Forward Mid Directory 2019

Forward Mid Directory 2019, The links above open the pages selected. we hope that you find it enjoyable and useful. If you think Forward Mid has missed something out of this directory we apologise for this please contact us so we can make sure it is included in the next directory. Please inform Forward Mid in one of these three ways:
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Dalkeith,
EH22 1AE.
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Disabled Living Foundation

The Disabled Living Foundation (DLF) is the UK’s leading source of expert advice and information about all types of daily living equipment for older and disabled people and their families and carers.

DLF’s advice and product information allows individuals and relatives to make informed decisions and relevant lifestyle changes – all of which can help an individual remain independent in their home for longer, and provide the carer with peace of mind.

Whether you’re finding certain tasks a bit more difficult as you get older, you have a disability yourself, or you know someone in this situation, DLF can help.

With a huge range of equipment available, sometimes it can be hard to know where to start.

DLF provides the answers to all these questions. Our comprehensive database, listing over 10,000 daily living aids, allows you to research and compare relevant products and read unbiased information about equipment before contacting suppliers.

In addition to our equipment and supplier information, we have a wide range of fact sheets to help with everything from choosing a mobility scooter to assisting someone with eating. Written by occupational therapists, they identify easier ways of doing tasks, which equipment might help and when to ask for a professional assessment.

For individuals who are aware of their difficulties but are not sure which equipment may help them, try DLF’s online self-help guide, AskSARA. By selecting a topic and answering a few questions a free personalised report is produced, offering tailored advice on ways to help with daily activities, as well as a comprehensive list of products and suppliers to browse through.

For more information visit:

If you need any further assistance or advice about daily living aids, our Helpline is open 10am-4pm,
Monday to Friday. 0300 999 0004.
Calls will be charged at local rate.
Email: info@dlf.org.uk

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Do I need to see a GP

Where should I go if I am ill?

There are many services that can help you if you are ill – this information will help to point you in the right direction.

1. Self Care

The most important type of care is self care. Self care is about looking after ourselves so that we stay healthy. It’s also about taking care of ourselves when we are ill. Before asking for an NHS appointment, why not think about how you can help yourself? You might find the following website's and phone numbers useful:

2. Healthy living

For advice on healthy eating, exercise and stopping smoking:

2. Common illnesses or advice on medicines

Community pharmacist

Your community pharmacist can give you advice or treatment for many minor illnesses such as:

Acne, Athlete’s Foot, Backache, Cold Sore, Conjunctivitis, Constipation, Cough, Diarrhoea, Dry Eyes, Earache and Ear Wax, Eczema and Allergies, Emergency Contraception, Fungal Nails Infection, Haemorrhoids (Piles), Hayfever, Headache, Indigestion, Itch, Mouth Ulcers, Nasal Congestion, Pain, Period Pain, Sinusitis, Sore Throat, Thrush, Threadworms, Warts and Verrucae

Ask your pharmacist or go online to www.npa.co.uk or www.medicinechestonline.com

3. NHS Minor Ailment Service

If you are over 65, under 16, or receive certain benefits, you can use the NHS Minor Ailment Service. This means you can receive advice and free treatment from your community pharmacist for minor illnesses and conditions. See Minor Ailments Service for more information.

4. Your Practice Nurse

Practice nurses are experienced in dealing with many conditions such as high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes and a range of minor illnesses such as chest, urine and ear infections, as well as skin conditions. Many can prescribe medications and arrange investigations. It is often quicker to get an appointment with the Practice Nurse than a GP. Ask your GP practice receptionist for advice on whether the nurse might be able to deal with your problem.

5. Dental and Mouth Problems

If you have a problem with your teeth, gums or mouth, contact your dentist. If you don’t have a dentist and you want to find one near you:

6. Muscle and Joint Problems

You can contact the physiotherapy service directly for muscle and joint problems such as back, neck, hip or knee pain. They can give advice and an appointment if necessary. 0800 917 9390 or go to www.nhsinform.scot and use the search function

7. Foot Problems

If you have a foot problem you can go to: www.nhsinform.scot and search for the section on foot problems, Or, if you think you need an appointment with a Podiatrist, you can refer yourself - ask for a referral form at your GP practice.

8. Infants and Toddlers

For advice and treatment for children and babies:

9. Eye problems

For problems like red eyes, painful eyes and visual problems such as floaters, cataracts and other changes in your vision, you can make an appointment at any high street optician. Opticians are trained to recognise common eye problems. They can also provide treatment or refer you to specialist services if needed.

You can also get advice at http://patient.info/health/eyes-1326

10. Hearing problems

Many high street opticians also offer hearing tests and help with existing hearing aids.

11. Carers

If you care for a family member, partner or friend and would like some advice, information or support contact VOCAL Midlothian:

12. Social work support

For example if you need a carer or help with mobility, contact:

13. Depression, anxiety and mental wellbeing

Can help you understand your problems better, or just be there to listen. It is not just for people who feel suicidal.

14. Alcohol and drug problems

15. Young people

If you are aged 12-21 and you are looking for support or advice about sexual health, mental health or substance use, contact:

16. If you do need advice from a doctor…

Phone appointments

You can make a GP phone appointment instead of attending the GP practice. If you don’t need to be examined, a phone appointment can be quicker and easier. If the doctor feels they need to see you, they will ask you to come in.

If the receptionist asks what is wrong with you, please tell them.

They are asking so they can find the best appointment for you. Reception staff are bound by the same confidentiality rules as doctors and nurses. They are not allowed to tell people outside the practice anything about you.

And if you are unable to attend your GP appointment please phone and cancel – this means that your appointment can be offered to another patient. Around 4% of appointments are wasted as people do not turn up. This means there are hundreds of wasted appointments across Midlothian each month!

We want to be there when you need us most.
It’s your NHS, please use it wisely.

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Education

Two local colleges provide vocational learning and work placements. Midlothian Council provides Community learning. Creating opportunities for Edinburgh and the Lothian's

Edinburgh College

Edinburgh College is one of Scotland’s biggest Colleges with around 20,000 students across 4 campuses in Edinburgh and the Lothian's.

Offering a wide variety of vibrant vocational and academic courses, Edinburgh College provides flexible learning opportunities to suit all learning needs.

Whatever path you choose we offer over 900 courses from access to degree level and continuing professional development to help you achieve your future career ambitions.

Our academic centres have skilled, knowledgeable staff with expertise in specialist areas with industry experience to ensure our students have the most relevant and up to date teaching. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of industry and we are continually committed to the highest academic standards and excellence in learning and teaching.

Edinburgh College have established relationships with employers and universities to create a connected community that provides you with strong links to work or further study.

Edinburgh College are committed to ensuring our students are prepared for successful careers through work placements, internships and connections to industry.

99% of our successful full-time students move on to work or further study within six months (93% to further study and 6% into employment). Edinburgh College aim to develop a college that enables our students, our staff and our local communities to thrive.

Edinburgh College are committed to equality of opportunity and to a culture that respects difference. Edinburgh College believe that, as an employer and public body, Edinburgh College can play a leading part in the promotion of equality and diversity more widely. Edinburgh College recognise that equality of access to education is crucial in unlocking many significant opportunities in life.

Edinburgh College work in partnership with a number of organizations, including Midlothian Council Joint Physical Disability Planning Group, to help advance equality of opportunity for disabled people.

Edinburgh College Equality Outcomes

In April 2017 Edinburgh College published planned Equality Outcomes. These include outcomes related to disability and can be seen on Edinburgh College website via the following link: www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk/Equality-Diversity-and-Inclusion

Edinburgh College equality priorities have been published for the next 4 years. For more information please contact the College Equalities Manager, Susan.Inglis@edinburghcollege.ac.uk, Tel: 0131 559 4086.

Edinburgh College campuses

At Edinburgh College Estates work planning incorporates improvements identified as necessary by accessibility audits, and on-going feedback from our staff, students and other stakeholders. Some examples of work carried out over a 3 year period are -

Edinburgh College curriculum

Edinburgh College offer courses across a range of subjects:

Courses for session 2017/18 will open for application in January 2017. Please view our courses at: www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk/

If you would like discuss course options or need help to make your course application, please contact the course information team Tel: 0131 660 1010 or Email: courseinfo@edinburghcollege.ac.uk

Edinburgh College Student Services

Student Support

For some people, coming to college can be a daunting experience – particularly if it is some time since you were last ‘in education’ or if you have had bad experiences at school or another college. Experience has shown us that support early in your course can make a big difference.

Support includes help with:

For some students, learning is made more challenging as a result of a specific learning difficulty or a disability that requires specialist support. If you are one of these people, our team of Student Support staff can offer you Extended Learning Support and confidential guidance.

Difficulties may be associated with dyslexia, attention deficit disorder, dyspraxia, sensory impairment, social or emotional difficulties, health problems, mental health problems or mobility difficulties. As well as this, Edinburgh College are able to assist students who qualify for the Disabled Students Allowance with the completion of their application form and advise them on supportive technology. Formal assessments for the DSA are carried out in College.

At Edinburgh College our friendly, approachable and experienced staff are here to give you the confidence, knowledge and skills to develop and succeed in your chosen career.

Our Student Advice and Support teams are here to help you with all aspects of life at Edinburgh College. You can take advantage of many of the services before you come to College so please contact us at any time for details Email: student.support@edinburghcollege.ac.uk

Student Advice

Edinburgh College have student advisors at each campus who are dedicated to helping you throughout your time at Edinburgh College. You can find our student advice teams on the ground floor on each campus. Pop in at any time or contact us Tel: 0131 669 4400.

Our advisors offer information on:

Our friendly, experienced team will help you with any questions you have about being at college.

Student Funding and Fees

When you are considering starting college, one of the most important issues to consider is funding and how you intend to pay for some of the costs that come with being a student.

Our advisors are happy to discuss your individual circumstances, help you with a financial “health check” and budgeting advice and to advise you on how to apply for funds. Some of the funds you may be able to apply for include:

Don’t let financial worries get in the way of your studies. Edinburgh College can give you practical, confidential advice on your situation and help you to start sorting the problems out. Remember, Edinburgh College are here to help you!

Edinburgh College have a list of frequently asked questions regarding fees and funding. If you have any questions or concerns that are not addressed here or about any money matters please contact us Tel: 0131 669 4400 or visit our website at www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk/Student-Life/Student-Funding-And-Fees

Edinburgh College staff vacancies

Edinburgh College want our Edinburgh College workforce to represent the diversity of Scottish society and the communities Edinburgh College work in.

Edinburgh College welcome applications from all sections of the community irrespective of age, disability, gender re-assignment, marital/civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

As users of the Two Ticks disability symbol, Edinburgh College guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for any vacancy.

Current vacancies at the College are now listed on MyJobScotland website, including Job Descriptions and an Online Application Form. The link below is to MyJobScotland website: admin.myjobscotland.gov.uk

Newbattle Abbey College

Newbattle Abbey College welcomes applications from disabled people and additional support requirements. We aim to provide support to help all learners to achieve their full potential.

Newbattle Abbey College is Scotland’s only residential adult education college, offering adults with few or no qualifications the chance to study in our historic setting. We offer an Arts and Humanities Award on a full-time or part-time basis, as well as a range of short courses and community events. The college also has excellent facilities for conferences, training events, weddings and social functions.

Newbattle Abbey College,
Newbattle Road,
Dalkeith,
Midlothian,
EH22 3LL
Tel: 0131 663 1921
Email: office@newbatleabbeycollege.ac.uk
www.newbattleabbeycollege.ac.uk

Lifelong Learning & Employability

Midlothian Council Lifelong Learning & Employability is part of the Education Service of Midlothian Council. Lifelong Learning & Employability support young people, adults and families to improve their life chances through the development of skills for learning, life and work. This consists of universal provision which is open to all and targeted provision which may be delivered for specific groups such as parents/carers, young people not engaging in school, disabilities groups etc and work with key partners to implement initiatives such as Developing Scotland’s Young Workforce, Positive Destinations and Employability.

Work with adults:

Lifelong Learning & Employability deliver a range of employability support options, courses and training including ICT and European Computer Driving Licence qualifications, Care Academy, Work Club, Job Clubs, Construction Skills Certification Scheme Training and Modern Apprenticeships.

Lifelong Learning & Employability offer one to one support and community based provision in core skills such as literacy, numeracy, IT and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and refugees. On offer is lipreading classes for those with acquired hearing loss.

Community based adult learning (CBAL) programmes run throughout Midlothian from first step courses to SQA qualifications. The main aim is to provide a first step back into learning, pathways to further learning or employability provided in locally accessible venues. These courses are offered in a wide range of subjects including childcare and family support, IT, health and wellbeing and employability related courses including job clubs. They are mainly free or low cost with crèche support provided.

Lifelong Learning & Employability also deliver adult learning through Aim High Learning Offer with an annual programme of certificated and non-certificated programmes delivered mainly in Dalkeith Campus, Lasswade Centre, Penicuik and Beeslack High Schools. Lifelong Learning & Employability work closely with Progress Through Learning Midlothian to provide support locally to those who want to move on in their learning, go to college or prepare for university or other accredited study.

The Focus Team provides one to one support for adults aged 16-64 years who wish to get into work, training or learning but face some barriers such as a disability or heath related issue. The team can also deliver and develop small groups and courses to help you build up your skills, gain confidence, complete job applications and CV’s, prepare for interview and job coaching. You can be referred by another agency or do this yourself. Please contact llefocus@midlothian.gov.uk Tel: 0131 271 3713 Lifelong Learning & Employability work jointly with Midlothian Joint Mental Health Team to support those who have mental health issues and want to work to gain confidence, skills and employment.

Work with Young People:

Lifelong Learning & Employability work with young people in a variety of ways. Through Activity Agreements provide one to one tailored support for young people who are not in education, training or employment to enable them to take their next steps. Lifelong Learning & Employability provide learning and employability pathways in a variety of curriculum areas such as music, rural skills, childcare, sport and wellbeing, admin and IT, hair and beauty, retail etc. These allow young people to build up skills and confidence and access further education, training and employment opportunities.

Lifelong Learning & Employability work in schools to support positive transitions for young people and families through groupwork, co-ordinating school work experience programmes, supporting young people to achieve positive destinations when they leave school. Lifelong Learning & Employability lead the Developing Midlothian’s Young Workforce Board where Lifelong Learning & Employability work with other Council services and a wide range of partners including employers and Skills Development Scotland to secure positive destinations for young people and address the skills gap.

Lifelong Learning & Employability engage with young people on the streets and in universal and targeted youth clubs and other provision, recognise their achievements through Awards Schemes, develop young people’s voice and influence through youth participation, offer volunteering opportunities.

Work with families

Lifelong Learning & Employability offer a range of family learning opportunities where parents/carers and children learn together in a variety of subject areas including arts and crafts, languages, Learn with Fred and supporting your child with homework.

Tel: 0131 271 3713
Email: lle@midlothian.gov.uk
: www.facebook.com/LLEMidlothian
: twitter.com/LLEadult_family
: lleadultsfamilies.wordpress.com/

Employment and Learning Midlothian

Employment and Learning Midlothian (ELM) is a recently formed partnership group bringing together Midlothian Employment Action Network (MEAN) and Midlothian Adult Learning Partnership (MALP). A range of partners work together including Midlothian Council, Job Centre, local colleges and universities, other adult learning and employment services and employers to improve the chances of local people getting a job or progressing into training and learning including further and higher education. The network does not offer direct services to the public but works collectively to ensure that services are co-ordinated and planned and local people are supported to gain skills for learning, life and work.

Further information from Karen McGowan Tel: 0131 271 3708 karen.mcgowan@midlothian.gov.uk

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Emergency services

Scottish Ambulance Service Patient Transport

Scottish Ambulance Service Patient Transport Service is a core function that takes patients to and from their pre-arranged hospital appointments, or for their admission and discharge to hospital.

We usually pick up patients from their home and take them to and from their hospital appointment.

A hospital or clinic appointment does not mean that you qualify for ambulance transport. Patients are eligible for this service based upon medical need for transport or assistance.

Transport types

The service operates with a wide range of different vehicles appropriate to the different types of patient we serve.

Bookings/cancellations.

Scottish Ambulance service really need to know if you no longer need ambulance transport, or if your mobility improves, so that the right type of ambulance is sent to you.

Do I qualify?

A hospital or clinic appointment does not mean that you qualify for ambulance transport.

Ambulance transport is available for patients who:

Why do I need to qualify?

Patients who are allocated transport unnecessarily may be preventing a patient with a genuine medical reason from getting to hospital.

Can a relative come with me?

Unfortunately, space on ambulance transport is very limited. This means that you can’t take an escort with you unless you have a medical need that would require treatment during your ambulance journey. Two examples of this are children and sight impaired patients.

We really need to know if you no longer need ambulance transport. If you have transport booked you can cancel it by phoning 0800 389 1333. This is a free 24 hour answering service. Please leave your name, which clinic or ward and hospital, date and time of appointment.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

Home Fire Safety Visit, as part of our commitment to building a safer Scotland we offer everyone in Scotland a free home fire safety visit. We can also fit smoke alarms free of charge if your home requires them.

It’s so easy to arrange! You can get in touch via the following options:

Having a disability makes it difficult to check alarms about the house. You will need to have more than one planned escape route in the event of a fire.

Remember:

  Plan your escape route now. Practice with your family

  If a fire starts, shout to warn everyone in the house.

 Get out quickly. Don’t stop for valuables.

  Keep low down. Air is cleaner and cooler nearer the floor

  Don’t look for the fire – keep doors closed

  If you can’t escape, get everyone in a safe room

  Never jump out of a window – if you can, lower yourself onto cushions. But only ever attempt this as a last resort

  When you’re out, STAY OUT

  Phone the Fire and Rescue Service. Dial 999

Police Scotland

999 Emergency Number

In an emergency you should always dial 999 if:

Deaf, deafened, hard of hearing or speech-impaired callers using a Textphone (minicom) should dial 18000 in an emergency.

Alternatively, if you are deaf, hard of hearing and speech-impaired, you can register with emergency SMS text service. The emergency SMS service lets people in the UK send an SMS text message to the UK 999 service where it will be passed to the police, ambulance, fire rescue, or coastguard.

101 Non-Emergency Number

For non-emergencies and general enquiries, 101 is the number you call if you need to contact the police. Using 101 for situations that do not require an immediate police response helps keep 999 available for when there is an emergency.

Calls to 101 from landlines and mobiles cost 15 pence per call, no matter what time of day you call or how long your call lasts.

Calls to Police Scotland may be recorded for training and service improvement purposes.

UK calls outwith Scotland

UK callers residing outside of Scotland should call 01786 289 070 to contact Police Scotland

International Contact

International callers should call +44 1786 289 070 to contact Police Scotland

Email local community police on:

Dalkeith, Woodburn, Millerhill and Danderhall and surrounding area -
DalkeithCPT@Scotland.pnn.police.uk

Mayfield, Easthouses, Eskbank, Hardengreen, Pathhead, Cousland and Crichton areas :-
MidlothianEastCPT@Scotland.pnn.police.uk

Gorebridge, Newtongrange and Middleton area :-
MidlothianSouthCPT@Scotland.pnn.police.uk

Bonnyrigg, Lasswade and the surrounding area :-
BonnyriggCPT@Scotland.pnn.police.uk

Loanhead, Straiton, Damhead, Bilston, Roslin, Rosewell and surrounding areas :-
MidlothianWestCPT@Scotland.pnn.police.uk

Penicuik town and the surrounding communities :-
PenicuikCPT@Scotland.pnn.police.uk

Write to us:

PO Box 2460
Dalmarnock
Glasgow
G40 9BA
www.scotland.police.uk/

Deaf/Hard of Hearing callers

Deaf, deafened, hard of hearing or speech-impaired callers can contact us via TextRelay on 1 800 1 101.

Minicom Service

Deaf, deafened, hard of hearing or speech-impaired callers can contact us via TextRelay on 1 800 1 101.

Crimestoppers

You can phone Crimestoppers to pass on information about crime anonymously, call 0800 555 111.

Hate Crime & Third Party Reporting

Did you know that Hate Crime is any criminal offence committed against an individual or property that is motivated by a person’s hatred of someone because of his or her actual or perceived race, religion, transgender identity, sexual orientation or disability?

Hate Crime is wrong, it is against the law, and everyone has the right to live safely and without fear. No two individuals are ever the same - embrace individuality and help put an end to Hate crime by reporting it.

You can report a Hate Crime as follows:

Third party reporting

In some cases victims/witnesses of Hate Crime do not feel comfortable reporting the matter directly to the Police and may be more comfortable reporting it to someone they are familiar with.

To ensure all victims/witnesses are able to report Hate Crimes, Police Scotland works in partnership with a wide variety of partners who perform the role of 3rd Party Reporting Centres. Staff within 3rd Party Reporting Centres have been trained to assist a victim or witness in submitting a report to the police and can make such a report on the victim/witnesses behalf.

Examples of 3rd Party Reporting Centres participating in the scheme range from Housing Associations to Victim Support offices and Voluntary Groups.

Third Party Reporting Centres can be found online on the Police Scotland website or ask any police officer for details.

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Employment

Being disabled and getting into employment with unseen obstacles put many barriers in a disabled persons path, Forward Mid hope the following agencies can help you find a path through the maze.

Access to Industry

Access to Industry exists to move excluded people into education and on to employment across the South East of Scotland.

We do this through the creation and development of new education and training programme's, encouraging access to further and higher education opportunities. These are delivered through partnerships with key education and training providers throughout Scotland. We also work closely with employers to provide supported work experience placements.

A key component of our work is helping people develop essential core skills such as communications; information technology and problem solving. We also provide a wide range of specific education and training courses that meet a broad cross section of needs and aspirations.

Our courses are designed to provide a stepping stone on to further education or employment. This individual approach ensures much higher success rates for those involved.

Access to Industry
15 Blair Street
Edinburgh
EH1 1QR
0131 226 3006
0131 226 6277
Email: admin@accesstoindustry.co.uk
www.accesstoindustry.co.uk

Action on Hearing Loss

Action on Hearing Loss provide employment advice and training courses. Employment adviser’s support deaf and hard of hearing people looking for employment or progression within employment.
Email: informationline@hearingloss.org.uk
0808 808 0123
Textphone: 0808 808 9000
www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/

Deaf Action

Midlothian Council contracts Deaf Action to provide specialist services and support Provides a range of services to deaf, deafblind and hard of hearing people, their families and carers, mainly in Edinburgh and the Lothian's, Thursdays 10am – 12pm Deaf Action,
49 Albany Street,
Edinburgh EH1 3QY
0131 556 3128
TextPhone: 0131 557 0419
Email: marketing@deafaction.org

Into Work

IntoWork provides supported employment services for people with disabilities living in Edinburgh and the Lothian's who want to find paid work. Referrals can be made to enquiries@intowork.org.uk or by phone.

Registered Office: Intowork,
Norton Park,
57 Albion Road,
Edinburgh,
EH7 5QY
0131 475 2600
Email: enquiries@intowork.org.uk
www.intowork.org.uk

Job Centre Plus.

Many of the Employability Services for people with a Physical Disability or Sensory Impairment can be accessed through the Disability Employment Advisor at your local Job Centre Plus.

Employers may be able to get help from Access to Work towards some costs where an individual requires support or adaptations.

Employers can sign up to the Disability Confident scheme and you can use the Disability Confident symbol on adverts to show that you encourage applications from disabled people.

RNIB Scotland

Midlothian Council contracts RNIB support blind and partially sighted people to find work and assist employees with sight problems to continue in work. They also help employers to recruit people with sight loss.

RNIB Scotland:
Edinburgh and the Lothian’s,
12 Hillside Crescent,
Edinburgh
EH7 5DZ
0131 652 3140
Fax: 0131 652 3199
E-mail: rnibscotland@rnib.org.uk
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 8.30 am to 4.40 pm, Friday: 8.30 am to 3.50 pm

Skills Development Scotland

Government policy is a primary driver of what Skills Development Scotland (SDS) does. A series of skills and economic strategies interlink to shape SDS’s work, making sure that services and partnership activity are meeting the needs of customers and effectively contributing to economic growth ambitions for Scotland.

Skills Development Scotland supports people to help them achieve career success. With partners, SDS delivers face to face career information, advice and guidance in schools and SDS centres, as well as support through a contact centre and a dynamic web service My World of Work.

Skills Development Scotland is helping people build the skills to manage their career throughout their lifetime, including:

0800 917 8000
www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk

Lifelong Learning & Employability

Lifelong Learning & Employability works with people to develop skills for learning, life and work. Full details available on Education Page

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Forward Mid

Forward Mid is an active, vibrant and purposeful group of people whose aim is to improve the lives of physically disabled people in Midlothian - either at home, at work or in the wider community. We are THE forum for disabled people and disability related equality issues in Midlothian.

Forward Mid meet supportively and informally to discuss and recognise the local issues around health, social care, education, employment, transport, self-directed support and other areas of importance to disabled citizens and how these affect their lives.

Forward Mid aims to raise the awareness of the challenges and opportunities which exist for disabled people both locally and nationally:

Forward Mid – working hard to give disabled people more choices, more control, more dignity and more freedom

If you want to be part of what we do, please get in touch by contacting Eric 0131 663 9471 or Iain 01875 825 937

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Help with Housing Adaptations

Midlothian Council Community Care Service offers assessments to help people with disabilities to be as independent as possible in daily living tasks at home.

The outcome of the assessment may lead to a recommendation for a major adaptation. Assessments for these are normally provided by Community Care Occupational Therapists. The aim is to support people where, without a major adaptation to their property, the person would be unable to continue to live at home safely or independently.

A major adaptation could be:

The recommendation for any adaptation relates to the disabled person’s current and long-term needs and links to the anticipated course of their impairment. The needs of the carers will also be considered. Decisions about whether to support an adaptation will take into account the benefits to the disabled person’s independence and support to carers over the long term. Sometimes an adaptation to your home is not feasible and the only way to meet your long term needs would be to move to another property. The Occupational Therapist will assist you to explore all your options.

Funding

Funding for major adaptations depends on the ownership of the home. If the disabled person is an owner occupier, or tenant in private rented property, a Home Improvement Grant may be available towards the cost of an adaptation.

If the person lives in council or housing association property the adaptation will normally be funded by the landlord.

The minimum home improvement grant you will get is 80% of the total cost. If you are on certain benefits then a grant could be 100%.
Before an application for a home improvement grant is submitted, an Occupational Therapist from the Community Care Service must be consulted and agree the work, and written documentation obtained identifying the relevant work.

This process is further outlined in the Scheme of Assistance available from Environmental Health and available on the Midlothian Council website. This download has been removed please search www.midlothian.gov.uk/ for more information

Contact Midlothian Council:

If you would like an appointment to discuss your situation or about a relative or friend,
contact us on Tel: 0131 271 3900 during office hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00-5:00 Friday 9:00-3:30
Adults and Community Care (Adult Services)
Fairfield House,
8 Lothian Road,
Dalkeith,
EH22 3AA
Tel: 0131-271-3900
E-mail: swccenquiries@midlothian.gov.uk

You can get more information from:

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Housing Options Scotland

Housing Options Scotland was established in 1997 to provide a unique public access service to all disabled people throughout Scotland. Housing Options Scotland does not directly provide housing, what Housing Options Scotland does provide is detailed information and advice that will enable you to find the right home for you. Housing Options Scotland’s main aim is to ensure that disabled people have access to suitable housing in the tenure of their choice and recognising that gaining access to owner-occupation remains problematic.

Housing Options Scotland has three main areas of activity. Firstly, we directly assist disabled people by advising them on, and supporting them through, the complex design, financial and legal processes involved in buying or renting a property. Secondly, we provide information, advice and training on housing and disability issues to the public, private and voluntary sectors to improve the service disabled people get. Finally, we raise the awareness of the problems disabled people face in relation to their housing and highlight the solutions and opportunities that exist.

Housing Options Scotland has a dedicated team of volunteers. These volunteers enable Housing Options Scotland as an organisation to learn about the housing problems disabled people face by directly assisting them, and using the knowledge we gain to effect changes in policies and practice.

You can contact Housing Options Scotland:
Housing Options Scotland
The Melting Pot,
5 Rose Street,
Edinburgh, EH2 2PR.
0131 247 1400
Fax: 0870 123 1597
www.housingoptionsscotland.org.uk
Email:info@housingoptionsscotland.org.uk

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Inclusion Scotland

Inclusion Scotland (IS) is a consortium of disability organisations, individual disabled people and social partners who share our aims. We work towards eradicating the barriers

which prevent disabled people being fully included in society.

Inclusion Scotland (IS) was founded in 2001, as a direct response to calls from the grass roots of the disability movement for a new national organisation. It is run by disabled people themselves for, as we have the experience of disability, we are best placed to speak out on the issues that are important to us and affect our daily lives. Already over 60 disability groups from throughout Scotland have joined in partnership with us.

OUR AIMS:

Nothing About Us. Without Us.

Tel: 0141 221 7589
Email: info@inclusionscotland.org
we have a regularly updated website: www.inclusionscotland.org
You can also follow our work by ‘liking’ us on Facebook.
Charity No. SC 031619

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Independent Living in Scotland

‘Independent living means disabled people of all ages having the same freedom, choice, dignity and control as other citizens at home, at work, and in the community. It does not mean living by yourself or fending for yourself. It means rights to practical assistance and support to participate in society and live an ordinary life.’

It includes things like the right to live without having to plan everything in advance; to go to school; to work or study in an inclusive environment; to have an adequate income; to take part in leisure activities; to be accepted as a full and active member of the community; and to have access to services that actually work together, delivered at the right time in the right way. It’s about being free to make your own decisions (perhaps with some assistance if you want it) about what you want to do and when you want to do it.

What is the Independent Living Movement?

The disabled people’s Independent Living Movement has grown in Scotland because disabled people believe that they are best placed to make decisions about their lives – not anyone else. The Movement challenges the individual approach taken by many organisations to solving the barriers, such as physical barriers or other people‘ attitudes, which disabled people face in their daily living. Often the solution achieved by the individual approach only benefits the person concerned.

More and more disabled individuals and organisations led by disabled people are coming together to make their voices heard. They are working collectively to change the policies and practices that disable them. They look for different ways to influence or even work alongside policy-makers and service-providers to design “joined-up” services to enable more choice for all disabled people.

The Movement in Scotland is made up of a range of organisations, networks and individuals.

The Independent Living in Scotland (ILiS) Project

ILiS is funded by the Scottish Government, hosted in the Equality and Human Rights Commission and steered by an expert group of disabled people. It aims to strengthen the Independent Living Movement and support disabled people to have their voices heard at national and local level so that decision-makers work with them to deliver independent living.

For more information about ILiS,
visit www.ilis.co.uk
or write to
Freepost RSHG-GZXY-YYAL
Independent Living in Scotland
Equality & Human Rights Commission
58 Robertson Street,
Glasgow G2 8DU
Tel: 0141 228 5910

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Local Groups

A list of groups where physically disabled people will be made welcome. If we have omitted your group please contact Forward Mid to rectify this omission.

Ageing Well

Are a Midlothian Council run group for over 50s.

Ageing Well offer a range of activities such as walking (the walks have been devised specifically for older people and are suitable for the beginner), 50+ Keep fit, Ageing Well in Water, Beginners Yoga, Dance and Sing for the Health of It, Health Walks for the 50+, Pilates, Seated Exercise, Seated Pilates/ Yoga, Tai Chi/Chi gong, Walking Football, Walking Gardeners, Ballroom Dancing, Line Dancing, Table Tennis, Badminton and New Age Curling.

There is something for everyone These activities are held throughout Midlothian and cost approximately £1

For more information 0131 561 6506

Beeslack Family Disabled Club

Providing a fully supported environment where everyone can participate equally and actively in any activity of their choice. Beeslack Disabled Club was established 1990.

Over the years we have expanded somewhat and currently we offer a variety of activities such as cookery, arts & crafts, woodwork, swimming, computers, music, TV, pool and coffee bar. We cater for all types of special needs, it doesn’t matter the degree of ability. Everyone is treated equal and we provide a fully supported environment where everyone can actively participate in the family members and friends to come and join you.

Beeslack Community High School,
Edinburgh Road,
Penicuik
EH26 0QF
01968 673893

The Breathe Easy Group

For people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

A fully supported network by the British Lung Foundation. They support people with chest problems and instruct on methods to help ease the pain of breathing and breathlessness.

Contact George Worrell for more information Tel: 01875-823-323

Meet first Tuesday of every month at
MVA
4-6 White Hart Street,
Dalkeith
EH22 1AE

B r e a t h e E a s y

British Lung Foundation Supported Network

Café Connect

Café Connect, Dalkeith’s vibrant community café run by Forward Mid (with generous support of Midlothian’s LAC Group) gives people with disabilities a chance to meet up to talk and listen. We all have different things to bring and our own stories.

Café Connect is a great place to find out useful information about a whole range of relevant supports and services eg

Welfare Reform, Access Issues, Self- Directed Support, or just turn up for a coffee, tea and cake on the house!

It’s a friendly gathering where everyone is welcome. A place where you can listen in, or share your story!

Where: Café Connect
Dalkeith Welfare hall,
27 St Andrew Street, (East side of Dalkeith Medical Practice)
Dalkeith
EH22 1AR

When: Last Tuesday of every month from 2 pm to 4 pm:
For more information 0131 663 9471

Café Connect Price list

Tea / Coffee Free, Biscuits Assorted Free, Information Invaluable

Easy Does It

Does a bit of relaxation, hand and arm massage, gentle Tai Chi and music that inspires sound good to you? It did to some people who were looking for just that type of thing and helped develop Easy Does It!

The Easy Does It! Group is an inclusive group that aims to help show how exercise and relaxation can improve physical and mental well being and gives people an opportunity to meet new faces. Some places might be available, so anyone who wants to find out more can contact Catherine at Local Area Co-ordination office Tel: 0131 454 1785.

Forth & Tay Ramblers

Forth & Tay Disabled Ramblers is a user-led charity, established in August 2001. Our membership is mainly based in the area bounded by the rivers Forth and Tay.

Forth & Tay Disabled Ramblers annual programme includes day rambles to country parks, forests, canal tow paths, seaside promenades, national heritage sites and gardens.

Forth & Tay Disabled Ramblers aims to promote health and wellbeing through recreational and social activities by enabling people with disabilities to access the outdoors in a barrier-free environment. Many new friendships have emerged since the group began and these extend beyond the ramble programme

There are opportunities for personal enrichment and the development of new skills for carers, members and for those wanting to be part of the management committee.

To join Forth & Tay Disabled Ramblers and take part in our rambles you can print out a membership form and post it to us along with the appropriate fee and we will reply as soon as possible.

Forth & Tay Disabled Ramblers,
Heather
16 Woodlands Road,
Lundin Links,
Fife
KY8 6HG
01333 320 864.
ftdr.com

Gorebridge Community Café

A welcoming place where people can again build the idea of real community spirit in “Gorebridge”. The café is staffed by local volunteers from Gorebridge, mostly from Mary’s Over 50’s forum, and welcomes all local residents. “We aim to be fully inclusive”, said Mary, “welcoming young people, older people, mums and children, disabled people and those who may feel isolated at home. We even hope to get some residents along from the nearby Newbyres local care home....What a difference it makes for an older person, who doesn’t have much going on in their week, for a bit of connection, a blether and sense of belonging over a cup of tea”. There is a small charge to cover costs.

The Café is open Fridays 10am till 12 noon. All welcome.
Gorebridge Parish Church Hall,
100 Hunterfield Road
Gorebridge
Midlothian
EH23 4TT
Mary Webb
01875 820 094

Lothian's Veterans’ Centre

Lothian's Veterans’ Centre was officially opened on November 15th 2014 by Col. Martin Gibson, Chief Executive of Veterans’ Scotland.

Our Origins

The charity was originally founded in July 2009 as The Mark Wright Project and was first located at Hardengreen Industrial Estate, Midlothian. The charity was designed to meet the need for a veterans drop-in centre with no appointment necessary allowing complex needs to be catered for in an environment which is familiar and friendly.

The LVC aims first and foremost, to create a welcoming & friendly environment, providing person-centred support for ex-service personnel and their families across Edinburgh and the Lothian's.

The continuous reassessments of our service delivery, highlighted a desire for a location more accessible to the veterans’ community, subsequently moving to the centre of Dalkeith in March 2013. This move has clearly proved popular as the numbers of Veterans’ just “dropping in” for a chat has increased significantly.

Our Partnership Working has increased ten-folds as a result of relocating. Key agencies including; Dalkeith Job Centre, Midlothian Council, Dalkeith Citizens Advice Bureau all recognise the importance of the LVC to ex-service personnel and can easily signpost without any lengthy referral processes and all within a stones throwing distance of our centre.

Lothian's Veterans’ Centre
11 Eskdaill court
Dalkeith,
EH22 3NX
www.lothiansveteranscentre.org.uk/
Tel: 0131-660-5537
Email: contact@lothiansveteranscentre.org.uk

Midlothian Peoples Equality Group (MPEG)

MPEG is a registered charity. We are a friendly group of local people who have experience of, and aim to learn about and challenge, different forms of discrimination related to age, disability, gender, sexuality, ethnicity and socio-economic background.

MPEG is directed by a steering group of local people representing diverse local interests including kinship carers, disabled people, young people, older people, people from ethnic minorities and people from Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender communities.

Together We Aim To:

Meetings:

We meet on the first Thursday of the month in Fairfield House in Dalkeith, 4.30 – 6.00 pm
www.midequalitygroup.co.uk/
0131 270 5695 for further details

Thornton Rose Ride - Ability Group

Thornton Rose provides riding opportunities for people of all ages and disabilities to enjoy a safe, stimulating, therapeutic and recreational sport. The group was formed in 1984 under a previous name and established as Thornton Rose in 2004 when we relocated to Thornton Farm, Rosewell.

Thornton Rose Ride Ability Group
Thornton Farm,
Rosewell,
Midlothian EH24 9EF
Chairman: Jeff Allan
Email: Jeff@thornton-rose-rda.org.uk
www.thornton-rose-rda.org.uk

Walkie Talkies

This group was formed to encourage people with disabilities, those who lived in isolation, those with mental health problems, and those who were bereaved to meet up once a week to go for a short walk and to chat to one another.

Many of our walks are wheelchair accessible which gives us all the chance to get together and have some fun. We walked along the shore at Crammond a some time ago. It was a lovely sunny day but there was a biting wind but didn’t stop us biting into our sandwiches and enjoying ourselves.

The group has made a tremendous difference in lots of peoples lives by helping them to regain their confidence and do things the never thought in their wildest imagination that they would be able to do. Some have even been able to return to work.

One thing is for certain we have found lots of lovely places to walk in and of course some of the best placed to enjoy tea and coffee.

If you would like to come along and join us on some of the walks contact Local Area Co-ordination and they will put you in touch with the group. Tel: 0131-454-1785

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Lothian Centre for Inclusive Living

The Lothian Centre for Inclusive Living (LCiL) is a user-led, disabled people‘s organisation that provides a range of services to enable disabled people in Edinburgh and the Lothian’s to live independently in the community of their choice. Lothian Centre for Inclusive Living (LCiL) works with disabled people to take control of their own lives support their choice to take up their rights and enable their full participation in society. Our services include:

Lothian Centre for Inclusive Living (LCiL’s) Services include:

To find out more, contact us at:
Lothian Centre for Inclusive Living
Norton Park,
57Albion Road,
Edinburgh,
EH7 5QY,
0131-475-2350 (10am-4pm)
Fax: 0131 475 2392
E-mail: LCiL@lothiancil.org.uk
www.lothiancil.org.uk

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Merrit

Rapid Response is now called MERRIT (Midlothian Emergency Rapid Response Intervention Team)

Who are the MERRIT Midlothian Emergency Rapid Response Intervention Team Team?

The MERRIT Midlothian Emergency Rapid Response Intervention Team team are a team of health and social service professionals working in partnership with Voice of Carers Across Lothian (VOCAL) Midlothian

What is the role of the MERRIT Midlothian Emergency Rapid Response Intervention Team Team?

Our role is to work together with people who may be experiencing a crisis situation, and their carers.

What is the aim of the MERRIT Midlothian Emergency Rapid Response Intervention Team Team?

Our aim is to:

This support will be provided for up to six weeks.

We provide support using joint working. Our team includes district nurses, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, social workers, home care workers and support workers.

The service is open to people who are over the age of 16 who are finding it difficult to stay at home or return home from hospital.

If you have been referred to the service, this could be because of one or more of the following reasons:

If you are a carer you can access the service for any of the above reasons.

What support can we offer?

All support will be available for up to six weeks.

Adults and Community Care
Fairfield House,
8 Lothian Road,
Dalkeith, EH22 3AA
Email: swccenquiries@midlothian.gov.uk
0131 271 3900

The emergency Midlothian Council contact centre services can be contacted outwith office hours Tel: 0800 731 6969

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