Wandsworth services, support and other organisations
This section contains information and links to a number of websites that are relevant to people living with physical disability within this borough. The first section links to the Wandsworth social services for the departments of social work and occupational therapy. Following on are sections related to work, volunteering, travel, leisure, education, support and advice.
If you have any queries or feedback about the Wandsworth Multiple Sclerosis Resource please email stgh-tr.wandsworthcnt@nhs.net
Sections:
Social Services and housing
Finance advice and support
Advice and assistance for people with a disability or long term condition
Support and social
Relationships, sex and disability
Exercise, activities and swimming
Employment and learning
Online and digital technology
Travel and transport
Social Services and housing
Wandsworth Social Services:
Wandsworth Social work or Social Services Occupational Therapy:
Adult Social care from Wandsworth Council
Contact the Access team:
Tel:020 88717707
Email: accessteam@wandsworth.gov.uk
For visitors: Housing Reception Centre, 90 Putney Bridge Road SW18 1HR
For post: Housing and Regeneration, Wandsworth Council, Town Hall, Wandsworth High Street SW18 2PU
Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm: 020 8871 6840 or 020 8871 6812
Out of hours emergency social services: 020 8871 6000
Financial Advice and Support
Disability and Social Care Advice Service (DASCAS) Citizens Advice Wandsworth DASCAS team, is here to give independent advice to residents of the London Borough of Wandsworth about disability and sickness benefits and services. The service is for people with disabilities and the relatives and friends who care for them. Our DASCAS service offers telephone advice, home visits or office interviews.
Tel: 020 7978 7306 Email: dascas@cawandsworth.org. Address: DASCAS, Battersea Library, 265 Lavender Hill, Battersea, London SW11 1JB
Turn2us is a national charity that helps people in financial hardship to gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and support services. Type in postcode, age and gender to get a list of grants available in their area.
Wandsworth Citizens Advice Bureau
Disability assistance:
Adult Care Information Service (ACIS) Provides information and help to adults who have difficulty with everyday things. Find local services using our directory below, or visit the ‘help from adult social services’ pages to find out how we help people with care and support needs.
Care4me: A community directory for organisations in Wandsworth. It provides a free web directory of local care and self-help services for both health professionals and the general public.
Tel: 020 8812 6700 (Mon-Fri 9:00-17:00)
Email: waccg.wandsworthhub@nhs.net
Assistance Dogs: Accredited assistance dogs are dogs that have been trained by accredited member organisations of Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF). Over 7,000 disabled people in the UK rely on an accredited assistance dog to help with practical tasks, in addition to the emotional benefits and greater independence that such dogs bring.
The Wandsworth Wellbeing Hub is a free and impartial NHS service which aims to help patients and the public to find organisations and services to support their health and wellbeing needs.
Tel: 020 8812 6600
Email: wandsworthccg@swlondon.nhs.uk
Wandsworth Self-management service and Expert Patient Programme
Tel: 020 8812 6750 Email: wandsworthccg.expertpatients@swlondon.nhs.uk Write: FREEPOST WSMS
‘Self-management means that you don’t have to manage alone without any support; it is not a replacement for your health services. It is about encouraging you through building on your skills, knowledge and confidence, taking a more active role in managing your health and understanding your condition. It helps people to make more informed choices about how and when to get different kinds of support’.
What is Wandsworth Self-Management Service
- Support service for people living with long-term health conditions
- Expert Patients Programme, click Courses and Videos
- Looking After Me course for carers
- An information point about additional services provided by charities, self-help groups and voluntary organisations in Wandsworth
Advice and assistance for people with a disability or long term condition and their carers
Vision Eyes / vision / sight:
See Symptom management section
Royal National Institute of Blind People Offers information and support for people with sight problems.
105 Judd Street, London WC1H 9NE
Helpline 0303 123 9999 (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm)
Thomas Pocklington Trust offers people who are blind or have sight loss the support they require to lead an independent life, based on their individual requirements.
Head office: Pier House 90 Strand on the Green London W4 3NN
Tel: 020 8995 0880 Email: info@pocklington-trust.org.uk
Support
Men’s Shed
The Men’s shed is a weekly group where men (or women!) can meet and work on practical projects, such as furniture upcycling, and enjoy a cup of tea and chat.
The group meets every Wednesday 12:00-15:30
Roehampton Methodist Church
Minstead Gardens
Roehampton
London
SW15 4EB
Tel: 07950 931626 email: dave.peers@ageukwandsworth.org.uk
The group meets every Wednesday at 10am.
Dimson Lodge, 141 Battersea Church Road
Battersea, SW11 3NR
Tel: 020 7223 5335 email: gcox2@wandsworth.gov.uk
Relationships, sex and disability
Symptom resources:
Sex and MS – A Guide for Women
MS Society – Sex and Relationships
Sex and Disability Helpline: Tel: 0707 499 3527 11am-7pm weekdays
Email: sexdis@outsiders.org.uk
Relate: Relate offer counselling services for every type of relationship nationwide. We provide advice on marriage, LGBT issues, divorce and parenting
Marriage Care: specialises in helping couples – married or not – build and sustain strong, fulfilling, healthy relationships, and in providing support in times of relationship difficulty
Someone like me: Canadian website around sex and relationships in MS
Sexual Respect: A website for health and social care professionals to feel more comfortable around initiating conversations around sex and relationships. Has handouts, film, further contact points.
SHADA: SHADA was formed in 2005 by the Outsiders Trust
Outsiders Trust to bring together professionals who work with disabled people. We share our work and empower each other to support disabled people in their sex and relationship needs.
Exercise, activities and swimming
Wandsworth Exercise on referral Service
Exercise on Referral is a programme where people with long term health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiac heart disease increase their physical activity levels by regularly using local leisure centres. A referral from your GP or a health professional is needed to start the programme and only certain health conditions are eligible. Once on the programme you can use the leisure centre gym and swimming pools for £2 per session. At the start a specialist exercise professional will help create a personal exercise plan which will help treat your health condition which you will follow for 12 weeks.
Wandsworth Borough Leisure Centres and Sports, Activities
The Bader Gym at Queen Mary’s Hospital
‘All new clients receive a full induction after which they can use the facilities during any of the designated open sessions’.
Address: Lower Ground Floor, Queen Mary’s Hospital, Roehampton, SW15 5PN. Open Monday to Friday 08:00 to 21:00 but the gym is closed at various times throughout the day. Please call 020 8487 6040 for further information on the opening times, cost and to discuss equipment that is available.
Yoga at the Wandsworth MS Society branch meetings at Earlsfield Library the last Thursday of each month 2-4pm. Tel: 07526 574 808
Bradbury House, the Mount, Lloyd Av, Coulsdon CR5 2QS Tel: 020 8660 1181
‘At the Sutton and Croydon Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre we firmly believe that exercise, under the supervision of a neurological physiotherapist, is the key to successfully managing your MS. Our staff encourage a proactive, informed attitude to the problems associated with MS, making the most of people’s abilities by showing them how they can keep active and prevent unnecessary secondary complications The positive, supportive atmosphere of our Centre provides a place where you can enjoy social contact with other people in a similar situation, whilst learning how to take some control of your MS.’
Wandsworth Community Neuro Team Physiotherapy led exercise class:
Contact Wandsworth Community Neuro Team at St John’s Therapy Centre to discuss referral.
CNT Exercise Group leaflet – Randall Close
CNT Exercise Group leaflet – Douglas Bader Gym
Tel: 020 8812 4060
Leonard Cheshire Community Support
Gwynneth Morgan
52 East Hill
London
SW18 2HJ
Tel: 020 88746581 / 020 88740474
Provides a six week supported gym exercise programme with accessible equipment for those with physical impairments. Gym access is also available for Day Centre members. This is available to those who receive personal or individual budgets from local councils, as well as those who pay for themselves.
Leonard Cheshire Community Support is great for socialising and there are always people coming and going. There are plenty of activities to get involved in, and our friendly staff will support and enable you to do the things you want to do. The centre is fully accessible and fitted out with aids including hoists and ramps. It also has an accessible gym and a computer room.
Swimming
Wandsworth borough pools
Wandsworth venues by sport, activity or facility – They all have pool staff who can offer guidance about safe access to the water.
Queen Mothers Sports Centre Vauxhall Bridge Road, SW1V 1EL, close to Victoria station, every Monday night at 7.45pm (except bank holidays) Email: pimlicopuffins@gmail.com
Malden Centre, Blagdon Road, New Malden, KT3 4TA Hilary Young Tel: 020 8941 3255 or by spartan.swimclub@hotmail.co.uk
Thursdays 6.30-8.00pm
Tel 020 8977 9911
‘Sessions at the Hydrotherapy Pool are for people with rehabilitation and special needs only’.
St George’s Hospital Hydrotherapy Evening Pool
Hydrotherapy Enquiries Tel: 020 8725 3018
The attendee needs to have been assessed by a physiotherapist in a hydro pool, to make sure they are appropriate and has a programme in place. A GP can refer the patient to Neuro Physiotherapy Outpatients to assess if required.
Hydrotherapy Evening Pool Group – Patient Information
Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hydrotherapy
If you have any questions or concerns about your hydrotherapy appointment, please contact the physiotherapy department where your appointment is booked:
Guy’s Hospital – 020 7188 5104
St Thomas’ Hospital – 020 7188 5094 or 020 7188 5083
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
Guy’s and St Thomas Self-Hydrotherapy
‘We are a voluntary self help group which organises hydrotherapy classes and pilates classes on a weekly basis. We also offer advice and support for people with back pain and joint problems and provide opportunites to share with one another at social events.’
020 8979 7626 /020 8894 0912
Hook Swimming School & Aqua Centre
Tel: 020 8397 7731
Orchard Rd, Hook, KT9 1AJ
Private tuition and are happy to take someone with a neuro diagnosis for 1:1 sessions.
Email: hookaquacentre@gmail.com
Employment and learning
Disability employment advisers (DEA) / Job Centre plus
The advisers are usually based in Job Centre Plus offices and can provide specialist advice about employment issues eg advising you and your employer or identifying training if required. They can talk about the Access to Work scheme through which you may be eligible for help with transport, a support worker, provision of equipment and other ways to help you in the workplace.
Vocational Rehabilitation
- Community Neuro-rehabilitation TherapyThe Wandsworth Community Neuro Team offers multi-disciplinary support for those in work or those wishing to return to a current job. The “Return to Work Service” is available to individuals registered with a Wandsworth GP who are currently employed. The team can provide support with returning to work after a relapse, looking at adjustments or accommodations within the workplace, and liaising with your employers to help them provide you with appropriate support.
- Wolfson Vocational Rehabilitation Service
The Wolfson Vocational Rehabilitation Service based at Queen Mary’s Hospital in Roehampton is a service which can assist you in seeking employment if you are currently unemployed, but would like support with finding a job that would be appropriate for you. They offer 1:1 and group therapy. You can request a referral to this service via your GP or MS team.
The MS society has lots of helpful information regarding work. They have advice about what to do if things are difficult at work, information about disclosure as well as resources to help you problem solve what to do.
For people who need extra support, there are organisations that offer supported employment to help people with disabilities in to work. They usually offer real experience of work. Some places may offer extra support to help you prepare for work and then to support you once you start working.
Work Match is a scheme aimed to help people in Wandsworth find employment. They aim to help people find the most appropriate jobs for them by matching skills and abilities with current job vacancies.
Richmond and Wandsworth Supported Employment
This service helps people with mental or physical disabilities to remain in work or to find an appropriate job. They can support people with compiling a CV, looking for a job and preparing for interviews. They will also work with employers to help make adjustments for you if necessary, and will help you to understand your rights as an employee.
Reading and learning
Phone: 020 7407 9417
Email: info@listening-books.org.uk
Tel: 020 8871 6008
The Home Delivery Library Service: Better.org’s home library service
The Home Delivery Library Service delivers books and other items to anyone who is housebound or has difficulty reaching a library on a regular basis. The service can provide books and other library materials to you at home, including DVDs on request.
Email: hdls@gll.org
Tel: 020 8877 1742 – select option 2 (please leave a message, if your call goes to the answerphone)
Online and digital technology
Ability net Technology advice and support for people with disabilities
Ability net helps people get the most from their computer, smartphone or tablet’
Visit: www.abilitynet.org/request-IT-support or call free on: 0800269545.
Travel and transport
Email: tflaccessibility@tfl.gov.uk
Phone: 0343 222 1234
TFL Customer Services
4th Floor
14 Pier Walk
London SE10 0ES
TFL accessibility provides information on planning an accessible journey, step-free access and avoiding stairs, priority seating and other features.
Wandsworth Council website resources
Tel: 020 8871 8871
Email: ConcessionaryTravel@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk
Taxi card
Call 020 7934 9791 to request an application form.
Collect an application form from the Customer Centre.
Send your completed application form to:
London Councils Taxicard Section, 59 ½ Southwark Street
London, SE1 0AL
Email DAR@tfl.gov.uk
Phone: 0343 222 7777
Address: PO Box 68799,London SE1P 4RD
Dial-a-Ride is TfL’s free door-to-door service for those with permanent or long-term disabilities.
You are automatically eligible for membership if you are:
- A Taxicard member
- Getting the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance
- Getting the Standard or Enhanced Mobility Rate of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- Registered blind or partially sighted
- Aged 85 or over
- Getting a Higher Rate Attendance Allowance
- Getting a War Pension Mobility Supplement
If none of the above apply to you, you may still be able to join Dial-a-Ride but you will have to undergo a paper-based mobility assessment to establish your eligibility for the service.
Wandsworth Community Travel – Tel: 020 8672 7460 Email: w.c.t@btconnect.com
Wandsworth Community Transport is a registered charity, and provides specialist transport services across the Borough of Wandsworth for Community Groups and individuals with mobility problems.
STANDARD MEMBERSHIP is for people (of any age) who find it difficult to use public transport and who need our Door-to-door Service. We use accessible minibuses and can accommodate wheelchairs and mobility aids. Services include the Shopping Shuttle, Shopmobility and Outings. We can provide wheelchairs, scooters and volunteers to help.
SILVER DAY TRIPPERS MEMBERSHIP is for people over 60 who can use public transport. We use normal minibuses and run outings throughout the year, picking up from bus stops across the borough.
Tel: 020 8672 7460 Email: w.c.t@btconnect.com
Shopmobility provides, on loan and free of charge, powered scooters, electric or manual wheelchairs, and an escort, if necessary, to anyone with a mobility problem. The service runs in conjunction with the Shopping shuttle. This enables people to be picked up by the shuttle service, be dropped off at the Shopmobility office, and then pick up a mobility aid to go and do their shopping or visit the Town Centre.
uberASSIST is an uberX option that is designed to provide additional assistance to seniors and people with disabilities. Partner-drivers are specifically trained by a third party organization to assist riders into vehicles. uberASSIST is currently available in 5 UK cities. However, you may find the vehicle option in different places on the app.
In London, Uber users can locate the vehicle option by sliding to the right.
Driving
Metcalfe Avenue, Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 4A
Tel: 020 8770 1151 / Email: mobility@qef.org.uk
‘Offers practical advice, assessment and training for those wishing to drive or increase their mobility through assistive technology, personal mobility vehicles and adapted cars’.
QEF Services:
QEF Independent Living Services
QEF Mobility Services – Worthing
Training Courses for Professionals
Types of Assessment
Driving School
Tryb4uFly
Bugzi Loan Scheme
Conference Room Hire
Mobility Aids for Sale
Open Days
The Motability Scheme provides an affordable, worry-free way for people with disabilities to lease a car, scooter or powered wheelchair in exchange for their mobility allowance. The Scheme is operated by Motability Operations Ltd, under contract to Motability, a registered Charity.
Tel: 0300 456 4566
