Monthly Archives: May 2019

Disabled facilities in Shrewsbury

Shropshire Disability Network has received a letter from one of its members. We have been given permission to share it with you. SDN decided not to disclose the writers name.

Our member wrote:

“I don’t know what is going on behind the scenes politically in Shrewsbury, but I get the distinct impression that Shrewsbury Council want to drive out disabled people.  The latest traffic restrictions in Pride Hill and Butcher Row illustrate.  

I was just wondering whether SDN had any “voice” when the council pulled the funding for Shopmobility in Shrewsbury.  This service is needed for Shrewsbury, not only for residents, but what does it say about us as a town to visitors and tourists that we have no Shopmobility, it does not encourage the less mobile to visit our lovely town and spend money, therefore boosting the local economy.  Just look around at the empty shops.

I have travelled around quite a bit, and I must say, some areas/towns of the country very much impress me with their attitude to the disabled.  Stratford Upon Avon, has free parking including free on street parking.  I’m not for free parking myself just because I’m less mobile, and think that I should pay like anyone else, but it is refreshing when you see things like this and makes you feel welcome. Scotland as well, seemed very “switched on” to the needs of the disabled in many aspects, I was well impressed when I spent a holiday up there and the facilities that were available and accessibility was not a problem, even in the most remote of places.  Sorry to rant on, but I think it’s about time we had better parking and facilities to give a more welcoming feel to our disabled visitors”.

Shropshire Disability Network appreciates the time our member has taken to contact us. We have communicated with the author regarding what SDN has done so far ie twitter poll and email communications.

Disabled facilities in Shrewsbury:

Shrewsbury Big Town Plan- We put information on our website and told members at our meetings about the exhibition in Shrewsbury in 2017. In response to repeated requests for updates on Shrewsbury Big Town plan, we received information on 21st February 2019. This was published in our March/April 2019 Newsletter. We are aware there are further plans to engage with our members.

Large Print Copies of Shrewsbury Big Town Plan-In February 2019, we received 10 large print copies of the Shrewsbury Big Town Plan. We have a couple of copies left, if anyone would like one, please call/text 07780 852229

How can you help us be the “Voice” for disabled people in Shropshire?

If you are concerned about the pending closure of Shrewsbury Shopmobility (closed 31st May 2019) or Shrewsbury Big Town plan, we would like to hear from you. Please contact using one of the following ways, by doing so you are helping to give disabled people and carers in Shropshire a voice.

  • Complete this on-line form: https://shropshiredisability.net/contact/ or
  • Email: secretary@shropshire-disability.net or
  • Call/text: 07780 852229.(This is the SDN mobile phone, we are all volunteers. If no answer, you can leave a message for us to call you back)
  • Alternatively leave a reply in the comment box.

Note this article was published on May 29th. At the time Shropshire Disability Network believed Shrewsbury Shopmobility was closing on June 30th. Today (Wednesday 6th June) we have been informed by Shropshire Council that the date of closure had been brought forward to 31st May 2019. If you used this facility, please let us know how it will impact on you. Thank you.

 

 

Functional Fitness MOT and Falls Prevention event

Start Date:
18th June 2019

End Date:
18th June 2019

Start Time:
0900

End Time:
1630

Event title: Functional Fitness MOT and Falls Prevention event
Venue: Ditton Priors Village Hall. Bridgnorth, WV16 6AU
Name: Shropshire RCC
Email: info@shropshire-rcc.org.uk
Telephone: 01743 360641
Event description: If you are between 65 and 95, you may be at risk of falling.

Our free Functional Fitness MOTs will test your strength and balance, with a variety of tests to measure your exercise performance.

Each test comes with a set of “normal values” for people of different ages, which will show you whether you are “doing well” compared to your peers, or .whether you could benefit from being more active.

2.5 hour appointments are available between 09.00 am and 4.30 pm.

To book, please contact Shropshire RCC’s Wise and Well Team on 01743 360641

Changing Places toilets Consultation

Start Date:
1st June 2019

End Date:
21st July 2019

Start Time:
00.01

End Time:
2345

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government have launched a public consultation on how they can increase the provision of Changing Places toilets in specific new, large buildings commonly used by the public, as well as those undergoing building works. 

These toilet facilities are essential to meet the needs of many disabled people through the provision of extra space, and additional but vital equipment such as height adjustable changing benches and hoists, and above all a safe and clean environment to enable disabled people to participate equally in daily activities. 

In the UK, there are 1,305 Changing Places facilities but many more are required to meet the needs of disabled people.

At this link, you will find a map of Changing Place Toilets:  http://changingplaces.uktoiletmap.org/

The government proposal in the consultation should introduce approximately 150 new facilities a year. This is on top of a recent announcement by the Department for Transport of a £2m fund for Changing Places to be installed in motorway service stations, and a similar amount through the Department of Health to install them in 100 hospitals.

We (Shropshire Disability Network) as a charity have responded to the consultation and would encourage individuals as well as other organisations to take part by responding by post, on-line or email.

To read the Consultation proposals click this link: Changing_Places_Toilets_consultation

To respond to the Consultation on-line, click here and scroll down to “Respond on-line” and click on it :  https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/changing-places-toilets

Alternatively you can respond by email ChangingPlaces@communities.gov.uk or write to Changing Places Consultation ,2SW Fry Building, 2 Marsham Street, London  SW1P 4DF

This consultation closes on Sunday 21st July 2019 at 2345

Open Day at Crowsmill Craft Centre CIC

Start Date:
11th June 2019

End Date:
11th June 2019

Start Time:
1030

End Time:
1500

Event title: Open Day at Crowsmill Craft Centre CIC
Venue: Coton Lane, Alveley,Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV15 6HF
Weblink: http://www.crowsmillcraftcentre.co.uk/
Name: Crowsmill Craft Centre CIC
Email: crowsmillcraft@xlnmail.com
Telephone: 01746 781942
Event description: Join us for our Open Day. We have opportunities to learn new skills ie

  • Archery
  • Gardening
  • Woodcrafting
  • Animal Welfare
  • Welding and a lot more

Come along and find out about work placements and how we can help you.

Click here for poster: Crowsmill Open day 11th June 2019

 

 

 

Festival of Creativity, Culture and Leisure Festival

Start Date:
12th June 2019

End Date:
12th June 2019

Start Time:
1000

End Time:
1400

Event title: Festival of Creativity, Culture and Leisure Festival
Venue: Festival Drayton, Frogmore Road, Market Drayton TF9 3AX
Name: Market Drayton Community Enterprise 
Email: N/A
Telephone: 01630 655780
Event description: Come along and find out about amenities, groups and club in your area. Help us celebrate National Week of Creativity and Wellbeing.

Poster for Festival of Creativity, Culture & Leisure on 12 June 2019

Celebrating Age with Arts, Craft, Dance and Hobbies

Start Date:
9th October 2019

End Date:
9th October 2019

Start Time:
1000

End Time:
1400

Event title: Celebrating Age with Arts, Craft, Dance and Hobbies
Venue: The Whitehouse Hotel, Watling Street, Wellington, TF1 2NJ
Name: Celebrating Age Telford
Email: info@celebratingagetelford.uk
Telephone: 07932 828 333 / 07552 975 676
Event description: Celebrating Age is a project aimed at celebrating the achievements and aspirations of older people in Telford and Wrekin and at promoting the wide range of regular activities available and suitable for the over 50s in the local area.

You can drop in any time throughout the event. There’ll be music, refreshments and a free light buffet lunch.

MS Course for those recently diagnosed

Start Date:
12th July 2019

End Date:
12th July 2019

Start Time:
1000

End Time:
1530

Event title: MS Course for those recently diagnosed
Venue: The Lantern, Meadow Farm Drive, Harlescott, Shrewsbury, SY1 4NG
Name: Shrewsbury and District MS Group and Telford and District MS Group
Email: lyndsay.smith@mssociety.co.uk
Telephone: 0208 8270218
Event description: This is a course for everyone who has been diagnosed with MS in the last 3 years.

We have speakers covering the including subjects,

  • Keeping the brain and body fit
  • Connecting with others
  • Diet and Nutrition

Refreshments available. Family and friends welcome.

Booking is essential and places should be booked by contacting Lindsay Smith on 0208 8270218 or email lyndsay.smith@mssociety.co.uk

Closing date to book is Friday 28th June 2019. When booking, please state any special dietary requirements.

Multiple Sclerosis Society, Information Day

Start Date:
21st June 2019

End Date:
21st June 2019

Start Time:
1000

End Time:
1600

Event title: Multiple Sclerosis Society, Information Day
Venue: The Lantern, Meadow Farm Drive, Harlescott, Shrewsbury, SY1 4NG
Name: Shrewsbury and District MS Group and Telford and District MS Group
Email: david.robbins@groups.mssociety.org.uk
Telephone: 01939 260 901
Event description: This is for people living with MS, their carers, family and friends. The programme features speakers covering these topics:

  • the latest MS research,
  • pain management, and
  • Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) support.

This event is free to attend and a buffet lunch will be provided. Family and friends welcome.

Booking is essential via the branch helpline, 01743 718641, or David and Gill Robbins, telephone 01939 260 901 or email david.robbins@groups.mssociety.org.uk.

Closing date to book is Friday 14th June 2019. When booking, please state any special dietary requirements.

Celebrating Age Telford 2019

Start Date:
19th June 2019

End Date:
19th June 2019

Start Time:
1000

End Time:
1400

Event title: Celebrating Age Telford 2019
Venue: The Place, Oakengates Theatre, Lime Walk, Oakengates, TF2 6EP
Name: Celebrating Age Telford
Email: 07932 828 333 / 07552 975 676
Telephone: info@celebratingagetelford.uk
Event description: This event will focus on physical activities, gentle exercise, keep fit, dance and sports.

At the event there will be lots of workshops and taster activities taking place throughout the day, an opportunity to have a go, find out all about what’s on offer, chat to the activity providers and meet new people.

Drop in anytime between 10 am and 2 pm to find something new to inspire you! 

This is a free event, with refreshments and a free light buffet lunch.

Celebrating Age Telford 2019

Changing Places toilets Consultation

Start Date:
10th May 2019

End Date:
31st May 2019

Start Time:
00.01

End Time:
2359

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government have launched a public consultation on how they can increase the provision of Changing Places toilets in specific new, large buildings commonly used by the public, as well as those undergoing building works. 

These toilet facilities are essential to meet the needs of many disabled people through the provision of extra space, and additional but vital equipment such as height adjustable changing benches and hoists, and above all a safe and clean environment to enable disabled people to participate equally in daily activities. 

In the UK, there are 1,305 Changing Places facilities but many more are required to meet the needs of disabled people.

At this link, you will find a map of Changing Place Toilets:  http://changingplaces.uktoiletmap.org/

The government proposal in the consultation should introduce approximately 150 new facilities a year. This is on top of a recent announcement by the Department for Transport of a £2m fund for Changing Places to be installed in motorway service stations, and a similar amount through the Department of Health to install them in 100 hospitals.

We (Shropshire Disability Network) as a charity have responded to the consultation and would encourage individuals as well as other organisations to take part by responding by post, on-line or email.

To read the Consultation proposals click this link: Changing_Places_Toilets_consultation

To respond to the Consultation on-line, click here and scroll down to “Respond on-line” and click on it :  https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/changing-places-toilets

Alternatively you can respond by email ChangingPlaces@communities.gov.uk or write to Changing Places Consultation ,2SW Fry Building, 2 Marsham Street, London  SW1P 4DF

This consultation closes on Sunday 21st July 2019 at 2345