20 March 2006
Greenwich Council is celebrating winning a prestigious national award for the way it helps people with learning disabilities live independent lives.
The Beacon Award is given to local authorities whose good work in particular areas can act as a good example to councils across the country.
Greenwich Council was one of only four councils in the country to win the award for Valuing People because of the way that every council service takes responsibility for supporting people with learning disabilities, as well as the way the Council has worked with partners such as the voluntary sector and the NHS.
The Council has won national acclaim for its work with Transport for London in producing the Out and About travel guide, which helps people with learning disabilities travel independently. It is now being used by people across the country.
It has also supported the Greenwich Finders website, where service users visit restaurants and public buildings across the borough and then rate them for accessibility on the website.
The report into the Council as part of the selection process said: “This authority shows commitment from the whole council to important elements of this theme: citizenship including people in the mainstream and promoting independence.”
Councillor Jagir Sekhon, Cabinet member for health, adults and older people, said: “We at Greenwich are proud of the way we have worked to make sure all our services are accessible as possible for people with learning disabilities.
“Instead of the Council deciding what is best for them, we have talked to service users and their families to find out what they want to see from councils services.
“I am extremely proud we have been given Beacon status for this important work, and hope that councils across the country can learn from the work we are doing in Greenwich.”
The award for valuing people is the latest in a string of Beacon successes for the Council. Last year it won the award for affordable housing, and had previously won for sustainable tourism and removing barriers to work.
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For media information, call Richard Evans on 020 8921 5039.
Notes to editors:
- Beacon status is granted to those authorities that demonstrate a clear vision, excellent services and a willingness to innovate.