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News

Disability Consultation Makes a Difference

Disabled people say that Poole is a naturally beautiful, well-kept place to live and the flat terrain naturally helps to make the area accessible. The beaches, the Quay, parks, the Lighthouse and the Dolphin Shopping Centre all contribute to making Poole a good place to live.

Improvements being called for include the condition of roads and pavements, the health services, public transport, feeling safe both in the home and when out and about and appropriate affordable housing. More positive attitudes towards disabled people by service providers, increased public awareness and education about all disabilities, and better joined up working between service providers are also important.

These were highlighted in the recent “Positive About Disability” consultation organised by Poole Partnership together with Pro-Disability and the Borough of Poole.  Disabled people were offered the opportunity to share their experiences of living and working in Poole, to tell agencies what is important to them, the barriers they face and what can be done to overcome them. Service providers will be asked to consider the findings in shaping future services and provide feedback on the action to be taken.

Councillor Ann Stribley, Deputy Leader of the Council and Champion for Equality and Social Exclusion said: “This was the first consultation of its kind in Poole bringing together a range of agencies and disabled people and we are delighted that so many people took advantage of this great opportunity to promote disability rights. We will now be working hard to ensure that we respond to the issues raised in a proactive way and help make life in Poole even better for people with disabilities”.

Richard Dimbleby, Chair of Poole Partnership said: “The consultation has been an invaluable exercise in learning from people who experience first hand the difficulties they face in accessing services.  We would like to thank everyone who supported the event, particularly the disabled people who came forward to share their views and experiences. We look forward to continuing a constructive and open dialogue with disabled people and agencies in the future.”

Ros Barton, Trustee at PRO-Disability said: “We will be working to ensure that the information gathered at the consultation is used to improve and enhance the services currently available and we hope that service providers will now be able to look more broadly at the implications for their organisations and joint working.  Many of the messages we received at the consultation apply to all agencies and partnerships across Poole and we look forward to seeing their response”.

For a full copy of the report contact Hilary Evans at Borough of Poole (see contact details below)

Hilary Evans, Poole Partnership, 01202 633067