ASBAH employs a team of area advisers who cover most of England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
What is an area adviser?
An area adviser provides advice, information and support to individuals and families on all aspects relating to spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus. They also work closely with colleagues from statutory and voluntary organisations to ensure that service users have access to local services and health care provision.
How do area advisers help service users?
This varies according to the needs of the individual or family. Area advisers have a good knowledge of local services and the benefits system which enables them to quickly identify statutory and voluntary services, when needed. They often work closely with a family when a child/adult has been newly diagnosed with a disability and help the family to gain an understanding of the condition, indicating how they can utilise local services and how they can claim any relevant benefits.
When do service users contact their area adviser?
There are a range of reasons why our area advisers are contacted by service users. Some of the more common include:
- Health issues that may indicate shunt malfunction
- Reviews or renewals of benefits claims
- Annual statement reviews and transition plan reviews
- Moving into employment or voluntary work
- Assistance in negotiating a care plan through Social Services or Direct Payments
- When moving into independent living
Lynne Young – Area Adviser for Cornwall and the South West said:
“The reality of life for many of our service users is uncertainty about exactly who to turn to as services can sometimes appear to be rationed and difficult to obtain. My role is to ensure that people with hydrocephalus and/or spina bifida receive services and equipment to ensure they progress and achieve a large measure of independence.
“For some parents, caring can place a strain on health, family relationships and household budgets. My role is to sign post families to sources of help and to provide a listening ear during difficult times.
“Due to my knowledge of the welfare benefits system I also act as an internal resource and provide colleagues with advice and case work for welfare benefits.
“We are fortunate in that ASBAH recognises that we have to build up a vast knowledge base, and provide us with regular ongoing training, to ensure that we develop and maintain expertise in spina bifida and hydrocephalus, enabling us to inform and assist other professionals in giving the best possible service.”
