Bank offers change
After gaining the support of Borders MP Michael Moore and Berwickshire Councillors, Frances Renton and David Raw, the determined three set about their plans to persuade the bank to act upon their concerns. Nearly three years later, the group have been victorious as work finally begins on installing a wheelchair ramp and improving access to the bank.
Morag says: “I’m delighted that after a lot of persistence, RBS have finally taken our concerns on board. I don’t like having to do my banking in the street and I am looking forward to being able to go inside the bank like all the other customers.”
Disabled bank users in Duns, Scotland, will now be able to access their local branch of Royal Bank of Scotland thanks to the tireless campaigning of two CIC service users – Morag Blaikie and Iain McDonald.
Morag and Iain, who both live at CIC’s Station Court in Duns and have physical disabilities, joined forces with fellow activist, Amanda Hanlon, to lobby the bank to improve access to the branch after becoming dissatisfied with having to conduct their banking transactions on the pavement outside the building.
Carol Boid, Personal Assistant to Iain at Station Court said: “Everyone is so proud of what Morag, Iain and the others have achieved. They are people who in spite of their disabilities enjoy leading independent lives; they expect and deserve the same level of service as everyone else who banks with RBS. I just hope some other shopkeepers in the area now sit up and take notice too.”
A 'V' Special Day Well done to all Newcastle Children’s
The Whinnies in Gateshead took part in a national volunteer pilot this Summer organised by ‘V’ - the national volunteer service for young people. The service welcomed a group of young willing volunteers, who were taking part in the organisation’s Summer of a Lifetime Programme – a personal development scheme aimed at encouraging its participants to become more confident and socially responsible young adults. The youngsters spent three days helping out with weeding, planting and harvesting cane at the service’s allotments. Brett Clark, Senior Support Worker at the Whinnies said: “It was great having the young volunteers helping out at our service. The Summer of a Lifetime programme is a fantastic initiative which really gives young people from all backgrounds the chance to work together and make a difference. The guys and girls all worked really hard and their efforts were greatly appreciated by both the staff and the people supported at the Whinnies.”
Enablement staff who successfully passed their OFSTED inspection of the PHAB club in Jarrow, South Tyneside.
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