Disability Action Sutton

In 1988 the Sutton Association for the Disabled (which had been founded in 1965) became
DISABILITY ACTION SUTTON (D.A.S.)

It is an independent organisation acting as a pressure group. It campaigns in Sutton to improve services and to assist all people with disabilities to achieve the quality of life to which they aspire and are entitled to.

D.A.S. has initiated several unique projects and in 1990 identified the need for the DISABILITY HARASSMENT AND AWARENESS SERVICE (D.H.A.S.), which was initiated in 1991/92.

This innovative service which is the first project of its kind in the UK , operates for people who are victimised or harassed as a result of their disabilities. It provides for its clients, their families and carers, a full support service, which is tailored to the individuals needs. It also operates a 24-hour Helpline and Advocacy Service.

The London Borough of Sutton awarded a grant in 1995/96 through the Safer Sutton initiative for specialised telephone equipment. The D.H.A.S/ Helpline operators are all people with disabilities or special needs and are all volunteers.

D.H.A.S. aims to work in partnership with other agencies and frequently acts as advocates negotiating with the Borough departments and other bodies to improve housing, social and welfare needs.

The D.H.A.S have made a significant contribution to the Disability Harassment clause in the Council Tenancy Agreement which is currently being drawn up . It was also invoiced in the setting up of The Disability Harassment Housing Panel. It provides Consultation and Awareness to agencies both in the borough of Sutton and in other boroughs in Great Britain.

The D.H.A.S. Service has developed and expanded and is currently under Service Level Agreement with the London Borough of Sutton. At present there is only one salaried part time post of 25 hours per week for an Administrator who also serves as Initial Contact, and is currently based at the D.A.S. offices in the Sutton West Centre.

Due to the increasing volume of work to the Service D.A.S. has now outgrown its current office, which is not deemed accessible for its client group. Research into re location of offices is currently taking place and together with all of the services that D.A.S. provides is working towards the criteria of registering the D.H.A.S. Helpline nationally. The D.H.A.S. operates under a strict statement of confidentiality.

D. A.S. can be contacted at the Sutton West Centre Robin Hood Lane Sutton

Voice mail 020 8643 6059 or fax 020 8643 4144.