police officers involves short placements with voluntary groups, to learn first hand, for example, about issues that affect disabled people.
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Training events for voluntary groups from MDF (MDF0130)
As part of its work to help voluntary groups prosper and develop, MDF held two training events recently - on funding and quality, and is planning events on quality standards and Diversity.
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Spend 10 minutes influencing European policies - and you might win 50 Euros (MDF0127)
Some new euro-symbols for use on accessible electronic equipment are being tested, and your on-line input could win you a prize.
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Keep up to date with jargon (MDF0126)
Too embarrassed to admit you don't know what "HAPI" stands for, or what an "Accidental Techie" is? You need an online jargon-buster.
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"ChangeUp" project improves accessibility of voluntary groups (MDF0125)
A survey of "second-tier" voluntary groups in Merseyside is the basis for additional funding of access equipment from the Home Office's "ChangeUp" programme.
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The "Independent Equalities Review" (MDF0122)
Background research is being carried out by a number of bodies, which will influence the way that the new Commission on Equalities and Human Rights (CEHR) can address issues.
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How to make sure your new website is accessible from the start (MDF0121)
You want your new website to be accessible - but your first communication issue is with Internet geeks who live on a different planet. You need a new publication from the DRC that aims to help you build in accessibility from the very start.
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Success for Social Risk Capital investment (MDF0117)
Liverpool Voluntary Society for the Blind (LVSB) has had great success with the recording equipment purchased with a grant from the Social Risk Capital Funds distributed through MDF.
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Draft UN Convention on Disability (MDF0116)
A United Nations Convention on Disability has been under discussion for years but may be finished this year - what will it achieve, and how can you get involved?
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"DaDa Fest" goes from strength to strength. (MDF0114)
MDF was pleased to sponsor the Performance Art award at the DaDaFest. Congratulations to Laurence Clark, the 2005 holder of the trophy
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Strategic Partnership change-round in Wirral. (MDF0113)
Voluntary sector representation in the Local Strategic Partnership Structure in Wirral has been streamlined to give more effective arrangements.
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"Capacity to Engage" Project - Volunteer Co-ordinator Post
Merseyside Disability Federation is recruiting a Volunteer Co-ordinator for its new "Capacity to Engage" project. Salary £17,500 - closing date 3/3/06.
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"Capacity to Engage" Project Co-ordinator position
MDF is recruiting a Project Co-ordinator to launch the "Capacity to Engage" project and ensure its development over the next 3 years.
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MDF Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of Merseyside Disability Federation will take place on Thursday, February 9th.
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The Welfare Reform Green Paper - threat or promise?
MDF has arranged a discussion on the new Green Paper "A new deal for welfare: empowering people to work" as part of our Annual General Meeting on February 9th. (This event is now full).
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Liverpool Access Officer - Interim secondment
While it appoints a new permanent Technical Access Officer, Liverpool City Council has seconded Paul Hide from September 2005 to start on access tasks in the Planning and Building Control Departments.
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Social Inclusion and Get Heard (MDF0110)
MDF arranged a special workshop for disabled people (and groups of and for disabled people) as part of the Get Heard programme’s input from Merseyside. The opinions collected (on which public programs to fight poverty are working and which need changing) went forward to the new edition of the National Action Plan on Social Inclusion.
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Investors in People - from the inside (MDF0111)
MDF is starting along the route of getting Investor in People status – we’ll show you how it’s working for us.
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North Merseyside Mental Health Services - consultation on changes (by 19/12/05) (MDF0101)
There are plans to replace mental health services that are currently provided for in-patients and outpatients at general hospitals in North Merseyside with services in new Mental Health Services Buildings, and with more care and treatment at home or at GPs. The NHS wants to hear people’s views.
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ChangeUp Merseyside (MDF0105)
The ChangeUp programme of support for voluntary groups in Merseyside is developing an online system of support and information to help groups improve and extend their use of Information Technology.
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Trainee vacancies for disabled Liverpool residents (by 11/11/05) (MDF0105)
Liverpool City Council has 10 training posts available, reserved for applicants who are unemployed and disabled Liverpool residents.
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Join in the DRC’s Disability Debate (MDF0097)
Do you think more interaction between disabled and non-disabled people helps shift attitudes? The latest DRC discussion paper produced to stimulate debate and set an agenda for the new Commission for Equality and Human Rights is “Time for interaction?”.
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First national survey of learning difficulties published (MDF0096)
A unique national sample survey of adults with learning difficulties in England was carried out in 2003-2004, and the results have now been published for the Department of Health.
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Awards for All awash with funds? (MDF0088)
Awards for All North West is encouraging groups (especially groups of and for disabled people in Liverpool or Knowsley) to apply now for grants for project from £500 to £5000.
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The extra costs of disability (MDF0085)
What are the extra costs that disabled people face, and can they be measured fairly and consistently to help government policy on benefit levels? A Department for Work and Pensions report attempts to answer these questions.
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New Disability Living Allowance claim form to be tested in Bootle from September (MDF0084).
From the end of September 2005 some new claimants of Disability Living Allowance in Bootle are using a new computerised claim form as part of a test that the Department for Work and Pensions is running for its new Customer Case Management System.
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The new DDA coming into force (MDF0080)
The Disability Discrimination Act 2005 contains a number of new rights for disabled people and new duties towards them. The dates when these come into effect have now been announced, including the significant new duty for all public authorities that will start in December 2006.
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Office for Disability Issues (ODI) and National Forum for Organisations of Disabled People (NFODP) (MDF0072)
The new ODI is planned to co-ordinate disabled people’s interests in Whitehall, and will be set up by the end of the year: the NFODP will help disabled people participate in the design of policies.
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Direct payments - mental health and learning difficulties (MDF0075)
Why has the take-up of direct payments by people with mental health issues or learning difficulties been so low, and where are the Direct Payment support schemes run by people with Learning Difficulties? Two recent research reports look at improving the situation.
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Social Risk Capital - now available up to 2008 (MDF0074)
A new round of funding for groups of and for disabled people in Merseyside began in April. If you are a voluntary group or social enterprise and you have a new project which will develop skills and self-confidence, and help people move closer to work, contact MDF's Development Officer, Chris Wardle
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European funds and accessibility (MDF0071)
When European money goes to help pay for local projects, can the accessibility requirements safely be left to individual countries to sort out? European disability groups want this changed (for the next round of spending) so that accessibility requirements are built in from the very start
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Consultation on air travel for disabled people (12/08/05) (MDF0070)
The Department for Transport is consulting on how it should negotiate a new European proposal for better rights in air travel for disabled people. They aim to get "effective legislation without imposing unreasonable additional burdens on industry". You might want to ask them to have different priorities.
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Year of the Volunteer - small grants available (MDF0069)
Grants from £500 to £6,000 available in 2005 only for local programmes encouraging more volunteering volunteers.
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“Mystery shopping” in Knowsley (MDF0067)
We’re working with groups in Knowsley to do some “mystery shopping” tests at local leisure and tourism sites, with Community Chest funding, to help these places look at the welcome they give to disabled visitors.
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"Culture for All"- Inclusive Design in Berlin (MDF 0068)
MDF attended the European Institute for Design and Disability conference in Berlin in May: a summary report is available from us.
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MDF AGM and birthday cake (MDF066)
Our AGM took place on 20th April, 2005, combined with information on the "08 for All" opportunities - and ending with a cake for our 5th birthday.
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“08 for All” – Merseyside’s new Tourism for All project (MDF0064)
MDF has been given funds for activities to help improve the accessibility of tourism and leisure in the area – like helping small businesses with accessibility advice, and improving information for disabled visitors. There are opportunities for other local voluntary groups to get involved.
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Local job vacancies emailed to you (MDF0063)
The People Pool can send emails of vacancies in Liverpool City Centre to local voluntary groups in Merseyside to pass on to members.
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Supporting the Social Model principles (MDF0062)
The Liverpool Community Strategy was changed following voluntary sector representatives’ objections to language that undermined the commitment to the Social Model.
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"Access watch" - in Liverpool and in St Helens (MDF0060)
Intro:No definite news yet of Liverpool's decision to have a dedicated Access Officer once more. Proposals to buy in advice rather than to create a new post were aired recently - while St Helens is not to replace their retiring Access Officer
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Have you got quality? (MDF0058)
We'd like to know how many Merseyside voluntary groups of and for disabled people have got (or are getting) quality awards - like IIP or PQASSO. Please send us an email if these initials (or similar) apply to you.
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New Minister for Disabled People (MDF0056)
Anne McGuire, MP for Stirling replaces Maria Eagle as the new Minister for Disabled People, in the Department for Work and Pensions.
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Warrington DAD 2005 (MDF0055)
Another successful Disability Awareness Day in the July sunshine in Warrington.
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Improving the life chances of disabled people (MDF0057)
"By 2025, disabled people in Great Britain should have full opportunities and choices to improve their quality of life and will be respected and included as equal members of society" - this is the government's ambitious, but long-term, aim set out in a major report produced earlier this year.
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Big changes for Liverpool Day Services? (MDF0053)
Liverpool City Council is looking at changes in the way it provides Day Services for elderly people, and people with a sensory or physical impairment.
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Recommendations to improve Direct Payments (MDF0052)
A government report in April made a series of recommendations for national and local actions to improve the way that the Direct Payments support arrangements are organised.
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Join in the DRC’s Disability Debate (MDF0051)
Preparing for its merge into the new Commission for Equality and Human Rights, the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) has started a Disability Debate, encouraging disabled people to help it create an agenda that the CEHR should take on.
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Disability Equality Duty for the Public Sector (MDF0050)
The new Disability Discrimination Act 2005 was passed in April - and from December 2006 all public bodies will have to make sure they think about disability equality before any actions that they take.
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