Capacitybuilders - Improving support for a stronger third sector

07/08/2008

Deaf and disability organisations from across London gathered at the Greater London Assembly on the 28 July 2008 to hear about a project to set up a new London-wide, strategic organisation for disability and deaf groups.

The project is being led by London Councils and the first project activity is being funded by Capacitybuilders’ Improving Reach programme.

Representation for deaf and disability organisations

The London Community Interest Company of Deaf and Disability organisations (London CIC) will represent deaf and disability organisations across London; a resource that has been lacking in the region since the closure of Greater London Action on Disability (GLAD) in 2006.

Identifying the need

The need for an organisation like the London CIC was reinforced through sub sector research commissioned by Capacitybuilders in July 2007.

Research is key

The research identified that black and minority ethnic, refugee and migrant (BAMER) disability organisations have particular support needs, and prioritised the need for the further development of support services to meet those needs.

Extensive consultation

London Councils has undertaken extensive consultation with the deaf and disability sectors to establish what they need the new organisation to provide.

Collaboration

They also initiated collaborative working with other funders. London Councils are making an investment of £285,000 per year during 2008-12 to support the new organisation once it has been set up.

Improving Reach funding allocation

Independent Living Alternatives, a third sector organisation, applied for funding on behalf of the steering committee behind the formation of the London CIC from Capacitybuilders’ Improving Reach 2008-11 programme.

They were awarded £121,200 which is being used to undertake research into the barriers to accessing services experienced by deaf and disabled people from the BME and refugee and migrant communities, and development of training and tools for use by support agencies working with deaf and disabled people or organisations.

Making equalities at the heart of things

The work will inform the approach and delivery of the new London CIC, and ensure that an equalities approach is at the heart of the new organisation.

Work plans

Improving Reach funding will be used to conduct research to understand and document the barriers that deaf and disabled people from black, ethnic minority, refugee and migrant (BAMER) communities experience in accessing voluntary and public sector services, the results will ensure the new London CIC organisation has equality at its centre.

Development and training

Funding will also be used to build on good practice and develop tools and training for user led deaf and disability borough organisations; enabling them to better meet the needs of disabled and deaf people from BAMER communities.

Helping to influence policy

A report and data source to meet the information needs of support agencies working with disabled and deaf people and their user groups will be produced.

This will enable the new organisation to influence policy, and disability groups will be better equipped to advocate and improve access for BAMER communities.