Two Dorset-based businessmen who got together to help the local learning disability community are now set to launch their pioneering web-based service, www.dotcomunity.co.uk, nationwide.
The first website of its kind in the UK, www.DotComUnity.co.uk provides a comprehensive one-stop directory of community services, care and social information for people with learning and physical disabilities, as well as their family, friends and care workers.
Bridport’s Steve Piper, Managing Director of learning disability providers, The Care Division, and Mike Eley from web-designers Bizgen, launched DotComUnity in order to meet the needs of those now looking to move out of residential care and into homes of their own following dramatic changes in the care sector.
With a phased roll-out planned across the UK during 2009, Dorset and Hampshire were the first counties to go live. Steve Piper says:
“Recent government reforms mean that for the very first time many people will be given control of their own care and personal budgets and will be able to decide where and what they’re spent on. Local authorities and provider organisations will no longer be making their day to day decisions. We created DotComUnity in order to tell those with learning disabilities about specialist local services, which are often difficult to locate.
We also wanted to provide a forum where feedback can be shared about those local services. Those providers that aren’t doing an adequate job will be able to respond to and make changes if our reviewers have a bad experience and those that are exceeding expectations will be recognised.”
The website has already attracted high-profile co-sponsorship from Hampshire Partnership NHS Trust. Steve Piper adds:
“We now hope to build further partnerships with other organisations across the country who will also see what a valuable tool DotComUnity is to their service users.”
Www.DotComUnity includes information on support services, employment, law, healthcare, housing, financial matters, events and regularly updated news.
Events from bingo and the theatre to disabled dating and holidays are all easily accessed alongside a directory of support workers with corresponding interests, enabling users to identify exciting opportunities to relax and meet new people.
A member’s area allows events and services to be reviewed providing invaluable feedback for others. Through a starred rating system it’s hoped that those using the website will be able to have some influence over the future development and improvement of services, and that the standard will be driven up as a result.
