Santa’s Sleigh and Reindeer Vinnie With His Mum The Big Santa Project for Sticky Paws On December 21st at 10.00 am in Chelmsford High Street, the Mayor of Chelmsford, Chelmsford City Councillors, Virgin Money personnel and Chelmsford City footballers will be gathering around Father Christmas and his loyal elf to fund-raise for Vinnie, a very […]
Accident at Twyford Rail Station Involving a Wheelchair User
Investigation into an occupied wheelchair coming into multiple contacts with a passing train at Twyford station, 7 April 2016 This is the report issued by the Rail Accident Investigation team: “At around 10:52 hrs on 7 April 2016, a wheelchair occupied by a teenage girl moved towards the edge of platform 4 of Twyford station […]
Queens Award for Voluntary Service
The Queens Award for Voluntary Service – Closing Date 16th Sept What is the Queens Award for Voluntary Service? It is the highest accolade that is given to local volunteer groups in recognition of all the hard work that they participate in. The award covers the whole of the UK. It recognises the outstanding work […]
Support the Paralympics Rio 2016
Support the Paralympics Rio 2016 As everyone knows the Olympics start in Brazil in two weeks time. Included in that event are the Paralympics Rio 2016. We need to support the Paralympics Rio 2016 so our athletes can succeed. The British Paralympic Association (BPA) partner Mondelez International, who sell Cadbury chocolate products, have launched a […]
Cyber Crime
With Cyber Crime a big news item at the moment, it is a timely reminder to everyone that we must all be vigilant when using our computers, tablets or mobile phones. Landlines are just as vulnerable, as this item sent in by Chelmsford CVS below, shows….. Convincing Cyber Crime “Last week Chelmsford Voluntary Service was […]
Send a Cow, Leigh on Sea
Send a Cow, Leigh on Sea After ‘Three Acres And A Cow’ (Cecily Morris was there), she’s now opening her garden in aid of ‘Send a Cow’ ‘Send a Cow is about raising funds to help people in Africa grow their own fruit and vegetables and farm their own animals to provide food for their […]
Dating with a disability: Pleasure and Pitfalls
Disability campaigner assists individuals to cross the relationship minefield. Ah! That age old question of the pursuit and enjoyment of love. We all need to share in it, but it’s a common experience for everyone to encounter some difficulty at some point. However, when one or both parties are living with disability, additional concerns can […]
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) is a condition in which a change from horizontal position to an upright position causes abnormally large increase in heart rate, called tachycardia. The cause for this problem can be attributed to numerous symptoms and medications and exercise may be effective in improving it. It has been estimated that the […]
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and ME
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a condition that causes mental and physical tiredness. Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) includes symptoms normally associated with the flu or a similar illness. These symptoms may include sore throat, inflammation of the sinuses, enlargement of the lymph nodes, painful muscles and joints, headaches, difficulty sleeping, painful glands in the neck or […]
Osteosarcoma: a case study
Osteosarcoma is a cancerous tumour in bone. It is the most common form of primary bone cancer. It is prevalent in children and young adults. Patients complain about pain worsening at night and recurring all the time. Teenagers who are active in sports tend to complain about pain in their lower femur, or right below […]
Education as a form of mainstream engagement for those with disabilities – a missed opportunity!
Maybe like me you heard the saying education is a great leveller? Although interestingly I only ever heard this once I actually managed to get into university. Again like me you may have held out hope that your education, with a bit of hard work and focus would help you fulfil your life ambitions. Our […]
‘Different isn’t always bad’: An Interview with Veronica Moore
Veronica Moore has three children, two of which are on the autistic spectrum. She also professionally works with children with special needs on a day-to-day basis, giving advice to parents on early-years settings to help support children with a range of difficulties. Veronica’s oldest son, Matthew, was diagnosed with autism just before his 3rd Birthday […]
Psychosis: A misinterpretation?
Hi. “Psychosis is a mental health problem that causes people to perceive or interpret things differently from those around them. This might involve hallucinations or delusions.” You don’t have to figure out straight away to which website this is the introductory paragraph on psychosis, I just wanted to avoid any bias you might feel for […]
Not Quite Right
Hi We shouldn’t always fall for the first opinion that pops into our heads. Your first reaction might not be your best. Your reaction to me eight or so years ago might well have been ‘he doesn’t seem quite right’. I could relate to that perception (although it wasn’t strictly true). But at that point […]
A User’s Guide To Depression
Hi. ‘Depression’ is a depressing word for someone in a state of depression. I suppose it’s an all-enveloping state, like anger, when you are in its throes, so the mere topic may be depressing – it’s hard to reach out to the depressed! See if you can relate to this: I have definitely been depressed; […]
Life as a Disability Charity Response Worker
What’s It like to Be the Person Who Can Lend a Helping Hand for the Thousands of Disabled People out There? Jackie O’Kelly has worked for Scope for seventeen years. During that time, she has assisted hundreds of disabled people and their families, providing them with information to access greater funding and advice surrounding employment, […]
A Mum on a mission
Mesothelioma is a rare and deadly type of cancer of the lungs that develops after exposure to asbestos, and is sadly a global phenomenon. Awareness of the pernicious affects of asbestos grew in the UK in the 1970’s after workers in the shipping industry were exposed. Other high exposure occupations include construction workers, carpenters, joiners, […]
Can Disability Ever Be Fashionable?
Something extraordinary happened at New York Fashion Week in February. A model in a wheelchair ‘walked’ the runway. Wheelchair user Danielle Sheypuk was cast in this year’s New York Fashion Week. Isn’t it about time that people with disabilities can, and should, be better represented in the fashion industry? This year marked the 71st year […]