Aberdeenshire Disability Action

NEWS

On Friday 4th December, a Carers Rights Day event was held at Thainstone House Hotel, Inverurie
in support of the national Carers Rights Day. The purpose of this national day is to increase
take up of benefits - estimates suggest that 40-60% of disability benefits go unclaimed. There are
no firm statistics on the takeup of carers’ benefits but it is estimated that £740 million of carers' benefits
goes unclaimed each year. We also want to make sure carers know their rights - every year, more than 2 million people become carers for the first time. Those new to caring need straightforward and accessible information about their entitlements.

Time after time carers say they need clear information and this is what Carers’ Rights Day is about. We also wish to raise awareness of the needs of carers - carers want the same life chances that other people enjoy - good health, financial security, the right to a family life, opportunities to work and pursue their own interests.

If you would like more information please visit Carers UK - the voice of Carers.

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On Friday 26th June, 2009 Aberdeenshire Disability Action hosted a very successful
one day Conference on Holistic Housing for People with Disabilities.

There was a full house and a mixed audience made up of professionals, people with disabilities,
carers, and volunteers. The subjects covered were varied. These included housing provision
in the public and voluntary sectors. Information was provided on the emerging market relating to
home ownership options for people with disabilities using benefit based mortgages,
combined with Housing Association funds and occasionally Government Capital grants.

A presentation by the local council’s Telecare representative was a real eye-opener,
using a case study to describe how someone with severe mobility problems could still
have a high degree of independence and feel safer within their own living environment
through the use of this programme. It soon became clear that direct payments are not
the answer to all the difficulties encountered, but may in time provide some of the
solutions for independent living.

The presentation from local housing associations such as Tenant’s First and the
Disabled Persons Housing Association Aberdeenshire showed that the service is so
much more than just housing provision. For example, DPHSA helps with Advocacy,
Tenant’s Rights, and benefit information, amongst much more.

The general consensus at the conclusion of the conference was that all who attended
found it both informative and interesting. Both the presenters and the audience
were of the opinion that they had learned a great deal. After discussion with all those present
it has been decided that this was just the start and a follow-up debriefing was needed.

It is the intention of the organisers to hold a meeting in August when the issues
raised at the conference will be discussed and a decision made on how to move forward
on holistic housing for people with disabilities.

If you would like more information on this event, or if you have questions please use the
contact page to get in touch.

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