What is Scope and what do we do?
Scope is an organisation for people with CP and associated disabilities. We originally started life in 1952 as The National Spastics Society, the founder members being Ian Dawson-Shepherd, Eric Hodgson, Alex Moira and Jean Garwood.
In 1992 the Spastics Society celebrated its 40th Anniversary. During the year a decision was taken to change the society’s name. In February 1994 the Executive Council, after much consultation, recommended the name Scope, and a month later, Society members voted overwhelmingly in its favour. The word Spastic had become a term of abuse and was seen as being an out-of-date label. In comparison, it was felt that Scope would be a more forward-looking name and would illustrate the way in which the organisation is trying to broaden its aims and horizons.
The society was formally relaunched under the name Scope on 3 November1994. The relaunch was marked by a variety of events around the country and has provided the opportunity to take innovative steps to empower people with disabilities.
Scope’s aim is to ensure that by 2005 all people with cerebral palsy and related disabilities, and their families and carers will have access to properly resourced services which meet their needs, have full rights to control their own lives and will be able to participate in Scope at all levels.
Scope now has approximately 3,700 paid staff and over 3,000 regular volunteers. It is one of the largest charities in the UK working with people with disabilities.
Education Scope
Education Scope runs six schools and one college of further education for children and young people with cerebral palsy and other diabilities. The aim of our education services is to give children and young people with cp and other disabilities the best start in life, and make sure they receive the education appropriate to their needs.
Our education services provide training and support for children and adults with cp, and also for parents and helpers. As well as running schools which act as model for other provision, through our teams of education advisers, we also work with local education authorities to develop quality education in mainstream schools.
Living Options Scope
Living Options Scope is a major provider of residential accommodation, care and support for people with disabilities. In the past, this took the form of large residential institutions, but the emphasis is now on community care and enabling people to develop lifestyles of their choice. Scope run a wide range of services including residential living options, community-based schemes, skills development centres, and an outdoor outdoor activities centre. Half of Scope’s income is raised through fees or living options and education services.
Employment Opportunities Scope is one of the largest providers in the Supported Employment Programme, which was set up by the government to encourage disabled people into employment on their own are helped to find suitable work with employers across England and Wales. Support and job arrangements are matched to the needs of the employee and employer, with the aim of assisting the disabled person as far as possible towards sustained integrated employment.
Scope also runs Fast-Track, a development programme for disabled people of graduated calibre. The one-year programme combines training with practical work experience in a variety of placements with national employers.
Campaigns and Parlimentary Affairs
Campaigns and Parliamentary Affairs Scope’s Campaigns department organises national and local campaigns on issues drawn from local groups and fieldworkers, such as special educational needs and civil rights for disabled people, lobbying alongside disabled people an their families.
Research and Public PolicyResearch and Public Policy Research and Public Policy carries out research into issues affecting disabled people e.g. the Disability Discrimination Act and Welfare Reform. It administers Scope’s research grants and disseminates the results of research, as well as co-ordinating responses to public consultation documents.
Community Fieldwork SupportCommunity Fieldwork Support provide specialist support within a local area, these services include: enabling people with cerebral palsy, their families and carers to have access to appropriate information and support; supporting and developing local groups; developing local services; building partnerships in local communities.
Information ProvisionInformation Provision Scope has a national source of information for people with cerebral palsy and associated disabilities, their families and carers. The Cerebral Palsy Helpline is open 7 days a week. This is a confidential service that provides initial counselling, information, support and advice. Scope publications, provides information to Scope staff and is available for reference to the public.
Marketing and Fundraising
Marketing and fundraising. The main objectives of the marketing division are to: establish Scope’s desired image. Generate resources cost-effectively; support the marketing of Scope’s local groups. One third of Scope’s income is raised through sales from Scope’s 300 shops, and one sixth (i.e. around £15 million) is raised through voluntary fundraising, includign events, donations, legacies and corporate sponsorship.
The advisory Assessment Service is an assessment service for children and adults with cerebral palsy. One element of this is a multi-disciplinary assessment service in London. The assessment aims to gain a true picture of a person’s abilities. Advice can then be given about the best way for people to progress and which services will benefit them the most.
The Peto Andras Centre for conductive education (UK) is based in London. It offers conductive educative education assessments and short follow-up programmes. Conductive Education is a system of learning which can enable some children with cp to become more independent. It was originally developed in Hungary.
Scope also provides leisure and recreation opportunities, e.g.cerebral palsy Sport provides training, coaching and competition at local a national levels.
Scope has over 260 affiliated local groups around England and Wales.
The groups cover a wide range of activities, from parent support groups, to groups that run schools, shops and residential accommodation.
Sources of further informationScope Annual Review and Actual Report and Accounts. Please send an SAE to the Cerebral Palsy Helpline (see below)
Information about cerebral palsy and Scope services can be found on Scope’s website: www.scope.org.uk
For any additional information relating to cerebral palsy, Scope and its activities, please send an A4 stamped (40p) addressed envelope to:
Scope Cerebral Palsy Helpline P.O.Box 833 Milton Keynes MK 5NY
The Information Services Department acknowledges the help and support of everyone who has been involved in the production of this information sheet.
This information sheet can be made available in other formats if required, e.g. large print or tape.
Rebrand for The PointThe day centre for Scope West Sussex has been rebranded as The Point