In this section we aim to share with you the work that is taking place in Guernsey to improve the lives of disabled people and to improve carer experiences.
Awareness
- 2022
- International Day of Persons with Disabilities 3rd December
- The new disability essentials online course was launched, with a video AccessAble explaining why it is importation to undertake the course.
- Learning disabilities awareness week
- Jolyon and Luke featured in the video produced for the day and talk about their hobbies, college and the activities they enjoy..Learning Disability Week 2022 - YouTube
- Dementia awareness week 17th - 23rd May
- Paul Corcoran and Kay Fussey talk about the on island support for those with dementia. Dementia Action Week 2022 - Paul Corcoran - YouTube
- Multiple Sclerosis awareness week 19th-25th April
- Debbie Robilliard and Dr Ralf talk about the importance of early diagnosis and the support available on island. MS Awareness Week 2022 - YouTube
- 2021
- Dementia awareness week 17th - 23rd May
- Paul Corcoran- introduction to the week https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2u0yFgPCNuo
- Bridgette and Kirsten- the artwork in the long care wards https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIHEXLsw36U
- Jo Dowding- memory boxes at Guernsey museum https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ef_PzgelkFE
- Martin Bailey- the enjoyment of drawing and artwork for people with dementia https://www.youtube.com/statesofguernsey-xv6KzRyj1E
- Julie Bulpit- the tovertafel and dementia friends https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6DUwGGf-Zk
- Multiple Sclerosis awareness week 19th-25th April
- Debbie- introduction https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6XUTNdQQC4
- Jamie- my story https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4sGtWmJJ90
- Debbie speaks about MS support https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjvUuaTP3xU
- Ryan- my story- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGj4dKNfw_8
- Dr Basil- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tYMOtwMNixY
- Autism awareness week 29th March -4th April
- Autism Week - Meet Clint - YouTube
- We asked autistic people and the people who support them, what they wished the community knew about autism.The States of Guernsey - Autism Awareness Week | Facebook and The States of Guernsey - Autism Awareness Week - Meet Rachael | Facebook
- 2020
- International Day of Persons with Disabilities 3rd December
- Sandra Robilliard, a regular at the Guernsey Disability Swimming Group. https://vimeo.com/486534182/9b70feacd8
- Autism Hub resident, Liam Callister, and his support worker, Kerry Cawley. https://vimeo.com/486520461/2806d319fe
- Alex Houchard19, is a student on the Workforce Academy course, within the Access Department, at the College of Further Education. https://vimeo.com/486518928/1720433049
- Human Rights day 10th December
- Mark and Judith Pattimore, whose son Alex is a resident at the Autism Hub. https://vimeo.com/489324591/348ed5065e
Disability Needs Surveys
- In 2011 two surveys were undertaken to look at the number of people living with long-term health conditions or disabilities, carers and their experiences..
- The surveys provided information which informed the Disability and Inclusion Strategy.
- You can see the 2 documents as they are downloaded on this page
The Disability and Inclusion Strategy
- The Strategy was was agreed by the States in 2013.
- It aims to improve the lives of disabled islanders and focuses on the issues identified in the Disability needs surveys.
- It recognises that the States plays an important role in providing services, including health, housing, education and benefits, for disabled people and their carers, as well as providing opportunities as the largest employer in the Islands.
- The complete document is available as a download on this page.
- Who is working on the Strategy?
- The Committee for Employment & Social Security are responsible for the Strategy.
- Different States Committees and other key stakeholders are working on a variety of projects which are part of the Strategy.
- A Programme Board oversees all of the work within the Strategy and meets once a quarter.
- Highlight Reports are published every 12 weeks and are available on this page.
The Disability and Inclusion Strategy Projects
- An update on progress towards these projects is given in the highlight reports. More information can be found by following the links.
- 1. Extending the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities to Guernsey to confirm the island's commitment to respect the rights of its disabled citizens.
- 2. Introducing legislation to protect disabled islanders and carers from discrimination.
- 3. Creating an Equality and Rights Organisation to promote the rights of disabled people and carers and other groups at risk of discrimination.
- 4. Improving the information available to disabled people and carers about support and services.
- 5. Commissioning an audit of the States' employment practices, buildings and services to ensure they meet the new legislation, new policies and plans.
- 6. Creating an Employment Trust to help disabled people to gain and maintain employment and providing information for businesses in preparation for the legislation
- 7. Developing frameworks for Autism, Learning Disability and Dementia
Dementia framework [2Mb] that set out how people with these specific conditions are diagnosed and supported.
- 8. Introducing a Capacity Law to empower and protect people who may not be able to make decisions for themselves.
- 9. Developing safeguarding policies to protect vulnerable adults from abuse or neglect.
Highlight reports
- Highlight reports are produced to show progress of the different workstreams. these are produced every 12 weeks. An easy read document is also produced.
- The latest report is available here. To view the previous reports follow the links at the bottom of the page.
Other plans and Strategies
- Children and Young People's Plan was approved by the States in February 2016. It was updated in 2019. It prioritises 'children in need' but also is aimed at ensuring that Guernsey and Alderney are the best places possible for children and young people to grow up. For full details of the Children and Young People's Plan follow the link.
- The Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy was approved by the States on 27 February 2013. It is a cross-departmental strategy, led by Health and Social Care (HSC) providing a framework within which all areas of the island community can begin to work together towards better mental wellbeing. For more information follow the link Mental health and wellbeing plan
- The Supported Living and Ageing Well Strategy (SLAWS) was agreed by the States in February 2016. The Strategy is intended to work towards Guernsey and Alderney having an adaptable and continuously improving care and support system that is fair, person-centred, enabling and sustainable. For more information follow the link to Supported Living and Aging Well
- Carers Action plan was published on 30th April 2019. It outlines the priority actions that need to be undertaken to support people in Guernsey and Alderney who support family members and friends.Follow the link for more information Carers action plan.
- Carers Guernsey was set up in 2018 to support local carers.
- The States of Guernsey signed up the Employers Disability Charter in March 2018.The Charter demonstrates the States commitment to being positive and proactive towards recruiting and retaining disabled people and people with health conditions. You can view the States of Guernsey Statement of Intent Disability charter here [235kb] or in the downloads section on this page.