Open Your Garden and Help QEF

 New in 2012 we would love to hear from you if you would like to open your garden during the summer in support of QEF.  The hard work so many of us put into our garden can help make a real difference to the lives of disabled people.  So, whatever size of garden you have, if you can host the afternoon and run a tea and cake stall we would be delighted to support you.

Please contact Sarah Ashton on tel:01372 841121 or e-mail Sarah on sarah.ashton@qef.org.uk if you would like to register your garden as part of our Open Garden Scheme.

Excellent Performance from our Mobility Centre

Each year QEF Mobility Services sends out 100 questionnaires to clients requesting feedback. 

92% rated our overall performance as good or excellent
93% rated our assessors’ knowledge and professionalism as good or excellent
92% rated our appointment procedure as good or excellent
91% rated the report content and presentation as good or excellent
90% rated the initial contact with the centre as good or excellent

Here is a sample of comments included on the questionnaire:-

An excellent service with a professional and compassionate delivery of the result

The service I received regarding my assessment was excellent.  Everything was executed promptly and professionally and I was made to feel welcome and relaxed.  My assessor – George – was very good at putting me at ease, reassuring and informative.  This experience was much less stressful than I expected.  Thank you to all.

A well managed facility with a welcoming atmosphere.

You were all wonderful on site and on the phone.  Thanks so much.  Please continue to assist us and God will bless you all.

I couldn’t have met with more positive nor more professional help.  Thank you.

Chris was really great at assessing me, talking me through each procedure and listened carefully which was much appreciated.

Very good visit I felt comfortable and at ease.  I look forward to coming back and regaining my driving licence.

The whole experience was made very easy for me for which I am grateful.

I must commend the staff at this centre for making the whole experience calm and comfortable whilst reassuring me throughout.

QEF Vice Chairman in New Year Honours List

Hearty congratulations to QEF Vice Chairman James Wates on the announcement of his CBE award in the New Year Honours List for services to the Construction Industry and charitable causes.  James, who is also Deputy Chairman of Wates and Chairman of CITB Construction Skills, became a QEF Trustee in 2005 and elevated to Vice Chairman in 2006.  Since his appointment he has been active on Strategy, Finance and Property Committees and served for a short while as Interim Chairman.  His regard for the work that QEF undertakes is very high and his support is very much appreciated.

“I’m absolutely delighted to have been appointed CBE in this year’s New Year’s Honours, particularly as it is for contribution to two keys areas of my interests – the Construction Industry and Charity.   QEF is a big part of the latter and this award, I believe, reflects the terrific work done by the organisation as a whole”.  James Wates

Christmas Trees from QEF

The time is fast approaching when Christmas will be upon us.  As most of you are aware, every year I send out a message explaining why you should buy a real Christmas tree from us, rather than buying or re-using a fake one.  I’ve tried various tactics including the environment and saving the planet, as well as suggesting that Christmas is rubbish without a real tree (which it is by the way).  These messages have had mixed results, so this year I have decided to be a bit less subtle.

Yes, that’s right, we have kidnapped Santa and are keeping him locked up in our secret dungeon.  The key to free him is hidden in one of our Xmas trees. 

So, if you want to save Santa and Christmas you will have to buy one of our trees.  Simples!

We also have an extensive range of rustic decorations, wreaths and festive planters.

Come and visit us in the Horticulture Department, at Leatherhead Court, any day of the week to select a tree and peruse our wares.  You can also reserve your tree and we will have it ready for you on your chosen collection date.

Alternatively click here for an Order Form

And we can deliver…

U-Turn on Mobility Cuts

The announcement that the Government have done a U-turn on their decision to cut the Mobilty Component of the Disability Living Allowance (DLA)  is very welcome.  Naturally we are very proud to have played our part in delivering the message to Parliament.

Well done all those at QEF who were able to take an active role and to all who provided support. 

However the Welfare Reforms still provide cause for concern, particularly with the move from DLA to PIP (Personal Independence Payments).  New assessments and extended qualifying periods are currently under criticism which suggests that pressure must continue  to be brought to bear on Government.

Click on the links to read the BBC , Guardian and Scope reports.

Sayce Report Response Deadline Approaches

Deadline for responses to the Specialist disability employment programmes (Sayce Report) is only open until 17 October 2011.  The DWP want to make sure that they get views from as broad a range of people as possible on this consultation. Specialist disability employment programmes – comment online

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