Disability Action Group's Home Page
Welcome to the Disability Action Group's Home Page, where you can find details about forthcoming meetings and read copies of minutes from earlier meetings. The Disability Action Group raises awareness of disability issues with CHP and feeds into the Chelmer Residents Forum and CHP issues of relevance to people who have a disability.
Background and Aims
The Disability Action Group - formed in December 2008 - aims to highlight housing issues people who have disabilities may face. The group covers all types of disability including sight and hearing as well as mental health issues.
“We are a friendly group, and there is no pressure on anyone as to how much you contribute - we just want your opinion,” said Shirley Perera-Morris; one of the groups’s founding members. “Together with CHP we can help improve the issues facing disabled residents.”
The disability group are looking for residents that are aware of issues that affect people with disabilities to join the group. If you are interested in joining please contact the resident support officer on 01245 613074 or email: residentsupportofficer@chelmerhp.org.uk or contact us through the website.
Did you know there is a handy man service for registered disable residents for things like changing a light bulb, putting up a curtain rail, unblock waste pipes, reline toilet seat, rehang gates, things you may not be able to do yourself. It is run by the Guinness Trust on 01245 392121 and cost about £8.00.per hour. For more information, see the section on 'Independance in Your Home', further down this page.
If you need transport to attend our meetings please call the Resident Support Officer on the above number, please state if you need special transport.
Meeting Dates
Our planned meeting dates are listed below. Please contact us beforehand to confirm the venue and times.
| Date: | Venue: | Comments: |
| 18th May 2009 | Napier Court, Queenland Crescent. | The meeting starts at 5.30pm. Please call Ray on 01245 613074 if you need transport. Please state when calling if you need special transport. |
| 22nd September 2009 | Boardroom, Myraid house | 6.30 - 8.00 pm |
| 3rd November 2009 | To be arranged | 6.30 -8.00pm |
| 22 Mar 2010 | Boardroom, Myraid House | 6.30 - 8.00pm |
Minutes from Previous Meetings
Please click on the link below to read the minutes of previous meetings. The minutes are in Word format, if you don't have Microsoft Word on your computer you can download a free utility from Microsoft that will allow you to read and print Word documents. The download can be found here.
Minutes Jun 2009
Minutes May 2009
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Independence in your Home
The schemes detailed below may be of interest to disabled residents, the services are not provided by Chelmer Housing Partnership or the Chelmer Residents Forum, however they are all legitimate.
Chelmsford and Maldon Independence at Home (run by The Guinness Trust) aims to maximise peoples opportunities to remain in their own homes with greater independence and increased comfort and security. You can read about the service they offer here, the main points from their web site are:
- Do you need a reliable builder who is approved and works to quality standards?
- Do you want a builder who can be trusted and offers value for money?
- Would you like the work carried out with the minimum of fuss?
- Do you want someone else to manage the whole process and remove any anxiety or worries?
- Do you need financial help to pay for the work?
If the answer to any of these questions is 'yes', Independence at Home can assist you.
You can apply for help if you are:
- Over the age of 60, or under 60 and have a disability.
You can also apply for help if a member of your household is disabled. They can provide you with the following:
- A visit to your home to discuss any repairs or adaptations you need
- Help in applying for grants or loans that might be available to fund the work
- Liaison with the local authority or social services where necessary
- Help in finding a suitable builder and supervising the works
- Support and practical help before, during and after the works
- Advice on energy efficiency and home security
- Benefits advice
The staff at the agency will endeavour to help you no matter what your query is and if they are unable to offer help directly they often know someone that can! If you need help from a minor repair to a major adaptation, then call (01245) 392121 or write to Independence at Home, Suite 61, Waterhouse Business Centre, 2 Cromar Way, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 2QE.
Chelmsford and Maldon Handyperson Service
If you are 60 or over help is available for those little jobs around the home. The scheme provides a Handyperson service for residents of the Chelmsford Borough and Maldon District who need help with minor repairs to their home.
In order to prevent falls in the home the Handyperson will be able to carry out a free Home Safety Check, fit handrails and grabrails and also fit long life bulbs. The Handyperson will also be able to:
- Repair doors
- Re-hang gates
- Unblock waste pipes
- Replace a WC ball valve
- Replace broken paving stones
- Fit door bells
- Replace tap washers
- Extend telephone lines
Unfortunately there are some jobs that the Handyperson will not be able to do. These include the following:
- Gas or electrical work
- Decorating
- Chimney/roof repairs
- Gardening
You will have to pay for the cost of materials, there is no call out charge. You will be asked to make a contribution towards the labour charge based on £8 per hour.
ALL staff carry identification with them at all times. If you are unsure, don't let the person into your home.
Chelmsford and Maldon Garden Clearance Scheme
The Chelmsford and Maldon Garden Clearance Scheme aims to help older and disabled people tackle unruly gardens. We are unfortunately not able to offer a regular maintenance service, however if your garden has developed a mind of its own and requires taming, please do not hesitate to contact us.
We have an excellent team of volunteers who assist our gardener and with whom the service would not be able to continue without.
Again, the gardener will not visit without an appointment however if you unsure at all, please give us a call.
You will be asked to make a contribution towards the labour charge based on £8 per hour for this service.
Please Call (01245) 392121 Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm and to speak to a member of their team.