Angela learns how aids and adaptations help people with arthritis live independently
Angela joined people with arthritis at an event in Parliament on 11 July to hear about life with the condition and learn how aids and adaptions in the home can help people live independently.
The event followed the launch of Arthritis Research UK’s Room to Manoeuvre report, which looks at the provision of aids and adaptations for people with arthritis. MPs heard from people with arthritis about how aids and adaptations – such as grab rails or specialised kitchen equipment - have changed their lives. They also tried a variety of home aids and heard about findings from the report, which reveals that many people aren’t getting the support they’re entitled to.
Arthritis and related conditions are the number one cause of pain and disability in the UK, affecting 17.8 million people across the country. Many people with arthritis live with severe pain, fatigue and limited mobility every day, which make even simple tasks a challenge.
Aids and adaptations, such as grab rails, raised toilet seats and non-slip shower mats, help people with arthritis to lead more independent lives and may reduce the risk of them needing more expensive formal care or even A&E services. Almost everyone (95%) with arthritis surveyed by Arthritis Research UK who currently uses aids and adaptations said this help improved their quality of life.
Local authorities have a legal duty to provide aids and adaptations to those who are eligible. However, the charity’s report found that 8 in 10 (84%) survey respondents who are eligible for support are missing out on life-changing equipment, and more than half are buying equipment themselves.
Arthritis Research UK is calling on local authorities to ensure people with arthritis and related conditions are assessed and, if eligible, provided with aids and minor adaptations free of charge. The charity is also calling on central government to support local authorities to meet these duties.
Angela Smith said:
“4,850 people in Penistone and Stocksbridge are living with osteoarthritis of the hip, 8,220 with osteoarthritis of the knee and 16,430 with back pain, so I wanted to show my support for them in Parliament and hear from people with arthritis about the help that makes a difference to their lives.
“Aids and adaptations in the home can help people to remain independent for longer, and I want to make sure that people with arthritis in Penistone and Stocksbridge know about the support on offer. I urge people to reach out to Arthritis Research UK for expert information, help and advice.”
Natasha Packham, a campaigner and volunteer who spoke about her condition at the event, said:
“It was great to be able to share my story about aids and adaptations and the fact that I didn’t know that such help even existed, or the big difference it could make to my life. I'm glad that many so MPs attended, and that I was able to speak to them about this.”
Shona Cleland, Public Affairs Manager, said:
“It was fantastic to see Ms Smith at our event. Arthritis and related conditions are the number one cause of pain and disability in the UK. However, a lack of awareness of the support – such as aids and adaptations – available to help people live independently is a real issue. Arthritis can affect every aspect of someone’s life, from getting up in the morning and going to work, to looking after family and making a meal. It’s great that Ms Smith wants to learn more about the help that can really make a difference to constituents with arthritis.”
Angela supports campaign for every child to join local library and share a love of reading
Angela Smith, Member of Parliament for Penistone and Stocksbridge, is supporting a campaign run by charity The Reading Agency to encourage all primary school children to take part in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge.
Research shows that reading for pleasure is a pivotal factor in life achievement and that children who use libraries are twice as likely to be above average readers. This year’s Summer Reading Challenge is Mischief Makers; celebrating the 80th anniversary of the much-loved comic, Beano.
To take part in the Challenge, children head to their local library collect a map of Beanotown to keep a record of their reading journey. As children read at least six library books over the summer, they will collect stickers which will help them crack the clues and help Dennis, Gnasher and friends find the buried treasure!
Children can use the special website http://www.mischief-makers.org.uk to create a profile, chat about books, and get help on what to read next, via the digital Book Sorter which already offers over 600,000 peer to peer children’s book recommendations in child-friendly categories.
The Summer Reading Challenge reaches children and young people of all ages. For pre-schoolers there is a mini-challenge while young people (aged 13 to 24) can volunteer and support younger children taking part, as part of The Reading Agency’s Reading Hack programme. Volunteering provides a quality workplace experience for young people in libraries, inspires them to think about their future career and increases their employability as they gain useful life skills and confidence. Last year over 7,500 young people across the UK volunteered.
Commenting, Angela said:
“Libraries are important cornerstones of a healthy community, and give people the opportunity to find jobs, expand their knowledge and experience new ideas. They present an opportunity to explore international, national, local and even our own personal histories. Perhaps most importantly they are an inexhaustible source of stories to capture the imagination and open the door to different worlds.
“I hope parents, grandparents and carers in Penistone and Stocksbridge will take their children to the library over the summer to sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge. It’s free, inclusive and, most importantly, makes reading fun.”
Angela pledges support to NFU’s Rural Crime Reporting Line
Angela Smith MP has pledged her support to the “Rural Crime Reporting Line”, a new service for farmers and the public to give information anonymously about rural crime.
Launched by the National Farmers’ Union, in partnership with the charity Crimestoppers, farmers, rural businesses and the public can ring 0800 783 0137 or visit www.ruralcrimereportingline.uk to anonymously give information about crime relating to:
- $1· large-scale, industrial fly-tipping
- $1· hare coursing
- $1· machinery theft; or
- $1· livestock theft
Rural crime is a serious issue for farmers, rural businesses and those who live in the countryside, and it can have significant impacts on a farm or another rural business.
Angela, said:
“Rural crime can have devastating impacts and I recognise that is a very important issue for many of my constituents. I fully support this new initiative by the NFU and commend them for their ongoing work to tackling these serious issues.
“I am committed to working with the NFU in our efforts to tackle rural crime and begin to rid this blight on our countryside.”
NFU Deputy President Guy Smith said:
“The NFU has teamed up with the charity Crimestoppers to provide a service for farmers and the public to give information anonymously about these crimes. With relevant information being passed to the police, this service could help to provide key leads in the pursuit of these criminals.
“I want to encourage anyone who has experienced, witnessed or has any information about these rural crimes to come forward and call the line - your information could be extremely valuable.
Ends
Notes to editor:
To give information on large-scale, industrial fly-tipping, hare coursing, machinery theft or livestock theft, call the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 783 0137 or go to www.ruralcrimereportingline.uk.