Scouting out local Plings online

Enable is a new Derbyshire-based Disability Direct project promoting independence and social inclusion for young disabled people aged 16-25.

Enable’s Young People’s Worker, Naomi Hope, talked to Plings about scouting-out accessible positive activities across Derbyshire, Strictly Come Dancing, and the challenges of out-of-date websites.

Naomi, tell us about what you do.

My role is to gather information about absolutely everything that is taking place in Derbyshire that young people may be interested in. Then when a service user comes to me and wants to know about what’s happening locally – where to see films, plays and concerts, sports events and groups, support services like counselling and health information, adult education courses and volunteer opportunities – I know what to tell them!

How do you go about finding websites listing positive activities in Derbyshire?

I start in the obvious places that give general information such as the City and County Council for their activities and links to other organisations. The Tourist Information sites have great information about local attractions and events.

If I’m looking for something creative then I go to the Arts Derbyshire website or if it’s sporty then the Leisure Centres and Derbyshire Sport. If I’m after something very specific then Google is usually the first place I check.

Which websites do you use on a regular basis to find information?

There are loads of websites on my favourites list, including:

Connexions helps young people with information about education, employment and training

Too Doo, a Derbyshire County Council website that lists activities for 11-19 year olds.

The Derbyshire Directory lists local groups and charities

Derbyshire and Derby City Councils have a great source of information about organisations and events. The City Council has a fantastic Learning Disability Resource Directory.

Tourist Information helps with local attractions and events

Volunteer opportunities are listed on do-it and vinspired.

I would love for websites like Plings and Disabled Go to have information about Derbyshire.

That’s a lot of websites to keep track of. How do you make sure the information you’re using from them is up to date?

Very often, courses and events are listed with dates that they are running. With other activities that are presumed ongoing, like youth clubs, I email or ring them to check that it is still active. Things change all the time – new projects begin, old ones end, current ones change the times or venues – it is very hard for everyone to keep their information up to date. I guess this is the problem with organisations registering their activities on lots of different websites – when things change it is a job remembering to update everyone else with the changes.

How do you decide whether particular positive activities are accessible to young people with disabilities?

There are some great websites like Derbyshire Sport, which has information about disability sports in the county. You can also find out which Leisure Centres are Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) accredited so you know that the facilities and equipment are accessible for disabled and non-disabled people.

I work with young people with a range of disabilities, which can be physical disabilities, learning difficulties, sensory impairments or mental ill health. An activity described as suitable for people with disabilities may be suitable for one person but not another. Also, some people want to do activities with other disabled people while other want to access mainstream activities.

The best thing to do is to treat each case individually. I find that rather than make assumptions that something will be suitable and enjoyable, I do some research and contact the organiser to find out more information. I like to visit as many of the activities as possible to get first hand experience of what takes place. It then puts me in a better position for telling other people what to expect, as often trying something new can be daunting.

The good news is that I am finding out that there are a huge number of things to do in Derbyshire.

Which positive activity in Derbyshire would you most like to take part in?

Well I’m a huge Strictly fan and would love to learn how to dance, despite my lack of rhythm and two left feet! Derby has a fantastic dance centre called Déda, which has performances and classes to suit all dance lovers. My favourite dance to watch is the Argentine Tango, which they teach at Déda, so I really should go and sign up…

Anything else you’d like to say?

Disability Direct is currently in the process of creating our own directory of local facilities accessible to older and disabled people called ‘Do What You Want’.

We contacted hundreds of local organisations, clubs and venues to find out about what they do and their accessibility for disabled people. The information compiled from the answers given is being entered onto an online database so that anyone searching for clubs, groups, societies, self help, peer support, sports etc, etc will be able to find out exactly what is going on in their area and whether the location is suitable for their needs.