|
North Dorset should be proud that a local charity has won a coveted National partnership Award. The resource Awards were held at the Botanical Gardens in Birmingham earlier this year Wessex Independent Self Help (WISH)  With a list of partners almost as numerous as the projects it operates, Wessex Independent Self Help (WISH) provides individuals living with a breadth of disabilities the chance to be part of something inspirational Working with 10 different partners - ranging from the local council to various regional community and private sector organisations including Dorset Health Care Trust - and bringing together five groups of people with disabilities and those from the disadvantaged sector of the community, Wessex Independent Self Help (WISH) stands as an exemplar on partnership working. Funded by the sale of donations, reuse and recycling credits from the council and CRED funding, the group aims to divert waste from landfill using as many means as possible. With services ranging from kerbside collections, composting and bring schemes, to insurance and professional advice and services at no - or minimal - cost, the group lives up to its promise. But what is really impressive about WISH is not just the 1,000 tonnes of waste it is diverting from landfill each year, but the social function it serves in doing so, employing people with a spectrum of disabilities to create diversity and the feeling for every individual that they are contributing to something that is exciting, new and ambitious. The prize money will be spent in accordance with these values. Two individuals with a disability will be taught to drive, with funding running right through to their theory and practical driving tests. Once proficient and legal, both individuals will take possession of a charity vehicle, enabling them to pick up others on their way to attend or volunteer, and return to their homes. As WISH's coordinator, David Spencer, explains: "This means that the Novelis prize money is being used to give two deserving, committed individuals the freedom and diversity that they so much want but are unable to afford otherwise. When they have passed their full driving tests, which are being taught by the GT School of Motoring, they will take a further six-hour set of courses taking them to the coveted Pass Plus Certificate. This involves motorway, night, and abnormal weather driving that will enable them to receive reduced rates of insurance (sometimes up to 40 per cent), meaning the charity will save on its premiums. These two drivers will then take the charity vehicles being driven by 'service users' and volunteers, up to seven each day, six days of the week, offering essential transport support in this rural area of Dorset." |
