Physical impairment is any condition that permanently prevents normal body movement and/or control.
Thurrock Council provides advice and information to people with physical and sensory impairments, learning difficulties, and people with HIV/AIDS, their families and carers.
We offer advice and information in partnership with community groups and organisations, to help you to live independently and find the best services.
Yes, you can do this with a direct payment, which is cash payment given to you to buy your own care services.
Thurrock Council has provided access to an independent support service for potential Direct Payment users. The service is run by ecdp, an organisation run by and for Disabled People and their supporters and is called ecdp connects.
ecdp connects in Thurrock can support anyone who is eligible for, or who is already using, a Direct Payment. Once a client has been offered a Direct Payment, and the client is agreeable, they will be contacted to discuss their support requirements. If required, a home visit can be arranged.
For more information, download about ecdp connects, download the leaflet below (see how to access PDF files):
You can get a direct payment. They are cash paid to people who have been assessed as needing help, and who would like to arrange and pay for their own care and support services instead of receiving them directly from the council. All individuals receiving, needing or eligible to receive a direct payment can use this service, as an alternative to services directly provided or arranged by the council. This may include:
Some people may be entitled to funds from the Independent Living Fund (ILF).
The council's financial and benefits advisors (FABAs) will first carry out a financial assessment to determine whether you are entitled to more benefits than you are receiving. If you earn an income, this will not be taken into account. Depending on the assessment outcome, you may have to contribute towards your care cost or you could get the service free. The advisors will also consider all disability related expenditure (DRE).
Mental impairment describes a person's inability to interact with others in ways that promote health, well-being and development. In Thurrock, people with mental health needs can contact the Mental Health Resource Centre or the Community Mental Health Team, Grays Hall, Orsett Road, Grays.
A leaflet with information about the Thurrock Community Mental Health Team is available (please see how to access PDFs):
Sensory impairment is an impairment of any of the five main senses. For example:
Visual impairment describes anyone who is blind or partially sighted.
If you have a visual impairment and need advice, call 01375 652868. Please call Thurrock Unsighted Peoples Society (TUPS) on 01375 389894 or Essex Blind Charity on 0870 2405418.
Open Tuesday 10 until 2pm - no appointment necessary.
Hearing impairment is temporary or permanent hearing loss due to many causes. For example, illness, disease, or exposure to excessively high noise.
If you have a hearing problem and need information and advice on where to find local and national help and support, then call the number below.
Community Solutions: telephone: 01375 652868 or email community.solutions@thurrock.gov.uk
Out of hours telephone number: 01375 372468
Learning disability is a condition that either prevents or significantly hinders somebody from learning or understanding basic skills or information at the same rate as most people of the same age. Some people with learning disabilities are vulnerable and need support to carry out ordinary daily tasks such as cooking or travelling on a bus.
The council carries out an assessment to make sure that people with learning disability find the right support service. You may also be able to manage your own care and support with a direct payment.
Ask your assessor / key worker about direct payments.
