Enfield shortlisted for Beacon Award for independent living

Enfield Council celebrated this week as their work in supporting disabled people to lead independent lives was shortlisted for a national beacon award.

Beating over 120 other applications, the Council is now down to the final 5 authorities – all of which are recognized as being among the best in the country for independent living.

Cllr Edward Smith, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services said “Enfield Council is committed to providing disabled people with the opportunity to lead a full and independent life. As such we continue to invest in new and improved services for both older and disabled people and work with partner organisations to make a difference to people’s lives.

“In the last year we have worked with partners to open two new state of the art supported housing schemes, Vincent House and Alcazar Court, which are not only specially adapted but also come with a range of support so that people with even profound disabilities can, sometimes for the first time, live on their own in safety.

“We also work with health to provide services that allow people to live as long as possible in their own homes, like the At Home service, which provide occupational therapy and specialist aids and adaptations.

“It’s also about getting people into the community, and making sure that they have access to universal services that you and I take for granted. Our Park Avenue Disabilities Resource Centre runs a range of activities and drop-ins that ensure that anyone with disabilities has access to information and services.

“I am immensely proud of the staff at the Council because even being shortlisted is recognition that we are among the best in the country for supporting people to lead independent lives. If we win the award, it will be a fantastic achievement and reflects the commitment and dedication of our staff and partner organisations.”

There were 12 subject areas in all to the Beacon award, and the themes relate to key areas for improving the quality of life for local communities.

Enfield Council beat 121 other applications, and now sees itself going head to head with four other borough’s – Bexley, Middlesborough, Barking and Dagenham and Redcar and Cleveland for the coveted prize!

The next stage of the assessment will be visits by specialist advisors in November with the overall winner announced next year.

This document was last updated on 2008-11-06 11:29:13 published by the Communications team. Document Reference:LBE_133521