Introduction
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As many disabled people struggle with the demands of their disabilities, the first thing to get lost is often a sense of self, wellbeing and place in their community. Many disabled people feel that they have to give up work, a vital community for many and this can add to real feelings of isolation. They may stop meeting friends and neighbours, attending groups or local activities. Equally, they may never have had many existing community connections, either by choice or circumstance. For these individuals, particular support may be needed to enable this happen at their pace. Disabled people can feel embarrassed about joining/ re-joining groups or asking for their help at a time when they may feel they have a smaller amount to offer back. However, encouraging disabled people to take part in local activities which reflect past or new interests and hobbies is likely to have a long-term benefit for the individual and the community itself. Sometimes, disabled people can be lacking in confidence and therefore may need support and encouragement to engage with or reconnect with resources. This could be as simple as accompanying to a group or activity for the first time. Taking a regular break from health appointments or treatment can make the difference between being able to continue having treatment and having to give up.
Care giver can be defined as someone of any age who provides unpaid or paid support to family, friends or clients who could not manage without this help. This could be caring for a friend, family or client member who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction cannot cope without their support. Carers and people with disabilities need communities and communities need them. This quest aims to give you, an overview of ways in which your practice can strengthen these ties and why this can lead to better outcomes for all.
Task
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You are the new Community Development Worker employed by the Local Housing Group. Your role is to work with all members of the community and residents group to support better integration and engagement. You have noticed there is limited engagement from community members with disabilities.
Your task is to put a engagement programme together to work with those residents with disabilities and also include their caregivers.
Process
When you are putting the programme together to support residents/community members with disabilities follow the 8 tips below:
1. Start by looking at what the disabled person and their informal network are already doing for themselves or have the potential to do with a little help.
2. Suggest services or interventions which build upon the informal network of support from friends and the local community.
3. Recognise that disabled residents who are well informed and connected to support in their local community are better able and willing to continue living independent for longer.
4. Empower the disabled resident to remain in or regain control of their own life.
5. Realise the potential for the disabled resident to design their own solutions. Support them to set goals for themselves which will reconnect them.
6. Celebrate and support family, local networks and informal support.
7. Enable the whole family to remain as independent for as long as possible by planning and directing their own support.
8. Respect the disabled resident’s wishes to do things with or without the person they care for
Conclusion
We all exist in communities and neighbourhoods: the smaller groups that make up the larger society, in which we live, work and grow. You may think of these communities as friends and families, neighbours, or as groups of people engaging in activities related to work, social, religious, sport, arts, civic or occupational interests. Communities are important to us: they give our lives cohesion, identity, and a sense of belonging and mutual help when needed. When we encounter difficulties or change in our lives, our community can be a ‘safety net’ to us, providing us with the necessary practical and emotional support to carry on. This is the same for those who are in a caring role or are being cared for.
Remember; all residents need communities and communities need everyone to engage. It’s your role as someone supporting all residents to help, celebrate and reinforce this connection, to ensure better outcomes and higher quality of living for everyone.
Evaluation
- This will help participants to highlight the importance of local integration in a inclusive housing project.
- Participant will learn how to understand the local culture and local dynamic and will understand the positive impact of local integration on disabled people
- Participant will acquire skills of promotion of local activities, implementing local dynamic and promote equal access to local facilities
- Participant will be able to reflect on respect of diversity, awareness of neighbourhood about inclusive housing and networking.