Services available could include:-

• Help at Home
• Mobility
• Day Services
• Short Breaks
• Independent Living Centre
• Occupational Therapy
• Community Care Alarm Service
• Accommodation Schemes for people under 65 with physical disabilities

Help at Home Services are available to help people with their daily living. These could include home or personal care, advice and information, meals, equipment and help with alterations to a person's home.
Leaflet: Home Support Service ( 705kb)

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Mobility If a person is having difficulty getting around we may be able to help by offering advice, a car parking badge or specialist equipment.

Day Services Local Day Services are available providing a range of opportunities for people with a physical disability where we will help you with your special needs. Day services are provided in purpose-built centres, and other settings. Assistance with transport may also be available.

• Bishopwearmouth Horticultural Nursery provides social, learning and therapeutic opportunities through horticulture to people who have a disability. There are 25 places provided each day to people who have a physical or learning disability.

• Nookside Day Centre The overall aim is to promote independence and help people to make decisions for themselves. The Centre does this by providing opportunities for people to maintain existing skills and develop new ones. People use Nookside centre for short periods to help them identify interests and rebuild their confidence.

• Washington Multi Purpose Centre The overall aim is to help people increase their knowledge about employment opportunities and promote their independence and ability to make decisions for themselves. The Centre does this by providing opportunities for people to maintain their existing skills and develop new ones.

• Workline This is a supported employment service which helps people with disabilities find a paid job. They do this by working with local employers to make sure that people with disabilities are not overlooked when they are recruiting staff. Workline will also work with people to make sure that they gain the skills and confidence to get and keep a job.

Leaflet: Day Services for People with Physical Disabilities ( 797kb) Inserts ( 343kb)

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Short Breaks This is an opportunity for you to spend a short period of time away from home to give you and your carer a break - a Social Worker will discuss with you what options are available.

Independent Living Centre The aim of the Centre is to provide a more efficient and effective assessment and equipment service for people with disabilities. The services provided include the following:

• Advice and information about organisations which are involved with people with physical and/or sensory disabilities.

• Social Services will provide an assessment of a persons need by talking with them and asking them for information about their situation.

• Wheelchair Loan Service, and Wheelchair Voucher Scheme.

• Loan for equipment for health and social needs.

• Advice and information about the range of equipment available, how it can be used to help you.

Please note that the Centre has moved from Dock Street and a new building is currently under construction at Leechmere Industrial Estate. For more information you can contact the Community Equipment Service on 0191 521 9730 or email JELS@ssd.sunderland.gov.uk

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Blue European Parking Badges for Disabled People You can apply for a blue car badge via the Assessment Team at your local area office. If you are applying for the first time you will need to make an appointment with the Duty Social Worker at your local office. There is no need to make an appointment if you are renewing your parking badge. Adults who automatically qualify because they receive the higher rate of mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance, War Pensioners Mobility Supplement or are Registered Blind, may also apply to Leonard House.

Occupational Therapy Provide specialist staff from the Special Needs and Disabilities Team called Occupational Therapists who look at how your daily living needs can be met, and how they can help you live as independently and safely as possible.
Leaflet: Occupational Therapy Service ( 934kb) Inserts ( 262kb)

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Community Care Alarm Service The City Council provides a phone alarm system to enable older people, the vulnerable, and people with physical disabilities and their carers to have independence in the own home. The system, operated by a phone in the home, provides a reassuring link with a community care assistant 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The Community Care Alarm Service lets anyone who is linked to the alarm system contact a community care assistant or experienced person immediately if there is an emergency. This person is trained to assess the situation and contact a mobile community care assistant or the emergency services if necessary.
Leaflet: Community Care Alarm Service ( 239kb)

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