All Ability Forum Under Threat

The All Ability Forum has been in operation since 2004  providing a voice in the town for people with disabilities.  No direct funding for it’s work has been available for the last two years but the Forum has been supported by Claire Boddy who has used the Forum as a means of informing her work as Development Officer for the Life Chances Board. It is this work which will be delivered directly by the Local Authority from April 2008.  Hartlepool has had a good track record in having specialist approaches to consultation which ensure that all communities of interest have an opportunity to have their voice heard.  If the All Ability Forum does come to an end, it will result in the loss of an independent voice for people with disabilities in the town.  The Forum formally meets monthly and has addressed a wide range of issues such as public transport, access and highways, long term conditions, supported housing, ‘Dial-A-Ride’ and how to improve service user involvement.