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Southampton
Centre for Independent Living |
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SCIL History1984 - 2008 ..... 24 Years Promoting Equality across the SouthSCIL was born out of a public meeting held in Southampton in November 1984 when a group of disabled people met to set up one of the first SCIL’s in the country. Until the early 1990’s, SCIL was essentially a dedicated group of volunteers, who worked hard to make themselves known, campaigning and gaining representation on influential bodies. In 1987, SCIL gained office space in Canute Road and developed a comprehensive information bank covering most aspects of disability. However, we were forced to move in 1991 because of structural problems and for the next year we were effectively ‘homeless’. These problems led SCIL to rethink its strategy. We decided to continue with our dual role; our services to disabled people remaining free, but a significant change was to develop income generating services, including the introduction of fee paying services to professional, statutory and commercial enterprises. During 1991, SCIL received two large grants to finance the appointment of our first full-time coordinator for a two-year period, together with facilitator and administrative back-up. We also received funding to develop Disability Equality Training, which included running a trainer training course and appointing an administrator to establish a register of qualified trainers. During this time we spent a great deal of time and energy developing policies and structures to ensure the efficient running of SCIL as well as demonstrating our accountability to members. In 1992 we moved to premises at Northlands Road. Since then we have expanded quickly, identifying opportunities to gain funding to provide services that promote our aims to support disabled people to live independently. We have continued to campaign locally and nationally for individual issues and to further the demand for civil rights. In the last few years particularly we have gained recognition by local authorities for the role we play, and our ability to represent the views of disabled people. 1999 saw SCIL's 15th Anniversary. To celebrate we organised the first ever Southampton Festival of Inclusion to recognise our work over the previous 15 years and to demand the full inclusion of disabled people in society for the 21st century. In October 2002 SCIL hosted the Barriers to Business Conference in Southampton, which promoted the benefits of investing in and achieving a workforce and customer base; clarified the legislative framework, including the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act; informed employers about support available; and created a network and partnerships that will continue and develop in the future. In July 2003 SCIL supported the European Year of Disabled People by providing visitors to the Southampton Balloon and Flower Festival with "Lift Off to Inclusion" an eclectic display of entertainment for all the family. The special event, supported by Ford, HSBC and Southampton City Council, was held in a marquee close to the balloon arena and officially launched by "Eldorado" and "The Office" star Julie Fernandez. November 2004 saw the first
prestigious SCIL Business
& Community Awards, when we proudly bestowed ten awards
to companies from across Hampshire, that were selected by the panel of
judges for their outstanding efforts in making a difference to disabled
people's lives. This has now become a yearly event. Currently, we employ 23 members of staff who together with our Management Committee and volunteers, provide support, services and training to many hundreds of people per year. SCIL’s income now approaches £500,000 per year, mostly from Local Authorities and grant giving bodies like the National Lottery Community Fund. We moved into our current offices in Rose Road in March 2005.
Our funded projects are as follows:
In addition to these projects we work in other areas with our volunteers to ensure we cover as many of The 12 Basic Needs as possible.
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