Guest blog

Why the EPIC project needs your vote
13/10/2011

Why the EPIC project needs your vote

Julia Redgrave, Head of Empowerment at Papworth Trust, writes about an exciting new project in Bury St Edmunds called 'EPIC' - Empowered People, Improved Communities.

The EPIC project has grown from our passion for everyone to have equal opportunity to take part in their community and be empowered to live their lives.

We surveyed over 300 disabled people in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk to find out what would make it easier for them to take part in their own community. People told us:

"I think disabled people should be more involved in advising how it is better to set out the town."
"There are too many steps, no handrails, no slopes. The aisles are too narrow in the shops."
"Mainly be more patient with customers, slow down and talk to customers as people."
"I think some shop assistants are frightened of wheelchair users."
"They need to consult a disabled person."

We thought about everyone's responses and came up with a plan - to launch 'Empowered People, Improved Communities' (EPIC). The EPIC project aims to create a better understanding of disabled people and their value and needs as customers. The EPIC project includes:

  • Disability Equality training for companies, helping them to deliver good quality accessible services.
  • Training for disabled people to become 'EPIC Champions' for their town and community. The Champions' role will be to advise and work with companies to improve their accessibility.
  • EPIC Champions will assess companies for their accessibility, and will give an annual EPIC Award to the most accessible company.

We need your help to make the EPIC project happen. It has been shortlisted to win a grant of £6,000 from NatWest CommunityForce. But to win the grant, we need you to vote for us! Please follow this link to vote: Vote for Papworth Trust and help us to win a grant of £6,000
Voting closes on Sunday 23 October, so please make sure you vote before then! Thank you for your support.

Julia Redgrave, Head of Empowerment
Julia.Redgrave@papworth.org.uk