An event promoting disability awareness in the upper Wear Valley was a great success says Phil Donegan.

ONE of the key aspects of promoting access issues is to see what good practice is already going on in the communities around us. The job, then, is to gather all this information and, most importantly of all, find the most effective way of letting people know about it. It is great to see that there is plenty of this happening in our area. So, when invited to take a look, we are only too happy to do so and to pass the information on to our readers.

Hence my visit to Stanhope several weeks ago. Despite predictions that an event promoting disability awareness would never work in the upper Wear Valley, there were several brave souls who were determined to prove that it could.

Realising that there is a terrific strength of community up in Weardale, the indomitable Anne Cowie and her team at Wear Valley Disability Access Forum (WVDAF) - the organisers of the event - pressed ahead. Having identified that success is all about networking; meeting folk locally and building on the strengths they offer each other, the organisers felt that, like the trees on this early spring day, it was time to branch out. This resulted in a very successful day and an exhibition that far exceeded expectations with a turn-out that vindicated the decision to hold such an event in the first place.

Held in the Church Hall just across from Stanhope market place, the exhibition included representatives of a wide variety of organisations dedicated to helping us all gain access to services, information and recreational facilities. Naturally, many of the groups represented were Durham County-based, but all served as a pointer to what folk generally should expect, regardless of where they lived.

One such group was the excellent Directions. Directions is the part of Durham County's Information Service which exists to help people find the advice, services or products that will help them enjoy a better life. Sally White, the group's Information Officer told me how their work is involved with the voluntary sector, professionals and individuals. They not only help people with disabilities but also acknowledge that their carers and families are often desperate for support, so help is given here too.

Latterly, they have been working with the Children's Network Project Worker to research information on a range of organisations in the county that offer suitable leisure facilities for children with disabilities. All this information has been brought together in the Children's Network Directory which was launched at the end of May.

Alongside Sally was Chris Assenti, of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA), who took time out to explain to me just how essential the work of helping serving and ex-Service men, women and their families in need. This can extend to welfare needs, financial support, housing, social work and health care. Chris was anxious for me to let people know that all their information is available on a variety of formats, including standard and large print, braille and cassette.

Durham County Council's Public Transport Group had a display which included their excellent Access Directories. There are three of these covering bus and rail services, taxis and, thirdly, community services such as Dial-a-Ride. Mines of information each, with useful links to other organisations which would be able to help with the planning of a trouble-free day out.

If you live in Durham, this is something that should always be in your day-sack next to the flask of coffee. Anything that takes anxiety out of travel is to be welcomed and these guides are very readable and, as with the SSAFA material, available in other formats too. I hope to put these to the test at a later date this year.

Before leaving, I had to treat myself to a massage from Kim of Holistix. Nothing could be nicer than the treat of a massage every now and then. This could be part of regular therapy or simply a treat to revive that weary body. Soon my back felt as good as my spirits - strong, restored and ready to face whatever the rest of the day would throw at me. The greatest compliment I could pay is that there wasn't enough time to get round all the displays. There were many other representatives there all offering a variety of aid and support. More information is available on the website and the Notice Board. For more information about the exhibitors, contact WVDAF - address below.

FACT FILE:

Children's Network Project Worker. Tel: 0191-383 4095

Wear Valley Disability Access Forum Ltd. Tel: (01388) 763994, website: www.communigate.co.uk/ne/wvdaf

Directions. Tel: 0191-374 0511. Email: directionsdurham.gov.uk. Website: www.directionsofdurham.co.uk Public Transport Group, Durham County Council. Tel: 0191-383 3337 Holistix and Mellow Moods. Tel: Kim on (01388) 747 357

OTHER USEFUL CONTACTS

Easibathe - a portable and versatile ramping system. Tel: 0191-460 2777

Oates Garage - talk to Jacqueline Boughey for Motability inquiries. Tel: (01388) 746666