ABLE is a free, impartial and confidential service of information advice and in some cases, practical help. ABLE provides one focal point of contact for the multitude of questions which can confront a person with a disability.

Who can use it? Anyone with a query or problem connected with any aspect of disability; for instance:

• Disabled people, their families, friends and carers

• Professionals: doctors, social workers, therapists, educationalists, architects

• Voluntary and statutory agencies

• Students and researchers

Benefits Entitlements for People Coming from Abroad

Citizens Advice Bureau, 1 St Owens Street, Hereford HR1 2JB

Tel: (0870) 126 4091 Fax: (01432) 344 843

E-mail: info@herefordshirecab.org.uk Website: www.herefordshirecab.org.uk

People who have just come to Great Britain, new to this country or returning after a period away, may need to know about benefits which they can claim. Relevant leaflets are published by the Department for Work and Pensions. See CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU.

Social Security

Tel: (0800) 882 200 Website www.dss.gov.uk

The Department for Work and Pension Office has a free benefit enquiry Helpline for people with disabilities. Monday to Friday 8:30am to 6:30pm, Saturday 9:00am to 1:00pm. This is the Government Department dealing with the weekly payment of benefits to disabled people.

Benefits Agency Local

St Nicholas House, 6 St Nicholas Street, Hereford hr4 0dd

Tel: (01432) 363 600 Fax: (01432) 363 605

The Benefits Agency’s has ramped access and all callers and interview facilities are on the ground floor. There is also a fully accessible toilet. The introduction of the Department for Work and Pension Office has meant that staff are required to place a high priority on customer service. People with problems, queries or suggestions as to how the service can be improved should contact the Customer Service Manager.

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Bereavement - National

CRUSE - Bereavement Care

Cruse House, 126 Sheen Road, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1UR

Tel: (0870) 167 167 or (020) 8939 9530 (Admin) Fax: (020) 8940 7638

E-mail: info@crusebereavementcare.org.uk

Website: www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk

A registered charity providing advice, support and information for anyone bereaved by the death no matter how recently or how long ago the bereavement.

SANDS - Still Birth and Neonatal death Society

28 Portland Place, London W1B 1LY

Tel: (020) 7436 5881 (helpline) or (020) 7436 7940 (office)

Fax: (020) 7436 3715

E-mail support@uk-sands.org Website www.uk-sands.org

SANDS provide support for bereaved parents and their families when their baby dies at or soon after birth. We welcome calls from: relatives: grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles or friends, health care professionals: GPs, health visitors, hospital staff, mental health workers, other professionals involved with bereaved people: clergy, funeral directors, employers who have a bereaved parent returning to work.

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Bereavement - Local

CRUSE – Herefordshire

Cruse Marches Branch Helpline: (01432) 359 469

Offers support for bereaved people of all ages and abilities anywhere in Herefordshire. Individual counselling, information for clients and the public. Training/talks for groups & organisations.

Herefordshire Bereavement Services

PO Box 59, Hereford HR1 9DT

Tel: 07775 85 22 36 (Answerphone outside hours)

Website: www.communigate.co.uk/here/bereavementservices

Herefordshire Bereavement Services provides a single point of contact for bereaved people and those working with them. We hold information about support services available, locally and nationally, and have made this information accessible by publishing a Directory of Services listing further sources of information and support. We aim to raise the profile of bereavement care and improve awareness of bereavement and related issues & provide training for professionals and those working within the voluntary sector.

Noah's Ark Trust

1 College Precincts, Worcester WR1 2LG

Tel: (01905) 745 735 Fax: (01905) 745 735

E-mail: info@noaharktrust.co.uk Website: www.noahsarktrust.co.uk

Noah's Ark Trust is a charity that offers grief support to bereaved children and young people in Worcestershire and Herefordshire. Through our residential weekends, in the beautiful surroundings of The Malvern Outdoor Centre, children make friends, share experiences, remember the person who has died and learn to have fun again.

Ross and Newent Bereavement Support Group

Sarah Perkins, Rudhall Springs Cottage, Watery Lane, Lea Bailey Hill,

Ross-on-Wye HR9 7LF

Tel: (01989) 750 300

St Michael's Hospice

Sara Higginson, Bartestree, Hereford HR1 4HA

Tel: (01432) 851 000 Fax: (01432) 851 022

E-mail: info@st-michaels-hospice.org.uk Website www.st-michaels-hospice.org.uk

A full time worker is available at St Michael's Hospice to offer support, advice and information to families, friends and patients. Bereavement support is available to all children, adolescents and adults following a death. Home visiting, individual and group support can all be arranged. For further information please contact Sara Higginson, Social Worker at St Michael's Hospice.

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BIRD WATCHING – National

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL

Tel: (01767) 680 511 Website: www.rspb.org.uk

The Society produces 'Advice for Disabled Birdwatchers' and 'RSPB Nature Reserves for the Disabled' which lists sites accessible to disabled people.

The monthly magazine Birdwatching contains regular features on sites to visit, which usually includes some information on disabled access and facilities. The RSPB booklet Disabled Access to Reserves contains details of all the disabled facilities on our reserves. These details are also available in the Reserves section of our web site. For information about access to the wildfowl centres run by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, write to them at Slimbridge, Gloucester GL2 7BT.

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Blind and Partially Sighted - National

Action for Blind People

14-16 Verney Road, London SE16 3DZ

Tel: (020) 7635 4800 National Information Hotline: 0800 915 4666

Fax: (020) 7635 4900

E-mail: info@afbp.org Website: www.afbp.org

Action for Blind People enables blind and partially sighted people to transform their lives through work, housing, leisure and support. We offer a wide range of services to visually impaired people, their families, advocates, professionals and the general public. Our services include: Practical employment development support for visually impaired people and companies. Support for blind and partially sighted people wishing to move home and specialist housing units. We manage four purpose built and specially adapted hotels for visually impaired guests and sporting activities A national information and advice service, with specialised welfare rights support

Big Print

Big Print Ltd., 2 Palmyra Square, Warrington, Cheshire, WA1 1JQ

Tel: 0800 124 007 Fax: (01925) 124 007

E-mail: sales@big-print.co.uk Website: www.big-print.co.uk

This is a national newspaper, set in bold type more than twice the size of other newspapers. The newspaper is designed for those who have difficulty reading normal type size. Big Print can be purchased by subscription on a quarterly @ £14.75, half yearly @ £27.50 or yearly @ £52.50. A free sample copy is available on request. See Taped Books.

British Wireless for the Blind Fund

Mrs M R Granger, Gabriel House, 34 New Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4QR

Tel: (01634) 832 501 Fax: (01634) 817 485

E-mail: info@blind.org.uk Website: www.blind.org.uk

Radios or Radio Cassette Recorders are issued on a free permanent loan basis to the registered blind and partially sighted person over the age of eight and who is in need of wireless listening and is resident in the United Kingdom. All sets are distributed through local agents Hereford Association for the Blind and either Social Service Departments or Voluntary Associations for the Blind

Calibre

New Road, Weston Turvill, Aylesbury, Bucks HP22 5XQ

Tel: (01296) 432 339 Fax: (01296) 392 599

E-mail: enquiries@calibre.org.uk Website: www.calibre.org.uk

This is a postal lending library of books recorded onto standard tape cassettes for visually impaired people or anyone having difficulty reading printed books. There are approximately 5,500 titles, fiction and non-fiction, plus some 1000 titles for children. The service is free to individuals but their inability to manage to read for whatever reason needs to be verified. Clients use their own tape recorder and may keep the tape for up to 4 weeks.

Directory Enquiries (Freephone)

Tel: 0800 587 0195

Free Directory Enquiry Service: For people unable to use a printed telephone directory, because of blindness disability or a medical condition, British Telecom provide their Directory Enquiry Service free. Telephone for an application form which is in two parts. One for the applicant to complete and one for someone who knows the applicant in a professional capacity (e.g. District Nurse, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Social Worker, GP, Optician, Warden). When completed, post both forms in the envelope supplied. A list of qualifying conditions is given for guidance, but is not exhaustive. You do not need to have a personal telephone to qualify for this free service.

Deafblind UK

The National Centre for Deafblindness, Place, Cygnet Road, Hampton, Peterborough PE7 8FD

Tel: 0800 132 320 Textphone: (01733) 358 100 Fax: (01733) 358356

E-mail: info@deafblind.org.uk Website: www.deafblind.org.uk

Deafblind UK is currently assisting thousands of deafblind or dual sensory impaired people throughout the country to cope with their disability and to lead as fulfilled and independent lives as possible. They offer comprehensive services to deafblind people, their support assistants and other professionals.These include training in communication and rehabilitation skills; a free 24 hour helpline; a regional network of staff and volunteers; a varied leisure programme and a range of publications in different reading formats.

Guide Dogs for the Blind Association

Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading RG7 3YG

Tel: (0118) 983 5555 Fax: (0118) 983 1302

E-mail: guidedogs@guidedogs.org.uk Website: www.guidedogs.org.uk

The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association is the leading charity providing guide dogs, mobility and other rehabilitation services that enable blind and partially sighted people to lead the fullest and most independent lives possible.

Learning to Read - Reading by Touch

RNIB Customer Services, PO Box 173, Peterborough PE2 6WS

Website: onlineshop.rnib-.org.uk

Reading by touch, using Braille or Moon, enables people with serious sight problems to enjoy a good read, independently access private information, participate in card and other games and label items around the home. For those who wish to learn Braille (raised dots) or Moon (raised curves and lines resembling print letters) RNIB stocks a selection of courses and practice materials. It may also be possible to put a learner in touch with a local teacher or class. Please ask for a product catalogue (large print, tape, Braille, disk copies available)

Enquiries by Telephone: 0845 7023 153

Orders by Telephone: 0345 456 457

Enquiries or Orders by Fax: 01733 371 555

Enquiries or Orders by Minicom: 0345 585 691

Enquiries or Order by Email:cservices@rnib.org.uk

Listening Books

12 Lant Street, London SE1 1QH

Tel: (020) 7407 9417 Fax: (020) 7403 1377

E-mail: info@listening-books.org.uk Website: www.listening-books.org.uk

Listening books provides a postal audio book library service for anyone who suffers from an illness or disability, which makes it impossible or difficult to hold a book, turn its s or read in the usual way. Our service is available to institutions such as Hospitals, Residential and Nursing Homes and Schools, as well as to individuals. We provide important support for the National Curriculum Key Stages 2, 3 and 4.

Midland Societies for the Blind

Doreen Marriott, 18 Ludgate Avenue, Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY11 6JP

Tel: (01562) 515 122

National Library for the Blind

Kirsti Frost (Press and PR Officer), Far Cromwell Road, Bredbury, Stockport, SK6 2SG

Tel: (0161) 355 2000 (Helpline) (0161) 406 2525 (customer service)

(0161) 355 2043 (minicom) Fax: (0161) 355 2098

E-mail: enquiries@nlbuk.org Website: http://www.nlb-online.org

NLB provides a wide range of information services for visually impaired people. Services included a Brail and Moon lending library service and electronic library and information services. NLB also works to promote access for visually impaired people to 'mainstream' library and information services.We have Europe’s largest collection of tactile books and offer a free, world-wide lending service. An extensive collection of Braille music is also available.

branches.

RNIB Talking Book Service

P O Box 173, Peterborough PE2 6WS

Tel: 0845 762 6843 Fax: (01733) 371 555

E-mail: cservcies@rnib.org.uk Website: www.rnib.org.uk

RNIB Talking Book service is a library of professionally recorded audio books, delivered to people’s homes. Our service includes a large range of books, an easy-to-use player and support in using the service.

Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB)

105 Judd Street, London WC1H 9NE

Tel: (020) 7388 1266 Fax: (020) 7388 2034

Contact the helpline on 0845 766 9999.

Website: www.rnib.org.uk Student Web Site: www.rnib.org.uk/student

We are the UK’s leading charity offering information, support and advice to over two million people with sight problems. Our pioneering work helps anyone with a sight problem, not just with Braille, Talking Books and computer training, but with imaginative and practical solutions to everyday challenges. We fight for equal rights for people with sight problems. RNIB publishes a wide range of magazines in Braille and Moon, as well as books for sale or loan. Short documents, labels, phone lists etc can also be transcribed into Braille or Moon. Please call RNIB Customer Services for further information or to place an order.

Sense (National Deaf Blind and Rubella Association)

11-13 Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, London, N4 3SR

Tel: (020) 7272 7774 Textphone: (020) 7272 9648 Fax: (020) 7272 6012

E-mail: enquiries@sense.org.uk Website: www.sense.org.uk

Sense is a national charity working with and campaigning for children and adults who are both deaf and blind providing professionals who work with them. We also have considerable experience of working with people with single sensory impairments and a wide range of other difficulties - including physical disabilities, learning disabilities, and challenging behaviour.

Talking Newspaper Association (TNAUK)

National Recording Centre, 10 Browning Road, Heathfield, East Sussex TN21 8DB

Tel: (01435) 866 102 Fax: (01435) 865 422

E-mail: info@tnauk.org.uk Website: www.tnauk.org.uk

The Talking Newspaper Association of the UK (TNAUK) is the UK's leading charity providing national and local newspapers and magazines on audio CD, audiotape, computer disk, e-mail, Internet download and CD-ROM for visually impaired and disabled people who find reading a strain.

Blind and Partially Sighted - Local

Bell Bank Club for the Blind/Visually Impaired, Hay-on-Wye

Tel: (01497) 820 224

This club meets on Thursdays between 2.00pm and 4.00pm at the Community Centre. The club produce an audiotape which can include information submitted from individuals.

Bishop, Bishop and Rumney Optometrists

Marbury House, 38 St Owens Street, Hereford HR1 2PR

Tel: (01432) 265 030

E-mail: admin@bbroptometry.co.uk Website: www.bbrumney.com

Provides magnifiers on loan under the Herefordshire Low Vision Scheme.

Fragrant Garden

Churchill Gardens, Aylestone Hill, Hereford

Tel: (01432) 260 000

Please telephone for location and further information

Herefordshire Association for the Blind

Julian Reeves (Chief Executive Officer), Diane Fonseka (Resource Manager)

36 Widemarsh Street, Hereford HR4 9EP

Tel: (01432) 352 297

There is a fully equipped Resource Centre for visually impaired people open from 9.30am to 12.20 pm Tuesday to Friday. . Herefordshire Association for the Blind act as agents for British Wireless for the Blind providing radios on free loan for people who are registered blind or partially sighted. The association also runs various clubs and activities.

Volunteer Visiting Service: Mrs Sonia Broadgate (Friends@Home manager)

Tel: (01432) 353 565.

Volunteer Hospital Co-ordinator: Mrs. Sue Segust (Vision Links Manager)

Tel: 266 957

Herefordshire Talking Newspapers for the Blind

36 Widemarsh Street, Hereford HR4 9EP

Tel: (01432) 352 297

Offers a facility for lending tapes and cassette players to registered blind people. A fortnightly audiotape is produced with extracts from the local newspapers.

Rehabilitation and Mobility Officer - Social Services

Ron Jarvis Tel: (01432) 260 000 E-mail: rjarvis@herefordshire.gov.uk

For people with visual impairment. Herefordshire Social Services.

Royal National College for the Blind

Karen Hall, College Road, Hereford HR1 1EB

Tel: (01432) 265 725 (General Enquiries)

(01432) 376 621 (Programme Enquiries)

(01432) 276 532 (Minicom) Fax: (01432) 376 628

E-mail: info@rncb.ac.uk Website: www.rncb.ac.uk

The College is a national centre for expertise for the further education and training of people who have a visual Impairment. Students come from all over the UK and abroad to prepare for open employment, self-employment or university entrance. The College has local, national and international contacts and offers a number of services to local people who have a visual impairment. The RNC mission is simply… “to enable people who are blind or partially sighted to achieve their independence and full potential”.

Specialist Social Worker for Visually Impaired People

Judith Parris, Herefordshire Council Social Services Department, County Offices, Bath Street, Hereford

Tel: (01432) 261 637 Fax: (01432) 261 718

E-mail: jparris@herefordshire.gov.uk

Specialist tutor for visually impaired students

Brian Perry, Tel: (01905) 765 629

A specialist tutor for visually impaired students in any of the Herefordshire Colleges is based in Worcester.

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Worcestershire Association for the Blind

The Bradbury Centre, 2 Sansome Walk, Worcester WR1 1LH

Tel: (01905) 723 245 Fax: (01905) 332 909

E-mail: reception@wabsight.co.uk Website: www.wabsight.co.uk

When people first experience difficulty in seeing they have many questions they would like to ask. How will I be able to read? Get about? Carry on with my job? Care for my family? Here are some of the ways in which we might be able to help you: Demonstrations of, and advice on, appropriate aids and equipment (by appointment). Advice and assistance on completion of Benefit application forms (by appointment). A Home Visiting Scheme where carefully selected and trained volunteers are linked with visually impaired people who would like a visitor.

Hospital Information and Advice Service - based in some County Hospital Eye Departments. A monthly Low Vision Clinic (advice on specialist lighting and magnifiers)

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Blue Badge Scheme - National

National Association of Blue Badge Holders

Head Office, 18 Spruce Drive, Brandon, Suffolk IP27 0NZ

Tel: 01842 812 459 (office hours) or 01842 813 676 (out of hours)

Fax: 01842 812 459

E-mail: admin@bluebadge.org Website: www.bluebadge.org

The association aims to help people with disabilities integrate more effectively with the community at large and to receive their rights in regard to Monetary and Physical Assistance and Access. Also, openly to condemn the misuse of the Blue Badge and the privileges associated with it. Please telephone for further information. They also offer short-term wheelchair loan, form filling service, arbitration service and a help and advice line.

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Blue Badge Scheme - Local

Blue Badge Scheme Tel: (01432) 261 619

The Blue Badge Scheme for disabled drivers or passengers. Notes for guidance are available from ABLE or your local Citizens Advice Bureau. To get a Blue Badge contact any Info Centre in Herefordshire. You will need two passport size photograph.. You will also need up-to-date proof of your DLA by contacting 0845 712 3456.

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BRITISH RED CROSS – National

British Red Cross UK Office

44 Moorfields, London EC2Y 9AL

Tel: 0870 170 7000 Text phone (020) 7562 2050 Fax: (020) 7562 2000

E-mail: information@redcross.org.uk Website: www.redcross.org.uk

Extensive Website.

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British Red Cross - Local

British Red Cross, Herefordshire Area

BRCS Centre, 9 Blackfriars Street, Hereford HR4 9HS

Tel: (01432) 272 522 Fax: (01432) 359 884

First aid - Emergency response - First aid at public events - Care in the home

Tracing and message services - Medical equipment - Residential home – Shops

Skin camouflage – Therapeutic massage – Transport service – Humanitarian education.

Therapeutic Care Service

BRCS Centre,Blackfriars Street, Hereford HR4 1HS

Tel: (01432) 272 522 Fax: (01432) 359 884

Therapeutic care involves hand care and massage through clothing providing a gentle treatment for people who are feeling anxious, tense or ill. The Service is available in hospitals, doctor's surgeries, mental health units and hospices.

British Red Cross - Ledbury Area

The Centre Organiser, Green Hill, London Road, Worcester WR5 2AE Tel: (01905) 351 212

British Red Cross Medical Loan Services

Hereford, 9 Blackfriars Street, Hereford HR4 9HS

Tel: (01432) 272 522 Fax: (01432) 352 435

Providing items on short-term loan, such as wheelchairs, commodes, back rests, walking frames etc, from the Hereford depot only. Special children's equipment on referral from occupational therapists only. Open Monday to Friday from 09.30 - 15.30.

BROMYARD: Council Offices, Rowberry Street, Bromyard HR7 4DX.

Open Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm. Tel: (01885) 482 341.

ROSS-ON-WYE: Ryefield Centre, Grammer School Close, Tel: (01989) 762 449.

Ross on Wye, Herefordshire.

Tuesday 10.00am to 11.00am and Friday 2.00pm to 4.00pm.

MALVERN: Brian Baxter, British Red Cross, Howsell Road, Malvern.

Tel: (01684) 572252.

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Brittle Bone Society (Osteogenesis Impertecta) - National

Brittle Bone Society

Grant-Paterson House, 30 Guthrie Street, Dundee DD1 5BS

Tel: 0800 028 2459 (Freephone) or (01382) 204 446/204 447

Fax: (01382) 206 771

E-mail: bbs@brittlebone.org Website: www.brittlebone.org

The Society aims to promote research but also to provide practical support and advice. Through the Society, families can contact each other for mutual help. A regular newsletter is issued with advice on ways of living with brittle bones. Advice is available on grants and allowances, schooling, equipment and genetics. Help can also sometimes be given to families over holidays etc. A useful and helpful list of leaflets is available.

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BULIMIA NERVOSA

See EATING DISORDERS

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