Connect

The aim of the services is:

• to provide a system of support for individuals who have a physical and/or sensory impairment
• assist them to increase their independence
• gain greater control over their lives
• become active members of their community 

This can range from the provision of information, through to an individualised package of support which will assist an individual to identify a plan of action to achieve their aims.

All Connect staff will adopt a positive and sensitive position towards impairments, and wherever possible, attempt to raise public awareness of impairment related issues.

The service is available to:

• Any resident of Worcestershire, who has a physical and/or a sensory impairment
• Is aged between 18 and 65 years

To receive a service, contact the Access Centre on 0845 607 2000, who will be able to provide an initial assessment of your needs. Staff at your local Connect will be pleased to support you to make this call.

Process of delivery

• Arrange a visit
  Following a formal referral to the service, the Connect Team Leader will contact you to arrange a visit, during this visit you will be supported to begin identifying your aspirations.
  
• Find out who your support work will be
  A support worker will be allocated to you, and they will work alongside you to establish, and agree, a plan as to how your aspirations can be achieved.
  
• Look for ongoing support
  Following an initial period of support from the service, Connect will 'step back', and look for alternative means of continuing support from perhaps family, friends, or other sources.

Facilities

Whilst all Connect buildings are totally accessible with disabled toilet facilities, the Connects in Wyre Forest (Kidderminster)  and Worcester City also have a more comprehensive facility in the form of personal care suites.

These facilities, which are available outside of normal working hours, are offered to those users and carers who are unable to use conventional toilet facilities for people with disabilities, and have registered and undertaken training in the use of the equipment. For more information, please contact the appropriate Connect.

'Drop ins'

All Connects will offer weekly 'drop ins' which provide opportunities for people with disabilities to meet with others and listen to visiting speakers. These are available to adults with a physical disability or sensory impairment of any age. For details around opening days and times, please contact your local Connect. See links below.

• Bromsgrove
• Droitwich
• Malvern
• Pershore
• Redditch
• Worcester
• Wyre Forest

Information and advice

All Connects work closely with a variety of voluntary organisations, and if they are not able to help with a particular piece of advice themselves, they are able to offer signposting facilities to the appropriate agency.

Charges

Whilst we currently make no formal charge for the support staff members of Connect may provide, it needs to be recognised that the payment of any costs associated with the pursuit of your chosen activity, i.e. transport, college fees, admission charges etc possibly including those incurred by anyone supporting you will be your responsibility.

Hours of operation

To maintain maximum flexibility of the service, apart from the 'Drop ins', the opening hours of the base units vary across the county, and an appointment system may apply.

Working hours of staff providing 1:1 support can be tailored to meet individual requirements.

This is a general guide to the services offered by Connect across the County, and each local Connect will have a leaflet outlining details specific to them which can be obtained by ringing the appropriate number below: