United Response's Blog

Our blog is moving!

2010-01-20T10:29:00.004Z

Hello everybody.

We now have a revamped United Response blog on our own website. As a result we will no longer be posting to Blogger, so please do follow our new one to keep up to date with all the latest at United Response.

Your support is much appreciated.

You can find it here: www.unitedresponse.org.uk/blog

United Response awarded funding for Liverpool and Manchester Timebanking Schemes

2009-10-15T11:23:00.001+01:00

We have been awarded funding to head up two Timebanking schemes in Manchester and Liverpool, bringing together disabled and non-disabled volunteers to share their time and skills on an equal footing.

We have received £24,000 in funding from Trafford Council's Innovation Fund and £19,000 from the Liverpool Making it Happen Partnership Board to set up and run the volunteering schemes, which are based on the principle of people 'depositing' time to help others and receiving help back in return.

After volunteering one hour of their time to help someone else in the Timebank, each person receives one credit, which they can then trade in when they need something done for themselves at a future date.

Read the full press release about the timebanking schemes on our website

Making Democracy Accessible

2009-10-12T12:45:00.005+01:00

Here is an excerpt from our press release about Making Democracy Accessible:

Politicians must make democracy more accessible, says learning disability charity, United Response

With a general election imminent, the national learning disability charity, United Response, is launching a set of guides – Making Democracy Accessible - to help politicians, party workers and public officials communicate more effectively with the thousands of people with learning disabilities, who are currently not using their vote.

People with learning disabilities have the same right to vote as everyone else, yet at present many of the 1 million adults with learning disabilities in England are not voting. Research carried out by United Response among the people it supports, shows that while 80% are registered to vote, only 16% voted in the 2005 General Election, compared with a national turnout of 61%.

Read the full press release on our website

Read more about the project on our website

Santa 5K!

2009-10-05T11:01:00.003+01:00

It's never too early to start thinking about Christmas!

Why not enter the 5K Santa Race on 6th December in Greenwich Park, London? Get dressed up, have fun and raise money for United Response!

For more information and to sign up, visit http://www.unitedresponse.org.uk/support-us/santa-5k.htm or call us on 020 8268 5200.

Care for people with learning disabilities must not be overlooked

2009-07-24T17:02:00.005+01:00

As members of the Learning Disability Coalition, we have written a joint letter to the Guardian, which has been published.

The letter is in response to the green paper on the future of social care funding, published last week, and calls for the specific needs of people with learning disabilities to be addressed as part of the green paper debate.

Read the letter to the Guardian on our website

Find out more about the Learning Disability Coalition

Response to the New Horizons consultation

2009-07-24T16:53:00.001+01:00

Su Sayer, chief executive of United Response, says of the New Horizons consultation:

"New Horizons, the Department of Health’s new consultation on mental health, is a bold and positive step towards reform of mental health services in the UK. Its collaborative approach is particularly welcome: by involving people with mental health needs, the NHS and service providers from the start, the consultation is far more likely to lead to a successful new strategy that reflects and addresses the reality of living with mental health needs in the UK."

Read the response in full on our website

Go on - take a challenge!

2009-07-22T11:41:00.005+01:00

Have you ever wondered what it's like to take on a charity challenge? Ever thought it might be too much for you?

It be easier and more fun than you think. Jaime recently took the bike ride from London to Paris challenge for United Response, raising a massive £1,300!

He wrote a diary of his experiences. We're sure you'll want to sign up after you've read it! Read Jaime's diary on our website

And if cycling isn't your thing, why not sign up for the Royal Parks Half Marathon on October 11th? Find out more about the race on our website

Disabled people must not be overlooked in social care debate

2009-07-20T11:24:00.007+01:00

Commenting on Shaping the Future of Care Together, Su Sayer, Chief Executive of United Response, said:

"There needs to be a proper public debate on the future of social care, which is why the publication of this green paper is so important. The demand for social care continues to rise, partly as a result of demographic changes and increasing life expectancy, and we need to work out as a society how to fund it in the years to come, a question made even more pressing by the current economic situation."

Read the full press release on our website

Photography exhibition opens in London today!

2009-07-07T08:11:00.005+01:00

A photography exhibition opens today at Bankside Gallery in London.

The exhibition is the result of a year long project, UR in the Picture. It examines photography as a creative medium through which people can express their feelings about living with mental illness: their hopes, their fears and their achievements.

The project was carried out in partnership with the photographic charity, PhotoVoice.

Details of the exhibition:

July 7th- 11th
Bankside Gallery, 48 Hopton Street, London, SE1 9JH
11.00am - 6.00pm
Free entry

Our charity golf day was a great success!

2009-07-01T12:14:00.004+01:00

Thank you to everyone who attended our first ever charity golf day at Royal Wimbledon Golf Club on Thursday 18th June.

We raised nearly £15,000 from the day and think it was such a success, we are considering doing it again next year.

Please contact us if you are a golfer and would like to play or if your club hosts charity days and you think we should apply to be the benefitting charity next year!

Contact Kiera Ridge on 020 8246 5200 or email her at kiera.ridge@unitedresponse.org.uk

Response to the Learning Disability employment strategy: Valuing Employment Now

2009-06-25T07:04:00.002+01:00

We have made a response to Valuing Employment Now:

We warmly welcome the publication of Valuing Employment Now, the cross-government learning disability employment strategy.

We particularly welcome the ambitious target of increasing employment levels to those of other disabled people by 2025, which implies an almost 5 fold increase in the proportion of people with a learning disability in work. We very much hope that this will be the start of much greater priority being given to employment across agencies working with people with learning disabilities.

From our experience of working with people with learning disabilities we know employment can make an enormous contribution to people's quality of life and social inclusion, as well as having financial benefits.

Read the full response on our website

Every Vote Counts! in Community Care magazine

2009-06-03T09:26:00.002+01:00

Every Vote Counts! - the project United Response has been working on to help people with learning disabilities engage with the democratic procress has been featured in Community Care magazine.

Read the article in full on Community Care's website

Every Vote Counts! website launched

2009-05-14T15:53:00.006+01:00

With elections around the corner, we've launched the Every Vote Counts! website to make it easier for people with learning disabilities to use their vote and have their say.

The website, www.everyvotecounts.org.uk has been built in consultation with people with learning disabilities. It is part of the three year Every Vote Counts! campaign launched by us, and funded by the Electoral Commission. It is designed to open up the democratic process to the thousands of people with learning disabilities in England who are currently missing out on the opportunity to vote.

We hope the Every Vote Counts! website will make the democratic process more accessible to people with learning disabilities. Using pictures, easy to understand words and audio, the site provides information on how politics works, how it affects people's lives and how people can get involved and register their opinion.

It also includes a section where users can feedback on their own experiences of using the website, contributing to its ongoing development as well as the option to register to receive updates as new features are added. The site is continuing to be user tested with people with learning disabilities, so it can be as accessible to as many people as possible.

Read the full press release on our website

Calling all women! Run 5k for us!

2009-04-21T14:12:00.004+01:00

We've got 10 places for the adidas Women's 5k Challenge 2009.

The race will take place on 6th September in London's Hyde Park. And we have 10 places to fill.

To take part, you just need to pay £15 to the race organiser (£5 of that comes to us). And then pledge to raise £150 sponsorship for United Response.

It couldn't be easier! Find out more about the race and how to apply for a place with us

What's it like to be a young person with a learning disability?

2009-04-15T13:01:00.002+01:00

Two young people with learning disabilities are featured in today's Youth special supplement in The Guardian. They explain that having a learning disability does not stop them from having a girlfriend or holding down a part-time job.

You can read the full feature here

They are both supported by United Response.

Letter in Community Care magazine

2009-04-14T11:05:00.004+01:00

We have had a letter printed in Community Care magazine. The letter was a response to the recent healthcare reports.

You can read the letter in full on our website.

Run a half marathon for United Response!

2009-04-06T09:49:00.003+01:00

If you fancy running a half marathon for United Response, we have a number of guaranteed places in the Royal Parks Half Marathon up for grabs.

Over 12,500 people will gather together on 11th October 2009 to take part in the Royal Parks Half Marathon. They will race through four Royal Parks, taking in fantastic views of Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Marble Arch and the Royal Albert Hall.

Find out more about the race and how to sign up on our website

Motor racing champion gets set to raise funds for United Response

2009-04-03T13:05:00.003+01:00

Crispian Besley, from Northamptonshire, is using his participation in historic motor racing as a novel way of raising funds and promoting awareness of the national learning disability charity United Response.

The charity has a special significance to Crispian as they provided support for his younger brother, Dominic, for the last 15 years.

Crispian said:

"Dominic was born with Down's Syndrome and sadly died earlier this year at the age of 48 but his years in United Response’s care were some of the happiest of his life."

"I want to use my passion for motor racing to tell others about United Response’s work and to make it possible for more people with learning disabilities to live life to the full."

Crispian, a winner of the Front engine class of the Historic Formula Junior Championship 2008, is asking people to pledge money based on the points that he scores in this year’s championship, with a prize for the donor who correctly guesses the points and his final position. Crispian won the Front Engined class last year and over the last 7 years has scored an average of 43 points.

To read more about Crispian’s fundraising efforts and support him, go to www.justgiving.com/crispianbesley

Read the full press release on our website

The Perfect Start: New service opens doors for local people with learning disabilities

2009-03-17T12:15:00.005Z

In partnership with the London Borough of Hillingdon, we have recently launched a unique new skills centre for people with learning disabilities in Uxbridge Town Centre.

The centre offers local people with learning disabilities the opportunity to develop the life skills and experience they need to move towards greater independence and employment.

United Response's Chief Executive, Su Sayer said:

"People with learning disabilities often feel isolated and disconnected from the community around them. Perfect Start is all about rebuilding these links.

"Perfect Start's central location is key to this. It means that there are plenty of opportunities, right on the doorstep, for people to use the new skills they are learning and to play a greater role in the life of the local area."

Charity golf day with Steve Rider and Peter Alliss

2009-02-25T13:30:00.004Z

Steve Rider has kindly agreed to host a Charity Golf Day in aid of United Response.

The golf event will take place on Thursday 18th June 2009 at Royal Wimbledon Golf Club.

A highlight of the day will be the after lunch appearance of Steve Rider's commentary colleague Peter Alliss who can offer a whole range of great stories and strong opinions from the world of golf.

Registration fee is £125 for a single entry and £500 team entry for four players. We will also have a beginners' swing clinic at the cost of £60.

Read more about this event on our website

Use this link to book online

New working with families section!

2009-02-24T14:32:00.004Z

We have added a new working with familes section that has information on how United Response is committed to working with the families of the people we support. We aim to form a partnership that respects everyone's roles, skills and responsibilities.

This section new of our website tells you about how we work with families, our promises to you and more about our values.

It also contains our brand new magazine for families: In Touch. You can read it online or download a PDF.

Visit our new working with families section

Go to In Touch magazine

Braving the cold: Chris Browne runs 10th marathon for United Response

2009-02-23T10:43:00.001Z

It may be one of the coldest winters in recent years, but that isn’t stopping Chris Browne, aged 53 from Epsom, who is already out pounding the streets, in training for his 10th marathon for the national disability charity, United Response.

Over the years, Chris has managed to raise a remarkable £18,000 for the charity and with his 2009 London Marathon attempt on 26th April, he hopes to raise even more.

Read the full press release and details on how to sponsor Chris

Animation film premiers at Liverpool’s Big Screen

2009-02-20T12:13:00.003Z

An animation film made by some people with learning disabilities supported by United Response in Liverpool is being shown on the big screen.

Written, produced and performed by the group from Anfield, “From Oakfiends to Iron Men” is a time travelling adventure, which sees Dr Who taking on his archenemies the Daleks with the help of Crosby Beach’s ‘Iron Men’.

This seven minute animation - a collaboration between the disability charity, United Response and the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) - is being shown hourly at Clayton's Big Screen until 28th February.

Read the press release on our website for more information

Winfield in Chatham is changing lives through IT training

2009-02-11T14:22:00.003Z

Winfield is an IT training specialist for people with mental health needs, they combine flexibility and continuity to help people move on.

They opened their doors in Chatham three years ago offering their support to people who needed to gain new skills and rebuild their lives, with 75 people currently using the centre on a regular basis.

Winfield has achieved an exemplary pass rate of 85% and offers training across a range of industry standard software including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Publisher and Internet Explorer.

Read the full press release on United Reponse's website to find out more.

Every Vote Counts! pack launched

2009-01-30T11:57:00.006Z

We have launched free multimedia tool to engage people with learning disabilities in the democratic process.

With European Parliamentary elections this June and a UK general election just around the corner, we have made a pack to make the democratic process more accessible to the thousands of people with learning disabilities in England.

The pack has been made as part of the three year project Every Vote Counts! which is funded by the Electoral Commission.

The CD and booklet helps people with learning disabilities and their support workers to engage more with politics. It covers everything from why politics is important, to how to support someone to lobby their MP or to join a local action group.

Research carried out by United Response, as part of the project, revealed that while 80% of people with learning disabilities supported by the charity are registered to vote, only 16% participated in the last general election. This compares with 61% turnout across the nation as a whole.

Read the full press release about the pack launch on United Response's website

Go to the Every Vote Counts! website to order your pack

Valuing People Now strategy published

2009-01-20T11:31:00.007Z

The government has published its three year strategy Valuing People Now.

This sets out a strategy for people with learning disabilities following consultation.

We have commented on this on our website. Read our press release about Valuing People Now.

You can find the full strategy, an executive summary and an easy-read version on the Department of Health's website.

Campaign for better funding - get involved!

2009-01-19T16:35:00.006Z

United Response is a member of the Learning Disability Coalition, which is campaigning for better funding for social care for people with learning disabilities.

The Coalition is calling on MPs to sign its Early Day Motion (EDM). An EDM is essentially a petition that MPs can sign to ask the government to take action on an issue.

Go to the form on the Learning Disability Coalition's website to help you contact your MP and ask them to sign up.

The website also gives you the opportunity to sign the online petition to support the Learning Disablity Coalition's work.

London Recruitment day - calling support staff!

2009-01-13T16:58:00.006Z

We are holding a recruitment day at our Putney offices in London on 11th February.

If you live in the London area and fancy working for us, come along to our recruitment day!

We have several senior support worker and support worker vacancies we are looking to fill.

All you need to do is to register online, answer some questions and then you could either qualify for an interview on the recruitment day or at a later stage.

Go to the page on our jobs site to register and find out more

You can find out more about working for United Response and some of the benefits you will receive on our own site. Go to the jobs home page on our site at www.unitedresponse.org.uk/jobs

Happy New Year! - fancy a challenge?

2009-01-05T16:17:00.005Z

We've added another date to our Trek in Machu Picchu challenge event.

As well as the trek from 28th March - 6th April there is another trip planned for 18th-27th September. So there's plenty of time to fundraise!

Update: We've added another date to our London to Paris bike ride too!

The new dates are 1st-5th July. Enough time to really get that fitness campaign underway.

For details on both challenge events, go to the challenge events page on our website.

Queen's Speech response: Welfare reform must deliver for disabled people

2008-12-03T14:27:00.005Z

We welcome legislation on welfare reform, announced in today's Queen's Speech, as an opportunity to debate employment opportunities for disabled people, but we are also concerned at the impact of penalties on those unable to access work.

Speaking about the Government's plans, Chief Executive of United Response, Su Sayer OBE, said:

"We support the Government’s objective of helping disabled people and those with mental health problems into work. Having a job is an important source of independence, self esteem and social inclusion for everyone, and is particularly important for many people with learning disabilities or mental health needs. However, employment rates for these groups remains low and as competition for jobs increases those furthest from the labour market will undoubtedly be the first to lose out, unless we take action.

"Much has been done to increase support for disabled people wishing to enter in to employment, such as the doubling of the Access to Work budget. But as take up of the scheme remains low, we believe that the Government must do more to increase awareness of such schemes in order for them to have a real impact on employment opportunities.

Read the full press release about our comments on the legislation on welfare reform on our website

European Social Fund backs employment for people with learning disabilities in Cornwall

2008-12-03T11:35:00.005Z

We have been selected as a key partner in a new project to support people with learning disabilities in Cornwall into employment.

The project is "Cornwall Works for Learning Disability" and is funded by the European Social Fund. The other key partners are Cornwall People First (a local advocacy group), Cornwall County Council's department of social care and service providers Brandon Trust and Home Farm Trust.

Debbie Crowther has been named as United Response's business development manager, responsible for spearheading the project. She has a wealth of experience working with people with learning disabilities, including facilitating Cornwall's Learning Disability Partnership Board.

"We hope this project will prove the real positive impact employment has for people with learning disabilities, and how to bring that about with intelligent, targeted investment," Debbie said.

"I'm very excited about getting on with the job of finding the excellent potential employees we know are in Cornwall, as well as benefiting from genuine partnership with so many excellent organisations."

United Response was selected as a partner as a result of the excellent results its supported employment schemes have achieved across England.

Read the full press release on our website

Making Money Easier launches!

2008-12-01T13:35:00.005Z

United Response has made a new guide to help people with learning disabilities live independently.

It's called Your Money, Your Home and tells people some of the things they need to know about living in their own house or flat. And how to manage the things they need to pay for.

To find out more you can visit the Your Money, Your Home website

We would like to say a big thank you to HSBC and the Now Let's Talk Money Campaign for funding Your Money, Your Home.

The website is part of a bigger resource called Making Money Easier.

The Making Money Easier resource was produced by ARC and United Response. There is a set of printed booklets and a website produced by ARC. The website is at www.making-money-easier.info

You can find out more background about the resources on our website.

Challenge events for United Response!

2008-11-21T10:58:00.008Z

We're really excited about our new challenge events!

You can now take part in a glorious five day London to Paris bike ride or a ten day Trek in Machu Pichu in Peru and raise money for United Response at the same time.

We need you to take part in these events and help us raise vital funds.

Go to the challenge events section of our website to find out more and sign up!

Making Money Easier launch event

2008-11-13T10:04:00.009Z

We will be launching "Making Money Easier" on 26th November. "Making Money Easier" is a set of printed and online guides designed to make banking more accessible and easier to understand for people with learning disabilities.

The event will be held on Wednesday, 26th November, 4.30-6pm, Institute of Directors, London and has been kindly sponsored by HSBC.

The event will be hosted by Martyn Lewis and guest speakers will include Rt Hon Alan Johnson MP, Secretary of State for Health. Building financial capability has never been more important. And this includes building financial knowledge and awareness amongst the 1m people with learning disabilities in England who are often effectively excluded from mainstream financial services by a lack of simple, accessible financial information.

To bridge the gap, we have been working with the umbrella body ARC and funders including the Friends Provident Foundation, the Now Let’s Talk Money Campaign and HSBC to create a range of brand new accessible resources under the banner "Making Money Easier".Attendance is free of charge but places are strictly limited.

To book your place please contact Pauline Spiers either by email at pauline.spiers@unitedresponse.org.uk or by calling 020 8246 5208. You will then be sent an official invitation and joining instructions.

To read the press release in full please go to our website.

Our new pack to help schools tackle bullying of people with learning disabilities

2008-10-31T16:36:00.009Z

UR Consultants is a social enterprise set up by United Response and staffed by people with learning disabilities in the Trafford area of Greater Manchester.

Over the last year, they have been working with local schools to tackle the bullying of people with learning disabilities.

As a result, they have developed an exciting and interactive new curriculum-linked education pack to help teachers prepare lessons on the subject of bullying.

There will be more on the pack on our website soon but you can read the press release on our site to find out more.

Update: this has also been featured in the Times Educational Supplement as part of a bigger feature. To read more go to http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6004529&navcode=94

United Response awarded Good Relations grant

2008-10-27T12:02:00.003Z

We have received a grant of £39,326 from the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to help build relationships between people with learning disabilities and the wider community.

Allocated through the EHRC's Promoting Good Relations programme the grant will fund a year long project aimed primarily at employers and employees.

Through the project we will provide bespoke awareness training to help reduce the discrimination and barriers to work experienced by people with learning disabilities.

The training will be delivered by UR Consultants, a Manchester based social enterprise run by United Response and staffed by people with learning disabilities.

Read the press release about this project on our website

United Response goes from 'Good to Great' through winning National Training Award

2008-10-20T12:36:00.006+01:00

We have won a National Training Award, a major nationwide accolade, for our 'Good to Great' training programme in the North West.

'Good to Great' - a partnership with Helen Sanderson Associates - is an innovative training programme aimed at transforming the lives of the people supported by United Response but which has also given a massive boost to support staff's own job satisfaction.

Embracing the best of international practice, 'Good to Great' emphasises the importance of teamwork and empowers staff by providing a set of simple and clear tools to help them take a creative approach to problem-solving. It embraces a commitment to continuous improvement, with a constant focus on evaluating what’s working and what’s not working so that successes can be built on and learning shared.

To find out more read the press release on our website

London half marathon - Sunday 12th October

2008-10-13T10:53:00.000+01:00

Congratulations to all our fantastic half marathon runners who took part in the race this weekend.

We think you are fantastic. We really hope that you enjoyed the day and the lovely views that you took in.

Thank you so much for helping us raise such valuable funds for the people that we support - it really will make such a difference to the people we support.

A class act: flexible training is turning around lives of people with mental health needs

2008-10-10T10:31:00.002+01:00

For people with mental health needs, one of the hardest parts of recovery can often be reintegrating back into everyday life. Winfield is a Kent-based IT training specialist working to change all that.

Winfield's flexible approach has helped many people complete their training programme and gain qualifications. Some students like the routine and structure and others like the companionship and understanding that is provided.

To find out more, read our article A class act: a flexible approach to training

10th October - World Mental Health Day - Awareness raising events

2008-10-06T13:41:00.006+01:00

To help celebrate, various local mental health groups are holding awareness raising events ranging from art workshops, Tai Chi taster sessions through to discovery walks along the seafront.

Charities United Response and Mind will be joining with the Western Sussex Primary Care Trust and other local groups to stage a series of mental health events throughout West Sussex. Aimed at raising awareness of mental health issues and providing people with information on how to look after their own mental health, the theme for this year's global celebrations will be making mental health a global priority.

Tuesday 7th October

10.30am - 4pm - Try it for yourself day in Midhurst, Catholic Church Hall, Bepton Road - Come and try your hand at everything from art to tai chi at this event organised by MIND in Midhurst. Highlights include:
10.30 - 12 noon - Art workshop
12.45 - 1.45pm - Tai Chi taster session
2.30 - 4pm - Music workshop
Tea, coffee and workshop materials are available (50p donation recommended).

Also

1pm onwards - Launch of 'Open Forum', DJ's café bar, Bognor - Users of mental health services are invited to the launch of this client led support and discussion forum (service users only).

Thursday 9th October

11am - Walk towards recovery, DJ's café bar, Little High Street, Bognor - Find out about the benefits of exercise with a bracing walk along Bognor's seafront, followed by a healthy lunch at DJ's café bar.

Friday 10th October

10.30am - 1pm - World Mental Health Day event, Alexandra Theatre, Regis Centre, seafront, Bognor - Join in the celebrations with complementary therapy taster sessions, handmade crafts, sign language demonstrations, raffles, refreshments, music and much much more. Local mental health groups will be giving out information on mental wellbeing and the services available in the local area.

Saturday 11th October

11am - 1pm - Sticky Jam, Sainsbury's in Chichester - By popular demand, local band Sticky jam are back to entertain you as you shop. Information on local mental health services will be available along with celebration balloons, ribbons and badges.

Christmas cards now on sale

2008-10-03T15:44:00.006+01:00

Christmas is closer than you think!

Our Christmas cards now on sale.

These vibrant cards are designed by Bill Attack, who is supported by United Response.

They are available in packs of 10 and retail at £2.50 which includes P&P.

Order now to avoid disappointment:

Through our online order form
Directly through Laura Golland on 020 8246 5221
Email laura.golland@unitedresponse.org.uk

Heavy Load: the movie - released this week!

2008-09-30T16:39:00.006+01:00

Heavy Load is Lewes’ answer to the Ramones, a punk outfit subject to the inflammatory mix of ego, fantasy, and desire that fuels any emerging band.

They’re also, uniquely, made up of musicians, of whom three of the five members have learning disabilities, which makes the band’s survival a precarious negotiation between two different worlds: on the one hand the institutional timetable of day centres, work placements and social workers; on the other the chaotic slacker life of rehearsal rooms, studios and gigs.

Shot over two years when the band record their first album The Queen Mother’s Dead, the film is a comedy of conflicting ambitions capturing the sweat and romance of playing in a band as they move out of the ghetto of disability club nights to test whether their dreams can survive in the mainstream.

The film is released in selected cinemas in the UK this Friday, October 3rd.

To find out more, and to watch a trailer and much more go to www.heavyloadthemovie.com

United Response's London Carol Service announced

2008-09-24T11:29:00.006+01:00

London carol service 2008

Come and join Martyn Lewis and special guests at our London carol service on Wednesday 3rd December.

The service will be held at St Peter's Church, Eaton Square, London SW1W 9AL. The venue is accessible.

It will start at 6.15pm.

The nearest tube station is Victoria

The event is free and everyone is welcome! It's always a great community event and you are invited to join us for wine and mince pies after the service.

To let us know you are coming please contact Pauline Spiers on 020 8246 5208 or email pauline.spiers@unitedresponse.org.uk

More details announced soon...

Deadline to sign up for Royal Parks Half Marathon this Friday!

2008-09-02T13:07:00.002+01:00

Friday is the deadline to sign up for the Royal Parks Half Marathon in London!

We still have a few places to fill, but hurry!

The half marathon will take place on 12th October. The route promises to take in fantastic sites of London, whilst you're raising money for us!

Read more on our website or contact Pippi Reader on Pippi.Reader@unitedresponse.org.uk or 020 8246 5200.

Finalist in National Training Awards for Good to Great

2008-09-02T13:03:00.003+01:00

We have been named as a finalist in the National Training Awards for our work delivering "Good To Great", our innovative training and development programme, in partnership with Helen Sanderson Associates.

You can read the press release on our site.

People with learning disabilities help to celebrate Liverpool as 2008 European City of Culture

2008-08-19T11:04:00.003+01:00

Here is a press release we put on our website today about people with learning disabilities helping celebrate Liverpool as the European City of Culture:

A group of people with learning disabilities supported by United Response's Oakfield Day Service have put on their dancing shoes to help celebrate Liverpool as the 2008 European City of Culture.

United Response was one of ten community organisations asked to take part in the dance event, which was organised by Liverpool's Empire Theatre.

The build up to the event was intense with eight people supported by United Response attending five workshops with the theatre company throughout June, before starring in the final performance last month.

Anthony Kennedy who took part said: “I enjoyed the acting & dancing it made me feel good and made my family proud.”

Eileen Molloy also took part. She said: “I liked the sound effects, the music and lighting, it was exciting to dance too, it gave me so much confidence to go out in front of an audience”.

Two members of United Response staff also starred in the event. Senior Support Worker, Diane O Leary, said: “We all grew in confidence as the performance went on and the group worked hard for each other, supported each other, and wanted to do it all again!”

Service Manager, Veronica Astor, heads up United Response’s work at the Oakfield Day Service. She said: "We were really pleased to be asked to take part in the dance event. It was a lot of fun and it was great to be able to play our part in the city's celebrations.

"It was also a great opportunity for people to show off their talent. Over the years we have built up strong links with several local groups, making it possible for the people we support to take part in a number of arts projects from creating their own animations to making films about local history. Last year was the tenth anniversary of the Oakfield Service and with the help of the WEA some of the people supported by United Response made a stunning mosaic to celebrate the event.

"These projects and the dance event show just what can be achieved when the community works together to create opportunities for people with learning disabilities."

United Response works with people with learning disabilities throughout the Liverpool area. Working in partnership with other organisations, we provide people with everything from 24 hour care to supporting them to find work and play active role in the community. To find out more about the organisation, and the work they do locally, contact Alexandra Badwi or Mike Crawford on (0151) 4873605.

Response to Independent Inquiry's Health Inequalities report published

2008-08-06T10:49:00.005+01:00

Guardian Society has printed a letter from Su Sayer today in response to last week's publication of the Independent Inquiry's report into health inequalities.

United Response has welcomed the report, but is calling for the recommendations to be turned into prompt action. Go to our website to read the press release.

About Me and My Life - now for sale

2008-08-01T16:46:00.008+01:00

We've produced a fantastic resource called About Me and My Life

It's a CD-Rom and booklet to help people create multimedia tools using everyday technology. And we've made it really easy to use.

When we say multimedia tool, we mean a type of presentation that can show pictures, video or audio. These can really help people to communicate the things that are important, or to tell a story.

There are lots of things you can use the tool for. It's powerful and it's for sale!

Find out more on the resources page of our website

The Association for Supported Living Annual Conference announced

2008-07-30T10:12:00.011+01:00

The Association for Supported Living has announced its Annual Conference

Due to take place on 25th November 2008, Supported Living and Personalisation: Money, Power and Control will aim to explore:

the implications of increasing power and control being given to people with learning disabilities and others through the development of individual service funds

how the gains made to people’s control and independence as a result of supported living can be developed and enhanced through the use of individual service funds

how people with more complex needs can remain local and exercise their rights of tenancy

Speakers include:

David Behan - Director General of Social Care, Department of Health

Simon Duffy - National Director, In Control

John O’Brien - Responsive Systems Associates, USA

Peter Kinsella - Managing Director, Paradigm International Consultancy Training & Development Agency

Caroline Tomlinson - In Control

Maurice Harker - Lead Advisor, Housing Options

Paul Davies - Valuing People Support Team

The conference will take place at the Weston Theatre, Manchester Conference Centre, UMIST, Sackville Street, Manchester M1 3BB, from 10.00 a.m. – 4.30 pm (Registration 9:30 a.m.)

Booking fees are:

All ASL member organisations: 1 free place

Additional places for member organisations: £80 per person

Early Bird* offer to non-member organisation: £120 per person

Non-member organisations after 1 September: £150 per person

*Must be paid for by 1 September 2008
This includes a choice of two from six available workshops.

For more information, and to book please contact Georgina Breen of United Response.
Email: georgina.breen@unitedresponse.org.uk or Tel: 020 8246 5211.

Bob Tindall, Managing Director of United Response is the Chair of The Association for Supported Living.

Boundless - Connecting Artists exhibition

2008-07-18T16:08:00.003+01:00

Three artists who are supported by United Response will have their work shown at a London Gallery this summer.

Boundless - Connecting Artists is a exhibition of work from 25 inspiring artists.

Some of the artists have learning disabilities, learning difficulties, mental health needs, or conditions such as Aspergers Syndrome and dyslexia.

The exhibition hopes to introduce the work of these artists at the exhibition which will feature photography, abstract and figurative painting, drawing, digital art and cartoons.

Four leading learning disability organisations are backing Boundless - Connecting Artists (Choice Support, United Response, Regard Partnership and the Skillnet Group). The aim of the event is to celebrate the work of the artists taking part and to show that disability does not get in the way of talent.

The exhibition takes place at the prestigious Bankside Gallery in London from 21st July to 27th July 2008.

Royal Parks Half Marathon - hurry!

2008-07-14T11:47:00.003+01:00

We still have a few places left for the Royal Parks Half Marathon in London!

On 12th October, over 12,500 people will take part in London's first half marathon and you could be part of it. The race will take runners through four Royal Parks, taking in fantastic views of Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Marble Arch and the Royal Albert Hall.

To guarantee your place, please contact pippi.reader@unitedresponse.org.uk - but hurry!

Channel 4 News report about people with learning disabilities excluded online

2008-06-30T16:02:00.006+01:00

Today, we were pleased when Channel 4 news ran a story on its 12 o'clock programme about how people with learning disabilities are often excluded from accessing goods, services and even jobs online. We’d been involved in preparing the report so it was good to see some strong messages incorporated.

The report showed some of the assistive technology some people with learning disabilities used with The Rix Centre. Ultimately, the report made it clear that many people are literally excluded. Some people with learning disabilities were interviewed in order to back this up.

The report went on to say that some things that are really easy such as easy read options or simple technical changes are "often not even considered by government or businesses." The website provides a link to our website too which is good.

Go to the television news piece and online article.

Thank you to our Doitforcharity 5K Manchester runners!

2008-06-12T12:45:00.002+01:00

A big thank you to all the people who took part in the Doitforcharity 5K run in Manchester on 8th June.

Thank you for taking part and for raising money for United Response.

Letter in The Guardian

2008-05-13T14:59:00.005+01:00

A letter from United Response's Chief Executive, Su Sayer was in the letters section of The Guardian today. It responds to the Government's annoucement on social care funding. Su highlights that all of the coverage of the issue so far has focused on elderly care even though many disabled people are seeing their funding being cut too. It says:

"Health secretary Alan Johnson is to be congratulated for highlighting that current funding is not enough to meet the government's own objectives of providing first-class care to those who need it.

So it is unfortunate that all of the media attention focuses only on how this will affect elderly people. There are other groups, such as those with disabilities, whose quality of life is also endangered. Social care is increasingly directed only at those with the most "critical and substantial" needs and those with "mild and moderate" learning disabilities are excluded, reducing their independence and quality of life.

It is important that we hear the voices of everyone affected in the social care debate, including those with disabilities.
Su Sayer
Chief executive, United Response"

To read this and other responses go to The Guardian's letters page on the subject.

Thank you to our Doitforcharity 5K runners!

2008-05-12T11:26:00.002+01:00

Congratulations to all our United Response Doitforcharity 5K runners for completing the race in London on Sunday!

We are so grateful for all of your support and for raising such a lot of money for United Response!

We still have some places left for the 5K in Manchester, so if you missed your chance for London, go to www.unitedresponse.org.uk/support-us

Su Sayer interviewed about Employment Summit

2008-05-08T11:12:00.007+01:00

Su Sayer has been interviewed by epolitix.com, the website providing up-to-the-minute politics and parliamentary news.

In her interview, she talks about United Response's Employment Summit on May 15th around employment opportunities for people with learning disabilities.

Read her interview (This takes you to the epolitix site.)

United Response's Employment Summit - limited places still available

2008-05-06T15:58:00.004+01:00

There are still some places left for our Employment Summit on 15th May, in London starting from 8.00am onwards.

Part of the event will see the launch of our Supported Employment Policy Report.

The event will focus on the fact that despite the fact that two thirds of people with learning disabilities want to work, less than one in five are given the opportunity. It will explore the barriers people with learning disabilities face in finding employment and ways to support them.

Phil Hope, minister for the third sector, and Susan Scott Parker, chief executive of the Employer's Forum On Disability, will be among the senior spokespeople from the public and private sector, while employers and employees will be sharing their real life experiences. The event is sponsored by Unum.

For a place, please contact Laura.Golland@unitedresponse.org.uk direct.

Every Vote Counts

2008-05-06T11:11:00.003+01:00

Our project looking at the voting system, politics and people with learning disabilities was featured in Guardian Society on Wednesday.

The piece highlights findings from a recent survey we carried out, looking at the number of people we support who are voting and the reasons for non-participation.

The survey highlights that while 80% of people supported by United Response are registered to vote, only 16% took part in their last local elections and 20% in the last general elections. The complexity of the the voting system, a lack of accessible information and a dearth of training for councillors, MPs and other political stakeholders, were all highlighted by United Response support workers as key barriers to participation.

Isabel Ros Lopez, UR First Manager, was interviewed by The Guardian about the project. She said:

"People with learning disabilities are citizens too, and we have a social duty and legal responsibility to enable them to take part in the democratic process. The fact that we are not achieving this is a social failure."

Su Sayer, chief executive of United Response, said:

"Political decisions affect the lives of people with learning disabilities in the same way as they affect everyone else - more so in many cases - and yet they continue to be some of the most disenfranchised people in society."

Here's the link to the article http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/apr/30/learningdisability

Thank you to our runners!

2008-04-14T11:41:00.001+01:00

Thank you to everyone who ran the Flora London Marathon for United Response yesterday!

And to everyone who came to help out on the day too!

We hope to have some pictures up soon. We'll keep you posted.

Flora London Marathon - Good Luck!

2008-04-10T15:47:00.000+01:00

Thank you to all of our 25 runners who will be taking part in the Flora London Marathon this Sunday whilst raising money for United Response at the same time.

Your support is invaluable to our work and we’d like to wish you the best of luck for the big day!

We look forward to seeing you at our post race reception party – where we will treat you to a well deserved shower and massage.

United Response's Employment Summit

2008-04-10T13:29:00.006+01:00

Despite the fact that two thirds of people with learning disabilities want to work, less than one in five are given the opportunity.

That's why on May 15th, we will be holding a business breakfast exploring the barriers people with learning disabilities face in finding employment and ways to support them.

Phil Hope, minister for the third sector, and Susan Scott Parker, chief executive of the Employer's Forum On Disability, will be among the senior spokespeople from the public and private sector, while employers and employees will be sharing their real life experiences. The event, sponsored by Unum, will be held in London.

If you would like to know more about the event, you can email laura.golland@unitedresponse.org.uk

Run for Us!

2008-03-26T11:05:00.005Z

We are looking for people to run for us and to help us fundraise!

We have places for the Royal Parks Half Marathon in London on 12th October and for the Doitforcharity 5K run in Manchester on 8th June or London on 11th May.

We'll support you every step of the way and we can answer any questions you might have!

Thanks!

United Response's letter in The Guardian

2008-03-18T14:35:00.002Z

We had a letter published in The Guardian today.

It's a response to the recent Government announcement that up to 2.6 million people currently claiming incapacity benefit would face “strict testing” in order to encourage them to work.

Here it is in full:

"Dear Sirs,

I think most people would agree that more needs to be done to help people into work. But the current debate only looks at the symptoms (2.6m on incapacity benefits face tough 'back to work' tests, 14th March). One of the root causes could be solved by a simple amendment to the benefits system.

Through our work, we come across many people with learning disabilities or mental health needs, who would like to have a job, but who need to build up their hours slowly in order to gain confidence.

When the minimum wage was first introduced people we support were able to work for 5.5 hours a week, without disruption to their benefits. But over the years increases in the minimum wage have outpaced the disregard. As a result, from this October, even people employed to work as little as 3.5 hours a week will be 5 pence above the £20 disregard, forcing them to cut their hours for the sake of 5p.

Testing will not help the people we support to find work. And unfortunately even providing more employment schemes will not solve the problem on its own. But raising the weekly disregard on earnings, even to £32 a week, could give this often overlooked part of the workforce, their first, but important, step into employment and greater independence.

Yours faithfully

Su Sayer, Chief Executive, United Response"

The Big Event update - success!

2008-03-17T14:32:00.003Z

The Big Event was great. It was held by In Control, a national organisation which has been piloting the use of individual budgets - or "self-directed support" - among learning disabled people in the UK.

There were dozens of organisations from around the country, as well as people with learning disabilities and their support workers at the event. And they all shared best practice and insights.

We were one of the few organisations invited to host a dedicated room to demonstrate the best of our own work.

We held five sessions during the day, including a workshop by UR Consultants demonstrating how to make information accessible to people with learning disabilities, and sessions on employment, independent living and person-centred active support.

The sessions went down really well! More than 100 people took part in our workshops.

United Response at In Control's Big Event - 13th March

2008-03-10T10:31:00.006Z

United Response is hosting a room at In Control’s Big Event at the NEC, Birmingham on Thursday, 13th March. We will be running five workshops throughout the day covering: providing individual support; using person-centred tools; community building; how to make business accessible and using an individual approach to move towards employment. Come and say hello!

For more details on the Big Event visit http://www.in-control.org.uk/thebigevent/index.php

Support Us!

2008-02-29T10:56:00.001Z

We are always looking for people to support us and there are lots of ways for people to do just that. We've been working on that section of our website to make it as easy as possible to get involved, from running events to setting your google homepage..

Go to http://www.unitedresponse.org.uk to get to the support us section.

United Response on BBC !

2008-01-30T09:20:00.000Z

United Response was featured on BBC Breakfast News this morning and Radio 4's You and Yours this lunchtime.

Both times, the story was about telesupport or telecare as it is also known. This is a system which uses an integrated telephone/video system so that people can connect with other people.

This means that some people can get some care talking into the phone and seeing the person they are talking to. It can be really helpful for people who are living on their own but need support with some daily tasks. It can also put the user in control of when they recieve that support.

We have piloted using telesupport in some of our services and it has worked really well. We are looking for funding to do more.

To read the BBC News story online go to their website: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7213684.stm

To listen to the You and Yours piece, go to the listen again section of their website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/progs/listenagain.shtml#y

To find out more about what we are doing, and for Sharon and Emma's story, go to our website at: http://www.unitedresponse.org.uk/press

CSCI report

2008-01-30T09:15:00.000Z

CSCI (Commission for Social Care) has written a report about the state of social care.

Our Chief Executive, Su Sayer, has said this in response:

"An evaluation of our social care system and its capacity to meet the needs of those with learning disabilities and others is long overdue. Therefore, we welcome today's CSCI report and the Government's announcement that it will be undertaking its own review of provision.

"Anyone who works in social care is aware of the demographic pressures central Government and local authorities are facing, with a rapidly ageing population and reduced availability of informal care. Those of us providing services are realistic about financial costs and aware of our responsibility to ensure best value for money. One way of achieving this may be more flexible and cost effective approaches to support, such as greater use of Supported Living as an alternative to residential care and the use of new technology alongside traditional methods. Indeed, people with learning disabilities are demanding these changes themselves, as they seek more independence.

"We have come a long way over the last 30 years. People with learning disabilities not only have a right to expect an adequate level of support and care, but are gaining confidence in demanding that right. As a society we cannot allow funding to be cut back to only "critical" services. If we do, the clock will be wound back and people will lose the independence they fought so hard to gain."

United Response Christmas Cards

2007-12-12T12:31:00.000Z

United Response Christmas cards are now for sale!

Costing £2.99 for a pack of 10 - they're a bargain.

The artwork has been done by Bill Atack who is supported by United Response. And they're easy to get too! Go to www.unitedresponse.org.uk to have a look and order yours now!

Association for Supported Living announces new chair

2007-11-08T17:09:00.001Z

Bob Tindall, Managing Director of United Response has been announced as the Association for Supported Living's (ASL) new chair.

He said “It’s essential we maintain momentum in delivering an improved quality of supported living for people who choose it as part of their preferred lifestyle,” said Bob. “There are a lot of challenges ahead, with many new policies being introduced and implemented under Gordon Brown, so all our members have to work together to make sure the Government hears our hopes and concerns clearly from the beginning. If we do that, then we’ll make supported living not just better but easier to access, something of vital importance to the 14,000 people with learning disabilities supported by our members.”

The ASL is a member of the Department of Health’s Learning Disability Task Force and the joint Healthcare Commission/ Commission for Social Care Inspection’s Learning Disability Improvement Board. It holds an annual conference and other member consultative events.

Carol services!

2007-11-05T16:24:00.000Z

Christmas is getting closer!

We are having two carol services this year: one in London on 5th December and one in Easingwold, Yorkshire on 13th December.

We'd love you to come along. Both services are free!

For more information, please go to our website: www.unitedresponse.org.uk

We are Advantage's Charity of the Year!

2007-10-22T11:55:00.000+01:00

Leading healthcare provider, Advantage Healthcare, has nominated us as its charity of the year!

This is the first time that either organisation has entered in to a charity of the year partnership and the relationship is expected to generate at least £20,000 in fundraised income as well as creating volunteering opportunities at United Response services throughout the country.

Advantage is an established healthcare recruitment specialist.

Su Sayer, chief executive of United Response said:

"We are absolutely thrilled to have been nominated as Advantage's charity of the year. At United Response we passionately believe that people with learning disabilities or mental health needs have the right to lead fulfilling lives, accessing the same opportunities as everyone else. We are so pleased to be working alongside an organisation like Advantage that so closely shares this vision.

"Our fundraising work means that we are able to offer people the opportunity to experience new things in their lives, whether that's a short trip or access to specialist equipment to make communication easier. By raising money for United Response and volunteering their time, staff at Advantage will be helping us to make these things an everyday reality in more people's lives. We look forward to working with them."

Keith Nurcombe, chief Executive of Advantage Healthcare Group, said:

"This is the first time that Advantage Healthcare has chosen to have a charity of the year and I am very happy to be working with United Response. It is fantastic for our staff to be able to give their time and energy to a charity that helps such a wide range of individuals in community settings. I look forward to this being a long and successful partnership."

New Jobs site!!

2007-10-07T11:51:00.000+01:00

We've got a new jobs website! It allows you to search all our jobs by specialism or geographical area. You can create job alerts so you know about new jobs you are interested in, once they are posted.

And the whole application process can now be done online.

It couldn't be easier to work for us!

Go to www.unitedresponse.org.uk/jobs and sign up now!

Sensory Gardens appeal and Competition

2007-09-17T11:27:00.001+01:00

We have launched an appeal to help us to raise funds to build sensory gardens

The appeal is backed by a range of celebrities including Kim Wilde, Anne-Marie Powell and actor George Baker

Many of the people supported by United Response have spent a large part of their lives living in big institutions, with little or no stimulation. Sensory gardens allow them to interact and engage with their environment through sight, sound, smell, touch and taste. This can transform their quality of life.

We are asking people to donate to help us build these gardens around the country.

You can help by going to http://www.unitedresponse.org.uk/appeal

There are also details of a competition to find the most imaginative garden with a great prize. Enter yours or one you know now!

Telesupport

2007-08-09T14:26:00.000+01:00

Pioneering twenty first century social care: United Response trials telesupport as a possible means of meeting future social care demands.

We are the first charity pioneering a new integrated telephone/video system as a means of supporting people with learning disabilities or mental health needs. It’s called telesupport.

We released this information to the press :

By 2050, it's predicted that four times as many people will need social care as today*, which will result in a major resourcing crisis for the care sector.

That's why United Response is the first charity pioneering a new integrated telephone/video system as a means of supporting people with learning disabilities or mental health needs. It’s called telesupport.

The project embraces cutting edge technology – a stand-alone unit incorporating broadband-enabled telephone, videoscreen and camera – to pilot a flexible, 24 hour form of support. Telesupport will complement face to face provision, offering a service which is available as and when people need it, with support workers, friends and peers just the touch of a button away. Additionally, by reducing some unnecessary home visits, overall costs will be reduced.

United Response’s partner in the project is Aupix, leading UK experts in the delivery of new solutions incorporating IP and video technology. Aupix have created a unique, tailored solution for the telesupport project which ensures it is fully user friendly for people with learning disabilities or mental health needs.

United Response has already run two workshops involving the technology to test the outline concept. Feedback from people with learning disabilities or mental health needs was overwhelmingly positive, with users finding the devices easy to use and believing they would be both reassuring and highly practical.

As a result, United Response is funding a limited trial, with 5 people with learning disabilities and 3 people with mental health needs using the technology. 7 residences have had the technology installed, so that the effectiveness of the service can be thoroughly tested and evaluated against a benchmark of current provision.

Initial findings show that, in addition to the flexibility of the service, telesupport could provide additional benefits including visual support for those who find verbal communication challenging and also assist with specific mental health conditions – helping people with schizophrenia to manage their "voices" for example, in a way that just isn’t possible with an ordinary telephone.

Although telesupport must never replace essential face to face support, it is likely to be a highly valuable additional technique as part of an overall "care menu". It is very flexible, so can fit around the schedule of the person requiring support, and their own preferences regarding privacy. Initial feedback has also shown that it could provide an excellent channel for peer to peer communications and support, as well as family contact.

Su Sayer, chief executive of United Response, said, "We’ve always tried to pioneer the best ways of supporting people, from the early days of care in the community, and telesupport seems a logical step forward. We believe we are the first organisation to use this technology to create an improved, more accessible and flexible service, and our initial findings show it has a major potential value to people, although it must never replace face to face support."

John Dixon, director of adult services in West Sussex, said, "We are keen to explore anything which can provide an improved but cost effective new way of providing care and support. From United Response’s initial research, it’s clear that telesupport is welcomed by the people who are using it, and has unexpected benefits, particularly in how flexible it can be around individual lifestyles. We look forward to further findings and hopefully seeing telesupport improve the lives of people with learning disabilities or mental health needs in West Sussex and beyond."

Anne Davey, a United Response service manager who has begun using telesupport with three people she works with, said, "It’s a really exciting project and we’re all looking forward to seeing how it can help us. It’s already had one benefit for me, personally. One person I work with often needs a little support out of hours. Because he has a speech difficulty, it’s not always easy to understand what he needs from me, so I have to make a face to face visit just in case. Through telesupport he finds it far easier to communicate, partly through using gestures, so I am able to support him without always having to disrupt his day."

United Response is now seeking funding for a fuller pilot programme and rollout later this year.

* Source: Speech by Stephen Ladyman MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Community, 24 February 2005. "Today we spend over £12bn on providing social care and by 2050 there will be four times as many people needing that care and their needs will be more intensive. More physically disabled people and more people with learning disabilities are now living into old age. A bigger proportion of older people will have mental health problems such as dementia and the fastest growing cohort of people now is older people over the age of 100! But if four times as many people will need care we can be sure of this: we cannot afford to quadruple the cost of care and we certainly cannot quadruple the number of people delivering care."

Every Vote Counts

2007-06-14T12:38:00.001+01:00

Every vote counts: United Response launches campaign to engage people with learning disabilities in the democratic proces

United Response, the charity creating opportunities with people with learning disabilities or mental health needs, has launched a campaign to make the democratic process more accessible to the thousands of people with learning disabilities in England who are missing out on the opportunity to vote.

The campaign will be funded by the Electoral Commission, under its programme to encourage greater participation among disabled people.

In the 2001 General Election only 31% of people with learning disabilities voted compared with a national turnout of 59%. Every Vote Counts is a three year campaign to increase the number of people with learning disabilities that are registered to vote and help them have more of a say in the political decisions that affect their lives.

During the first year of the campaign, United Response will consult with other organisations and people supported by the charity, to create a resource to help people with learning disabilities better understand how politics affects their everyday lives, the reasons for voting and how to engage in the democratic process.

United Response will then disseminate the information, providing training for its staff so they can support people to become more actively involved. It will also offer training to organisations and groups involved in the electoral and democratic process on how to make information about policies and candidates more accessible to people with learning disabilities.

For more information email info@unitedresponse.org.uk

Mental health services must look beyond clinical needs

2007-05-15T12:59:00.000+01:00

We have welcomed the publication of Professor Appleby's report on the next phase of mental health care reform.

The Chief Executive of United Response, Su Sayer, said:

"We need to work together to create services that not only respond to a person's clinical needs, but which look beyond them to provide people with the information and ongoing support they need to live full lives in the community."

To read our full response, go to www.unitedresponse.org.uk

Mental Wealth

2007-05-04T17:21:00.000+01:00

In June 2005, a group of people with mental health needs took part in a project called Mental Wealth. The project aimed to equip those people with the skills they needed so they could take photographs about what it's like to have a mental health need.

The results are amazing. We decided to make a mini-book out of some of the photographs. And now we have decided to make it available to everyone.

You can get a copy of the mini-book by going to the United Response website: www.unitedresponse.org.uk

Thank you to our Marathon Runners!

2007-04-23T12:12:00.000+01:00

Thank you to all the people who ran 26 miles the Flora London Marathon yesterday to raise money for United Response!

Runners get ready, get steady..

2007-04-20T13:44:00.000+01:00

United Response at the Flora London Marathon

This Sunday, 28 people will run the Flora London Marathon to raise money for United Response. We decided to share some of the amazing stories we know about these people on our website. Go to http://www.unitedreponse.org.uk to find out more..

Can You Hear Us? is launched

2007-03-29T10:10:00.000+01:00

After many years of production, we launched our new DVD “Can You Hear Us?” This DVD is a unique new film made by people with learning disabilities to challenge discrimination “Can You Hear Us?” is a collection of dramatic stories drawing on the real life experiences of the people who made the film, ranging from getting engaged to moving into a new home to dealing with the police. The DVD is available to anyone interested in seeing life from a different perspective, and is also an excellent training resource for organisations or individuals working with people with learning disabilities. “Can You Hear Us?” was made by by UR First, a group of people supported by United Response. The group was set up to support people to speak out for themselves. They came up with the concept of the film, wrote the scripts and acted in the different stories. A major motive was the fact that when they had grown up themselves they hadn’t seen films like this, only ones made by staff or actors. You can buy it from our website: http://www.unitedresponse.org.uk/ More soon..