Stay Signed In
Do you want to access your site more quickly on this computer? Check this box, and your username and password will be remembered for two weeks. Click logout to turn this off.
Stay Safe
Do not check this box if you are using a public computer. You don't want anyone seeing your personal info or messing with your site.
All information on Right Choices website is for the benefit of Right Choices members and members of the public. Therefore, if you use this information within this website for other purposes we cannot accept any liabilty or responsabilty for information that is used in a different context or for other publications that you may want to transfer this information.
With thanks
Right Choices Management Committee & Cheryl Kebede Volunteer Founder
..............................................................
Right Choices New Service
Job Club starting November 2009.
We the management committe of Right Choices Project, would like to say thank you, to the following volunteers who have worked extremley hard for this new and upcoming service.
Ruth Ododu, Elisabeth Hoof, Michael Medley and Paul Jowett without your support and committment to this new venture we would not be able to go ahead. Well done to all volunteers.
We give a really big thank you to Cheryl Kebede right choices founder for all her hard work in putting her vision forward well done to you.
Right Choices Management Committee
..............................................................
Calling out to the Community of Headingley and surrounding areas of West Yorkshire
Right choices are asking for new volunteers, helpers and people who would like to use the Job Club you do not need to have a disability as such to access the service.
All you need is to be willing to access some of the courses that are available in the job club and in return a certificate will be issued which may give you the opportunity to find employment or other volunteering opportunties.
You do need to be over 18, unemployed or economically inactive and from a deprived community. This is the requirements of the European Union.
Everyone is welcome to use all Right Choices Services
..............................................................
The toughest countries to find a job in Europe
Findings by Forbes staff published on Yahoo internet services 18th November 2009
If you're looking for work on the Continent, head north and avoid Spain.
The Euro Zone may be crawling out of recession, but it's still almost impossible in parts of the Continent to find a job. Though in Q3, gross domestic product for the 16 countries using the Euro grew by 0.4% from the second quarter, according to Eurostat, many residents continue to be unable to secure work.
Those in countries like Latvia, Spain and Ireland, which once enjoyed construction booms, are now experiencing widespread job losses. In September, Latvia reported the highest unemployment rate in Europe, a whopping 19.7%. It's followed by Spain at 19.3%, according to Eurostat.
ADVERTISEMENT
Position Country Unemployment rate %
1 Latvia 19.7
2 Spain 19.3
3 Lithuania 13.7
4 Estonia 13.3
5 Ireland 13.0
16 UK 7.8
> See the full list of Europe's best and worst unemployment rates
The picture is even more grim for young workers. The jobless rate for those under 25 is 41.7% in Spain and 33.6% in Latvia. Job hunters might have more success in Norway; at 3.2%, its unemployment rate is Europe's lowest.
Switzerland follows at 4.2%, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, which gives data for countries that are outside the European Union and not covered by Eurostat.
Top 10 most secure jobs
How to find a job when you've been looking forever
Look before you leap to a new job, even now
Industries where employers expect to be hiring
World capitals of the future
What's Behind the Numbers
The stark differences in regional unemployment are partly a result of the various sectors that drive each country's economies. Spain, like Ireland and Latvia, has been hit hard by unemployment because of the collapse of the construction sector, which has yet to see any clear signs of recovery.
Construction, a labour-intensive pursuit, also tends to employ temporary workers; they are less expensive to hire and easier to fire. In Spain last year, about a third of those employed were classified as temporary and around 90% of all job losses in Spain in the last year have been of temporary workers, according to Stefano Scarpetta, head of the OECD's employment analysis and policy division.
In Germany, where half the gross domestic product comes from exporting companies such as Siemens, chemical makers like BASF or carmakers like Volkswagen and Porsche, hard-to-find skilled workers with training and certain qualifications are valued over temporary staff. As a result, “many Germany firms want to hoard their labour,” says Scarpetta. “So rather than dismiss them, there is more of a possibility to adjust things like cutting workers' hours.”
What's more, Germany's many large blue-chip companies not only have the scale to help them avoid job cuts, they have also been helped by the German government's recent short-term working scheme, in which the state subsidizes worker wages to help firms avoid layoffs.Such policies have helped keep the country's unemployment rate (7.6%) under the European Union average (9.2% in September), even in the depths of the recession.
Things may even be looking up: New government data on Monday showed a larger than expected jump in German exports last month, lending support to the notion that a recovery in world trade is already helping revive the country's economy and labour force. If the troubled labour markets of Latvia, Spain and Ireland want to see their economies recover, they should look to Norway for guidance, suggests Scarpetta.
It has one of the most generous unemployment benefit systems in Europe, with unemployment benefits representing, on average, 33.6% of a person's previous earnings in 2007, compared with 13.6% in the U.S. and 12.1% in the U.K. The country's robust benefits are the result of high income taxes and VAT. But perhaps more important than scale is how Norway uses its state funds to help the unemployed back into work.
The country has an expensive yet effective “active labour market” program, says Scarpetta, where the unemployed are helped back into jobs through training, assistance with job searches and even subsidized employment.
Countries like the U.K., Ireland and Spain tend to have a more “passive” benefit system in which the unemployed are entitled to certain amount of welfare benefits, but little else in the way of assistance in finding work; in European countries where the unemployment is highest, state funding per unemployed person has also fallen. Scarpetta argues that it should be the other way around, and that the safety net of benefits alone can actually lead to long-term unemployment.
“With previous recessions, we've noticed a tendency in Europe for unemployment to stay at a high level after increasing,” said Scarpetta. “There's a risk that unemployed people become discouraged, lose contact with the labour market, and so it's hard to get them back into employment.”
More state spending on the unemployed is a bitter pill for governments in Spain and Ireland to swallow, especially when their state deficits are running so high. But it might be a worthwhile investment. “It's very important to help the most employable individuals back into jobs by providing job search assistance. Then to focus limited resources on those for whom it's going to be difficult to regain employment by themselves.” For Spain and its more than 4 million unemployed, that might be a Herculean task.
More from Forbes.com
.............................................................
Leeds Voluntary Sector Learning Disabilities Forum Bulletin 2008,
Hello and welcome to our 16th fortnightly bulletin, we hope you find it useful. If you have anything you would like to be included in the next bulletin please send us an email.
Feel free to pass this bulletin on to anybody who may find it of interest and sign up to receive our bulletins and newsletters on our website.
The Autism Bill:
The Autism Bill has made it through its last parliamentary stage, and will now become the Autism Act 2009: the first-ever disability-specific law for England.
The Act will guarantee a future adult autism strategy that will introduce a range of legal duties to improve local services. We will of course continue to campaign until the strategy makes a real difference to people affected by autism.
visit,www.autism.org/autismact2009
LINk Information and Coffee Mornings:
Leeds LINk will be holding information and coffee mornings for members of the public on the first Tuesday of every month at the LINk office between 10.00 am and 12.00 pm. Members of staff will be available to discuss any issues about health or social care or answer any questions about the work of the LINk. If you would like some information or a chat about any relevant issues then please come to the LINk office at: Office 27, Evans Business Centre, Burley Hill Trading Estate, Burley Road, Leeds, LS4 2PU, on any of the dates below between 10.00 am and 12.00 pm and speak to a member of staff. Staff are also available to come and speak to community groups and centres about the work of the LINk and how people can get involved. To arrange this please ring the office on : 0113 3885099 or email: leeds.link@shaw-trust.org.uk or visit our website at: www.leedslink.org.uk.
Self Directed Support - Awareness Raising Events
These sessions will give you a broad overview of the general principles of Self Directed Support and what it will mean for services and individuals. This sessions are for people with little or no knowledge of Self Directed Support.
Dates: 15th December, 1.30 - 3pm at Leeds Town Hall
16th December, 1.30-3pm venue to be confirmed
To Book a place call Sally Jordon-Tymon on 0113 247 8599
Connect Leeds Project
Leeds Voice and Voluntary Action-Leeds are well on the way with their joint project: Connect Leeds.The custom-made database is nearly complete and now we need the help of YOU, the Third Sector in Leeds, to help make this database work. Submit your details today to help better connect, serve and support the Third Sector in Leeds.The Connect Leeds database will hold information about your organisation, its activities, the area/s it serves and the groups and communities it works with. You can also tell us about facilities you have available to hire, how your organisation is structured and if you benefit from volunteers. It will help you to promote the invaluable work you do and give you access to more targeted and appropriate services and support.Giving us your details is easy, simply fill in the online form, it will only take a few minutes! Add Your Organisation Now Thank-You.If you would like more information about Connect Leeds please see: www.leedsvoice.org.uk/about/connectleeds.html or contact briony.pete@leedsvioce.org.uk 0113 277 2227 (Voice) or sarah.freeman@val.org.uk 0113 297 7926 (VA-L)
..............................................................
People in Action Events
People in Action Christmas Party
10/12/09 The Irish Centre, York Road, LS97pm till lateBuffet food, bar, music, raffleTickets £6 (please book in advance) children under 12 go free
Geneous – People in Action Fundraising Gig Night
11/12/09 The Well, Leeds LS3Kassius, Ridley Barbet, Martin Wainwright & Thom PiddockTickets £5 from Crash, Jumbo, CATS and People in Action
People in Action Pantomime Trip
Snow White09/01/10 at The Carriageworks – 11amTickets £8.50 (please book in advance)Meeting for lunch at Spice Quarter after the show
People in Action Silver Thread Story Comp Presentation Evening
09/12/09 in the Exhibition Space – Leeds Central Library
6pm – 8pm
Call Jane for more information on: 0113 247 0411
Full Body and the Voice Free Places
Fantastic news! Children In Need have awarded Full Body & The Voice (FB&TV) a Grant for our Youth Theatre for young people with learning disabilities aged 11-18. This means that we can now offer our Youth Theatre sessions for FREE, so they can be fully inclusive. FB&TV Youth Theatre Huddersfield runs Monday evenings at The Lawrence Batley Theatre 6.30pm – 8.30pm FB&TV Youth Theatre Dewsbury runs Wednesday evenings at The Dewsbury Minster 6.30pm - 8.30pm Both sessions are suitable for young people with learning disabilities aged 11-25. To take advantage of this exciting opportunity to work with an award winning professional theatre company call the office on 01484 484 441 and book a taster session today! Young people who work with Full Body & The Voice learn to be confident, independent, empowered adults.
Dementia awareness and introduction to the practicalities of working with people with a dementia (2 Day Course)
This is a two day course aimed at anyone who comes into contact with and/or support people with a dementia. The course offers an insight into everyday experiences of people with dementia and aims to put the learner in the shoes of a person with dementia. It also provides an insight as to how a person may be affected physically by dementia. It looks at the signs, symptoms, impact of, and treatment of dementia.
Dates : 7th & 8th December Venue: Carriage Works Easy access toilet facilities are available. Please inform us if you have access or communication requirements. Learning OutcomesBy the end of the course participants will be able to:
· Describe what the experience of dementia might be like for a person living with a dementia
· Explain that a person’s experience of living with a dementia is unique to each individual and defies any stereotypes or assumptions
· Explain what dementia is
· Describe that dementia is a syndrome caused by a number of different conditions
· Describe some of the common signs and symptoms of dementia
· Identify factors, including the care approach and the environment, that can cause ‘secondary losses of ability’
· Explain that everyone is affected differently by dementia and will therefore have different experiences and needs
This training is aimed at people who are working in dementia services Methods: Presentation, group work & discussion
For more information please call: Business Support Centre 2477699 for course bookings
Please apply using the standard application formForms should be returned to the Business Support Centre Training & Events,
PO Box 561, Belgrave House, Belgrave Street, LS2 8WQ or faxed to 224 3481
Daycare Trust Training
Daycare Trust are offering FREE training to voluntary and community organisations who work with parents in Leeds and surrounding areas. ‘Childcare information and advocacy’ offers practical guidance to advisers to support parents to identify and access the right childcare, including; an outline of local authorities' duties, quality frameworks, supporting parents to choose and secure a childcare place and accessing childcare for children with additional needs. Date: Tuesday 8th December 2009Venue: Leeds Church InstituteMore information: www.daycaretrust.org.uk/training or email training@daycaretrust.org.uk
FREE from CHANGE! – How to Make Information Accessible – a Guide to producing easy read documents
This definitive guide contains everything you need to know about making information accessible using the CHANGE Easy Words and Pictures standard. From useful background information to practical step by step advice on how to choose pictures, layout a page and write in easy read, you will find everything you need to know compiled in this comprehensive booklet. CHANGE produced this Guide in partnership with the National Equality Partnership which included the Women’s Resource Centre, Voice for Change, Navca and the Consortium of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Voluntary and Community Organizations. This Guide can be downloaded as a FREE pdf from CHANGE. Simply visit us at : www.changepeople.co.uk and go to the books and tapes section in our online shop.
Vacancy At People Matters
House Manager, people with learning disabilities
People Matters (Leeds) CIC are seeking to appoint a suitably experienced and qualified manager to play a key role in the development of our recently established supported living project in Leeds.A high priority will be working towards registration of the service with the regulating authority, Care Quality Commission, by April 2010, ensuring that all requirements are fulfilled to a high standard. The successful candidate will have NVQ3 in Health and Social Care, at least 2 years management experience, and NVQ4 (or willing to acquire this within 4 years). Salary: £22,500 - £24,000Closing Date: 4 December 09
For further information:
0113 2346896
info@peoplemattersleeds.co.uk
..............................................................
PSI Network Linda Boadle
On 4th November Otley Disability Action Group (ODAG) held their monthly meeting and put the final touches to the planning of their event on 10th December at Otley Courthouse. They are holding the day to celebrate International Day of Disabled People which is on December 3rd – the Courthouse was fully booked that week.
In addition to having stalls of information, there will be a performance by Musical Arc.
On 12th November there was a meeting of the Community Urology and Colorectal Service user group. This group is a model of good practice for service user involvement. Information, such as new leaflets, is brought to the group for discussion and comment. If it is possible our comments are taken on board, but if they can’t be, the reasons why they can’t are explained to us.
A project that the Service is currently involved in, as part of a programme of looking at social exclusion among older people, is a guide to toilets in the city centre. So watch this space, the Network has offered the Service some money so the print run will be bigger and the map can be sent out to disabled people as well.
The Self Directed Support Voluntary Providers Forum met on the 13th. The meeting included reports from the Early Implementers’ Project, and discussions about how services may change as more people move from local authority provision to Individual budgets and self directed support.
On 19th November VA-L and Voice had their first joint annual public meeting. The theme was working together. It was held in Wheeler Hall which is adjacent to Leeds Cathedral. It is not a venue I have ever been to before and I found it accessible. At the end of the public meeting we had a performance by SambaTigers and this was followed by lunch.
Emma Carter is the new Enterprise Development Officer within Adult Social Care (ASC) Commissioning.
Her role ‘will be to support the development and sustainability of the Neighbourhood Network Scheme and other third sector organisations delivering health and social care outcomes in Leeds. This will include making information available about developments and opportunities in ASC and signposting the support services or funding opportunities that could help your organisation.’
DisabledGo held a meeting of their steering group in Leeds, and explained how they had revamped their website. We were also given a list of new venues that had been added this year.
Please go onto their site and let me have any comments. We had a discussion about how the information can be made accessible to those who do not have access to the web.
Today (24th) saw the first meeting of the Leeds LINk Equality and Diversity work group. It was held at Hamara in Beeston.
Development Group
The Group met last week and discussed:
• The December 3rd event at St. Chad’s Parish Centre. I am not sending another form but if you would like to come for all or some part of the day, you can ring or email me as above. There are spaces but I shall be confirming the number of people for lunch on Tuesday so if you would like food, please let me know by then.
• 2010 Leeds Year of Volunteering
• the PSINetwork Newsletter
• the possibility of developing a register of PAs and how this might work
• the guide to city centre toilets (see above)
• the leaflet produced by H.O.P.E. which aims to give disabled women and health professionals information about basic health screening. If you would like a copy of this leaflet you can ring Women’s Health Matters on 0113 2762851 or email: seen@womenshealthmatters.org.uk
Routes into work for disabled people is back from the printers. We have sent it out to One-stop shops and libraries. If you want to receive more copies please let me know.
Making meetings inclusive is at the printers – the delay is my responsibility not the printers.
2010 Leeds Year of Volunteering
I think that many of you do voluntary work but see it rather as something you do than volunteering. I would like some volunteering stories – positive ones but also ones where volunteering has been difficult/ impossible because of the barriers that are there. Transport is a crucial one.
The development of a user led organisation for Leeds
The expectation is that every local authority with adult social care responsibility will have in place by 2010 a user led organisation on a centre for independent model which, as a minimum offer:
• Information and advice
• Advocacy and peer support
• Support in using direct payments and/ or individual budgets
• Support to recruit and employ personal assistants
• Assistance with self assessment
• Disability equality training
• Support the implementation of the Disability Equality Duty by public sector organisations in the area – including consumer audits.
In Leeds there is no one organisation – user led or not - that can meet the Department of Health criteria for these mimimum services.
In October there was a meeting of possible partners who between them offer much of what is required. We mapped what services we do offer and where there are gaps in provision.
The next step is to approach other groups in Leeds which are user led, or may need some support to develop user led status. If you belong to such a group and would like to be involved please get in touch.
There will be another Newsletter which will go out during the week beginning 14th December, and then there will not be another until the end of January 2010.
Remember that if you wish to come to join in the celebration of International Day of Disabled People, let us know by Tuesday so that we can order enough food.
Linda Boadle
24.11.09
..............................................................
Right Choices Project
Celebrating International Day of Disabled People
3rd December 2009
December 3rd is International Day of Disabled People, and each year there is an international theme for the day.
The theme for 2009 is Realising the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) for all: the empowerment of disabled people and their communities around the world. This is based on the goal of the full and equal enjoyment of human rights and participation in society by disabled people.
During the day there will be:
discussion groups and briefings
information about community groups and services
refreshments
To book a place please contact the PSINetwork at Voluntary Action-Leeds:
phone - 0113 2977942
email - linda.boadle@val.org.uk
The event is being held at St. Chad’s Parish Centre in Headingley between 10.00 and 3.00.
St Chad’s is wheelchair accessible and has a loop system. There is an accessible toilet but it does not have a hoist.
.............................................................
Mental Health Awareness Training
There is general misunderstanding and stigma about mental ill-health. The different diagnoses (or illnesses) can attract their own myths and labels. This course will introduce you to the different types of mental illness and provide an opportunity to discuss the ways that people can be supported by a community based service.
If you sometimes feel unsure about how to support people with a mental health condition this course will help you. The learning outcomes are:
·to understand more about mental health and the type of support you can provide
·to be able to communicate better with clients with mental health problems
you need to learn about different sorts of mental health problems like schizophrenia, depression, bi-polar disorder, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder O.C.D
Course Suitable for: Community Support staff, particularly those who long term mental health support and staff or volunteers currently or likely to provide support Methods: Presentation, group work & discussion
Course Trainer: Cathy Walker, Approved Trainer
For information please call: Business Support Centre 2477699 for course bookings
..............................................................
Taxi's
If members or carers are needing transport for outings and need wheelchair accessibility please call Arrow private hire who could arrange this service for you or simply phone 0113 258888. Please note that all taix drivers are Crimminal Records Bureau checked
..............................................................
UK ratifies UN Convention on Disability Rights
On 8 June the United Kingdom ratified the United Nations Convention on Disability Rights.
The Convention is a powerful and explicit statement that disabled people have the same human rights as others.
Jonathan Shaw, the Minister for Disabled People, identified the ratification as ‘further demonstration of the Government’s commitment to equality of human rights for disabled people, and of our determination to achieve equality by 2025.’
The ODI will now be working across Government and the Devolved Administrations to ensure the principles of the Convention are reflected in the development of government policies.
The Minister’s statement announcing ratification can be found in the UN Convention section of the ODI website.
