The British Council are looking for participants to take part in their Young Advocates Programme where approximately 240 disabled and non-disabled young people from around the world will become volunteer leaders in promoting the Paralympics Spirit and the inclusion of young people with disabilities in sport. Those selected will travel to Beijing this September and become part of a Youth Forum. Applicants must be aged 18-25. For further details visit www.yaponline.org/index.jsp or email robin.rickard@britishcouncil.org.cn

RADAR are currently recruiting women with disabilities to take part in a Healthcare Commission survey, in order to ask them about their experiences with Breast Cancer Screening services and the barriers they have faced. They are recruiting 30 women to participate in two (15 person) focus groups – the first will take place at RADAR’s London offices on Monday 28^th July and the second in Birmingham on Wednesday 6^th August. The sessions will run from 11am until 1pm, and lunch will be served afterwards. Travel expenses will be reimbursed but due to limited funding RADAR can not reimburse overnight accommodation. If you like to participate, telephone Mya Stevens on 020 7566 0117.

This August we are running a series of fun workshops for young people which fuse together music, dance and art. We need instruments for the workshops. If you have any un-used instruments please let us know! For more information and to book places at the workshops click here.

We have two opportunities in the Essex area to work for the RAD Social Care team. The voluntary work available is for a new Carers Project and the Colchester Life Skills group. For more information, please contact Jane Gibbons, jane.gibbons@royaldeaf.org.uk 

Do you need advice on welfare benefits?

RAD is working with the Legal Services Commission to improve access to their Community Legal Advice Helpline for D/deaf and hard of hearing people.

This new pilot project offers email advice on welfare benefit matters for those eligible for Legal Aid in England and Wales.

Please click here for details.

Essex Police has gone live with a new text messaging service. The number is 07624 800101.

The number should be used for routine enquiries, to seek or give information, or get advice. The text service does not replace 999 which should continue to be used for all emergencies.

Emails are going round which say they are from RAD asking people to collect money for us. We NEVER ask for money by email. We never employ fundraising agents on commission. The emails are a fraud. Please forward a copy of the email to info@royaldeaf.org.uk and we will report it to the police.