Category Archives: disability

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April 15, 2013   Carers, disability

‘A big day for welfare reform,’ David Cameron hails new benefits cap

DAVID Cameron has said it is “amazing” that Labour opposes a new policy cap on the amount of benefits people can receive, as a trial began in parts of the capital today.

By: Charlotte Meredith

  David Cameron said it was a ‘big day for benefits reform’ as the cap was imposed
The cap, being introduced in the four London boroughs of Croydon, Bromley, Haringey and Enfield, will see couples and single parents receive no more than £500 a week in benefits.The limit for single people is £350, though there are some exemptions.
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Much needed respite available for carers in Deeside

April 14, 2013   Carers, disability

Carers to get a break as new service launched

 

A Deeside-based service that supports unpaid carers who look after a family member, friend or neighbour who is ill, frail or disabled has re-launched, with two new carer support workers who will pioneer new activities to benefit Deeside’s hardworking unpaid carers and help to distribute new funding for much-needed short breaks and respite.

 

Tracey Bell, carer support and development worker, said: “Three in five people will be carers at some point in their lives. There are a lot of services to support the people being cared for. But the carer’s own wellbeing is of paramount importance too.”

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Why aren’t there more bus drivers like Les?

April 13, 2013   Carers, disability

Les is a ‘hero of the road’! Salute to rule-breaking bus driver who goes extra mile for disabled passengers

From left: Ian Dalby, Jennette Arnold, Les Peacock, and in front, Angela Dobson

From left: Ian Dalby, Jennette Arnold, Les Peacock and, in front, Angela Dobson

Published: 12 April, 2013
by PETER GRUNER

A “KINDLY” bus driver who admits to breaking the rules to help a severely disabled woman from Holloway get aboard his vehicle has been presented by her with a distinguished service commendation.

Les Peacock, 59, not only stops his No 17 bus when he sees people in wheelchairs, but against the company rules, he switches his engine off and personally helps them to navigate the vehicle’s automatic ramp.

This “simple act of kindness” so impressed disabled woman Angela Dobson, 62, who has cerebral palsy, that she decided to track Les down to the Metroline bus garage at Pemberton Gardens, Holloway, where he is based.

On Monday afternoon, Les was the proud recipient of a “hero of the road” certificate of commendation from Ms Dobson, with the support of London Assembly Labour member Jennette Arnold, on behalf of Islington’s disabled people.

Father-of-two Les, from Waltham Abbey, a double-decker bus driver for almost 40 years, has for most of that time operated route 17 from Archway, Caledonian Road, and King’s Cross-and London Bridge.

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