This film is part of Free
Year of the Disabled
Counterpoint explores how government policy measures up to the reality of the country’s mobility needs.
Overview
Dissatisfaction is rife as the Ministry of Health withdraws the motorised trikes supplied and maintained on the NHS for people with mobility issues. Despite the scheme closing the year of this film, Invacars could still be seen on the road until a complete ban in 2003. Due to safety concerns they were called in and the government crushed about 50 cars a week. These motorised trikes are now museum pieces and collectors’ items symbolising a post war attempt to improve mobility.
This is an episode of Counterpoint, Ulster Television's landmark current affairs series, which was also broadcast to a national audience on Channel 4. Series’ editor, Derek Murray describes Counterpoint as addressing a “wide range of social concerns which affect every family in Ulster.” Of the 282 episodes that were broadcast from 1978-1996, only a handful are believed to have survived. This material is Courtesy of the UTV Archive.
Related
Food for Thought Food for Thought
Advert 6 mins Location: Belfast
Hangry animals demand better grub in this bizarre advert by E.T. Green
Kennedy's Bread Kennedy's Bread
Advert 1960 0 mins Location: Belfast
This family favourite is guaranteed to have you singing all the way to the bread bin
Launch of the "Celtic" Launch of the "Celtic"
Non-Fiction 1901 1 mins Location: Belfast
Seawards heads a great ship, the biggest of its day
Belfast Street Scenes 1890's Belfast Street Scenes 1890's
Non-Fiction 1898 2 mins Silent Location: Belfast
A view down the High Street featuring the Albert Clock, a shot of Queen's Bridge and the docks
Disabled Access in Belfast City Centre Disabled Access in Belfast City Centre
News 1981 20 mins Location: Belfast
Join Belfast’s first female Lord Mayor and reconsider how disabled people navigate the streets of Belfast.
See You Monday See You Monday
News 1977 16 mins Location: Belfast
Members of the Deaf community share their experiences of working in Belfast factories.
Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande - Q&A
Inside Film 2024 22 mins
The director of a documentary about British funk pioneers Cymande joins the band at BFI Southbank to talk about the film.
The West Case The West Case
Action and Adventure 1923 28 mins Silent Location: Tilbury
Plotting world domination, Devil Doctor Fu-Manchu steals plans for a new aero-torpedo in this earliest surviving thrill-a-minute serial instalment.
Enter the Scala!!! Enter the Scala!!!
Inside Film 2024 16 mins
Filmmakers Jane Giles and Ali Catterall discuss their documentary Scala!!!, revisiting the legendary and inspirational cinema venue and some of the most notorious films that screened there.
Smith Smith
Charity appeal 1939 10 mins
Long thought lost, this Powell-directed promotional short for a veteran’s charity was only rediscovered in 2003.
An Airman's Letter to His Mother An Airman's Letter to His Mother
Documentary 1941 6 mins
A poignant, stirring letter from a recently deceased pilot to his mother is read by John Gielgud.
The NHS75 Celebration The NHS75 Celebration
Short documentary 2023 3 mins
Former Bristol Poet Laureate, Miles Chambers reads a poem specially commissioned for the 75th anniversary of the NHS.