‘Equal Lives ‘new name for Norfolk Disability group
“This government has torn up the rule book and targeted disabled people” says chief executive of relaunched Norfolk disabled rights group
By DAVID FREEZER Wednesday, April 3, 2013
6:30 AM
Rights for disabled people were the main topic of conversation at the Forum in Norwich as the Norfolk Coalition of Disabled People was relaunched with a new name, Equal Lives.
The group’s new identity and services were unveiled yesterday with a presentation of upcoming plans and priorities in The Curve digital theatre, which was attended by around 250 people.
There was also a series of stalls with information, advice and activities from Equal Lives and its member groups.
Chief executive, Mark Harrison, said: “Over the last 25 years consecutive governments of whatever colour talked to people and acted on what was said, or at least tried to.
“The Disability Discrimination Act was brought in under the last Conservative government but this government has torn up the rule book and targeted disabled people in a completely unfair way for some of the sharpest cuts.
“So the demand for our information and welfare rights services are going up as our funding is reducing.”
The organisation has been supporting disabled people in Norfolk since being formed in 1996.
Government cuts and reforms – including the controversial introduction of the so-called bedroom tax and concerns about Employment and Support Allowance work capability assessments – have triggered an escalating number of calls to the organisation.
Vice-chairman Kathy Saunders said: “This was the launch of the new name but also a chance to explain to people that in the future we will have a slightly different way of bringing services together.
“We are currently mainly based in Norwich but we plan to have more bases around the county, up to about five.”
There will be four local launches this month, each between 1pm and 6pm, with a presentation at 3.30pm.
In King’s Lynn this will be at West Norfolk Deaf Association on Tuesday, April 9 before the Priory in Great Yarmouth on Monday, April 15.
Cromer Parish Hall will host a launch on Tuesday, April 23, as will the Gallery at the Memorial Hall in Dereham on Monday, April 29.
For more information, go to www.equallives.org.uk or call 01508 491210.
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oup_1_2000080r more information, go to www.equallives.org.uk or call 01508 491210.
