News

Speaking Up For Disability

/ northhorshampc

Speaking Up For Disability LogoDisabled people living in West Sussex now have the chance to tell their own story, thanks to a £49,500 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).  Speaking up for Disability is managed by registered charity Independent Living Association.

This is a two year community history project recording and sharing the stories, experiences, achievements and struggles of disabled people in West Sussex from the 1940’s to the present day.  The project does not seek to present a definitive history of disability, but rather to hear from many people, telling their own stories in their own words.  In addition to a website, there will also be an exhibition and unique archive of materials that will capture the hidden area of history in the county.

The hidden histories of disabled people can now be explored.  Experiences of early life, school, work, families, the views of health professionals, and how relationships have altered will all be researched.  Volunteer interviewers will give disabled people the opportunity to record their own views and in so doing will build up a unique archive of first-hand accounts.  Working with the West Sussex Records Office, those taking part will create a lasting legacy for future researchers, professionals and the general public.

The resulting archive will have a fully searchable online catalogue as well as an online education pack for teachers.  Information gathered through research will be used to create a portable display.  This display will be made available to other organisations throughout the county to help raise general awareness about disability.

There are few records in existence that look at disability from the viewpoint of disabled people themselves because historical records tend to have been written by hospitals, institutions and other care providers, so this project is a groundbreaking way to tell those stories.

Stuart McLeod, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund South East England, said: “This project helps to redress the balance by providing a personal insight into the experiences and opinions of disabled people in West Sussex.  At last, their voices will be heard.”

Speaking Up for Disability is led by a Project Team comprising Nicola Benge, the project Coordinator, and a group of volunteers.  Please come and join us!  We are always looking for new volunteers across West Sussex who are interested in disability history and have some time to give.

Volunteers are needed to:

  • Record interviews with disabled people across the county
  • Undertake research in the West Sussex Records Office
  • Update the website
  • Plan the exhibition
  • Run reminiscence or life writing sessions
  • Support our Key Stage 3 Educational Resource Pack

If you are interested, get in touch with the ILA office on 01903 219482 ex218 or email nicola.benge@ilawestsussex.org

The Royal British Legion – Horsham Branch

/ northhorshampc

Royal British LegionThe Royal British Legion, founded in 1921, is the UK’s leading Service charity.  It provides care, advice and support to serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans of all ages and their families and dependents.  If you have served in the Forces for at least seven days, or are the dependent of someone who has Served then the Legion’s services are available to help you.  Around 9 million people in the UK are eligible for the Legion’s support and they spend nearly £1.7 million a week helping those in greatest need.

The Horsham Branch of the Legion is trying to raise awareness locally of the help they can bring to the people who need it.  They have two trained Welfare Caseworkers who will be glad to talk you through the procedure for making a claim and explain further the type of help the Legion can give.  If you, or someone you know, are struggling to make ends meet we can help you in all sorts of ways.  You can call the Sussex County Office for advice on 01444 441470 or contact the local Horsham Branch direct by emailing hrbl.welfare@hotmail.co.uk giving a contact telephone number if possible, to find out more.

Roffey Local Action Team

/ northhorshampc

Community Safety LogoFollowing on from the inaugural meeting of the Roffey Local Action Team (LAT), as per this previous post, the second meeting is scheduled to take place this coming Monday 25th June 2012 at the Roffey Millenium Hall, beginning at 7pm.

The Local Action Team is a community led group involving both the Horsham Community Safety Partnership and Sussex police, so is therefore an excellent opportunity for local residents to have their say on issues relating to crime and disorder.

For more information please contact PCSO Claire Bonnyman on 07917 501716 or Neil Worth, Community Safety Officer, on 01403 215116.

North Horsham County Local Committee Meeting

/ northhorshampc

The next West Sussex County Council North Horsham County Local Committee meeting is due to take place on Monday 25th June 2012 at 7pm, in the Goodwood Room, County Hall North, Chart Way, Horsham.

The Committee meets in public 4 times a year and provides a forum for local residents to come and directly discuss any issues or concerns with your elected representatives. These may be to do with your street, your village, your town or your county; whatever it is your voice will always be welcomed.

The North Horsham area is a mixture of urban and rural communities, therefore the Committee represents a broad range of interests and concerns. The Committee have an understanding of the pressures of the urban environment and are committed to sustaining Horsham’s vibrancy as a shopping centre and safeguarding its security as a residential area.

The Committee also keep an eye on the welfare of its communities by having a representative from the Police at each meeting to provide updates on crime figures for the area.

For further information, and for copies of minutes and agendas, please click here.

West Sussex Fire And Rescue – Urban Search And Rescue Training Exercise

/ northhorshampc

On Tuesday the 19th and Wednesday the 20th of June between 0800hrs and 1800hrs the West Sussex Fire and Rescue Urban Search And Rescue (USAR) team will be carrying out a training exercise at Brookhurst Wood.  The exercise will involve a number of ambulances and fire service vehicles visiting the site.

It is necessary for the USAR team to conduct ongoing training and assessment in line with National procedures and risk assessments.  This ensures that the West Sussex USAR team can mobilise in a timely manor and conduct search and rescue operations effectively in real life scenarios throughout West Sussex.

Please don’t be alarmed if you hear sirens or see the fire engines and ambulances as this will be part of the training exercise.