Centre for Independent Living in Lambeth

Centres for Independent Living (CILs) aim to support and empower disabled people to be equal citizens with independence, choice, control, rights and full participation in economic, social and cultural life. They use the 'social model of disability' to identify disabling attitudes and barriers, and to strive to remove them.

CILs already exist in other areas of the country. They are voluntary organisations that are developed, managed and controlled by disabled people.

The CIL model complements the vision of a cooperative council where the local community becomes actively involved in planning, developing and delivering the services they want to see provided.

Here in Lambeth consultation on establishing a local CIL began at the end of 2010 and continued until April 2011.  This exercise clearly demonstrated that local people wanted a CIL in Lambeth that would be open to people of all ages and all impairments, as well as carers and allies of disabled people.

UK Disability History Month

The CIL Steering Group are organising events celebrating UK Disability History Month in Lambeth for the first time.  The month runs from 22 November until 22 December, following on from anti-bullying week and incorporating National Aids/HIV Day (1 December), International Day of Disabled People (3 December) and Human Rights Day (8 December).  Events will be held at Brixton Library on 6 December and Lambeth Accord on 7 December, for more details contact Elaine or David (details below) or go to the Forum's Noticeboard.

One Stop Shop for disabled people

The first service to be provided by the CIL is the One Stop Shop for disabled people at Lambeth Accord, 336 Brixton Road, SW9 7AA.  It started providing a pilot service in May 2012, using a number of local disabled people's organisations and the TOPAZ (team of people offering advice and support).  Over the coming year the One Stop Shop aims to extend its current opening times of three sessions a week, and further expand the range of services to include:

• Information, initial advice and signposting to deal with a wide range of telephone and in-person enquiries from disabled people, older people and carers
• Liaison with organisations within the building to refer clients for advice/advocacy/casework approintments where necessary
• Internet access for members of the public to search for their own information
• Specialist information and advice sessions
• Regularly updated 'What's On' of information of interest to disabled people

Volunteers

The CIL welcomes disabeld people wanting to volunteer, to find out more about opportunities go to the Team London website or directly contact one of the people named below

More information

If you would like more information about the CIL please contact:

David Strong - Disability Advice Service Lambeth - Tel: 020 7642 0040 - Email david.strrong@disabilitylambeth.org.uk

or

Elaine Aherne
Telephone: 020 7926 4704
Email: elaineatlambethaccord@yahoo.co.uk.