Spreading the word on help for the disabled

MEMBERS of the Slovenian delegation with Oldham officials. They are (l-r) Metka Terzan, Sonja Bercko, Tatjana Dolinsek Pernovsek, Valentina Brecelj, BASE chief executive Huw Davies, Community Wellbeing Service manager Gary Baynham, Community Wellbeing service officer Richard Buckley, Aleksandra Tabaj, Community Wellbeing Service manager Joanne Keight and Community Wellbeing officer Lisa Stapleton.

OLDHAM Council’s work helping disabled residents live more independently was highlighted during a visit by a delegation of Slovenian academics and professionals.

The five visitors were in the borough to look at the Community Wellbeing Supported Employment Service and its associated projects.

They were interested in gathering information on how right to control and individualised budgets are being used to help the personal development of service users and supporting vulnerable people to find work.

The itinerary for the day included a presentation on how the council had brought together seven different provider services that focus on development and/or occupation for people who are disadvantaged through disability or mental-health problems.

They also saw a presentation about how the Disability Partnership board helps disabled people to exercise their right to control and make use of their individual budgets.

Among the places they visited was Chadderton Park Garden Centre to see service users and volunteers carrying out horticulture, retail and animal husbandry, all skills that they may be able to take into the world of work. The delegation also took in LaticZone at Boundary Park, where manager Suzy Chapman explained how Oldham Council’s supported employment service provided help for both her and her employee to ensure successful placement.

Testimonials were also given by service users on how the service has helped them to get their lives back on track, and into the world of work, after suffering mental-health issues

Councillor Phil Harrison, cabinet member for adult social services and health, said: “I was delighted to welcome this delegation to the borough as it highlights the good work our Community Wellbeing Supported Employment Service is doing.

“As a council, we believe it is extremely important residents are allowed to live independently, but also with as much help and support as they require.

“The new service gives a wide range of opportunity to disabled residents and presents real possibilities to develop skills and abilities to promote their independence. It would be nice if what we are doing in Oldham has a positive influence in other parts of the world.”

The visit was funded by the Republic of Slovenia Development unit of Employment Rehabilitation. The British Association for Supported Employment (BASE) supported the visit.