Tasked with setting up the Test Valley Disability Forum, Maurice (Mo) Sweeney is the Empowering Communities, Disabilities, Youth and Communities Development Worker for Test Valley Community Services.
A disabled worker himself, Mo believes the Forum will engage disabled people in Test Valley to help raise awareness of issues around disability, but the Forum will ultimately develop into whatever its members want.
Mo is also planning two Disability Awareness Raising events in the Spring and Summer next year (one in Andover and the other in Romsey), engaging members of the Forum; statutory organisations; local voluntary and community groups, to identify and talk about disability issues, including a focus on hidden disabilities.
It will also aim to provide advice and support to disabled people in their local communities, including helping with finding volunteer opportunities as a stepping stone to employment.
Any disabled person (or their carer) can join the Test Valley Disabilities Forum and help to further its aims. The Forum will enable members to find out more about what the group can do, how it can do it, and how to get involved.
The Forum needs to hear your views about what affects your life in this Borough, including key issues such as Health and Support; Environment, Transport and Housing; Education and Employment; Participation; Inclusive Communication; Benefits and Raising Awareness.
For more information on how you can join the Forum, contact Mo on 01264 362600 or visit www.facebook.com/groups/780559145399883/ and ask to be added to the mailing list.
What do you think disabilities are , unfortunately there’s a lot of people using the system to get money I have to look after someone that has something that is real unusual and difficult and there is no help so excuse me if I get annoyed by people that don’t really are playing the system and I have to deal with a problem that most don’t understand, having met many that use the system and people like you be sure of who your helping and not being sanctimonious pretending knowing what your doing