AIMS
The aims of the organisation (NRASS) are essentially to promote the everyday welfare, further education and general wellbeing of people with a sensory loss condition. The aim of the service is to support, uphold and promote the rights and views of people with a sensory loss, ensuring through Advocacy/Welfare Rights and providing specialist sensory loss equipment that their individual and col
lective rights are respected and protected. The service will enhance the NEADDS aims in ensuring that we consider the views of people with a sensory loss in the formulation of policies and working practices. As a provider we will provide Equipment, Advocacy/Welfare Rights for people with a sensory loss, that will include the promotion of independence, respect, empowerment, equal access, anti-discriminatory practice and confidentiality (confidentiality to be within any limits imposed by considerations of the protection of vulnerable adults). THE OBJECTIVES OF THE SERVICE
To provide sensory loss equipment and individual Advocacy/Welfare Rights support by representing people at meetings, hearings and support in complaints when requested by people with a sensory loss. To provide a mechanism for feeding back to people with a sensory loss actions taken or decisions made by organisations in respect of any areas where Advocacy/Welfare Rights Services have been involved. To meet regularly with Local Authority representatives during the Advocacy/Welfare Rights process in order to encourage the development of structures which will promote the involvement of people with a sensory loss in their decision making and planning. To support people with a sensory loss in any formal representation they make to statutory organisations or providers of services they have procured on behalf of the person with a sensory loss. SERVICE STANDARDS
The service will be provided using the standards agreed by the NEADSS, as follows:-
That Advocacy/Welfare Rights are led by the views and wishes of people with a sensory loss. The service provided has clear policies to promote equalities issues and a monitoring service that ensures that no person with a sensory loss are not discriminated against due to age, gender, race, culture, religion, language, disability or sexual orientation. Advocacy/Welfare Rights and Equipment Services to be well publicised and accessible and easy to use. The service provided gives help and advice quickly when requested. The service works exclusively with sensory loss people. The service operates to a high level of confidentiality and ensures that people with a sensory loss and all other relevant agencies are aware of its confidentiality policies. The service provider listens to the views and ideas of people with a sensory loss condition, also any other stakeholders in order to improve the service provided. The service has an effective and easy to understand/use Complaints Procedure. The service is well managed and provides a quality service that is also value for money. SERVICE VALUES
The values underpinning the service are those agreed by the NEADSS are as follows:-
Privacy - The right of the individual to be left alone or undisturbed and free from intrusion or public attention to their affairs. Dignity - Recognition of the intrinsic value of people regardless of circumstances by respecting their uniqueness and their personal needs, treating people with the respect they deserve ‘by right’. Independence - Opportunities to act and think without reference to another person, including a willingness to incur a degree of calculated risk. Choice - Opportunity to select independently from a range of options. Rights - The maintenance of all entitlements associated with personal citizenship. Fulfilment - The realisation of personal aspiration and abilities in all aspects of daily life. The above service values are therefore the underlying and key influence in determining the structure/shape of the services, including the nature of any interaction with service users. Service Principles
In line with the North East Association of Directors of Social Services (NEADSS) the organisation believes that the Equipment and Advocacy/Welfare Rights Services for people with a sensory loss condition should:-
Recognise that people with a sensory loss condition have a number of different needs (in comparison to hearing people). Provide choice whenever possible, bearing in mind the resource constraints. Encourage people with a sensory loss condition to remain as independent as possible, whatever their level of ability. Encourage people with a sensory loss condition to help themselves. Ensure people residing in the North East of England enjoy the highest possible standard of living. Encourage people with a sensory loss condition to attain a lifestyle of their choice that is both secure and rewarding. Promote equality of access to opportunities and services for all people with a sensory loss condition residing in the North East of England.
