Addenbrooke’s Hospital Directory of Services
Many children and adults have plenty to say, but are unable to control their mouth muscles to speak clearly. They can use aids such as pictures, written words and technology to help them communicate. This is known as AAC (augmentative and alternative communication). 1Voice takes a family and social perspective on communication and recognises the great need for adult role models to inspire children and families alike. 1Voice promotes families supporting each other to overcome the isolation that being unable to speak can bring. 1Voice is a company and charity organisation who can provide free support with AAC.
T: 07943 618 525
W: 1voice.info
3H run a programme offering grants to assist disabled people and their families on low incomes to organise a UK holiday for themselves. The grants are given for the accommodation part of the holiday and are paid directly to the chosen venue. The charity liaise with social workers and caring organisations to assist applicants and to identify those needing assistance. Carers can also be awarded a grant for a holiday away from their caring role.
T: 01892 860207
W: 3hfund.org.uk
E: info@3hfund.org.uk
AbilityNet helps people of any age and with any disability to use technology to achieve their goals at home, at work and in education.
They provide a range of services that includes personalised workplace and education assessments, digital accessibility testing, computer support in people’s homes and a wide range of free resources that can be accessed through its website.
Access Adventures is a registered charity that provides residential adaptive sports camps for people with physical disabilities. Their goal is to make outdoor activities accessible and affordable for all. Through these camps they enable people with disabilities to challenge themselves and push boundaries, improving confidence and self-belief. Access Adventures camps include the following adaptive activities: waterskiing and wakeboarding, kayaking, kitesurfing, kite buggying, skiing, handcycling and downhill mountain biking.
Apetito is the UK’s leading food producer for the health & social care sector. They produce delicious, nutritious and highly sustainable food that enables people to eat for health whatever their circumstances. This helps take the strain off cooking for yourself or a loved one with the choice of over 200 meals delivered straight to your door. Meals can be delivered daily by a meal on wheels delivery service, or a regular delivery of meals for your freezer through Wiltshire Farm Foods.
T: 01225 562849
W: apetito.co.uk
E: info@apetito.co.uk
Horse riding can have a variety of positive impacts for the disabled, from increasing balance and coordination, increased joint mobility and muscle tone and overall body awareness. It also offers the chance to learn to ride, with the opportunity to meet new friends, build self esteem and confidence, and all this while having FUN.
BRCC provides a range of services around Bedfordshire including the project Walking 4 Health. BRCC coordinates around 40 individual walking programmes per year that are free and available to all. The 60-90 minute walks are led by trained volunteer health walk leaders, and are perfect for those wanting to get back into exercise following health problems and bereavement.
BSEVC provides community transport and day trips, the community transport is available around Ipswich and mid Suffolk for those who have mobility issues, or for those who cannot access local buses. The service is suitable for wheelchair uses and all at an affordable price. They also have an advice service on general transport within the area, providing information on local and connecting buses and trains. The day trips are provided from Stowmarket train station, taking the community to the seaside, shopping centres, museums and cathedrals. This is available to all. Over 60’s can access this service at a small cost of £5. The BSEVC website also provides a directory of services for local areas that provide information on health and wellbeing services.
Cambridge Dial-a-Ride is a non-profit organisation which provides local transport services that are safe, affordable and accessible to community groups and to individuals who have difficulty in accessing public transport. Dial-a-Ride is a membership organisation and requires a yearly membership fee of approx £10.00. Dial-a-Ride can provide access to appointments, day centres, community groups, family visits and frequent group travel to the large supermarkets around Cambridge.
Camms Meals on Wheels takes pride in providing meals that are good quality and nutritious, at an affordable price. The service is available to the elderly, infirm and those who are temporarily unable to prepare meals for themselves. Meals are delivered by the same friendly and experienced driver, leaving the family in peace of mind knowing they will receive a regular visit from a friendly face, as well as a nutritious hot meal.
Camms Meals on Wheels will deliver to Cambridge and some surrounding villages.
They also arrange drop in sessions where carers can meet and socialise with others in a warm and friendly environment. During these sessions, carers will have access to stress relieving treatments, support from experienced staff, signposting services, arts and crafts, transport and child care.
Every day 6,000 people become carers. Many don’t know how or where to get help with what can be tough, frightening, financially difficult and very lonely.
Caring for someone you love can be extremely complicated – the maze of rights and entitlements, filling in paperwork, getting a break, managing your feelings about caring for someone can all be complicated.
Carers UK is on hand to make sure that no matter how complicated your query or your experience, you don’t have to care alone. Carers UK is here to listen, to give you expert information and advice that’s tailored to your situation, to champion your rights and support you in finding new ways to manage at home, at work, or wherever you are.
T: 0808 808 7777
W: carersuk.org
Volunteers will take pets into their own homes and supply love and care in abundance, until the owner and pet can be reunited.
Crisis is the UK national charity for single homeless people. The charity offers year-round education, employment, housing and well-being services from centres in London, Newcastle, Oxford, Edinburgh and Merseyside, called Crisis Skylight Centres. Crisis works side by side with people to help them rebuild their lives. From decades of experience of working with thousands of homeless people, they know what’s needed to leave homelessness behind for good. They use this experience to shape the services they provide and the changes they campaign for.
The Daylight Club is a membership organisation offering a day centre for adults with disabilities and additional needs. The objective of the Daylight Club is for members to interact with others on a social level, to help members return to work, enter into further education or to engage in meaningful occupation.
Members have the opportunity to take part in a range of activities including interactive workshops, guest speakers, community events and day trips. The club offers a door to door transport service for these activities. There is a small daily charge for the club which includes unlimited tea, coffee and biscuits. Activities available include arts and crafts, drama, dance, healthy living and IT training, with regular trips to local shops, parks, pubs and larger trips to London.
DEMAND helps those with disabilities improve their quality of life, by creating specialist equipment to suit the individual’s needs, enabling access to more life enriching opportunities. The service is available to all ages and all disabilities regardless of their financial circumstances. DEMAND can help support physical development and plays an important part in physical therapy, with the support of a medical professional.They can help young people engage with education and help develop skills for more independent living.
Requests can be from a parent, carer, healthcare professional or directly from someone with a challenge they would like to overcome.
T: 01923 681800
E: Online Form
W: demand.org.uk
East Anglian DriveAbility has been created to help keep individuals with disabilities mobile and independent. They offer specialist advice on driving with disabilities, including amputees and those who have suffered from a brain injury.
DriveAbility offers services such as specialist driving tuition, motorcycle assessments, and a hire service for aids and adaptations.
They provide support when choosing a car, powered scooters or wheelchair. They also provide guidance on charities that may offer financial help, and provide information on local and national adaptation suppliers and fitters.
The Florence Nightingale Aid in Sickness Trust provides life enhancing grants to help people of all ages in need who are ill, convalescent or disabled.
These grants are used to provide medical and household aids to alleviate sickness and make a huge difference to people’s ability to manage at home and live as independently as possible. They do not fund holidays but will provide grants to fund care that enables carers to take a well earned break.
Do you live in Uttlesford? Uttlesford Frontline is a website that lists over 180 local health and wellbeing services which deliver in Uttlesford, face to face. Find details quickly and easily for disability, older people, mental health, family, addiction, wellbeing, transport and advisory services.
You can also download the ‘Frontline Public’ app, giving you access to benefit and housing advice services, carer support, patient support groups and many other services.
The Hamelin Trust is an Essex-based charity, offering a diverse range of person-centered support to disabled individuals of all ages. The Trust runs The Exchange Service, which provides daytime and evening activities including leisure/recreation, practical tasks, education, personal skills and development, health and beauty. The Exchange location is wheelchair accessible and they have a variety of rooms and spaces to suit all needs, including a sensory room, computer and teaching rooms, two main large areas suitable for physiotherapy and mobility exercise and rehabilitation. They also have quiet areas where users can learn a musical instrument or work on communication development. The Hamelin Trust also provides a hydrotherapy pool which is fully wheelchair accessible with a ceiling hoist, allowing hoisting from changing rooms directly into the hydro pool.
For over 450 years, The Harpur Trust has been inspiring and supporting the people of Bedford to help improve their lives. This includes providing grants to projects and groups, to providing grants to individuals to help them access education, leading to a return to work or career change. Applicants must be on a low income, returning to work or planning a career change, have left formal education at least five years ago and permanent residents of Bedford Borough.
The Harpur Trust also provides a range of accommodation for elderly people, providing a safe and friendly environment, ensuring a 24 hour support service and regular social activities.
HHUGS is a charity dedicated to assisting Muslim households that have been affected by counter-terrorism, national security and extremism-related laws, policies and procedures, in the UK and abroad.
They can provide practical help with finances, housing, rehabilitation and emotional support for victims and their families. Their services are free, confidential and tailored specifically to the needs of each family.
T: 0207 733 2104
W: hhugs.org.uk
E: info@hhugs.org.uk
Intensive Care Units (ICUs) are where the most serious and critically injured people are cared for.
ICUsteps supports patients and relatives affected by critical illness, promotes recognition of the physical and psychological consequences of critical illness through education of the medical profession and the general public, and encourages research into treatment and the prevention of these issues. Founded in 2005 by ex-patients, their relatives and ICU staff, it has helped many former patients, their relatives and medical staff from organisations around the world.
T: 0300 30 20 121
W: icusteps.org
Independence at Home was founded in 1965 and has been improving independence, comfort, safety, dignity and quality of life for people with long term illness and disabilities by providing grants for those in financial need.
A grant could be put towards a variety of areas including mobility around the home and community, recliner chairs, wetrooms or even a car hoist.
The King’s Arms Project provides outreach and accommodation services to help those in poverty. The outreach service supports the homeless who are long term rough sleeping, who are not engaging with, or who have been socially excluded from available services. The housing model is specifically designed to help individuals who are seeking work. Charges are kept low so that a client gaining employment will still be able to afford their accomodation.
The project hopes to create a greater sense of community and independence, showing residents trust and offering the chance to take responsibility and move forward with their lives. Every resident will receive weekly key work sessions to help them work on their support needs and gain independence.
These projects also support refugees, helping them access essential services including help with learning English and finding work. This helps rebuild their lives so they can live in a safe environment and integrate into the community.
Lifegeta is a support network for all individuals with life changing acquired conditions and diagnosis. The service is available for the individuals, carers, family and friends. Lifegeta looks at the emotional effects of finding yourself in a body that doesn’t do what it used to do, focusing on talking, discussions, self development groups and workshops to make a difference in getting back on track. Lifegeta provides monthly meetings in Hitchin, and events throughout the year.
The Lions Club is a charity that raises money for many organisations such as Macmillan Nurses, Marie Curie and Injured Soldiers Fund. As part of the project they also provide a appliance loan scheme. The appliance loan scheme loans out various mobility aids for a two month period. There is no charge for the loan scheme however donations are welcome. Items available on loan include wheelchairs, commodes, rollalong and stollers, swedish trollies, shower and bath tools and crutches.
Mark Davies was an event horse rider who died as a result of an accident. His parents established the fund in his memory to help those injured in a horse related accident where no other help is readily available, helping improve and maintain their quality of life. In practical terms, the fund has provided wheelchairs, special beds, house adaptations, stair lifts, travel expenses for family visits and financial assistance to help individuals over their immediate problems. The fund also campaigns on safety and raises awareness of issues affecting equestrians.
The Matthew Project has been helping people live fuller lives, free from drug and alcohol misuse for more than 30 years. The charity has a Christian ethos.
If you need assistance with your mobility in or out of your home, it can often be helpful to have specific pieces of equipment to help you. The NHS may be able to provide you with everything you need, but you may want additional equipment or need it sooner than the NHS can provide it. Mobility Hire offer long term and short term equipment rental, including mobility scooters, wheelchairs, commodes, hoists, riser chairs and adjustable beds. They can deliver to your home within 1 day. You will have to pay for any equipment you hire from Mobility Hire.
The Mobility Trust is a charity that provides powered wheelchairs and scooters to severely disabled adults and children who cannot obtain them through any of the statutory sources or purchase such equipment themselves, allowing individuals to live their lives to their full potential. As well as providing funding, the charity will also arrange and fund for an assessment to be completed by a Senior Occupational Therapist to ensure that the equipment is correct for the individuals clinical need.
Motability is a national charity providing the Motobility Scheme and providing grants to disabled people who would not otherwise be able to afford the vehicle or adaptations they need. The Motability scheme enables disabled people to use their government-funded mobility allowances to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair. This gives the individual the freedom and independance to carry on with their daily activites such as work or college, meeting up with friends, day trip out and medical appointments.
The NABD was set up in April 1991 by six bikers from Stockport and Manchester who would not accept the idea that disabled people could not ride motorcycles, scooters, sidecar outfits, trikes or quad-cycles. The membership of the NABD has now grown to a staggering 9,000+ individual members and the NABD has directly helped over 11,000 disabled people to enjoy the freedom and independence of motorcycling.
As well as advice and support for disabled riders, the NABD operates a system of financial grants to help with the cost of special adaptation work to motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/sidecar combinations and trikes, necessary to suit the needs of disabled riders. Grants range from £250.00 to £2,000.00, dependent on the type of machine and the particular requirements of the rider.
The Nancy Oldfield Trust provides accessible boating on the Norfolk Broads offering excitement, freedom and adventure. Activities include, motorboats, sailing yachts, rafted canoes, fishing and bird watching. Trying new activities helps improve self confidence and increase environmental awareness.
Also, on site is a fully accessible bungalow that sleeps up to 10 people. This is available for groups who wish to travel and stay for a week or a few days, taking advantage of all the activities.
The Norfolk Millennium Trust aims to offer unpaid carers a better quality of life, by providing grants for practical items like wheelchairs, laptops, household equipment, home improvements, hobbies and short breaks. Applications must be supported by a professional referee who knows about your caring situation and has the knowledge and skill to give you a meaningful opinion on your request.
Papworth Trust is a Cambridgeshire charity, providing care and support services to those with disabilities. They deliver compassionate and professional care tailored to the needs of the individuals and their families, whilst promoting independence and social inclusion. The care programs provide flexible support from a couple of hours per week, to daily support all year round and also a day service providing access to leisure and learning activities.
Other services include housing, supporting disabled individuals to live an independent life with advice and support on employment opportunities, volunteering, learning and development.
Current sports include badminton, golf, hockey and tennis. These festivals are available to everyone, with the aim to encourage and inspire those with disabilities to participate and have fun through sport.
The Purfleet Trust is an advice, support and training service for homeless individuals or those at risk of being homeless. The aim is to eradicate homelessness in West Norfolk, reduce its impact on the local community and provide relief for people who are homeless, or whose lifestyle puts them at risk of being homeless. They support and empower individuals to make positive lifestyle choices, enhance their well being and live independently in suitable affordable accommodation within their community.
The Purfleet Trust has created a project which provides the skills required to live independently. Purfleet’s training house is for those who require intensive tenancy support. If referred to this service, an individual will have access to accommodation and a key worker, who will coordinate advice and practical support helping to establish good budgeting practice, household skills, activities and training aimed at working towards employment, as well as developing the long term ability to sustain an independant tenancy.
Realise Futures offers an advice service on employment and skill development. They provide a learning service within the community, providing courses to help disabled and disadvantaged individuals to develop new skills, gain confidence, adapt to new life changes and even achieve recognised qualifications. They also provide employment programmes across Suffolk and Essex, through businesses operated by the organisation. The business areas include retail, manufacturing, catering and horticulture. Through these programmes, individuals have the opportunity to learn new skills with the right support to suit their needs.
If you or a family member are struggling to come to terms with an addiction, then you may wish to get impartial addiction advice to help you, or the people you care for to get the right kind of help.
This private company offers a free advisory service to help you to take your first step on the road to a happy, healthy and addiction free life, but on going treatment services are charged for. If you have private medical insurance it is possible that it may meet the cost of treatment.
Remap is a charity that helps disabled people achieve independence and a better quality of life. They do this by designing and making equipment for their individual needs. The tailor made equipment can help people to carry out essential daily tasks or it may help them take part in leisure, occupations or sports that would otherwise be impossible. Equipment can range from communication systems, trikes/wheelchairs, hand grips, audible accessories and standing platforms. The charity is run on donations and by volunteers.
Revitalise is a national charity providing respite care in a holiday setting for disabled people and carers. They currently run three accessible holiday centres in Chigwell in Essex, Southampton and Southport to enable disabled people to access essential breaks with care, and provide inspirational opportunities for volunteers.
Revitalise believe that disabled people should have the same rights, freedoms, responsibilities and quality of life as those without disabilities, and they have been championing this cause for over 50 years.
T: 0303 303 0145
E: Online form
W: revitalise.org.uk
Road Victims Trust is a charity dedicated to providing emotional and practical support to those affected by a fatal or life changing road traffic accident. This includes practical support by supporting and advising on areas such as funerals, benefits, notifying authorities and general support when making decisions during this confusing and distressing time. The emotional support is provided with a free and confidential weekly session, allowing the time and space to express any feelings and to make sense of what has happened. This can be provided over the telephone, face to face at home or in the office, and is available for as long as is needed. Telephone support can also be provided to those living outside the area.
The Samaritans offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal.
They are carefully trained to put aside any personal beliefs. They won’t give you a label, a diagnosis or a prescription and want you to feel safe while talking to them, so you can talk about how you’re really feeling and feel safe knowing its all completely confidential.
Their service is free and operates 24 hours a day.
T: 08457 909090
W: samaritans.org
SEQUAL stands for Special Equipment and Aids for Living. If you or someone you care for suffers with communication, movement or learning difficulties, then the Sequal Trust may be able to help by providing you with access to specialist communication equipment.
Streetforge Workshops is a small charity based in the Suffolk countryside, which offers day services to adults with various disabilities including those with multiple disabilities and mild mental health problems, sustained from a brain injury or long term condition. The aim of Streetforge is to enhance quality of life, and enable the people using the service achieve a sense of purpose through social skills, social enterprise and through undertaking various activities including: art and crafts, computer skills, cookery, horticulture, woodwork and joinery.
Brachial plexus is a complex network of nerves, coming from the spinal cord that supplies the arm, hand and part of the shoulder with all its movement and feeling.
Many people need help coming to terms with a Brachial plexus injury and how to live with it. The website operated by TBPIG is designed to provide adults with information and support in coping with a TBPI, and to help achieve a better understanding of the impact these injuries may have on the individual and their family.
T: 07976 317529
W: tbpi-group.org
Ensuring you maintain a healthy diet is an important part of your recovery, but often, after an injury, doing simple things like preparing a meal can become difficult or very time consuming. Getting to the shops or cooking at home can often turn into a challenge.
Wiltshire Farm Foods was founded in 1991, and have worked hard over the years to create delicious and nutritious frozen ready meals that they will deliver to your door. There is no contract or commitment to order a regular number of meals; you just order them when you need them. You can order them for someone else or for yourself.