What is
Access to Benefits Leisure & Employment
The
Warehouse. Coningsby Street. Hereford HR1 2DY.
Telephone: Hereford (01432) 277770. Facsimile: (01432) 276428.
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Welcome to ABLE. The information provided here is given in good faith. However, names, addresses and telephone numbers are liable to change and ABLE cannot be held responsible for information which is found to be incorrect. In case of difficulty, readers should check the details with ABLE. Please let ABLE know of incorrect entries so that they can be brought up to date.
What is ABLE?
In July 1983 a Voluntary Organisation called Herefordshire DIAL became operational.
For
twenty years – Herefordshire DIAL has given advice and information on all
queries relating to disability. Practically assisting many thousand of people
with disabilities to complete the very complicated forms in order to claim the
benefits that they are entitled to.
In April 2002, Herefordshire DIAL moved from the cramped St Owen Street Office to a smart spacious converted Warehouse in Coningsby Street – sharing the premises with Workmatch Ltd, Can-Do-Catering, Spokes and All-Set. All organisations helping people with disabilities to achieve more independence and a better quality of life.
During a the period of (March 2004 – April 2005). ABLE dealt with over 5000 clients bringing in about £1 Million pounds to Herefordshire in various benefits assisted by staff of ABLE.
April 2003 saw Herefordshire DIAL merge with Workmatch Ltd and a name
change. We are now called ABLE (Access to Benefits Leisure
Employment) under the management of Workmatch Trustees and Operations Director
– Geoff Tunstall.
In the summer of 2004, Herefordshire DIAL became the first voluntary organisation in the West Midlands to achieve the Community Legal Services accreditation (a quality benchmark used for all legal services organisations).
ABLE
continues to deliver the same service as before – only better!
Tel: 277770 at the Warehouse, Coningsby Street, Hereford, HR1 2DY.
Opening time has been extended to 9.00 am – 4.00 pm five days a week.
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 the information?
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, architects, therapists, educationalists.
- Voluntary and statutory agencies
- Students and researchers.
How is the service available?
- By telephone
- fax
- writing
- e-mail or Internet.
- personal visit
Queries are dealt with directly wherever possible and backed up by documentary information as appropriate. Confidentiality is respected in all cases. Names are not taken unless there is a need to research the answer and re-contact the enquirer
What information is provided?
All the main publications in the field, e.g., books, magazines, papers, government publications, are examined and relevant information noted, filed and regularly updated. ABLE keeps a library of books relating to disability.
What kind of questions can be answered?
The kind of questions which commonly arise usually fall into the following categories.
- Income and benefits
- Equipment, aids and appliances
- Leisure activities, holidays and travel
- Access and mobility
- Welfare rights and legislation
- Housing, accommodation and care
- Education and employment
- Rehabilitation and training
- Voluntary organisations and their work
- Local welfare services
- Information about specific impairments
Some questions may fall outside the competence of ABLE to answer fully, e.g., questions requiring medical knowledge. In such cases an appropriate referral can be suggested but whenever possible, ABLE deals with all enquiries directly.