Tel: 01473 836777
Fax: 01473 836778
Textphone: 01473 836779
Email enquiries@optua.org.uk
Tel: 01473 836777
Fax: 01473 836778
Textphone: 01473 836779
Email enquiries@optua.org.uk
Ipswich Big Splash Launch Event
We held an official launch of our Ipswich Big Splash supported swimming sessions at Crown Pools on Thursday 29 November where anyone who came along could swim for free.
'Big Splash' sessions are run across the county at a total of eight locations. They are an ideal way for disabled people to learn to swim with volunteer support, or just have a quiet swim. The sessions are also open to anyone recovering from a long term illness or injury looking to regain fitness or mobility.
The sessions at Crown Pools have been running for some time but the launch event was held to encourage more people to come along. The sessions run from 2pm - 3.30pm.
Big Splash sessions at Crown Pools are supported by Awards for All funding from the National Lottery and are organised by Optua in partnership with Ipswich Borough Council. The sessions run every Thursday and are always supported by volunteers and staff from the swimming pool. For more details about the event or Big Splash sessions call Optua Leisure on 01473 836770 or email leisure@optua.org.uk
The new Ipswich Charioteers Wheelchair Football team which was recently launched, will be holding monthly sessions at Copleston High School, Ipswich in 2008.
Sessions are £2 per person and the dates booked for 2008 so far are January 12th, February 23rd, March 29th and April 26th (all Saturdays). If anyone is interested in finding out more about the sessions or taking part please Claire O'Brien-Ellington on 07786 062656 or Optua's Leisure Service on 01473 836770. There is also a Video Nation film about Claire's aspiration to form a team at the BBC Suffolk website - click here to see it.
A new website has been launched which provides information for disabled people on how to live healthier and more active lifestyles.
The Alive and Thrive website features a wealth of information for all disabled people on subjects such as staying active, exercise and healthy eating. The site contains downloadable information from the Alive and Thrive Action Pack which has been produced by the Suffolk Disability and Health Action Group, (SDHAG). The group which is a partnership of disability organisations with representation from the Primary Care Trusts in Suffolk, was established in 1997 to promote the good health of disabled people.
The website is being hosted by Optua's own website and has its own address at www.aliveandthrive.org.uk.
Scooter safety message from Optua
Optua is reminding users of mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs of the need to use them safely and responsibly.
Two incidents in Ipswich have been reported in the local media recently where mobility scooters have been involved in accidental collisions with people and Optua is also aware of the issue being raised through the Local Access Groups that it co-ordinates.
Linda Hoggarth, chairman of Optua, said: "As a charity representing the interests of all disabled people, Optua is anxious that users of mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs do not get a bad name because of a small number of incidents. The majority of disabled people use them safely and responsibly and do not cause any problems. However, it is sensible to remind users of some basic safety tips which they should always follow for their safety and that of the general public."
Some useful safety tips for user of mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs:
More detailed safety tips are available in the 'Get Wise' Highway Code for Electric Scooter and Wheelchair Users, which is available from the British Healthcare Trades Associate on 0207 7022141. The Driving Standards Agency also recently consulted on changes to the national Highway Code which will include a new section covering electric mobility vehicles.
Optua's main office has moved!
In 2007 we moved our main office from Red Gables in Stowmarket to new purpose-built rented accommodation a few miles down the road at Hill View Business Park in Claydon.
Services that have more direct contact with people in Mid Suffolk have remained in Stowmarket so that it is easier for local people to access them.
That means that Optua Community Transport and Optua Advice and Advocacy are still based in Stowmarket to enable them to continue to provide the same level of service and their addresses and telephone numbers will stay the same.
The following services have all moved to Claydon and their new numbers are listed:
Optua Homecare is based in Woodbridge on 01394 388588.
Our address at Claydon is Optua House, Hill View Business Park, Claydon, Ipswich, IP6 0AJ.
Directions to the new office
Take the slip road off the A14 - signposted for Claydon and Great Blakenham and then take the Claydon turning off the roundabout. After about 300 yards turn right into Old Ipswich Road (Hill View Business Park is signposted). Continue along this road for about one mile. Hill View Business Park is on the left. Optua House is at the top left of the site.
For an online map with directions Click here.
There is easy access by bus to Hill View Business Park with a bus stop just outside the entrance on Old Ipswich Road.
Can you help people get from A to B? Our community transport service needs more volunteer drivers!
Optua's Community Transport runs a range of transport services in Mid Suffolk, providing a lifeline to older, disabled and rurally isolated people. The services are supported by Suffolk County Council and cover many rural villages in the Stowmarket area.
Volunteer drivers are vital to the running of the services and more are needed for Optua's minibus and community car services which can be booked by people needing transport in the Mid Suffolk area.
Volunteering as a driver is very rewarding, giving you the chance to meet people and to get out and about in the Suffolk countryside. You will also be helping to provide a vital role in assisting people who may be isolated by a disability or other circumstances, to get about the county.
Volunteer driving is very flexible can appeal to a range of people - those who may have retired, someone looking for experience or a possible career change and people who would like to meet people and see more of the county.
We'd be keen to hear from anyone who is interested so please call us on 01449 614271.
