Background to Drumchapel Disabled Action 2 Ltd

Drumchapel Disabled Action 2 Ltd was formed by disabled people from the Drumchapel area in 1984; this small group had formerly attended St Ninians Rehab Centre in Blairdardie which was run by Social Work Services, Strathclyde Regional Council.

The group considered that a centre for disabled people to meet and continue to receive support and assistance was required within the local area; the group fought for a centre to promote their social well being (model of care) rather than a health model as the group felt that they already spent more than enough time analysing their disability with doctors, nurses and hospitals and this would assist them to get away from their disability to socialise and educate. The group were given the premises in various centres in Drumchapel over the next 6 years and latterly meeting three times per week in the Unemployed Worker's Centre in Drumchapel. Transport was provided by Social Work Services and the group continued to meet and pursue a social, recreational and educational programme, during this period they were also part of an umbrella structure within Glasgow forum on Disability,

The desire to expand upon the limited resources available to them meant that a major application would be made under the Urban Aid Programme to establish a new barrier free centre for disabled people within Drumchapel, this was undertaken and work started in late 1990 and was completed in late 1991, though problems arose and the building did not open for service until April 1993. During this period the group continued to meet and undertake various training packages, which would enable them to manage a new structure in all aspects. This period proved to be a stressful and trying time for all concerned, finally the light appeared at the end of the tunnel and in April 1993 Antonine Court opened.

Antonine Court through Drumchapel Disabled Action 2 Ltd has provided a service since 1993, a Day Care facility for the residents of G15, G14, G13, who have a physical disability, aged between 16-65 years. The project has a high profile, recognised as one of the key eighteen projects in Glasgow wide which provide a service to this marginalised group of people, many of whom present complex care needs, 80% of users would meet this category. The remainder present high support needs and medium care.

This group are doubly disadvantaged, living in an area of deprivation, many of the users encounter the difficulties this may bring; high levels of unemployment, substance abuse, health issues, low expectations and self-esteem etc. These may be issues for the family or carer, further compounding the difficulties and social exclusion experienced through living with severe disabilities. The Centre is a place where they come to enrich their lives through the programme of activities, enjoy the commonality, while having their care needs met also.

When first it opened the dynamics of the client group were 20% of the users presented high levels of care need with the remaining number medium care. A small amount of users had low care. The agency now bears no resemblance in either clients or service delivery; it has grown and evolved to meet the needs as dictated by the clients. This was a natural progression of this agency, managed by a Board of Directors who themselves have physical disabilities.

The rights, choices, dignity, privacy, safety, realising potential and equality and diversity which are now part of the "Care Standards" have always been the cornerstone of the service delivery through the project.