Delivering emergency services and support to help people with disabilities stay safe was the focus of the first ever disability awareness conference hosted by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service this month.

A mixture of 110 people from partner organisations, emergency services and community groups heard presentations by experts in areas such as mental health, learning disabilities and autism and took part in a series of workshops.

The workshop topics included delivery of emergency services to disabled people; understanding how to support people with mental ill health; identifying and tackling disability issues and barriers in the workplace and social settings; and dealing with disability hate crime.

The conference was opened by Deputy Chief Officer John Hindmarch, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, and chaired by David Barker, Director of Adult Services at the Percy Hedley Foundation.

John Hindmarch said: "The work and dedication of our Employee Advisory Group for Disability must be acknowledged − without their enthusiasm and commitment to an accessible service for all, events like this would not be possible. Not only am I extremely proud of the achievements of this group, but also of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service as a whole and the on-going commitment and support that our staff provide to ensure that the service we provide is second to none."

David Barker added: "Today has been a celebration of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service's commitment to raising awareness of disability issues. The quality of the speakers and workshop leaders was exceptional, and I was amazed and delighted by the high levels of enthusiasm and dedication shown by all involved in this fantastic event. New partnerships have been developed and I really hope this is just the start of something that will continue in the future."  

 

Photo: David Barker, Director of Adult Services at the Percy Hedley Foundation, with members of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service's Employee Advisory Group for Disability

 

Posted March 12th, 2012 at 1445 by Andrew. Comment by emailing: andrew.lynch@pavpub.com