DISABILITY Network, a national charity with its HQ in St Helens, is holding a conference on Saturday, April 27 at the Chalon Court Hotel, to discuss key issues facing people with disabilities.

Paul Jenkins, assistant director of St Helens Council's Personal Services department will speak at 11am, explaining the difficulties and challenges his department faces in meeting the requirements of the Chronically Sick & Disabled Persons Act. He will give his interpretation of the Act and explain what social services are able to provide given tight budgetary restrictions, rigidity and inflexibility.

Paul Brennan, director of the Disability Network, will respond by explaining the charity's expectations of the Act and how, in reality, the services provided often fail to meet these expectations.

Then at 2pm John Williams of Customer Relations, Benefits Agency Equality Team, located at the national headquarters of the Benefits Agency in Leeds, will address the theme: 'The Benefits Agency - Is The System Cracking?'

With the anticipated Government cuts in manpower Disability Network will be asking if, and how, customers' needs will still come first.

There will be ample opportunity for the audience to pose questions to the speakers and during lunch, delegates will have the chance to view equipment and services of specific interest to disabled people.

The conference is open to the public and anyone working in the field of disability or who has a personal interest in the issues being discussed. A limited number of places are still available and Disability Network is making no charge to those wishing to attend the conference, although a donations towards the cost of lunch would be welcomed.

To reserve a place contact the Disability Network on 01744 451215/23427.

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