H.A.D. PROJECTS
1. Computer Training
2. Befriending Services
3. Stroke Pathways Project
4. Carers Social Group
5. Legal Services
6. Past Projects
Computer Training
HAD provides free One to One Computer Training for people with disabilities and carers.
We use volunteer tutors who will assist you to effectively operate computers. You will be taught by the same tutor at each visit. The training takes place in a friendly, informal atmosphere and is geared to the learning needs of each person and carried out at your own pace, so there is no pressure on you to keep up with other learners.
The support provided makes the learning process easier and more enjoyable and this enhances the skills of participants and increases their self confidence. Some people become tutors themselves and are then able to assist new learners.
The training is based on your individual need and the current program includes the following areas:
Basic skills
Introduction to the Internet (Finding out what surfing the net is all about).Introduction to e-mail (Sending an e-mail to your friends and family).
Introduction to word processing (Writing a memo, recipe, letter etc which can be sent electronically).
Introduction to speadsheets (Creating a telephone, birthday or expenses list).
Specific skills
Camera Club Group (All about digital photography)Family History (Trace your own family name to find your ancestors).
Webpage Design (Design your own website for the Internet).
Out and About (People developing a book and website of social facilities).
The project also includes designing and maintaining websites for local voluntary groups free of charge which they or volunteers at H.A.D. edit and update on a regular basis.
AbilityNet
H.A.D. Is the AbilityNet Assessment Centre for Havering. We have adaptive computer equipment hardware and software to help people with disabilities access information and communication technologies. There is a two stage assessment process available: Stage 1. The use of an online assessment tool covering, Working with a Monitor, Using a Keyboard and Mouse, Reading and Writing.
Stage 2. If the online assessment tool does not provide an answer a remote assessment over broadband connecting to AbilityNet can be arranged.
AbilityNet website: click here
Befriending Services
Our befriending service provides a trained volunteer to support disabled peole and their carers to spend time independently of each other.
Who is eligible?
To receive this service you must be a resident of Havering who is cared for at home by an informal carer, for instance; a wife, husband, son, daughter, friend, neighbour. You must also be over 18 years of age.
The Volunteers:
Our volunteers are local people who give their time to make a difference to other people's lives.
They are fully trained and have undergone a CRB check.
The heart of the project is friendship and once matched, volunteers can enjoy an activity or simply sit and chat with the person they visit.
How much does it cost?
Our service is free of charge. The cost of the project is met by the Carers Grant, which is Government money provided through the Carers strategy. The people who receive the befriending service really appreciate its benefits and below are quotes HAD has received from local people who have been befriended, those who have befriended or those who have requested the service.
A befriender: 'We had a most pleasurable couple of hours becoming acquainted. It is uncanny how much we have in common. A big thank you to HAD for bringing us together'.
A social worker: 'I know my customer really benefits from having her befriender'
A carer: 'Mum is much more chatty now she has a befriender'
A befriender: 'I enjoy visiting, it gives me a lift'
A befriended person: 'My befriender is my best friend'
A befriender: 'The happiness I see on my friends face'
A befriended person: 'My befriender brings a breath of new air in with him'
A befriended person: 'I wish my befriender could visit every day'
A befriended person: 'Angels still abound'
For further details of the Befriending Service phone Kathy Porter or Karen Gibbs on 01708 473399
Stroke Pathways Project
HAD provides group activities for people with stroke. This includes group discussions, information, exchanging, computer usage with adaptive equipment, gentle exercise and card making. For computer usage click here and for gentle exercise click here
Carers Social Group
This is an informal social group for carers, which includes a variety of activities at monthly meetings.
A flexible self care 7 session programme for carers is being held at HAD, Whittaker Hall. Sessions start on 11th and 12th February 12.00pm-3.00pm (light lunch will be provided). For more information click here
Try your hand at juicing and making home made soup on Thursday 28th January. For more information click here
Legal Services
Legal Advice on Community Care Matters
A solicitor from Hereward & Foster which has the community care contract for Havering comes to Whittaker Hall regularly to provide specialist legal advice and assistance on issues to do with community care, especially when people believe statutory organisations have not carried out their legal duties to provide services.
This service includes in-depth advice on benefits, legal advice on the support you are receiving from social services and assistance can be given to help people who wish to make a complaint about community care services.
The scope of the help is limited to matters directly concerning community care and it does not cover general legal advice and assistance.
For further details contact H.A.D. on 01708 476554
Past Projects
Direct Payments Development Work
Direct Payments is a scheme devised by central government to empower and encourage people to make decisions about who provides their care and in what way. This allows them to have more control over their lives.Payroll organisations can manage the financial aspects of the scheme, if required. Support is also available to help recruit a personal assistant.
People can employ a personal assistant to help with personal care, cooking or support in employment or college or to enable people to participate in a social activity.
Funding for this project came from the Department of Health and ceased at the end of March 2006
Carers Support
Carers Breaks and Information Worker
The Carers Breaks and Information Worker provided information to people looking after sick and disabled relatives and friends at home; providing support and training to local carers.
The service was funded by central Government through its Carers Grant, which was allocated to Havering Council.
To promote the service in Havering and to reach "hidden" carers living within the community.
Job Club
The Job Club was held at Whittaker Hall for people with disabilities or on a health related benefit who wanted to return to work.
The aim was to provide assistance with preparing your C.V., application forms and developing interviewing techniques and practices.