Atn issu 67 april mau 2016 by All Together Now

Government and public sector bodies are FAILING disabled people in all areas of life – including providing INFORMATION

— HOUSE OF LORDS SCATHING REPORT

LET’S WORK TOGETHER

We can help organisations reach hundreds of thousands of people affected by disability

JUST WH AT

FIVE POP UP p27 PLANTERS UP FOR GRABS

THE DOC TOR ORD ERED! April/M ay 20

www.all togeth er

now.or g.uk

TAKE ME HOME! E

REACHING NEWSPAP PEOPLE OTHER ERS AREN ’T!

‘p3

APRIL-MAY, 2016

All Toge ther NO W!

‘

. . . HALF of our readers DO read any N’T other LOCAL NEWSP APER TAKE ME HOME! HOME

BRIL LIAN T–F B EA U UL TIFU LLY P L OF HOP ROD U C ED E,

. . . the O

NLY

paper th at focuse helping s on re affected aders by age, ill heal th an disabilit d y

This is key th more than at ope ju ns a th st a news pa 230 0307 ousan d doo per . . . It is sales@ alltoge rs – Si the therno r BER w.o

Tel 0151

rg.uk www.a lltoget

T MASS IE hernow .org.uk

‘DON’T SUFFER LIKE I DID’ — SAYS MISS GB

p20

DEBBIE’S OPENING p8 UP THE HILLS FOR WHEELCHAIR USERS

WONDER WOMAN! opening doors . . .

. . . broadening minds

CITY’S CALL FOR ACTION!

p30-31

All Together NOW!

What’s inside NEWS

MORGAN FOUNDATION

CAREZONE

p10

MOTORZONE

SIR BERT MASSIE

p11

p12-13

p14

CYCLONE MOBILITY

p15

CONTACT BOARD

p18

THEATRE GUIDE

p16-17

INDEPENDENT LIVING

p19

BOOKS/HOROSCOPE

p26

HEALTH

GARDENING

PUZZLEZONE

SPORT

Dementia patients win new rights

UNITED UTILITIES

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

p2-6

MADE FOR THE MOUNTAINS

KIDZONE

NEWS

April/May 2016

p20-25

p27

p28-29

p30-31

n All Together NOW! is a registered charity set up to provide a tip top news service for anyone whose life is affected by disability, long-term health condtions or age. n The charity – the only one of its kind in the UK – relies entirely on support from its sponsors, advertisers, subscriptions and donations. n If YOU can help, please contact us on

By Royle appointment . . .

PROUD MOMENTS: Ricky, centre, with award winners

V’S Royle Family comic Ricky Tomlinson handed awards to people who have attained outstanding personal achievements.

“I’m just so pleased to be here and to meet so many really great people,” he said at the Gateway Awards ceremony on Merseyside. Chris Beyga, managing director of Wirral Evolutions, said: “The Gateway Award is a significant achievement which demonstrates

that an individual has really gone outside their comfort zone to learn a new skill, do voluntary work in the community, or improve their health and wellbeing.” The Gateway Award encourages people of all ages and abilities with a learning disability to gain new skills and experiences, become more independent, make new friends, and improve their health. The group also showed off their

INSET: Ricky with Robin Kelly

footballing skills to players at Tranmere Rovers, and worked with local band Melody Makers and the Masque Theatre to create their own show, Spring Time. Some of the award winners are now in the process of becoming mentors and volunteers for the promotion of an NHS healthy lifestyle project, and have already organised a number of coffee mornings. The ceremony took place at the Lauries Centre in Birkenhead.

LOGGING ON: Dame Esther Rantzen is calling for help to get more computers for terminally ill children

0151 230 0307

Editor: Tom Dowling email: news@alltogethernow.org.uk

Advertising/sponsorship 0151 230 0307

email: sales@alltogethernow.org.uk

Editorial Support: Gerry Corner IT Support: Ken Almond Website: Pharos Design www.alltogethernow.org.uk

NEXT EDITION

TUESDAY 7 JUNE 2016

All Together NOW! is published by All Together Now! Ltd, The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP Registered Charity No.1106387 Company No. 5096931

Esther’s computer call for young people

AME Esther Rantzen is helping acquire special computer equipment for terminally ill and disabled children across the UK. Esther is fronting a new fundraising video about the Lifelites charity, which is currently helping 9,000 young people to learn, play, be creative, control something for themselves and communicate.

Esther says: “What if I told you that there is such thing as magic and that I have seen it with my very own eyes? This magic is called Lifelites. “A donation from you can help Lifelites continue to give life limited children a voice up till the very last moment. “You can give them the chance to smile and be happy for as long as they have to live. You can help Lifelites to give kids with limited

life, unlimited possibilities. There really isn’t anything more magical than that.” Other celebrities backing the charity include Rick Wakeman, Peter Bowles, Joe Pasquale, Anita Dobson and Lord Cadogan.

n View the Lifelites video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch ?v=2XW3TYlRPos n Lifelites: Tel. 0207 440 4200. n www.lifelites.org

HALF A MILLION READERS . . .

A JUDGE has given new protection to people with limited mental capacity. A ruling by the Court of Protection means people unable to make decisions for themselves because they lack mental capacity must always be given access to independent representation in court hearings about their personal liberty. The Law Society of England and Wales intervened in the case of JM & others to help the Court of Protection in its efforts to find a solution to the lack of appropriate representatives available for vulnerable people in cases where decisions are made about their freedom. Jonathan Smithers, president of the Law Society of England and Wales, said: “Anyone living with dementia, Alzheimer’s or a learning disability must receive treatment that is in their best interests. “When a vulnerable person doesn’t have friends or family to represent them during a decision to restrict their liberty, it is vital that person is able to participate in the decision-making process. “ If this is not possible then they must have a legal representative to protect their rights as well as their health and general welfare.” In an unprecedented judgment, Mr Justice Charles, vice president of the Court of Protection, placed responsibility on the government to ensure that each vulnerable individual whose liberty is considered in the Court of Protection has appropriate representation when their case is considered. Mr Justice Charles also ruled all future similar cases will be adjourned until a solution is found. This means that large numbers of such cases, concerning what are often crucial health and welfare decisions, will now be pending indefinitely.

LET’S WORK TOGETHER!

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

April/May2016

House of Lords report: How we can help the public sector

PRING has sprung – and hope springs eternal.

importance – and, confirm what we and our readers already know, that information is a key area where disabled people are still being ignored. More and more organisations are turning to the Internet to provide information, but the report states that one-third of disabled people have NEVER used the internet. And Government figures say that about half of disabled people (FIVE MILLION) still remain unconnected (a similar situation for older people). The report now recommends that all Government departments, local

‘Information is so vital for disabled people’ T’S FANTASTIC that other people share our view about the value of information. For the past nine years The Morgan Foundation has been one of our biggest supporters. And they’ve just extended their partnership for another three years, making All Together NOW! their longest ever supported charity. Steve Morgan OBE, the Foundation’s founder and chairman, said: “We are delighted with the huge progress All Together NOW! has made, and the impact it is having within the community. “Information is vital for all of us to

Charities team up to help even more children

TAKE ME HOME! This newspaper is reaching hundreds of thousands of people affected by disability

The House of Lords scathing report on the way disabled people are being failed in all areas of life – and the Chancellor’s amazing U-turn on planned disability cuts – was just the lift we needed after a six year assault on benefits and services. Among the long list of ‘failings’ in the Lords report, the one that immediately caught our eye was the on-going failure – by Government and all public sector bodies – to communicate effectively with disabled people. Providing information for people affected by disability and ill health is what this newspaper is all about: It’s the key to independence. So it was encouraging to hear the Lords committee publicly recognise its

All Together NOW!

get on with our lives – and something most of us take for granted. “But if you are affected by disability or long-term health conditions finding specific news and information to help you is far from easy. “That’s why All Together NOW! is so important for the community, and why we are extremely proud to be involved in its development. “We know from the number of enquiries we receive that distribution is on the increase and that it is reaching the right people. “It is an excellent medium for us to get our message out.”

Council Approved Contractor & Suppliers Covering The Northwest

authorities and public bodies review how they communicate with disabled people, and that disabled people must be involved in the process. Your FREE and multi award-winning All Together NOW! charity newspaper has been reaching HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS of people affected by disability for the past 11 years. But, funded only through advertising and a few small grants, keeping the newspaper alive and kicking is a hugely costly business. Some commercial partnerships with public sector bodies to promote their services – and job opportunities – would help everyone . . . and especially all those people directly affected by disability and ill health.

(Lords report – page 4)

FINGERS CROSSED, PLEASE

All Together NOW! has been shortlisted for another prestigious media award in the Prolific North’s Best Newspaper/Magazine category. D-Day is April 28 at Lancashire Cricket Club, Manchester. Naturally, we’re all bowled over! Hope you like this edition as much as we did producing it. Have a great spring! See you in summer – June 7 to be precise.

TOM DOWLING, editor

Free Home Demonstrations

SALES, REPAIR & SERVICING OF ALL MOBILITY & DISABILITY PRODUCTS

MEET four-year-old Olivia Treeby, who is now able to get out and about with her family using a special car seat. Olivia, from Chester, is one of hundreds of children to benefit from a unique partnership between Newlife Foundation and the Morgan Foundation. Mum Nicole said: “Because of Olivia’s hip dysplasia she needs to be comfortable. “Getting the new car seat has definitely put our minds at ease.” n Morgan Foundation – p7 n Newlife Foundation – p9

All the lonely old people

VOLUNTEERS who run tea parties in the North West for isolated people aged 75 and over are struggling to make contact with them. Gwen Lightfoot, a regional officer for national charity Contact the Elderly, said: “It is increasingly hard to reach isolated older people. “They are so often feeling trapped in their homes – not getting out a lot and not speaking to a single person for days. “We urge residents in the North West to think about someone who would benefit and ask them to get in touch with me. “Our volunteers pick guests up and take them to a Sunday afternoon tea party, often the loneliest time of the week for many people.” n Call Gwen on 01925 728 969, or email gwen.lightfoot@contact-the-elderly.org.uk

Call Us On:

01744 602602 Also At:

0151 423 3738

All Together NOW!

Time to salute deaf people’s champions

NOMINATIONS have opened for the Signature Annual Awards, which recognise those who are breaking down the barriers for deaf and deafblind people. Categories include; Leadership in Education Award, Emerging Teacher Award, Enriching the Student Experience Award, The Community Champion Award, Educational Support Award, Transforming Lives through Education Award, Training Initiative Award, and Signature Lifetime Achievement Award. Signature chief operating officer Lindsay Foster said: “We are overwhelmed every year by the amazing stories that are uncovered through our awards and it gives us great pleasure in being able to celebrate the successes of great work that is being done to help improve the lives of deaf people across the UK. “We would like to ask as many people and organisations as possible to nominate so we can recognise organisations and individuals commitment to making an impact through education and training to deaf and deafblind people’s lives.” Closing date: Wednesday, July 15. n Signature: Tel. 0191 383 1155. n www.signatureannualawards.org.uk

Why I love this paper

All Together NOW! Is a really inspirational and inclusive newspaper that I refer back to on many occasions. As a non-disabled reader it has helped me to ensure I do not define someone by the disability but by who they are and try to educate others to do the same. Thank you to all the contributors. B Betteridge, Burton Close, L’pool 1

‘We’re here to help’

VISITORS with communication problems to the Eureka! children’s museum are being given “message cards” to help them make the most of their visit. Trizia Wells, inclusion manager at Eureka!, in Halifax, West Yorkshire, said: “We’re very excited to become the first visitor attraction in the north to sign up to the BlueAssist scheme. “Having won a gold award from VisitEngland for our accessibility, we are keen to build on that success. “Becoming a BlueAssist partner lets our visitors know that they can expect a warm and inclusive welcome from staff who will do everything they can to ensure a fantastic family fun day out.” Other organisations to use the BlueAssist scheme include the Houses of Parliament, the Royal Albert Hall, the RAF Museum, and First Trans Pennine Express. n Eureka!: Tel. 01422 330069. n www.eureka.org.uk n BlueAssist: Tel. 01273 906221. n www.blueassistuk.org.uk

‘Disabled people are being FAILED in all areas of life’ NEWS

April/May 2016

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

House of Lords scathing report on disability

HE GOVERNMENT is failing disabled people in all areas of life, says a scathing new report from the House of Lords.

From taxi drivers refusing to take disabled people, to ‘disgraceful’ accessibility at sports grounds, to pubs and clubs failing to provide disabled toilets, the report says practice in all areas must be improved. Failing to communicate effectively with disabled people is also highlighted in the report. The Lords Disabled Committee concluded that laws designed to protect disabled people against disability discrimination simply aren’t working, and that employers, service providers and public bodies are still not adapting to their needs. The committee also found that Government action, whether through the introduction of tribunal fees, through the impact of spending cuts, or through the removal of provisions designed to help disabled people (under the guise of reducing red tape), is having a hugely adverse effect on disabled people. Government inaction is also to blame, says the report: The Government has refused to bring into force provisions on taxis carrying passengers in wheelchairs, even though they have been on the statute book for 20 years. Provisions to make leasehold buildings more accessible for disabled tenants have also not been brought into force. The committee’s chair, Baroness Deech, said: “Over the course of

COMMUNICATE BETTER

n THE LORDS committee heard that communications is an area where disabled people are still being failed. n More organisations are turning to the Internet to provide information, but almost a third of disabled people have NEVER used the internet and half remain unconnected (5 MILLION) – a similar situation for older people. n The report recommends Government departments, local authorities and public bodies review how they communicate with disabled people, and that disabled people must be involved in the process.

our inquiry we have been struck by how disabled people are let down across the whole spectrum of life. “Access to public buildings remains an unnecessary challenge to disabled people. Public authorities can easily side-step their legal obligations to disabled people, and recent changes in the courts have led to disabled people finding it harder to fight discrimination.

Reasonable adjustments

“When it comes to the law requiring reasonable adjustments to prevent discrimination, we found that there are problems in almost every part of society, from disabled toilets in restaurants being used for storage, to schools refusing interpreters for deaf parents, “In the field of transport alone, we heard of an urgent need to meet disabled people’s requirements – whether it’s training for staff or implementing improvements to trains and buses – and we’re calling for all

new rail infrastructure to incorporate step-free access in its design from the outset. “The Government bears the ultimate responsibility for enabling disabled people to participate in society on equal terms, and it is simply not discharging that responsibility. “Not only has the Government dragged its heels in bringing longstanding provisions of the Act into force, such as those requiring taxi drivers to take passengers in wheelchairs, but has repealed provisions which had protected disabled people. Intended to reduce the regulatory burden on business, the reality has been an increased burden on disabled people. “The committee would like to see changes right at the top of Government and is calling for the Minister for Disabled People to be given a place on the Cabinet’s Social Justice Committee. “It’s time to reverse the attitude that disabled people are an afterthought.” The Government is expected to respond in the summer.

HALF A MILLION READERS . . .

TRANSPORT

n FOR 20 years successive governments have refused to bring into force provisions in the Equality Act obliging taxi drivers to take passengers with wheelchairs. n The report recommends that the Government should bring in these provisions immediately. n The committee also heard that taxi drivers sometimes fail to comply with the Act, for example by overcharging disabled passengers or refusing to carry guide dogs. n They recommend that in such cases local authorities should withhold the licences of drivers. n This should also apply to a refusal to carry a wheelchair, once those provisions are in force. n All new rail infrastructure must also build into its design step-free access; retrofitting of stock with audio/visual annunciators must be prioritised; training for all rail, bus and coach staff must be made a legal requirement.

PUBLIC VENUES

n MANY restaurants, pubs and clubs are difficult to access, with many not providing basic facilities such as a disabled toilet. n The committee wants local authorities to be allowed to refuse to grant or renew these premises’ licences until they make the necessary changes. n The design of new buildings is another area where local authorities could require them to be wheelchair accessible or adaptable, simply by revising their planning policies.

THE LAW

n THE Lords report finds that developments in recent years have made fighting discrimination more difficult for disabled people. n New tribunal fees, less access to legal aid, and procedural changes have combined to create barriers to the effective enforcement of disabled people’s rights. The committee suggests changes to combat this.

Just DO IT! says Adam

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

All Together NOW!

April/May2016

Online books for blind and dyslexic students

WARD-winning actor Adam Pearson was honoured for his efforts to end prejudice against people with disability and disfigurement – then handed a few pearls of wisdom to university graduates.

“Decide what you want to be and go and be it,” said the 31-year-old, who starred in the 2013 film Under the Skin. “Don’t get hung up in the formalities of life that you let it slip you by. Say yes to everything, volunteer when you can. Don’t be afraid to take chance.” Adam, 31, who has the genetic disorder neurofibromatosis type 1 (or NF1), which causes cells to grow unchecked, received the University of Brighton’s Alumnus Award 2016. Sam Davies, the university’s Director of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement, said: “It’s perfectly normal and perfectly OK to not be perfectly normal and perfectly OK.” She said: “This quote comes from an article written by Adam for Changing Faces, the UKbased charity supporting people and families who are living with conditions, marks or scars that affect their appearance. “As a Face Equality champion for Changing

GO FOR IT: Advice to university graduates from Face Equality champion Adam Pearson “According to Adam, ‘No matter what mindFaces, this quote highlights Adam’s set you’re in, if you’re bullied at school, nothing commitment to challenge perceptions and makes it easy. You’ve got a lot going on combat prejudice for those living with anyway, your hormones are going wild and disfigurement and disability.” you’re trying to get your education sorted, Adam graduated from the University of whilst trying to find where you fit in in this Brighton in 2007 with a degree in business crazy, crazy world. For me having a management. disfigurement just compounded that.’ He is now an award-winning campaigner, “Adam says university was a life-changing actor, researcher and presenter, developing, experience and was so much more than just a appearing in and hosting programmes on both degree. the BBC and Channel 4 that have confronted “He believes the person you become at public discomfort about disfigurement. university is who you will be for the rest of your Ms Davies added: “Adam’s school years life and if like Adam, you can look at yourself in were tough – he was insulted and bullied on a the mirror and be proud of what you see, then regular basis and often the school didn’t seem he thinks you are onto a winner.” to know what to do about it.

BLIND or dyslexic students now have access to a wider range of books and journals from the free online Load2Learn service, thanks to publishers Elsevier. Load2Learn, a web-based service provided by RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People), lets people who cannot read standard print, including those with dyslexia, to read the same books, at the same time as their classmates. The service is completely free and is open to all teaching staff, enabling them to download textbooks and accessible images to meet their students’ needs. Elsevier also publishes more than 2,500 journals, including The Lancet and Cell, and more than 33,000 book titles Alison Long, manager of Load2Learn, said: “Since its launch in 2012, Load2Learn has helped thousands of students throughout the UK get access to textbooks in a format which is suitable to their needs.” Around 10% of school and college students require texts in an alternative accessible format due to a sight loss condition, dyslexia or another disability. n Load2Learn: Tel. 0300 303 8313. n www.load2learn.org.uk

Plan for a magical Christmas 2016

● Spread the cost of Christmas 2016 with easy weekly instalments ● Choose from a wide range of gift cards and vouchers. Including Love2shop Vouchers that can be spent at over 20,000 high street stores. Plus, we are adding new retailers all the time to give you even more choice! ● Enjoy your Christmas shopping knowing it’s all been paid for in advance

Helping you plan your perfect Christmas! the power behind the card

flexecash® is the pre-paid card platform which issues the Love2shop cards. This facility is provided by Park Card Services who are Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority to issue electronic money. FRN: 900016.

Please send me a FREE PARK Christmas 2016 Catalogue

OTHP35W16

Please use Block Capitals

(Mrs/Miss/Ms/Mr):

(I am over 18)

FIRST NAME (in full):

SURNAME:

ORDER ONLINE TODAY www.getpark.co.uk/atn

ADDRESS: POSTCODE: TEL (incl Area Code):

REQUEST A CATALOGUE

MOBILE:

EMAIL:

DATE OF BIRTH: D D M M Y Y

Post to Park Christmas Savings, Valley Road, Birkenhead, CH41 7ED DATA PROTECTION: By placing an order with us and/or giving data to us you confirm that you understand and agree that the information you provide will be held on a Park Group database and that it will be shared by all companies within the Park Group. A full list of those companies is available by writing to the Data Controller, Park Group Plc, Valley Road, Birkenhead, CH41 7ED. Park Group plc shall be the data controller for the purposes of the Data Protection Act 1998. The information you provide will be used by us and any necessary third parties to provide you with the goods and services you request. Companies within the Park Group may wish to contact you for customer care purposes or to keep you informed about the latest offers, promotions, prize draws, and competitions, using post, telephone, e-mail, SMS and any other appropriate means, including new technology. If you wish to be contacted via email or SMS, please provide us with your e-mail address and/or your mobile telephone number as appropriate. If you do not wish to be contacted by any member of the Park Group for marketing purposes, please tick this box You should be aware that your account with Park is not a bank account or equivalent and that any pre-payments made to Park are not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. Your pre-payments are however held in an independent trust designed to improve protection of pre-payments made by you and agents in respect of orders. You can see full details of the trust on our website.

C P A CHRISTMAS improved security for savers

®We

are a founder member of the CPA which has developed a Code of Practice, which we must adhere to in

PREPAYMENT order to provide customers with the possible service and to improve ASSOCIATION best the protection of customers’ money.

Tel: 0800 130 0783 Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ParkChristmasSavings

All Together NOW!

Blind missing out on crucial support

BLIND and partially sighted people still face discrimination and exclusion – and are missing out on crucial support. Those were the findings of a major new study by leading sight loss charity RNIB. RNIB’s My Voice report shows many blind and partially sighted people aren’t getting the support they need from government services. This includes practical support for managing everyday life, getting online, getting into employment, or accessing services and benefits. The global recession, welfare reform, cuts in public services and the digital revolution have all impacted upon the everyday lives of people with sight loss. Key findings of one of the largest ever studies of registered blind and partially sighted people include: n A fall in employment rates from 34% in 2006 to 27% in 2015 n 35% of blind and partially sighted people saying that they sometimes, frequently or always experience negative attitudes from the general public in relation to their sight loss n 31% of people are rarely or never optimistic about the future Fazilet Hadi, director of engagement at RNIB, said: “These findings must act as a wake-up call to look at how we are all supporting and including blind and partially sighted people.” n RNIB Helpline: Tel. 0303 123 9999. n www.rnib.org.uk

Cold comfort

MORE than two-thirds of people with disabilities on low incomes are struggling to afford their energy costs – despite being in work. And of those who are struggling, over half have done so for more than a year, says national charity Turn2Us. The charity’s research reveals that nearly two-fifths of all low income workers with disabilities have missed one or more payment to their energy supplier in the last 12 months. Over a quarter are struggling with other essential bills, with Council Tax topping the list of unpaid payments. Of those worried about their energy costs, almost three-quarters of those questioned feel they will have to cut back on or not use their heating, while over half said they would resort to cutting back on food. One in three believe the stress of energy bills will worsen their health problems. There are 2.3 million households living in fuel poverty in England. Simon Hopkins, chief executive of Turn2us, said: “It is clear that more needs to be done to help raise awareness of the financial support and other help available to people on low incomes to help them manage their energy costs.” n Turn2Us: Tel. 0208 834 9200. n www.turn2us.org.uk

Music should be for everyone

NEWS

OP legend Stevie Wonder caused a stir when he used his speech at the Grammys to call for greater access for disabled people.

The blind singersongwriter light-heartedly said that the winner’s name had been written in Braille for him, before calling for greater consideration for disabled people. “We need to make every single thing accessible to every single person with a disability,” he said. But it seems we in Britain still have a long way to go . . .

POP ALONG to a great SINGALONG: Melanie Rose, centre, kneeling, and Andy Jones, left, pictured with some of the Pop Goes the Weekend regulars

April/May 2016

A new report from the UK music campaign group Attitude is Everything (AIE) says there is a clear need for “universal guidance” on disabled access across the industry. The group’s study of 251 live music venues and 135 festivals found that seven out of 10 venues gave no details and half of the rest offered information described as “poor”. Disabled music fans also recounted stories of being ordered out of accessible toilets for taking too long, having their vital medical equipment subjected to searches, and

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

being doubted by staff over their need for a raised platform because they were not wheelchair users. One event that came out with top marks was the Glastonbury Festival. Glastonbury’s co-organiser Emily Eavis, who wrote the report’s foreword, said that after working with Attitude is Everything they now welcome more than 600 deaf and disabled customers to each festival, alongside having over 100 deaf and disabled crew members working on the event itself.

n AIE: Tel. 020 7383 7979 www. attitudeiseverything.org.uk

We’re all in tune here!

ERE’S one venue where access – and attitude – is great and getting better all the time.

aim now is to make the sessions even bigger and better. FROGTASTIC “That’s why we’re inviting new people to – for clubbers come along to our next event at the end with learning of the month. The monthly Pop Goes the disabilities – have “The community centre is proving to Weekend sessions held on listed their 2016 (10th be a great new venue for us.” Merseyside are a smash hit with anniversary year) Melanie Rose added: “Pop Goes the pop lovers and karaoke singers Wednesday night Weekend is a great opportunity for . . . and especially those with events at The Frog and people with learning disabilities to get learning disabilities and their Bucket, Oldham Street, together in a fun, informal and friendly carers. Manchester. environment. In fact, the monthly Sunday April 27; June 8; July “Whether you want to sing and afternoon gigs at Southport 27; Sept 7; Oct 26; dance, or simply chat and make friends, Community Centre are so popular Dec 7 this is the event for you.” that organisers now want to open Tel, 07875 The next event takes place on Sunday their doors to more clubbers – and 142233 March 27 (1pm-4pm), with more planned for people of all abilities. April 24, May 22, June 19, July 31, and Andy Jones, from Sefton’s adult social throughout the year. care provider New Directions, said: “We’ve been n Contact Andy or Melanie at the Poplars running this karaoke and disco for some time now Resource Centre on 01704 535118. and we regularly get around 30 people. But our

Let the children play, too

MANY children are not enjoying the benefits of music – because they are not expected to. Pupils with special educational needs and disability (SEND) could be gaining far more from participating in music but often don’t due to the low expectations of others, said education expert Dr Tony Harris. “For example, it could be presumed that a child who does not normally like loud noises would not want to take part in a music class. “But we found that when they’re making those noises themselves, they can have a completely different reaction,” said Dr Harris, leader of a project aiming to improve music teaching and learning in SEND settings. “A child that would not normally engage with a group enjoys taking part in an ensemble activity when they have an instrument to play,” he added. Led by Nottingham Trent University’s School of Education, the project saw a team of six experienced music facilitators from community music group, soundLINCS, lead workshops with groups from eight schools. During the sessions, musicians and teachers were regularly surprised by the pupils’ involvement and their responses to the activities. The groups represented a range of special needs, including young people with profound and multiple learning difficulties and disabilities. Dr Harris said: “Often the SEND label is not useful or meaningful when it comes to music education because it can lead to preconceptions and low expectations. “Music is often undervalued in special needs settings but it is something that these pupils can really exceed expectations in if they are given the chance and the time.”

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

All Together NOW!

April/May2016

Making a difference . . .

ERE at the Morgan Foundation we want to help organisations who share our philosophy – Making a Difference.

Over the past decade we have helped hundreds of organisations across the region,

committing over £31 million. This year we will be giving away over

supports charities across North Wales, Merseyside, West Cheshire and North Shropshire. Our aim is to provide funding for small to medium-sized organisations who are addressing specific needs in these regions. We are particularly keen to support those who have already begun to make an impact, but need a helping hand to expand their work and increase their effectiveness. We focus our help mainly on those who work directly with children and families but we recognise that many wider issues may also affect their welfare, so we are interested in any project which contributes to the quality of life in our region.

A giant step forward!

£2 million to good causes.

Created in 2001 by businessman Steve Morgan OBE, founder and chairman of Redrow plc, chairman of the Bridgemere Group of Companies and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, the Morgan Foundation

Morgan Foundation funds new centre

ALL SMILES: The Morgan Foundation is funding a new conductive education centre in Cheshire

NEW education centre that teaches disabled children how to do things for themselves is to open In Winsford, Cheshire – thanks to funding from The Morgan Foundation.

Stick ‘n’ Step, the Wallasey-based charity that provides support to children with cerebral palsy and their families, say the new conductive centre will double the number of children and families it supports every year, allowing up to a further 70 families to receive its free services. The Morgan Foundation has provided the funding to purchase the building and undertake much of the renovation work required. Additional support from The Williams Family Foundation is providing specialised toilet facilities. Matt Meaney, fundraiser at Stick ‘n’ Step, said: “This is a huge milestone for the charity and its development. “The project is allowing us to expand our reach to help many more children and families in the North West. “The support we have received from The Morgan Foundation and The Williams Family Foundation is allowing us to reach more children and their families and we are so grateful.” n Stick ‘n’ Step began operating in New Ferry in 2002 and has remained in the Wirral, providing free conductive education services to children with cerebral palsy. n Cerebral palsy is the most common form of childhood disability in the UK. The muscles of children with cerebral palsy don’t always work as well as they should, meaning simple day-to-day tasks, like walking and talking, can be a big challenge. n At Stick ‘n’ Step children learn for themselves how to do all of these things, while making friends and having fun! n Stick ‘n’ Step, tel 0151 638 0888

MONEY, MONEY, MONEY!

MORE than half a million pounds of funding was awarded to charities at the recent Morgan Foundation trustee meeting.

n Four Estates Runcorn n Orretts Meadow School, Moreton (Smiley Bus) n Active Hope, Warrington (Smiley Bus) n Christians Against Poverty Debt Centre, Crewe

www.morganfoundation.co.uk Tel 01829 782800

n Save the Family n YKids, Bootle: n Bradbury Fields, Liverpool n Beechtree Community Centre, Whitchurch n North Wales Carers Outreach Service n Ysgol Pen Coch partnership with Carers Trust North Wales n Southport Foodbank and Community Money Advice n All Together NOW!

Read all about it . . .

HE MORGAN Foundation has given the FREE health and disability charity newspaper All Together NOW! a major boost.

At their latest meeting, trustees agreed to extend the long-term partnership with the multi award-winning newspaper for another three years – making All Together NOW! the Foundation’s longest ever supported charity. Mr Steve Morgan, founder and chairman of the Morgan Foundation, said: “We are delighted with the huge progress this free charity newspaper has made, and the impact it is having within the community. “Information is vital for all of us to get on with our lives – and something most of us take for granted. “But if you are affected by disability or long-term health conditions finding specific news and information about health, holidays, education, welfare, and recreation is far from easy. “That’s why All Together NOW! is so important, and we are extremely proud to be involved in its development. “It is an excellent medium for us to get our message out and we look forward to another exciting three years.” The Morgan Foundation has supported All Together NOW! since 2007. Last year the trustees provided the charity with a brand new delivery vehicle to get more papers across the region. The paper’s founder and editor Tom Dowling said: “This is just the boost we needed, and we are really thankful. The truth is we just would not be around without the support we’ve had from The Morgan Foundation.”

The Morgan Foundation

@Morganfound

All Together NOW!

Going flat out for a great holiday

THE Flat Spaces charity has opened its first holiday home that is – as the name suggests – completely flat. TV gardener and broadcaster Alan Titchmarsh teamed up with disabled artist Tom Yendell to open the bungalow which aims to take the fear factor out of going on holiday for disabled people. Mouth and foot artist Tom came up with the idea for Flat Spaces following a conference in the USA, where it was reported that up to $2bn was lost to tourism every year because disabled people did not travel. Tom, 53, said: “The intention is that every Flat Spaces bungalow will be identical inside, so that people with disabilities will know exactly what to expect. “The bungalow is completely flat. At 180cms wide, the double doors are all fully wheelchair accessible, many worktops and surfaces are height adjustable, there are ceiling hoists in two bedrooms and the bathroom, and a level access shower and wet room. “Research shows many severely disabled people rarely go on holiday because they think they won’t be able to cope.” n Flat Spaces: Tel. 01420 887550. n www.flatspaces.co.uk.

Caravanning for all

THE Caravan Club has set up a new app that includes disabled facilities at the club’s 200 sites and 2,500 privately owned places in the UK. Harvey Alexander, the club’s director of marketing, said: “We know that for many UK holidaymakers disabled access, taking your dog with you, and Wi-Fi at sites are some of the most popular requirements.” n To download the app visit the Apple App Store, Google Play or visit www.caravanclub.co.uk

Irton House Farm

HAPPY HO LID AWARD 2 AY 012!

A warm welcome is waiting for you at our superbly scenic, fully accessible self catering cottages in the Lake District.

www.irtonhousefarm.com 017687 76380

April/May 2016

OUT AND ABOUT

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Made for the mountains

MAGINE THIS: it’s a beautiful day in the Yorkshire Dales, with not a cloud in the sky.

The sun is exploring in the forest glinting off the ripples on the babbling river and the breeze is gently rustling through the trees. Friends and family want to go on a ramble in the hills and you want to go with them BUT… you’re in a wheelchair. You are left behind, watching them set off from the car park with heavy heart. That was then… Now let me tell you my story. Back in 2008 I was a head teacher at a primary school – and loved every minute of it. But following a diagnosis of spinal degeneration, I became a wheelchair user and eventually had to take early retirement. Apart from my love of work I was also a keen hillwalker and enjoyed the challenge of long distance walks. But now I felt as though everything I’d been passionate about had been taken away from me. However, while my days as a rambler may be over, I have never lost my love of the outdoors. Three years later I set up a website called ‘accessthedales’ so that I could raise awareness about the lack of wheelchair access in the countryside. With support from Yorkshire Dales Substainable Development, we raised

by DEBBIE NORTH

enough to buy an all-terrain wheelchair for the National Trust, which is homed up at the estate office at Malham Tarn. This vehicle is available for hire for just £5 a day and allows people to explore the areas of the Dales, which would otherwise be inaccessible. Though this is a great move forward, I still wanted more … I wanted longer, more challenging routes to tackle. And I had found the technology that would help me to fulfil my ambitions – the TerrainHopper. Wow! Wow! Wow! This was the beast that would get me to places I never thought possible. This vehicle could get me over all kinds of terrain – and help me reach new heights. Last year, with my husband and best friend, Andy, we set off to complete our version of Wainwright’s Coast to Coast. Starting at St Bees we made our way over the Lakes, through the dales and across the North York Moors, arriving 13 days later at Robin Hood’s Bay. It was such a fantastic, life-changing experience – and also raised funds for the Calvert Trust Kielder. Our adventrure is also going to be turned into a guidebook called In the Spirit of Wainwright, which will be on sale in July.

Now get the room you need

JAMES Price knows all about problems disabled people face when attempting to book hotels with extra access needs. “It’s an absolute pain,” says the former GB wheelchair rugby star and now TV holiday presenter/pundit. That’s why he set up his new online service. It’s already becoming a huge hit . . . and not only with travellers with disabilities. “Access All Rooms is simply a hotel

booking website for anyone – those with and without disabilities,” said James, who was paralysed in a diving accident while on holiday in 1999. “Not everyone is as physically able as others, so why should booking a hotel room be a struggle for those individuals with limited mobility?” n www.accessallrooms.com

We also attempted to get up Pen-y-Ghent. I was so excited at the thought of being back up the top of my favourite mountain. Even in the clouds and rain it was so great to be back. We were within spitting distance of the summit when our route was blocked by a huge boulder. With a steep drop at one side and this boulder in our pathway, we had to turn back. It was sickening, but we will be going back to have another go! Our adventures in the hills continue. We are now looking forward to our next long distance route Coast to Coast to Coast – a six-day trek starting on the shores of Semer Water, through to Ullswater, and then on to Bassenwaite Lake. And we are planningto create more long distance walks in the Dales, suitable for all-terrain wheelchairs which take us through open access land. All our routes will be suitable for people, like myself, who want to spend a day in the hills, away from the daily stresses of life and to enjoy the solitude and beauty of the Dales. Eight years ago I never thought I would be in the hills and mountains ever again. Now look at me … n Contacts: accesthedales@gmail.com n www.accessthedales.com n www.terrrianhopper.com n www.where2walk.com

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Play fair with ALL children

ALF of children with disabilities have been turned away from areas where other youngsters are playing.

And nine out of 10 parents of disabled children say they do not have the same opportunities to play as non-disabled children. A report by the national deafblind charity, Sense, reveals the severe restrictions facing disabled children in accessing play. Failings at every level result in disabled children missing out on play opportunities that are vital to their emotional, social and physical development, says the report. A lack of attention by government, lack of

funding at a local level and negative attitudes towards disabled children and their families are all barriers highlighted. The report follows a three-month public inquiry into the provision of play opportunities for disabled children aged 0-5 with multiple needs in England and Wales. “Disabled children don’t have the same chance to form friendships, and parents are prevented from taking a break from caring. Both disabled children and their parents are excluded from their own communities,” said former government minister Lord Blunkett, who chaired the inquiry. The report calls for urgent action to address

PLAYTIME: Lord Blunkett takes time out for a bit of fun

these inequalities and to enable the Prime Minister to deliver on his recent call to improve the “life chances” of all children. Lord Blunkett added: “We know that play is vitally important for children with multiple needs and their families, bringing a wide range of developmental and emotional benefits. “However, our inquiry found that all too often the parents of children with multiple-needs point to barriers they face in accessing and enjoying play. “I know that there is strong support across the political spectrum for addressing the findings of this report, and I look forward to

Changing lives through play

Newlife has 360 Play Pods available to loan to children OYS have an important role in the development of every child.

Specialist therapeutic toys designed to help the development of children with disabilities are often harder to source and are definitely more expensive. In response to a growing need, Newlife launched its own Play Therapy Pod service in 2010, providing toys to families through 12-week loans. The charity now has more than 360 pods for children of all ages and with a variety of developmental needs – and has made more than 2,000 loans. Newlife Head of Operations Stephen Morgan said: “We speak to families, receive emails, letters, pictures and videos telling us how just the right toy can spark joy, wonder and even a response which can ultimately make a big difference.” The Pods are available for a variety of age ranges – from birth to 18 months, 18 months to three years, three to five years and five to 18. n Contact Newlife’s Care Services Team on 0800 902 0095. www.newlifecharity.co.uk

All Together NOW!

April/May2016

ASK OLLIE is a one stop online shop full of information about local special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) services and resources in Warrington, Cheshire. Co-produced by Warrington Council and young people with SEND, parents and carers and professionals who support them, the site provides up to date, relevant and accessible information about local services, news and activities for children and young people with additional needs in Warrington. n www.askollie.warrington.gov.uk working with colleagues from all parties to achieve real change for parents and families across the nation.” Sense deputy chief, Richard Kramer, said: “Play is critical in giving children the best start in life and improving outcomes for children and their families. “We hope local and national policymakers, as well as play professionals, reflect on today’s recommendations, and make the necessary changes that will make access to play a reality for all children.” n Sense helpline: Tel. 0300 330 9256. n Textphone: 0300 330 9256. n www.sense.org.uk

Now we can help even more families

CHARITY partnership that has already helped more than 310 disabled and terminally ill children across North Wales, Merseyside, Cheshire, North Shropshire and parts of the West Midlands is getting a £100,000 a year boost.

After an initial gift of £450,000 by The Morgan Foundation to Newlife Foundation for Disabled Children in 2014, the partnership is set to continue – and benefit hundreds more families through provision of specialist equipment. This includes wheelchairs, buggies and walkers for mobility, specialist car seats and beds for safety and a range of other disability equipment including

communication aids, stair climbers, portable hoists and seating systems. Newlife – which is based in Staffordshire – is the UK’s largest charity provider of specialist equipment for children with disabilities and terminal illness. The charity’s chief executive, Sheila Brown, said: “Having the support of The Morgan Foundation is an enormous boost. “We look forward to helping change more lives across The Morgan Foundation remit area. “Anyone struggling to access equipment through their statutory services should call our Care Services Team (0800 902 0095 – free from UK mobiles and landlines) to discuss their individual situation.”

CAREZONE All Together NOW!

April/May 2016

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Homecare Remember when . . ? services sink to a new low

OMECARE services are in a dire state, according to a new report.

Services provided by homecare agencies are condemned in thousands of reviews provided by the public. The Good Care Guide – an independent website for the care industry – assessed over 7,000 reviews of homecare agencies. And more than half (51%) of those offering opinions believed agencies were providing a “poor” or “bad quality” service. That’s a massive difference to 2012 when the figure was 23%. Almost half were criticised for their poor or bad quality staff, while 47% were slated for their value for money. Stephen Burke, director of Good Care Guide, said: “Ever since we launched the guide in 2012, homecare has been getting poor reviews, much worse than those for care homes and childcare and this is largely down to bad value for money, the quality of care and poor staffing. “I can’t emphasise enough the need to provide carers with better training, more time and higher pay to do their jobs well. “Because of local spending cuts problems are exacerbated; there is poor communication by carers and their managers, lack of training, lack of knowledge of their clients and often missed or late appointments.

Devastating

“As a result, individuals are left risking their lives each day, not knowing if their care provider is going to turn up, if they’re going to be given the correct medication, or experience rude or abrupt service as staff either don’t have time to spend caring for them or the training to do their job well. “This is just not good enough and the impact on the individuals and their families is devastating. “The solution is more funding for councils beyond that already provided, joined up health and care budgets, better regulation of homecare by the Care Quality Commission and listening to the views of older people and their families.” SOME good news on care homes, though . . . which have generally improved in 2015. Quality of care was reported as “good” or “excellent” in 68% of cases, up from 55% in 2014. However, 20% of care homes are still described as providing ‘bad’ quality care; 23% were rated ‘bad’ value for money; and 17% were given the worst rating for their level of facilities and cleanliness. n www.goodcareguide.co.uk

BLISTS Hill Victorian Town in Shropshire is marking National Dementia Awareness Week (May 15-21) with a special ticket price for those living with dementia and their carers – £5 per couple, compared to the normal £17.95 adult rate. Blists Hill is part of the Ironbridge Gorge Museums, which is member of the Dementia Action Alliance and the Safe Places Scheme, with many staff being Dementia Friends. It’s a chance to roam around the old streets, talk to the ‘Victorian residents’ and ‘shop owners’, have a ride on a horse and cart, or simply enjoy some fish and chips in the flower garden. To obtain the special discount on May 20, just need to tell the staff that you are taking part in Dementia Awareness Day. n Ironbridge Tourist Information Centre tel 01952 433 424 www.ironbridge.org.uk

‘

Cameras, please, in all care homes

IGHT out of 10 people would agree to loved ones being filmed 24 hours a day in a care or residential home to protect them from abuse.

And more than half of people questioned in a national survey said their biggest fear when putting an elderly relative into a home would be that they’d be treated with a lack of genuine care and kindness. The statistics have been revealed as part of a new ‘Love Our Vulnerable and Elderly’ (LOVE) campaign – led by Hudgell Solicitors – calling for CCTV systems to be installed in all care and residential homes across the UK. Renu Daly, a specialist in

CCTV would improve standards and safety

abuse and neglect claims at Hudgell Solicitors, said: “We hope to gain support across the country – and in Parliament – for CCTV systems, whilst raising awareness of the abuse and neglect currently happening in many care homes. “Ultimately, we are campaigning for the vulnerable and elderly to be loved, protected, respected and treated with dignity at all times when in care. “We are also supporting campaigning mum Lisa Smith,

SENIOR MOMENTS

34, of Rochdale, who took her 86-year-old dementia suffering father out of care on Christmas Eve last year, labelling the four years he was in care as ‘a living nightmare’. “She established an e-petition calling for mandatory CCTV in care homes, a petition which will ensure a Government response if it reaches 10,000 signatures, and a debate in parliament if backed by 100,000.” Other findings from the survey revealed: n Four in 10 would not trust a

. . . with FRANK HARRIS

care home or residential home to provide a safe environment for their loved one. n 23% said that they were aware of someone that has suffered from poor quality care in a care or residential home. n 55% of people questioned said that media stories relating to abuse and neglect have put them off placing a loved one in a care or residential home. Mrs Daly added: “There is now a complete mistrust of the care industry in terms of providing a safe, loving environment for elderly and vulnerable loved ones. “That is a sad situation, as we know there are many superb care providers across the UK. “The introduction of CCTV cameras can help improve standards across the board, but also protect those homes performing to a consistently high standard, as they will not be subject to false accusations of poor care. “There should be nowhere to hide, and for those falling below the required standards, CCTV would bring about an immediate improvement in performance.” “Residents’ privacy is often used as a reason against having CCTV, but at present, they have no option at all, as there is no CCTV coverage. This survey has shown overwhelming support.”

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

April/May2016

All Together NOW!

Ã¢6DYLQJ PRQH\ PDNHV PH KDSS\ Ã£ :H DOO OLNH WR PDNH VDYLQJV RQ RXU ELOOV DQG VZLWFKLQJ WR D ZDWHU PHWHU FRXOG EH RQH RI WKH HDVLHVW ZD\V WR SXW D VPLOH RQ \RXU IDFH 7KH JRRG QHZV LV WKDW 8QLWHG 8WLOLWLHV Ç&#x2021;W PHWHUV )5(( RI FKDUJH DQG LI \RX Ç&#x2021;QG \RXÃ UH QRW PDNLQJ D VDYLQJ \RX KDYH XS WR WZR \HDUV WR VZLWFK EDFN Ã¢,I \RX GRQÃ W KDYH D ZDWHU PHWHU \RXU ELOO LV FDOFXODWHG XVLQJ WKH UDWHDEOH YDOXH RI \RXU SURSHUW\ Ã£ VD\V 9LFN\ )RVWHU IURP 8QLWHG 8WLOLWLHV Ã¢+RZHYHU LI \RXU KRPH KDV D high rateable value, or you live DORQH RU ZLWK D VPDOO IDPLO\ LWÃ V GHÇ&#x2021;QLWHO\ ZRUWK FRQVLGHULQJ D ZDWHU PHWHU DV \RX DUH OLNHO\ WR PDNH D VLJQLÇ&#x2021;FDQW VDYLQJ Ã£ ,I \RX KDYH DFFHVV WR WKH LQWHUQHW 8QLWHG 8WLOLWLHV KDV DQ LQWHUDFWLYH

FDOFXODWRU WKDW VKRZV LQVWDQWO\ LI \RX ZRXOG VDYH PRQH\ E\ VZLWFKLQJ WR D PHWHU <RX FDQ WU\ this out at XQLWHGXWLOLWLHV FRP ZDWHU FDOFXODWRU Ã¢$ ORW RI FXVWRPHUV DUH SXW RÇ&#x201E; VZLWFKLQJ WR D PHWHU EHFDXVH WKH\Ã UH QRW VXUH LI WKH\ ZLOO PDNH D VDYLQJ Ã£ VD\V 9LFN\ Ã¢+RZHYHU LI \RX VZLWFK WR D ZDWHU PHWHU DQG DUHQÃ W KDSS\ ZLWK \RXU FKDUJHV \RX KDYH XS WR WZR \HDUV WR VZLWFK EDFN Ã£ <RX FDQ DSSO\ IRU D ZDWHU PHWHU at XQLWHGXWLOLWLHV FRP PHWHUV or E\ FDOOLQJ 0345 672 2888 $OWHUQDWLYHO\ FDOO 0800 980 6050 WR UHTXHVW DQ DSSOLFDWLRQ SDFN

$ KHOSLQJ KDQG IRU FXVWRPHUV ZKR QHHG DGGLWLRQDO VXSSRUW :H RÇ&#x201E;HU D UDQJH RI IUHH VHUYLFHV WR KHOS FXVWRPHUV ZKR â&#x20AC;¢ are older â&#x20AC;¢ have a disability â&#x20AC;¢ have a serious illness â&#x20AC;¢ have sight, hearing or learning GLÇ&#x2026;FXOWLHV 2XU VHUYLFHV LQFOXGH Ã§ SHUVRQDO QRWLÇ&#x2021;FDWLRQ RI ZDWHU VKXW RÇ&#x201E;V â&#x20AC;¢ large print, Braille and talking bills :H DOVR RÇ&#x201E;HU D IUHH SDVVZRUG VFKHPH IRU DOO RXU FXVWRPHUV 7R UHJLVWHU IRU WKHVH VHUYLFHV SOHDVH FDOO RXU WHDP RQ

0345 672 2888 :DQW WR VHH KRZ PXFK \RX FRXOG VDYH"

Visit XQLWHGXWLOLWLHV FRP ZDWHU FDOFXODWRU WR Ç&#x2021;QG RXW 03/16/SD/6825b

,I \RX KDYH KHDULQJ RU VSHHFK GLÇ&#x2026;FXOWLHV DQG XVH D WH[WSKRQH SOHDVH GLDO IROORZHG E\ WKLV QXPEHU

All Together NOW!

Countdown starts for the 25th DAD!

CHARITIES and companies that help people with their independence are being urged to book a place at the 25th annual Disability Awareness Day – before it’s too late! “Our DAD team have been working tirelessly to make the Silver Anniversary event a huge success,” said Dave Thompson, chief executive of Warrington Disability Partnership, who organise the event. “The response we are getting is fantastic. It’s going to be the best ever. We just hope that people don’t leave it too late to book their stalls – we don’t want to disappoint anyone.” More than 25,000 visitors are expected at Walton Hall Gardens on Sunday July 10. A huge tented village will house 250 exhibitors, including those representing mobility and independent living equipment suppliers, and providers of transport, holidays, leisure and employment services. Also on-site will be the fully accessible Sports Zone, where visitors can have a go at a variety of sports including archery, climbing, penalty shootout, small bore rifle shooting, new age curling, accessible rugby, football, tennis, boxing, golf, scuba diving, martial arts, wheelchair basketball, and wheelchair fencing. Disabled entertainers will also be performing including Carly Ryan from the BBC’s ‘Autistic Superstars’ and nationally acclaimed drama group Ella Performance. There will also be an exhibition of artwork produced by disabled artists. n Warrington Disability Partnership, tel 01925 240064 n www.disabilityawarenessday.org.uk

Changing attitudes

A LEADING disabled people’s organisation is to campaign to produce a “sea change” in attitudes to disability, as one of its priorities over the next three years. In its strategic plan for 2016-19, Disability Rights UK (DR UK) says it will focus its campaigning on independent living, improving disabled people’s career opportunities, and – a new priority for the charity – influencing public behaviour and attitudes. The charity’s chief executive Liz Sayce wants to collect disabled people’s experiences of some of the worst experiences they have faced, “whether it’s being viewed as scroungers or incompetents, being feared or looked down on, avoided or bullied”. DR UK will also campaign to reduce the number of disabled people living in institutions and the use of coercive powers to detain and treat people against their will. n DRUK, tel 020 7250 8181

April/May 2016

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Teen drivers set to take the wheel at iconic motor race circuit RACING driver Aaron Morgan (left) with specialist driver Graham Smith at last year’s show

EENAGERS as young as 15 with a disability are being given the chance to test drive adapted vehicles for free at the home of British Motor Racing.

ambassador. “I am chuffed to have been given the role of Get Going Live! Ambassador, it’s a real honour,” he said. “Even though I live with the hereditary muscle-wasting disease Myotonic Dystrophy I make sure this doesn’t hold me back. “I attended the 2013 Get Going Live! and everything escalated from there as I subsequently won a disabled driver’s scholarship to compete for a season in autosolos and autotests.

“Then in early 2014, I took my ARDS (racing licence) test and passed. I now race in the BRSCC Fiesta Junior Championships with a team called ‘Specialised Motorsport’.” Admission and parking is free, as are test drives. n The Mobility Roadshow takes place May 26-28 May at the Silverstone Circuit, Northants. n www.mobilityroadshow.co.uk

Testing times The Get Going Live! event, which encourages young disabled people to get behind the wheel, is part of this year’s three-day Mobility Roadshow at the Silverstone racing circuit. Racing driver Alex Tait, 16, is the event’s

OST older drivers are in favour of tighter rules on checking the fitness of over-70s to drive – even if those checks could take them off the road themselves.

And more than half of older drivers say they self-regulate to stay safe, by avoiding driving in challenging situations like busy traffic, after dark, in rush hour or bad weather. In the first major survey of its kind for two decades, the Institute of Advanced Motorists worked with Dr Carol Hawley and her team at Warwick Medical School to question more than 2,600 drivers and former drivers about their opinions, habits and motoring history. While mature drivers travel significantly fewer miles than other age groups, 84% of them rated their driving ability as “good to excellent” and only 6% had ever considered giving up driving. n Almost 60% said drivers should retake the driving test every five years after age 70. n 85% said drivers should pass

Keeping our older motorists safe on the roads

an eyesight test every five years once they have reached 70. n More than half said that drivers aged around 70 should be required to have a medical examination. n 94% agreed that GPs should be required to inform patients if their medical condition may affect their fitness to drive. n Half agreed that a flexible licensing system should be introduced which could restrict types of roads and conditions for some older drivers n 84% agreed that all drivers should pass an eyesight test every 10 years after first passing, regardless of their age. The report also found just how

SAFETY FIRST: Older drivers’ champion Valerie Singleton

important driving is to older drivers with four out of five saying that driving was very or extremely important to them, a figure that increases for women. Independence and convenience were cited as the main reasons for wanting to continue driving. The number of drivers over the age of 70 is set to double over the next 20 years and with more than one million licence holders over the age of 80, there is a pressing need for enlightened policies and practical actions to help them keep safe and competently mobile for as long as possible. Sarah Sillars, IAM chief

executive officer, said: “Driving is about so much more than getting from A to B and nowhere is this more apparent than in this age group. “It helps maintain self-esteem and freedom and is essential for combatting social isolation. “There are certain issues that affect mature drivers more so than other groups, however, such as reductions in mobility and a slowdown in reaction times. “The great news from this survey is that mature drivers themselves are aware of the risks and support action to review their safety. “Voluntary self-assessment and better education via GPs are important techniques for helping drivers understand how long they can continue to drive safely for. And for those needing a confidence boost or a little extra reassurance on today’s busy roads, the IAM’s Mature Driver Assessment could be something to think about.” n IAM: Tel. 0300 303 1134. n www.iam.org.uk

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Bike safety offer

MOTORCYCLISTS are being offered the chance of a free one-hour skills and safety riding assessment, courtesy of the Institute of Advanced Motorists. Launching the safety campaign, stunt riding champion Lee Bowers said: “There’s little doubt that I love riding at high speeds, as do many riders, but I know that the place for it is in a safe place – and not on the road.” Car and bike racer Emma Selway added: “It’s easy to forget the importance of slower speed skills, especially for someone like me who spends a great deal of time, in work and play, on race tracks going quickly.” n To sign up for the #IAMRideFree taster sessions, which run until the end of June, visit www.iam.org.uk/ridefree

April/May2016

All Together NOW!

PIP backdown ‘doesn’t go nearly far enough’ THE Government’s sensational u-turn over planned cuts to hit disabled people even harder than they’ve done in the past six years doesn’t go nearly far enough, says Mencap. Dan Scorer, the learning disability charity’s head of policy, said: “The decision to go back on cuts to PIP (Personal Independent Payment) will be a huge relief to hundreds of thousands of disabled people. But it doesn’t go nearly far enough. “We urge the Government to focus on improving support necessary so that people with a learning disability can find employment, be part of their communities and live independent and fulfilling lives.”

n ONE OF the people learning disability charity Mencap support expressed his fears about having to claim for PIP. Adam, 31, said: “Soon I have to fill in a new form and be re-assessed to see if I still qualify for a new disability benefit called Personal Independence Payment. I’m worried I am going to lose the support I need to leave the house, make ends meet and enjoy life. I’m scared about these benefit cuts. “To me it feels like the Government is behaving like a school bully who has taken away my dinner money. He then tells me that I can have it back, but only if I prove how ‘disabled’ I am. “Every day I work hard to make the best of my disability. But why does the Government want to make life even harder for people like me to get on in life?”

Other reactions . . .

n Liz Sayce, chief executive at Disability Rights UK, said: “It’s time now to have a wider conversation about how to support disabled people to have the same opportunities as others. The cumulative effects of a range of cuts have done the opposite for many disabled people. “We need practical, sensible and effective policies which help disabled people to be able to work if they can, enjoy family life and be part of the communities they live in – the same kinds of things that most people aspire to, disabled or not.” n Richard Kramer, deputy CEO at deafblid charity Sense, said: “Disabled people will be relieved that the Government has backed down, as the proposed cuts would have resulted in much greater hardship for disabled people. “The debate has shone a spotlight on how important benefits are for disabled people to meet their additional costs of disability, be more independent, and contribute as part of their community.” n Una Summerson, head of policy at Contact a Family, said: “Unfortunately, this won’t affect plans to implement Universal Credit, which when rolled out, will mean many families with disabled children face cuts of £1,600 a year. “These are families already more likely to be living in poverty. Well over half told us they would be unable to cope with an unexpected bill of £300 - highlighting the precarious financial situation they are currently in.”

April/May 2016

OPINION

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Could cars be behind the u-turn? Blue badge

HE row over PIP that caused Iain Duncan Smith to resign as Secretary of State for Works and Pensions was most unlikely.

The Government and their MPs have been happy to cut support for disabled people every year on such grounds that provision is “unsustainable”. High cuts have been made and unpopular measures supported, so why the rebellion over PIP. Compared to the changes made when Disability Living Allowance was scrapped to make way for the Personal Independence Payment the proposed change was minor, although it would reduce the income of around 200,000 disabled people. The Government announced that fewer points would be awarded to people for the use of aids to help their independence. This would make it more difficult for people to accumulate the number of points they needed to qualify. To justify the policy the Chancellor argued he was following the recommendations of an independent report.

I have read that report, written by Paul Grey, but it seems the Chancellor has been too busy dashing around the country being filmed in a hard helmet and a high-vis’ jacket to do so. Grey was concerned that some disabled people were buying a piece of disability equipment they did not need so they could say they were using it and thus gain extra points. He suggested this should be the subject of closer examination to ensure PIP was not abused. This, surely, is reasonable. That was twisted to suggest people who needed equipment were abusing the system. All this got lost in the hub-hub. Why did MP’s latch on to this? I cannot be sure but suspect that part of the reason is that Motability are withdrawing cars from 400 people a week because of changes made a few years ago. MP’s all over the country are having to justify to angry disabled constituents why their PIP Mobility was axed with the result they lost their cars. MP’s are beginning to appreciate the damage they have done and a growing number unwilling to add to it.

Robin Hood and Robbin’ George

EORGE Osborne’s recent budget did not receive the universal acclaim he was expecting.

Predictably, he announced more tax cuts for the wealthy that were to be paid for in part by cutting the amount disabled people could claim for Personal Independent Payments. The number of points allocated for using aids or disability equipment is to be cut in half so fewer people will qualify and help the government to save over £4 billion. That is a lot of money to be taken off disabled people to help the rich. It seems the Chancellor thought Conservative MPs would cheer to the rafters this clever policy but things went wrong. The Labour Party drew attention to the unfairness of this policy. Then a growing number of Conservative MPs expressed their concern and said they would vote against the measure. It was wrong, they said, to give tax cuts to those who do not need them while cutting the income of some of the most vulnerable people in society. The Chancellor responded by saying the social security budget for disabled people would increase by £1 billion by the time of the next General Election. He claimed he

SOUNDING OFF

SIR BERT MASSIE

was helping those with the greatest needs. He must have have forgotten to mention that this would be taken from those with high needs, if not the greatest. He also forgot to take into account the cuts to social care provision so millions of people who need support no longer qualify. He forgot the hated Bedroom Tax that has made life hell for disabled people. He forgot to mention that he plans to scrap the Employment Support Allowance so those who are unemployed will lose over £30 a week. Or that more than 14,000 disabled people have lost their Motability car because of previous changes to PIP. It might be that Conservative MPs are beginning to realise that these changes do not just hit people in “England’s northern wastelands” but also in the leafy sunlit shires of southern England, where their constituents life. How encouraging that at last MPs are beginning to notice the effects of their cuts. Then events took an unexpected turn. The Secretary of State for Works and Pensions resigned because he also thought the budget was unfair. He complained that the Mr Osborne had insisted on cut after cut to disability benefits on the grounds that the country could not

prosecutions

THE blue badge that enables disabled people to park free at meters or up to three hours on yellow lines is an import mobility aid for people with mobility impairments. But its effectiveness is weakened by misuse by people who are not disabled. Some local authorities are fighting back. The Department of Transport has published figures showing which councils are doing most. Only just over a quarter of councils actively prosecute those who misuse blue badges. Leading the way is Hammersmith and Fulham in London. They prosecuted 190, Leeds 179, Newcastle 116 and Bradford 26. On Merseyside there were no prosecutions. Knowsley and St Helens did not even have a policy on enforcement. Greater Manchester was a bit better – but not much. Bolton brought four prosecutions and Rochdale six. Cheshire West & Chester brought one prosecution. If the blue badge scheme is to continue and to be supported by the public it needs to be robust and only used by those for whom it was intended. And we should urge our councillors to use their powers to prosecute nondisabled people who cheat by using blue badges.

afford them but this time the cut was to fund a tax cut to the wealthy not to balance the books. Iain Duncan Smith complained that disabled people’s benefits had been hit too much and too often while benefits for pensioners were protected. The Government then announced that the cuts to PIP would be cancelled but it became clear that Mr Osborne expected the DWP to find the money by imposing cuts to other benefits. So the axe might still fall on some disability benefits when the Government thinks people are not watching. Robin Hood earned his reputation by taking from the rich and giving money to those who needed it. George Osborne is a mirror image. He takes from the poor to feed the rich. Instead of supporting disabled people, so often the Chancellor seems to have taken disabled people up a dark alley and mugged us until his pockets are stuffed with coins and ours are empty. He then scurries back to his ministerial Jaguar and shares the coins with his wellhealed friends. “One for you, and one for you, but none for disabled people.”

We need more Robin Hood and less Robbin’ George.

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

E B THE

April/May2016

A E D ST I

T E R SA

All Together NOW!

P M I S E H

. . . T LES

TS IN C E N CON ONDS! SEC

RA E F F EO N O L E OF S G N CYC ICE E RA W I D T S/S E R V D S. EE UC N D R O U PR T YO E E TO M

T N E G I Y L L P E A I N T E T H E R SIGN S C DE I I T C E R STH ISE E E A X E LIT Y ERC

EX UA E Q V ISE H I C S G I S R E H A • • P TIVE EX AINING • AC ETRY TR ISPL AY DTH D M I L M W E Y PAN US AND • S H C U DI • TO B L E R A A FOR L T T S C U E J ERF , AS WEL P S • AD I A. N G E D TO N E N I A R M E VIA ICIT Y AN AND STA N I K TH THE G SPAST G N OM E C R . N T I Y S C IT L I REDU PROVING B MO OM E C . N AS IM Y O T L I

C Y BIL C . O W 0 M 5 E WW N 8 O 4 CL 0 Y 8 C . 1 0 0 WWW 8 0

All Together NOW!

One advert TAKE ME HOME! goes a long, long way . . . Tel: 0151 230 0307

BOX OFFICE SENSATION!

April/May 2016

Apr 11-12: The Wizard of Oz. Runcorn Brindley. A magical adventure. Apr 11-13: The Cat in the Hat. Salford Lowry. Dr Seuss on stage. Apr 11-16: Hairspray. Llandudno Venue Cymru. Light and bouncy musical. Apr 11-16: Thriller! Live. Liverpool Empire. Tribute to Michael Jackson. Apr 12-16: Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Salford Lowry. Pixie Lott stars in this adaptation of the classic novel. Apr 12-16: The 39 Steps. Crewe Lyceum. Stage adaptation of Hitchcock’s classic thriller. Apr 13: Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham. Runcorn Brindley. Traditional music duo. Apr 13-14: Bouncers. Runcorn Brindley. John Goodber’s stand out drama. Apr 13-16: Known. Clwyd Theatr Cymru. Delicate exploration of a community attempting to rebuild after a tragedy. Apr 14-16: Iphigenia in Splott. Liverpool Everyman. Inspired by the Greek myth. Apr 14-May 7: Cyrano de Bergerac. Clwyd Theatr Cymru. English language reinterpretation of the French classic love story, with some Welsh-language poetry. Apr 15: Legacy of a Legend – Forever Jackson. Runcorn Brindley. Tribute to the King of Pop. Apr 15: The Card Ninja. Runcorn Brindley. Javier Jarquin’s mind-boggling show. Apr 15-16: It Snows. Bolton Octagon. Funny and touching play. Apr 16: Highfield Male Voice Choir. Runcorn Brindley. Apr 16: Rory McGrath. Runcorn Brindley. Stand-up comedy. Apr 17: The Johnny Cash Roadshow. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Tribute to the Man in Black. Apr 17: Rory McGrath. Salford Lowry. Stand-up comedy. Apr 19: Lyceum Ghost Hunt. Crewe Lyceum. Ghost hunt at the historic Lyceum theatre. Apr 19-23: The Macbeth Curse. Bolton Octagon. Introduction to the madness and magic of Macbeth. Apr 19-23: Get Carter. Salford Lowry. Dark and stylish thriller. Apr 20: Beyond the Barricade. Manchester Palace Theatre. Recreating original West End/Broadway musical hit songs. Apr 21: Alun Cochrane. Runcorn Brindley. Stand-up comedy. Apr 21: Singa-longa Grease. Crewe Lyceum. Join in with the hit musical. Apr 21: Surfin’ USA Variety Show. Runcorn Brindley. Variety show. Apr 21-23: The Mousetrap. Liverpool Empire. Agatha Christie’s whodunit masterpiece. Apr 22: The Unknown Soldier. Runcorn Brindley. Moving and humorous drama. Apr 22: Joe Longthorne. Crewe Lyceum. Singer-songwriter. Apr 22: The Doris Day Songbook. Runcorn Brindley. Tribute to Doris Day. Apr 22: Mark Thomas – Trespass. Liverpool Playhouse. A mix of stand-up, theatre, activism and journalism. Apr 22-23: Deep Cut. Clwyd Theatr Cymru. Gripping play. Apr 22-23: The Lady Killers. Llandudno Venue Cymru. Adapted from the film of the same name. Apr 23: Westrock – The AOR Melodic Rock Show. Runcorn Brindley. Bringing you the best music from the 70s, 80s and 90s. Apr 23: Simon and Grafunkel Story. Crewe Lyceum. The full story of the folk rockers. Apr 23: The Fireflys. Runcorn Brindley. Local band. Apr 24: Brighouse and Rastrick Band. Runcorn Brindley. Internationally acclaimed brass band. Apr 25: Tell Me on a Sunday. Manchester Palace Theatre. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic musical. Apr 25-Apr 30: Heartbeat. Manchester Opera House. Based on the hit TV show. Apr 26-27: All Our Yesterdays. Runcorn

N he h

www.alltogethern

BOX OFFICE NUMBERS

BLACKPOOL Grand Theatre: 01253 290190. BOLTON Octagon: 01204 520661. LIVERPOOL Empire: 08444 999 999. Everyman & Playhouse: 0151 709 4776. Royal Court: 0870 787 1866. LLANDUDNO Venue Cymru: 01492 872000. MOLD: Theatr Clwyd: 0845 3303565.

MANCHESTER Opera House: 0870 401 9000. Palace Theatre: 0870 401 3000. SALFORD The Lowry: 0843 208 6000. NEW BRIGHTON Floral Pavillion: 0151 666 0000. PORT SUNLIGHT: Gladstone Theatre: 0151 643 8757. PRESTON: Charter Theatre: 0845 344 2012. RHYL: Pavilion Theatre: 01745 330 000.

RUNCORN The Brindley: 0151 907 8360. SALE: Waterside Arts Centre: 0161 912 5616. STOKE: Regent Theatre: 0844 871 7627. SOUTHPORT: Floral Hall: 0844 847 2380. ST HELENS: Theatre Royal: 01744 756000. Citadel: 01744 735436. WOLVERHAMPTON Grand Theatre: 01902 429212.

Go on . . . ENJOY yourself

Brindley. Breathtaking musical journey through the 50s, 60s and 70s. Apr 26-30: Bonnie and Clyde. Salford Lowry. Musical based on the lives of the famous criminals. Apr 26-May 7: The Bodyguard. Liverpool Empire. Musical based on the blockbuster film. Apr 27: The Carpenters Story. Manchester Palace Theatre. Featuring the life and music of the Carpenters. Apr 28: Viva Neil Diamond. Runcorn Brindley. Tribute to Neil Diamond. Apr 29: 80s Mania. Runcorn Brindley. All the best hits from the 80s. Apr 29: Jenny Colquitt. Runcorn Brindley. Singer-songwriter. Apr 29-30: My Street…Our Street Including the Accordion Shop. Clwyd Theatr Cymru. Play by Cush Jumbo. Apr 30: Mothership. Runcorn Brindley. Tribute to Led Zeppelin. Apr 30: ELO Again. Llandudno Venue Cymru. Tribute to ELO. May 1: The Brindley Dance. Runcorn Brindley. Spectacular evening of song and dance. May 1: Suggs. Crewe Lyceum. The life story of the Madness front man. May 2-3: The Naked Truth. Crewe Lyceum. Hit comedy play. May 3-7: Avenue Q. Manchester Palace Theatre. Adult puppet show. May 3-7: End of the Rainbow. Manchester Opera House. Story of Judy Garland’s life. May 4: Pleasure. Liverpool Playhouse. New opera from Mark Simpson.

by PETE

IRST the West En Cats . . .

Moggies –Th of Cathy Robe was born out o tales on BBC r Her stories o neighbourhood with listeners f Kong. A book, local best-selle After four yea Maureen Wals Cathy has now

Soun

HERE’S som Inspired by Blind Man’s S about one m the power of Onstage no sensitive hea The sounds keyboard wh the emotiona n Unity Thea

May 4-7: Molly Whuppie. Clwyd Thea Based on a traditional Scottish tale. May 5-6: Roy ‘Chubby’ Brown. Runcorn Brindley. Stand-up comedy. May 5-7: The Duke. Liverpool Everyman. Brand new solo live show b Shon Dale-Jones. May 5-7: Star Boy Productions. Salf Lowry. May 6: The Kate Bush Story. Runcor Brindley. May 6-7: Last Resort. Salford Lowry. new play based in Guantanamo Bay. May 7: Pilgrim. Salford Lowry. Power comedy drama. May 7: The Northern Soul Show. Ru Brindley. Soul music extravaganza. May 8: The Solid Silver 60s Tour. Bl Grand Theatre. Featuring all the best the 60s. May 9-May14: Footloose. Liverpool E Musical based on the blockbuster film May 10: The Sound of Simon. Runco Brindley. Tribute to Paul Simon. May 10: Millionaires Anonymous. R Brindley. Wonderfully funny play abou lottery winners. May 10-14: Tom: A Story of Tom Jon Llandudno Venue Cymru. AUDIO DESCRIBED, May 11. May 10-14: That’s Entertainment. M Opera House. Dazzling song and dan extravaganza featuring the biggest hit 40s and 50s. May 10-14: Sister Act. Crewe Lyceum

Promote your shows here . . .

New mewsical eads our way heads

now.org.uk

ER GRANT

ere wa sthe massive nd and Broadway hit, . Now there is Moggies!

he Musical is the creation erts and Brian McCann and of storyteller Cathy’s feline radio. of four cats she saw in her d have a global following from Canada to Hong now in its sixth reprint, is a er. ars on Radio Merseyside’s sh Sunday morning show, w adapted her Tales of the

April/May2016

Mersey Moggies for a three-day stage run at Liverpool’s Unity Theatre. Cathy who runs Literally Books in New Brighton, Wirral, teamed up with producer/director Brian to bring the moggies alive on stage. She said: “It seemed like the natural progression – the show is for all ages. “Brian has written a collection of all new songs which will be released as a soundtrack album. This is a world premiere featuring all home grown talent, including Liverpool blind singer Susan Hedges (pictured).” Moggies tells the tale of Dutch, Lefty, Moose and Mo who are confronted by fat cats who want to turn their favourite restaurant and the park they roam into a

nds special . . .

ford

. Stunning

rful

uncorn

lackpool hits from

Empire. m. orn

Runcorn ut six

nes.

Manchester nce ts from the

m. Stage

adaptation of the screen musical featuring Whoopi Goldberg. May 10-Jun 4: Mamma Mia. Manchester Palace Theatre. The hit ABBA musical. May 11: The Stars from the Commitments. Runcorn Brindley. Soul music revue. May 11-12: Compania Olga Pericet sin tutolo. Salford Lowry. Flamenco dance. May 11-21: Chip Shop the Musical. Bolton Octagon. An evening of music, theatre, friendship and fish and chips. May 12: The King is Dead. Runcorn Brindley. Noted historian David Starkey. May 13: The UK’s Worst Serial Killers – Trevor Marriott. Runcorn Brindley. The stories behind some of the worst UK’s serial killers. May 13: The Killerz. Runcorn Brindley. Tribute to the Killers. May 13: Atomos. Liverpool Playhouse. Contemporary dance. May 13: Chantel McGregor. St Helens Citadel. Award-winning blues musician. May 14: The Christians. Runcorn Brindley. Classic Liverpool band. May 14: Calan. Runcorn Brindley. Welsh folk music. May 15: The Bee Gees Story. Crewe Lyceum. Musical history of the disco legends. May 15: The Proclaimers. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Scottish duo. May 16: Raz. Salford Lowry. New comedy by Jim Cartwright. May 16-21: Priscilla – Queen of the Desert. Llandudno Venue Cymru. Based on the movie. AUDIO DESCRIBED, May 18.

50,000 readers.

land development project. A special guest ‘appearance’ will come in the form of the voice of local comic legend Ken Dodd. Maureen Walsh is thrilled that the five-minute segment on her show has now become a stage musical. She said: “Cathy is a multi talented lady. To see those cats come alive is a dream come true. I always look forward to their antics just as much as my listeners.” n Moggies – The Musical, Unity Theatre, Liverpool, April 14-16, 8pm. Tickets: £12 and £10 concessions. Box office: 0151 709 4988.

mething to stretch your mind . . . y interviews with visually-impaired people, Song is the widely acclaimed Theatre Re’s wordless tale man’s rage against his world of darkness – demonstrating f the body to communicate without words. oises are amplified through a microphone to reflect the aring of someone who is visually impaired. s are fed into a loop pedal along with a violin and hich combine to create a rich harmonic score, portraying al journey of the characters. atre, Liverpool – May 23. Box office: 0151 709 4988.

atr Cymru.

All Together NOW!

Aladdin strikes gold

PURFECT PARTNERSHIP: Cathy and Brian. Inset: Susan Hedges

ALADDIN was The Brindley’s most successful ever pantomine, with almost 15,500 people going to see the spectacular production, which starred Dean Gaffney and a host of local and national stars. Cllr Phil Harris, Halton council’s executive board member for the arts, said: “These figures show that, in an era of iPods and computer games, people still love traditional family entertainment.”

May 17: Barry Steele & Friends: The Orbison Story. Liverpool Empire. Tribute to Roy Orbison. May 17-21: Grease. Runcorn Brindley. Musical. May 17-21: An Inspector Calls. Salford Lowry. Landmark production of the JB Priestley classic thriller. May 17-21: Jackie: The Musical. Manchester Opera House. Hilarious musical based on the old Jackie magazines. May 17-28: Mouse – The Persistence of an Unlikely Thought. Liverpool Everyman. New show from Daniel Kitson. May 18: An Audience with Martin Kemp. Crewe Lyceum. The Spandau Ballet member talks about his extraordinary life. May 19: Katriona Gilmore & Jamie Roberts. Runcorn Brindley. Folk duo. May 19: One Night of Queen. Liverpool Empire. Tribute to Freddie Mercury and Queen. May 20: Puppetry of the Penis. Crewe Lyceum. The ancient Australian art of genital origami. May 20: An Evening with Gordon Lightfoot. Liverpool Empire. Singer-songwriter. May 20-21: The Complete Deaths. Liverpool Playhouse. Four actors perform every death in the complete works of Shakespeare. May 20-Jun 4: Shout! The Mod Musical. Liverpool Royal Court. Non-stop party through the infectios and soulful pop anthems of the 60s. May 21: Patrick Monahan. Runcorn Brindley. Stand-up comedy. May 21: Ventoux. Salford Lowry. The

story of Lance Armstrong and Marco Pantani’s race in the Tour de France. May 22: Eblana String Trio & Anna Rosa Mari, Flute. Clwyd Theatr Cymru. Classical music. May 22: David Starkey. Crewe Lyceum. An evening with the noted historian. May 23: Tell Me on a Sunday. Liverpool Empire. Classic musical from Andrew Lloyd Webber. May 23: Golden Songs from the Silver Screen. Runcorn Brindley. Showcase of film music. May 23-28: Clybourne Park. Clwyd Theatr Cymru. Razor-sharp satire. May 24: A Night at the Opera. Runcorn Brindley. A programme of fantastic opera music. May 24-28: The Merry Wives. Liverpool Playhouse. Wickedly entertaining play. May 25: The Billy Fury Birthday Concert. Runcorn Brindley. Tribute to Billy Fury. May 25-28: Tom. Salford Lowry. The legend of Tom Jones. May 26: Woody Mann. Runcorn Brindley. Acoustic music. May 26: Bowie Experience. Llandudno Venue Cymru. Tribute to David Bowie. May 26-27: Fifty Shades of Beige. Runcorn Brindley. Hit TV show Grumpy Old Women live on stage. May 27: Julian Clary. Manchester Opera House. Stand-up comedy. May 27: Bowie Experience. Crewe Lyceum. Tribute to David Bowie. May 27: The Billy Fury Story.

Llandudno Venue Cymru. May 27: An Evening with Wingates Band. Bolton Octagon. Brass band. May 28: Menopause: The Musical. Manchester Opera House. Hilarious girls’ night out. May 28: The Illegal Eagles. Runcorn Brindley. Tribute to The Eagles. May 28: Kate Rusby. Crewe Lyceum. Folk music. May 29: Dancing In The Streets. Blackpool Grand Theatre. The music of Motown. May 29: Garth Brooks UK. Runcorn Brindley. Ultimate tribute to Garth Brooks. May 30: Crewe Steampunk Convivial. Crewe Lyceum. Varied line-up of steampunk music favourites. May 31: Paul Sinha. Runcorn Brindley. Standup comedy. May 31-Jun 4: King Lear. Manchester Opera House. Adaptation of the Shakespeare play. May 31-Jun 4: Laila – the Musical. Salford Lowry. Retelling the greatest love story from the East. May 31-Jun 4: Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour. Liverpool Playhouse. Play based on the novel The Sopranos by Alan Warner. Funny, sad and raucously rude. Jun 3: The Songs of Nick Drake. St Helens Citadel. Keith James’s unique concert. Haunting and hugely dedicated.

Call us NOW! . . . 0151 230 0307

All Together NOW!

SHOPMOBILITY

n ALTRINCHAM. Tel 0161 929 1714 n ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE. Tel 0161 339 9500 n BARROW. Tel 01229 434039 n BIRKENHEAD. Tel 0151 647 6162 n BLACKBURN AND DARWEN. Tel 01254 690566 or 07757 502217 n BLACKPOOL. Tel 01253 349 427 n BOLTON. Tel 01204 392946 n CARLISLE. Tel 01228 631564 n CHESTER. Tel 01244 312626 n CHORLEY. Tel 01257 260 888 n COLWYN BAY. Tel 01492 533822 n CREWE. Tel 01270 580 031 n ELLESMERE PORT. Tel 0151 355 1420 n KENDAL. Tel 01539 740 933 n LEIGH, Wigan. Tel 01942 777 985 n LIVERPOOL. Tel 0151 707 0877 n MANCHESTER Trafford Centre. Tel 0161 747 2684 n MANCHESTER Arndale Centre. Tel 0161 839 4060 n NELSON. Tel 01282 692 502 n NORTHWICH, Vale Royal Tel 01606 288820 n OSWESTRY. Tel 01691 656882 n PENRITH. Tel 01768 895 438 n PRESTON. Tel 01772 204 667 n RHYL. Tel 01745 350665 n ROCHDALE. Tel 01706 865 986 n RUNCORN, Halton Lea Tel 01928 716971 n SHREWSBURY. Tel 01743 236900 SKELMERSDALE. Tel 01695 550066 n ST HELENS. Tel 01744 613 388 n STOCKPORT. Tel 0161 666 1100 n WARRINGTON. Tel 01925 240064 n WARRINGTON. Birchwood Tel 01925 822 411 n WIGAN. Tel 01942 776 070 n WINSFORD. Tel 01606 557550 n WREXHAM. Tel 01978 292065 MIDLANDS n BIRMINGHAM. Snow Hill Railway Station. Tel 0121 236 8980. Level 2, Centre Car Park, Bullring. Tel 0121 616 2942 n STAFFORD. Tel 01785 619456 n STOKE ON TRENT. Tel 01782 233333 n SUTTON COLDFIELD. Tel 0121 355 1112 n TAMWORTH. Tel, 01827 709392 n WALSALL. Tel 01922 650781 n WEST BROMWICH: Sandwell. Tel 0121 553 1943 n WOLVERHAMPTON. Tel 01902 556021

April/May 2016

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

They’ve got it boxed off!

ONGRATULATIONS to the TEN lucky winners of our Johnsons Seed Box competition.

Each tin contains seed packets of six varieties of dazzling annual flowers and five mouthwatering vegetables. Mrs Patricia Kavanagh, Muirhead Avenue East, Liverpool (I picked up my copy of All Together NOW! at the Royal hospital, Liverpool) Mr Raplph James, Gardner Avenue, Bootle (ASDA Utting Avenue) Jean Dodd, Hollymere, New Grosvenor Road, Ellesmere Port (Countess of Chester hospital) Mrs C A Worthington, Leigh Road, Westhoughton, Bolton (ASDA Leigh) Mr T Berry, Glenby Avenue, Peel Hall, Wythenshawe (ASDA Wythenshawe) Mrs Fiona Mitchell, Fraser Court, Handbridge, Chester (Countess of Chester hospital) Maria Batt, Bedford Road, Walton, Liverpool (email) John Carter, Cranborne Avenue, Warrington (Gordale garden centre) Champaklal Lad, Mallory Avenue, Ashton Under Lyne (email) Sue Hodgson, Kirkby Resource Centre for Older People, James Holt Avenue, Westvale (email)

For the full Johnsons range go to www.johnsons-seeds.com

HELP AT THE END OF A PHONE

n ANGLESEY: TARAN Tel 01407 721933 n BLACKPOOL Disability Information and Support. Tel 01253 472 202. Textphone 01253 476 450 n CHESHIRE CIL Tel 01606 331853 n CHESTER Dial House Tel 01244 345655 n DENBIGHSHIRE Tel 01745 354445 n ELLESMERE PORT DICE Tel 0151 355 1420 n HALTON Disability Service Tel 01928 717222 n KNOWSLEY DISABILITY CONCERN. 0151 480 4090 n LANCASTER DISC Tel 01524 34411 n LIVERPOOL Association of Disabled People. Tel 0151 263 8366. Text 0151 260 4076 n MERSEYSIDE Coalition of Inclusive Living. Tel 0151 260 4001 n NEUROSUPPORT Centre Tel 0151 298 2999 n MANCHESTER (GTR) Coalition of Disabled People Tel 0161-273 5154 n MOLD Flintshire Disability Tel 01352 755546 n NELSON: Pendle Pakistan Welfare Association. Tel 01282 603 616 n PRESTON DISC: Tel 01772 558 863. Textphone 01772 204 787 n RHYL Tel 01745 350665 n STOCKPORT: Disability Stockport. 0161 480 7248 n WARRINGTON Disability Partnership. 01925 240064

n WIRRAL WIRED Tel 0151 670 1500 n WEST LANCS HELPLINE Freefone 0800 220676 n ST HELENS DASH Tel 01744 453053

MIDLANDS n BIRMINGHAM Disability Resource Centre Tel 0121 789 7365 n Disabled People’s Network Solihull Tel 0121 788 1544 n STOKE: Disability Solutions Tel 01782 683800 n WOLVERHAMPTON Elder and Disabled Group Tel 01902 448552

ORGANISATIONS FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND n ACCRINGTON Tel 01254 233332 n BARROW Tel 01229 820698 n BIRMINGHAM Action for Blind Tel 0121 665 4200 n BLACKBURN Tel 0125 554143 n BLACKPOOL: N-Vision Tel 01253 362696 n BURY Tel 0161 763 7014 n BURNLEY Tel 01282 438507 n CARLISLE: Action for Blind People Tel 01228 595121 CHESHIRE & N WALES: Vision Support. Tel 01244 381515 n CUMBRIA (West) Tel 01946 592474 n CUMBRIA (Sth Lakeland) Tel 01539 726613 n GUIDE DOGS

Tel 0118 983 5555 n HENSHAW’S 0161 872 234 Tel 0151 708 7055 n LIVERPOOL: Bradbury Fields.Tel 0151 221 0888: Action for Bind Tel 0151 298 3222 n MANCHESTER: Action for Blind Tel 0161 787 9252 n PRESTON: Action for Blind People Tel 01772 320550 n OLDHAM Tel 0161 682 8019 n ROSSENDALE Tel 01706 873256 n SIGHTLINE (North West) Tel 0800 587 2252 n WIGAN Tel 01942 242891 n WIRRAL Tel 0151 652 8877

ORGANISATIONS FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE DEAF n BIRMINGHAM Institute for Deaf Tel 0121 246 6101 n CHESHIRE Deaf Society Tel 01606 47831 n CUMBRIA Deaf Society Tel 01228 606434 n LANCASHIRE (EAST) Deaf Society Tel 01282 839180 n MANCHESTER Deaf Centre Tel 0161 273 3415 Genie Networks. Tel 0161 941 4549. Text 18001 0161 941 4549 n MERSEYSIDE Society for Deaf Tel 0151 228 0888 n ST HELENS: Deafness Resource Centre Tel 01744 23887 n WOLVERHAMPTON Centre for Deaf Tel 01902 420904 n N WALES Deaf Association, Tel 01492 542235

CARERS’ CENTRES

n ACCRINGTON Tel 01254 387 444 n BLACKBURN with DARWEN Tel 01254 688 www.bwdcarers.org n BLACKPOOL Blackpool Borough Council, Tel 01253 477 716 nCUMBRIA Carlisle. Tel 01228 542 156 Penrith. Tel 01768 890 280 Barrow-in-Furness. Tel 01229 822 822 Kendal. Tel 01539 732 927 Whitehaven, Tel 01946 592 223 n CHESHIRE Helpline: 0800 085 0307 n KNOWSLEY Tel 0151 549 1412 n LANCASTER Tel 01524 66475 nLIVERPOOL Tel 0151 705 2307 n MANCHESTER Tel 0161 835 2995 n MORECAMBE Tel 01524 833456 n PRESTON Tel 01772 200173 n RUNCORN Tel 01928 580182 n WIDNES Tel 0151 257 9673 n SALFORD Tel 0161 833 0217 n SEFTON Tel 0151 288 6060 n ST HELENS Tel 01744 675 615 n STOCKPORT Tel 0161 442 0442 n WARRINGTON Tel 01925 644 212 n WEST LANCS Tel 01695 711243 n WIGAN & LEIGH Tel 01942 683711 MIDLANDS n BIRMINGHAM Tel 0121 675 8000 n SOLIHULL Tel 0121 788 1143 n WALSALL Tel 01922 610 810 NORTH WALES n ANGLESEY Tel 01248 722828 n BANGOR Tel 01248 370 797 n CONWY Tel 01492 533714 n DENBIGHSHIRE: NEWCIS, Tel: 0845 603 3187 nDOLGELLAU Tel 01341 421167 n FLINTSHIRE: NEWCIS, Tel: 01352 751436 n WREXHAM CARERS SERVICE Tel: 0800 276 1070

INDEPENDENT LIVING

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Tap in for health

EOPLE with diabetes can now manage every aspect of their condition – using their mobile phone.

With the new DiabetesPA app, you can log in and track levels of blood glucose, insulin, mood, exercise, medication, HbA1c, blood pressure, carbohydrates, calories, alcohol, weight, BMI, cholesterol and ketones Created with the help of 20,000 members of diabetes.co.uk, the makers say it is a practical and free way for people to monitor every aspect of diabetes. Easy to use, you can set the units to suit you, wherever you are in the world. This new approach to diabetes management lets people see the interaction between different areas of their health and wellbeing giving them more information at their fingertips and better long-term control of their diabetes. You can share your progress with your doctor and healthcare team through your DiabetesPA and generate health reports to get the most out of your diabetes reviews. You can also set reminders and share your progress with your friends and family on Facebook or Twitter. App user Mike Watts said: “I’ve just started to use the app and can I say it’s AMAZING. I never knew how my mood affected my blood glucose levels.” n The DiabetesPA App can be downloaded for free from www.diabetespa.com at The App Store and Google Play, for IOS and Android phones.

All Together NOW!

April/May2016

MONEY MATTERS

OPEN FOR LEARNING: Julia Scott, left, with occupational therapy staff from the University’s School of Health Sciences

ARE YOU married or in a civil partnership?

THE WORST HOME OF ALL!

TUDENTS are being given their own home to learn in – but it’s far from the ideal home . . .

Indeed, the purpose-built living space has been filled with obstacles and trip hazards. It all adds up to ideal training for occupational training students at a North West university. A lookalike living area complete with furnishings and pictures, plus bedroom, kitchen and bathroom make up the Activities of Daily Living Simulation Suite at the University of Salford. Each room features a range of equipment to facilitate independence and the sort of trip hazards that put many people at risk in their own homes. The ADL suite enables students to put into practice the skills learned in the classroom. This includes many of the daily tasks that occupational therapists

carry out when helping infirm people to become more independent in their daily routines. These tasks, which able-bodied people take for granted, can include anything from assisting someone to get in and out of bed, to helping someone make a simple cup of tea. Each area of the suite is fitted with cameras to allow students to be observed during their assessments. This will permit intervention from adjacent classrooms so lecturers can provide students with critical analysis and active reflections. Julia Scott, CEO of the College of Occupational therapists, said: “While all aspects of education can’t identically replicate the experiences which students will face in the real world, these facilities provide the occupational therapist students with a learning environment that is as close to real thing as possible.”

Photo phone sounds just perfect A RING tone as loud as a pneumatic drill is one of the features of a new phone. The Amplicomms PowerTel 92 “photo’ phone has been designed for people with failing hearing, reduced dexterity, or dementia – or those just wanting an easy-to-operate phone. With, simply pushing one of the six interchangeable picture buttons is all it takes to contact someone. The photo phone is easy to

use with big buttons including a pre-programmable SOS button for emergencies and three direct dial buttons. It also

has a hands-free speakerphone option. Calls can be amplified by up to 40 decibels, making them 100 times louder than regular calls and, with a ring tone as loud as a pneumatic drill at 90 decibels, it will be difficult for calls to be missed! The phone has premium compatibility with T Coil Hearing Aids without causing interference. n RRP £54.99 Available: www.hearingdirect.com Tel:

Are you living with spouse or partner? If so there are two marriage allowances that may be of interest to you. One if either of you is born before April 1935, or one if the total taxable income of one person is below £10,600 and the other is a basic rate taxpayer. The first allowance is a minimum of £3,220 and a maximum of £8,355 at 10% given to the person with the higher income. The relief is at 10%, giving a tax benefit of between £322 and £835.50 depending on income. It can be claimed at the start of a tax year on form 18 and after the end of a tax year on form 575. The second allowance applies to about four million couples but only about 33,0000 have applied. It’s is a maximum of £1,060 transferred from the lower earner, if that person does not earn enough to pay tax, to the higher earner as long as that person is a basic rate taxpayer. This is a maximum tax benefit of £212 and can be applied for online. The information above is general and you must apply if you think you can benefit as there are more restrictions under certain circumstances, but it will apply for the majority of taxpayers. Also, there may be an opportunity to claim the allowance for earlier years, again if circumstances permit, and it had not been so claimed. The figures above are for tax year ending 5 April 2016. Look out for the March budget for the figures for 2016/17.

GORDON VINER FCA CTA

All Together NOW!

MEDICAL NOTES Let the sunshine into your body . . .

TOO much time spent indoors and not enough sunshine outdoors are combining to put millions of us at risk. One in every two of us is believed to be lacking in the vitamin D – the “sunshine vitamin” . A deficiency in this vital nutrient has been linked to poor immune health, susceptibility to colds and flu and tiredness and fatigue. It is also associated with seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern, with symptoms often more severe during winter. The majority of our vitamin D requirement, around 90%, must be created in the skin in response to strong sunlight. In a new survey, the highest rates of deficiency were found to be in Northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland due to limited sun exposure. The poll also shows: n One third of UK adults spend less than an hour per day outdoors, n 50% of the 650 people asked spend less than two hours a day outdoors, while a mere 5% spend more than four hours outside. n More than three quarters of Brits don’t know that 90% of their daily vitamin D requirement must come from the sun. n 75% of British adults have never had a vitamin D test. n Two thirds of those surveyed suffer with low mood or depression, which becomes worse during the winter months. n More than half often feel tired and regularly catch colds and flu in winter. n One in 10 catch three to five common viruses such as colds, flu and stomach bugs per year. Dr Chris Steele, medical doctor and ITV This Morning’s resident GP, said: “There needs to be greater awareness of the risk of vitamin D deficiency in the UK. While all of us could be affected, the higher risk groups include those aged over 65, pregnant and breastfeeding women, ethnic minorities, children and people who spend large amounts of time indoors. “I would urge all adults, and particularly people in these groups, to discuss with their GP a vitamin D test and the taking of a high quality vitamin D supplement. “Look for vitamin D3 as this form is identical to the kind produced naturally in the skin. “Also oil-based capsules can be more easily absorbed by the body compared to dry, chalky tablets.”

April/May 2016

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Why spotting symptoms early is crucial

OMEN are being urged to shout about the symptoms of a little known cancer.

Ovarian cancer is most common in women over the age of 50 but can also occur in younger women. Women are often diagnosed late, as many of the symptoms are put down to other conditions. The later a woman receives a diagnosis the more difficult treatment can become – so early detection is key. Around 50 new cases are diagnosed in Liverpool every year, with two-thirds of these in women under 75. And that’s why Dr Katy Gardner wants women to make themselves heard the minute they become concerned. “Evidence tells us that in Liverpool, there is a low awareness of what the symptoms of

ovarian cancer are, said Dr Gardner, of the NHS Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group. “You know what’s normal for you, if you are worried, talk to your GP about frequent symptoms that are new for you.” There is no screening test for ovarian cancer so a woman’s route to diagnosis is key to her survival. However, each year nearly a third of ovarian cancer patients in the UK are diagnosed in accident and emergency departments. When a woman is diagnosed at the earliest stage, the chances of surviving ovarian cancer for five years or more doubles, from 46% to more than 90%. The causes are not yet fully known, but the most important risk factors are age and a family history of ovarian or breast cancer.

Macmillan GP Dr Gardner said: “Symptoms can include persistent pain in your tummy and below, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, persistent bloating, needing to wee more urgently or more often than usual.” Experiencing these symptoms frequently – more than 12 times a month – persistently and not being normal for you can all be warning signs. Dr Gardner added: “Ensure you tell your GP if two or more relatives in your close family have had ovarian or breast cancer. “Other conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome have symptoms similar to ovarian cancer but if your symptoms don’t clear up, go back to your GP or seek a second opinion.” Seven thousand women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year in the UK. n www.targetovariancancer.org.uk

Don’t suffer like I did, says Miss GB ‘Doctors took two years to diagnose me’

ISS Great Britain Zara Holland knew something was wrong at 16 when she began suffering severe pain – but was told it was “bad periods”.

Zara, who took part in the new Channel 4 series The Jump, said: “My GP said to try different contraceptive pills, but I knew this couldn’t be normal. “I suffered so badly each month, I would have to take a week off work,” said the 21-year-old beauty queen. “After two years I just couldn’t go on like that. My mum came with me to the GP and demanded a referral to a gynaecological specialist. “I had a laparoscopic procedure which confirmed endometriosis, and they were able to give me laser treatment. “At last I was diagnosed and could be treated appropriately. “I had two years of suffering but for many women it can take years, unnecessary treatments, and being told they should ‘just get on with it’ like everyone else.” Despite being the second most common gynaecological condition in the UK, affecting one in 10 women, it takes a

CAMPAIGNER: Zara Holland says women should not have to wait for years to be diagnosed with endometriosis, a litle know condition that devastes lives

shocking 7.5 years on average to be diagnosed. “I’m supporting Endometriosis UK to raise awareness – I don’t want women continuing to suffer needlessly,” added Zoe. There is no cure for endometriosis, which costs the UK economy £8.2 billion annually, but the condition in manageable and timely diagnosis can save women from years of constant pain. Endometriosis UK is calling for shorter diagnosis time to ensure better health outcomes for women affected. The classic symptoms of endometriosis are severe pain during or between periods; very long, heavy and irregular periods; painful bowel movements; pain in the bladder and pain during or after sex. Extreme fatigue is very common, and fertility may also be affected. Misdiagnosis is common, resulting in delays to accurate diagnosis, unnecessary tests and sometimes unnecessary surgery. All this can have a significant impact on a woman’s wellbeing and ability to succeed in education or work.

n Helpline: Tel. 0808 808 2227. n www.endometriosis-uk.org

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

April/May2016

Mobile phones help students stay flu free

MOBILE phone app could be used to warn students when they are at risk of catching flu.

In the future doctors could use health and lifestyle information – captured through smartphone apps or wearable devices – to produce personalised daily flu forecasts. Scientists say their new experimental app has produced some impressive results with university students. For 10 weeks during the 2013 flu season, the students carried Google Android smartphones with built-in software, iEpi, that used Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS technology to monitor where they went and who they came in contact with from moment to moment. The students also recorded their symptoms every week online. Those who

App that’s cutting the odds of getting sick

reported coughing and fever, chills or aches provided throat swabs to determine whether they had a cold or the flu. Researchers then worked out the odds of each student – at the University of Michigan in the US – spreading or contracting the flu on a given day, And they identified the personal health habits — such as hand-washing or getting a flu shot — that might help them improve their odds or hasten their recovery. The researchers also found that students who smoked or drank took longer to recover.

“We didn’t have this kind of personalised health data until a few years ago,” said researcher Katherine Heller, who helped develop the method. “But now, smartphones and wearable health and fitness devices allow us to collect information like a person’s heart rate, blood pressure, social interactions and activity levels with much more regularity and more accurately than was possible before. You can keep a continuous logbook. “We want to leverage that data to predict what people’s individual risk factors are, and give them advice to help them reduce their chances of getting sick,” Heller said. The researchers presented their findings at the 21st International Conference on Knowledge Discovery and Data Mining in Sydney, Australia.

SMILING THROUGH IT ALL: Nicola Trice and her children, Eddie, left, and Lucas, who was diagnosed with DDH at four months and who is is now facing more hip surgery

Baby screening ‘would ease hip crisis’

ABIES must be screened in the first months of life if a shocking rise in hip replacements for under-60s is to be addressed, say campaigners.

As figures showed hip replacements in that age category has risen 76% in a decade, a charity is calling for greater awareness of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip. DDH occurs when the ball and socket hip joint fails to develop correctly and if left untreated it can lead to disability, long-term pain, arthritis and ultimately hip replacements.

But years of surgery caused by DDH could be avoided for many with effective early screening of babies, says Spica Warrior, the UK’s only DDH dedicated charity. Commenting on the massive rise in hip ops, charity founder Natalie Trice said: “With an ageing population, and the continuing late diagnosis of DDH in babies, children and young adults, we weren’t shocked. “Early diagnosis is vital. A consistent, strict screening process and professionals being aware of the signs could mean the difference between healthy hips and a child who ends up in constant pain.

“My son, Lucas, was a late diagnosis and he is now six and still enduring operations and uncertainty but and we aren’t alone,” added Natalie. Those most at risk are babies where there is a family history of hip problems, those in the breech position or with a fixed foot deformity or torticollis. If parents notice uneven creases in their child’s legs and buttocks, clicking of the hips or limited motion it is vital they seek advice.

n Spica Warrior: Tel. 07825 615303. n www.spicawarrior.com

. . . the perfect way to reach HALF A MILLION readers . . .

All Together NOW!

HEALTHY EATING

Dish the fish

ISH is fantastic for your health but most of us don’t eat anything like enough of it.

Despite the numerous health benefits, fish seems to be falling out of favour – particularly with children. Experts say everyone should try to eat two portions of fish each week, one of which should be oily. That’s 140g of fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, pilchards, anchovies and fresh tuna. UK adults consume less than half this amount – an average of just 54g per week – meaning many miss out on fish’s natural heart-health benefits. Fish, especially oily fish, is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, known to protect the heart and blood vessels and Heart Research UK is now supporting the Seafish organisation’s Fish is the Dish campaign. Here are some of their suggestions for putting fish back on the menu . . .

Frozen, tinned or fresh, it’s all good. Freezer trawlers mean fish can go from sea to frozen in no time, allowing them to retain a high quality and nutritional content. Fresh fish prices vary seasonally so the freezer aisles could prove more cost effective from time to time. There’s a huge variety of canned fish available, good for sandwich fillers and a store cupboard essential. Most fish retain their nutrients during canning but in some cases the omega-3 in tuna can be destroyed, so always check the label. If you can’t see the fish you want or it’s out of your budget, ask the fishmonger to recommend alternatives. To really keep down the costs ask if they have any broken fillets which are perfect for making fish pies. If you’re a bit of a fish-phobic, take the stress out of preparation by asking your fishmonger to bone, fillet and skin the fish. They can give you advice on how to cook it too. Get kids involved in the cooking – alllowing them to get hands-on and messy while making fish cakes with salmon, crab or whatever you can get hold of makes trying new foods fun.

All Together NOW!

MEDICAL NOTES Bacteria survives antibiotic blitz

BACTERIA that can survive an attack of antibiotics, then continue reproducing, has been revealed by scientists. And their new study adds more weight to warnings that overuse of antibiotics will result in millions of people losing their fight against diseases. Researchers treated the gut bacteria Escherichia coli with daily antibiotic doses in the lab. Even though most bacteria were initially killed, some bacteria found a quick way to adapt. These survivors are not resistant – meaning that they cannot continue growing during an antibiotic treatment – but tolerant: they survive the antibiotic treatment and can resume their reproduction after the treatment. Professor Jan Michiels, from the KU Leuven Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics in Belgium, said: “These tolerant cells can just sit out treatment. On the first day of treatment, they are already present, albeit in small numbers. “They ensure that the population is not wiped out and that it can be reconstituted after the antibiotic treatment. Eventually you end up with an entire population that is tolerant to several antibiotics.” Professor Michiels added: “The development of new antibiotics cannot keep pace with the growing antibiotic resistance of bacteria. Figuring out how and why more bacteria develop antibiotic tolerance is important to improve future therapies and save lives.”

Lloyd’s lessons

LLOYD Bantleman had five months of scans and biopsies trying to find the right treatment for his prostate cancer. A consultant eventually told him his best option was to remove the prostate and then “get on with his life”. But the consultant’s advice was not as straightforward as it seemed and after researching the side effects of surgery and radiotherapy, Lloyd found there was around a 50% chance of major bladder and bowel problems afterwards. Instead, Lloyd, from Preston, Lancs, underwent proton beam therapy, a form of radiotherapy not currently available in the UK. After three weeks of treatment in Prague and a week at home, Lloyd was back to work with no side effects. Now he has founded the website CompareCancerTreatment.co.uk to stop men suffering the trauma when trying to find the right treatment that he did. He said: “At no point did the NHS tell me about the option of proton beam therapy. I was determined to make it easier for other patients to access the right information, particularly men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer. “The site gives independent, impartial information on cancer treatments and signposts patients to relevant sources of more information.”

April/May 2016

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Call to tackle suicide rate of M.E. victims PEOPLE with M.E and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are six times more likely to take their own lives than the general population, a study has found. Ignorance, injustice, neglect, isolation and a lack of support and care have all been given as reasons for the high level of suicide. Sonya Chowdhury, head of Action for M.E., said: “As the leading UK charity supporting people affected by M.E. and CFS we are, sadly, not surprised by these findings. “Having such a long-term, chronic, debilitating illness undoubtedly affects emotional and mental well-

being and our team regularly responds to calls from people in desperate need and sometimes suicidal. “This study again highlights the devastating impact this neurological illness can have and the need for better access to high quality personalised support and care, alongside more research.” Although M.E. is not a psychiatric condition, psychiatric assessment may be necessary for some, the study says. M.E. is a chronic, disabling condition affecting around 250,000 adults and children in the UK. A key

It’s time to give yourself an MOT

ANY of us pay more attention to ensuring our cars are roadworthy than we do to looking after ourselves.

We know we should be routinely checking for suspicious moles, lumps and bumps. But how many of us actually do it? Often it’s nothing to worry about. But in the same way that an annoying rattle in your car can signal a mechanical fault, small problems can sometimes point to something bigger. So why not give yourself a regular MOT? It’s not about acquiring any special skills – simply getting to know your body and acting on anything unusual. Here are three essential health checks to help you on your way: One for women Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the UK. So the message to all women is get to know your boobs! Check them once a month at roughly the same time – when having a bath or a shower can work best. Soap up your hands and feel

by Dr Sally Norton leading Health Expert, NHS weight loss surgeon and consultant, founder of www.vavistalife.com

for any lumps or bumps, then check in the mirror with hands above your head and on your hips to look for anything unusual in skin or shape. Avoid doing it when you have a period, as breasts can be lumpier at this time. The more you understand what’s normal for you, the easier it will be to spot any changes without panicking unnecessarily. And remember, treatment for breast cancer has come on in leaps and bounds, so the earlier you pick it up, the better your chances of a cure.

One for men Unlike most other cancers, testicular cancer is more likely when you’re younger or middle aged (aged 2549). But the good news is that more than 96% of men with testicular cancer will be cured – as long as it is picked up and treated promptly. All reason enough to do a monthly

symptom is the body’s inability to recover after expending even small amounts of energy. Other common symptoms include muscle pain, persistent and disabling exhaustion, poor concentration and memory problems, headache, unrefreshing sleep and digestive problems. The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence recognises that the physical symptoms of M.E. can be as disabling as multiple sclerosis and other chronic conditions. n Action for M.E: Tel. 0117 927 9551

testicle check. So once a month when you’re in the shower gently roll each one between fingers and thumb. Get to know how your balls feel normally. And if you find something strange, don’t stew over it – go straight to your doctor. This will give you the best chance of early diagnosis in the unlikely event of testicular cancer.

One for everyone Keeping an eye on your weight is one of the best things you can do for your health. Piling on the pounds increases the risk of conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and even some cancers. If your waistband is getting tight, or you have to go up a clothing size, then it’s time to act. In particular, if your hip measurement is smaller than your waist measurement. And by act, I don’t mean dieting because the evidence is that dieting doesn’t work in the long term. It’s about getting the right support to change habits, so you can get the weight off and keep it off.

Don’t be fooled by the taste . . .

WOULDN’T you think that if food tastes sweet, it surely can’t be salty too? But the truth is many of the things we eat that taste sweet, also contain a lot of salt. Up to three quarters of our salt intake is hidden in the foods we buy so it’s easy to find yourself eating a high salt diet without realising it. The main offenders are pre-prepared foods – breakfast cereal, bread, cakes and pastries are just some of the surprisingly salty culprits in your cupboards – so check the labels next time you shop. “Diet” or “low fat” foods are worth watching as many are not as healthy as you might think. Removing fat from foods changes their texture, taste and shelf life so more salt may be added to compensate. Adults should eat no more than 6gms of salt per day to maintain a healthy blood pressure Remember that children’s bodies and organs are smaller so they need even less. A teaspoon is about 5gms of salt (2000mg of sodium), a good way to gauge your intake. Traffic light labels are a useful tool to keep salt intake in check, though the system is optional for the food industry and isn’t used by all manufacturers, making labels a bit of a minefield. Salt is an acquired taste so if you’re cutting down it’s best to do this gradually to allow your taste buds to catch up with the change.

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

All Together NOW!

April/May2016

Let’s hear it for our nurses

MATCH OF THE DAY

Our message to the WORLD

SHARP SHOOTERS: Paul Hughes, left, and brother, Dave, right, with Everton FC veterans Ian Snodin and Kevin Sheedy

NTERNATIONAL Wheelchair Day gives people the chance to celebrate the positive impact wheelchairs have – or had – on their lives. Last year staff at Liverpool Wheelchair Service celebrated the day in style with the launch their Wheelchair in a Day programme. This year they decided to go global on Twitter with a team photograph and a message of support for wheelchair users worldwide. The team launched their tweet message through the

EVERTON FC veterans Kevin Sheedy and Ian Snodin rolled back the years when they kicked off the second 24-hour marathon football match in aid of Marie Curie, which supports people with terminal illness. Players from Liverpool Community Health Trust, and their families and friends, have so far raised £13,000 from the challenge. Paul Hughes, Performance Lead at LCH, said: “Our first marathon match took place two years ago. It was inspired by my mum, who was so bravely battling cancer. Sadly her illness progressed and she lost her fight last year. The care she received at Marie Curie made such a difference.” You can support the challenge at: https://www.justgiving.com/MatchForTheDay2016/

LCH twitter account at 8am. By the end of the working day, it had been re-tweeted 65 times and mentioned more than 100 times by different twitter users from across the country – and the world. This included re-tweets by politicians, journalists, leading disability charities and advocacy groups. It even got a mention by Paralympian legend Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson! In all, their message reached almost 150,000 twitter users.

Pluto’s pleas

John McCreadie: farewell to a very dear friend . . . ONE OF the Trust’s longest serving friends and contributors, John McCreadie, has sadly passed away. For over ten years John helped inspire and shape a number of health projects locally and nationally for people with speech and language difficulties, including the Trust’s ‘Giving Voice’ project which improved awareness of how to support people with

communication difficulties. John also contributed to the Department of Health’s No Speech, Lots to Say project that led to the statutory provision of electronic communication aids for those who require them. Locally, he founded and chaired the Call Up communication aid user group that funded a number of projects that helped people with communication

HERE’S your chance to pause and reflect on the fantastic contribution that nurses make to people’s lives all over the world. Organised by the Royal College of Nursing, International Nurses Day is celebrated annually on May 12, which is the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing. To help celebrate the profession, LCH is inviting staff, patients and members of the public to join an online conversation about what makes a career in nursing worth doing, and what great care looks like. Here’s how YOU can get involved: On Twitter: If you have been a patient and have experienced great care from a nurse or health team, tell us about it on May 12. You can tweet us @NHSLiverpoolCH using the hashtag #thankyounurse On Facebook: You can also share your experiences and thank a nurse on the LCH facebook page. Not on social media? You can still get involved by emailing your comments or thank you messages to: LCH.Communications@liverpoolCH.n hs.uk or call our Customer Services Team on 0300 7900 224.

problems. John was an inspiring role model to everyone who he came into contact with. He never let his condition prevent him from achieving his dreams, was determined to make a difference, and lived his life to the full. He will be greatly missed – but never forgotten – by his many friends at LCH.

TRAINEE guide dog Pluto called in to LCH’s headquarters and spent the day challenging staff to think more about accessibility issues for patients and staff with visual impairment. He even helped the Communications Team by taking over LCH’s social media accounts for the day! Guide Dogs Liverpool have just launched an “Access All Areas” campaign to improve access for guide dogs in public areas and educate people about why guide dogs should be allowed access to all areas, which LCH has been supporting. n You can find more information about the campaign at www.guidedogs.org.uk

To find out more, visit . . . www.liverpoolcommunityhealth.nhs.uk

All Together NOW!

April/May 2016

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Mutated gene safeguards against heart attack

Michael Crilly Director of Social Inclusion & Participation, Mersey Care NHS

PRING is the season of re-birth and growth, so it’s apt that Mersey Care is launching a new centre for health, wellbeing, learning and recovery that will help nurture people in a very special way.

It’s one of the most exciting things I have ever done and we’re calling our new centre in Liverpool ‘The Life Rooms’ for good reason – from here we will be able to offer life opportunities. We have converted one of Liverpool’s oldest former libraries as a place where people can go, without stigma, to get help with all aspects of their lives. True to the aspirations of the philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, who originally built this and many libraries, we want to encourage learning and wellbeing to continue. We have developed the library as a place of beauty where people can go to get help with recovery from mental health problems, and whatever support they need to help them move forward in their life. Mersey Care are very good at providing all sorts of interventions and services, but in this venture we recognise that services are not the whole story for people facing the challenges of mental ill-health. Those challenges come in all forms; mental health problems often stem from social problems, such as poor housing, unemployment, debt, or family difficulties. If we can help people get a job, increase their self-respect, feel better physically and provide for themselves and their family, they will stay well, or if they are unwell, recover more quickly. The Life Rooms will be home to our Recovery College so people can come to courses and workshops; there’ll be advice on staying physically well, on housing and money. We can help people get into volunteering, to prepare for work, find jobs, start up new businesses using their gifts and talents. There will be an IT suite for anyone to use and we are keeping sections of the library for health and learning, a children’s library and a classical and local history library. When you’re facing challenges it’s crucial to have somewhere where you feel special and valued. So when you step through the door, there’s a sense of welcome, a feeling that reminds you that you are special, that you matter…we want the library to be a ‘happy building’ that people want to visit, where they look forward to coming back. n The Life Rooms in Evered Avenue, Walton, will be open from May 9. Michael Crilly is our guest columnist standing in for Beatrice Fraenkel.

AN international research group has discovered a gene mutation that may significantly reduce the probability of suffering a heart attack. “This discovery makes it considerably easier to develop new medications that simulate the effect of this mutation,” said Professor Heribert Schunkert, medical director of the German Heart Center at TU Munich. The team analysed 13,000 different

genes from a pool of 200,000 participants – both heart attack patients and those in good health. “Based on our results, medications now need to be developed that neutralise the effect of the ANGPTL4 gene, thereby reducing the risk of a heart attack,” said Prof Schuinkert. “Other researchers have already done this successfully in animal tests. They drastically reduced the blood fat levels in

monkeys that received a neutralising antibody against ANGPTL4. This feeds the hope that antibody preparations with a similar effect can soon be used successfully in humans.”

Licence to kill

n 129 scientists from 15 countries collaborated on the four-year study. The researchers present their results in the latest issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

Brits using viruses to wipe out infections

HEY are not pleasant, and nobody likes them, but they are used by millions of people every year.

Used to drain a patient’s bladder, catheters are a standard and important piece of hospital equipment but they can all too often allow patients to develop infections. Now a discovery by British scientists could help prevent infections from catheters which can put patients – especially older ones – at serious risk. The team at the University of Brighton focused on a particular species of bacteria called Proteus mirabilis, which is a common cause of these infections and leads to extensive encrustation and blockage of catheters. This, in turn, leads to the onset of serious complications such as kidney infection and septicaemia, one of the UK’s biggest killers. Dr Brian Jones and his team have evaluated the potential for viruses that specifically infect and kill bacteria – called bacteriophage – to prevent these infections. “Our work provides good initial evidence that bacteriophage can treat infections caused by Proteus mirabilis and prevent catheter blockage,” said Dr Jones. “This could lead to new ways of managing patients fitted with urinary catheters, providing much benefit to a large number of patients, and also contribute to reducing antibiotic use and tackling resistance. “We are still at a very early stage in this work, and have a long way to go before we can be sure this will lead to an effective way to control these infections.

TAKING AIM: Dr Jones heads the team targeting bacteria

“But bacteriophage have been used extensively in other countries for decades, and the challenge of antibiotic resistance makes it important to look at using these promising alternatives to antibiotics,” added Dr Jones. The news comes after a recent Government review suggested that deaths from antibiotic resistant infection could exceed deaths from cancer by 2050, and cost the global economy $100 trillion. Professor Brendan Gilmore, from Queens University Belfast, who helped with the study, said: “This innovative approach has the potential to provide an effective, non-antibiotic solution to catheter-associated infections which affect some of the most vulnerable patients in society. “These infections have huge impact on patients and place a huge financial burden on the NHS and healthcare providers globally, so strategies to combat them are badly needed.”

The perfect tonic . . .

Shingles: Have you had your jab . . ?

OLDER people are being urged to save themselves a lot of potential suffering. An episode of the painful shingles infection can last up to four weeks. And it’s possible to have it more than once. The condition is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus – chicken pox – which is commonly caught in childhood. After a person has had chickenpox, the virus can lie dormant in the nervous tissue but may reappear as shingles. Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at Public Health England, said: “You only need to be vaccinated once and it’s important that you get it while you’re the right age. “We offer the shingles vaccine routinely to individuals at the age of 70 to boost their immunity. Since the introduction of the vaccine there has been a considerable reduction in the number of cases.”

HALF A MILLION

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

B vitamin and folic acid ‘key to healthy babies’

FOUR years of work has brought fresh hope of preventing babies being born with a serious birth defect.

The new research suggests that women taking both folic acid and vitamin B8 before and during pregnancy may be able to avoid so-called neural tube defects like spina bifida and anencephaly. A four-year study focused on a small number of women in the UK who had previously had a pregnancy affected by a condition such as spina bifida. The results were striking. Among the women who took folic acid alone, some went on to have babies affected by spina bifida or a similar condition.

Traumatic

But from the larger group who took both folic and inositol, no babies were born with a neural tube defect. The majority of parents who are told that their pregnancy is affected by spina bifida elect to have a termination – a traumatic and often psychologically damaging experience where they have to give birth to the welldeveloped foetus. The UCL Institute of Child Health, the research partner of Great Ormond Street Hospital, carried out the research and believes it may bring hope for future prevention, but warns that more research is needed. “This is very promising for the future. We all hope that a large study can be undertaken, to better inform families that wish to try to reduce the chance of their baby having an NTD.” n Shine tel 01733 555988 n www.shinecharity.uk

All Together NOW!

April/May2016

MEDICAL NOTES

Shear delight FUND RAZOR: Staff and students who have helped support Shannon through her illness. Below, Shannon with and without her wig

Teachers and pals vounteer for razor treatment to support Shannon

HANNON Thompson’s college friends and teachers made a bold statement of support when she fell victim to cancer.

And the young student is convinced she could not have remained so upbeat through a long and difficult struggle with illness, without their encouragement. Just before Shannon began chemotherapy, pals at the North West school volunteered to shave their heads in a touching act of solidarity that also raised over £2,000 for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Inspired by their students’ gesture and Shannon’s positive attitude to her illness, teachers at Liverpool Life Sciences UTC offered to have their beards shaved off too. Liverpool hair salon Voodou supplied a team of barbers to carry out the shave en masse before a room full of enthusiastic students, raising another £1,000 on the morning, with donations continuing to come in through their JustGiving page.

Delighted Shannon said: “Seeing so many staff and students coming together in honour of everything I’ve been through was just utterly overwhelming.” Ian Parry, the school’s vice principal, said: “I’m thrilled at how readily our students flocked to support Shannon, and how they all agreed to shave their heads without any second thoughts. “Inspired by that, myself and my bearded colleagues agreed to get together and follow in their footsteps.” Throughout Shannon’s treatment, the specialist science and health school has been closely involved with the Teenage Cancer Trust, which supports teenagers undergoing treatments. Shannon added: “The past six months have been tough, but I “I’d also like to thank the Teenage Cancer Trust for being with me every step of the way “

people are reading these pages . . .

How to avoid those embarrassing leaks

IF YOU suffer with incontinence, there are ways you can help to avoid embarrassing situations. Even though incontinence can’t be completely avoided, you can alleviate the symptoms through lifestyle changes, such as exercising more. One of the main causes of incontinence are weak pelvic floor muscles, so it is essential to try to strengthen them. Carry out daily pelvic floor exercises to reduce leaks but ensure you are completing them correctly. But be aware that some exercises, like sit ups, can cause leakages as they can place pressure on the bladder. Quit smoking if you can. Smoking can bring out the symptoms of stress incontinence, as when you cough it puts strain on the pelvic floor muscles. When you are overweight it can cause incontinence as your pelvic floor muscles will be weakened. This is caused as fatty tissue is placed on to the bladder. If you can lose the excess weight, you will notice symptoms drastically reduce. Your diet could be one of the main culprits in causing leakages. Caffeine irritates the bladder, so avoiding coffee, tea and hot chocolate and replacing them with herbal teas will help. The same goes for fizzy drinks. It is essential to drink six to eight glasses of water a day to ensure your bladder is used to holding the correct amount of fluid. It has been proven that spicy and acidic foods can cause leaks, so think about avoiding them.

Good news on eggs

IF YOU were under the impression that you needed to avoid certain cholesterol-rich foods to cut the risk of a heart attack, think again. For some time now, scientists have been suggesting that advice was wrong. In fact, some experts now say too LITTLE cholesterol can harm your health! And now new research has come to the conclusion that a high-cholesterol diet does NOT increase a person’s risk of suffering a heart attack. Indeed, eating eggs, which are a significant source of so-called “dietary cholesterol”, was found to have no effect on the chances of developing coronary heart disease. A high-cholesterol diet or frequent consumption of eggs do not increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases “even in people genetically predisposed to a greater effect of dietary cholesterol on serum cholesterol levels”, the study at the University of Eastern Finland found.

tel 0151 230 0307

Books

All Together NOW!

Dave’s rage at dying of the light

From Light to Dark: The Incredible Story of “Blind Dave Heeley”, by Dave Heeley and Sophie Parkes, £16.99, Amazon

BORN sighted, Dave Heeley showed athletic promise from an early age, smashing his town’s 1,500-metre track record. However, aged 10, the lights were turned out and Dave’s world was plunged from “light into darkness”. This is Dave’s incredible life story, his journey coming to terms with blindness as a young boy and how he grew into a man to triumph over adversity. In 2008 came Dave’s greatest achievement, entering the record books as he became the first, and to date the only, blind person to have completed the ultimate endurance challenge of seven marathons, in seven consecutive days, on seven different continents. Dave holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Wolverhampton, a Prime Minister’s Point of Light Award, and the Freedom of the Metropolitan Borough of Sandwell. He is also an ambassador for the Albion Foundation, the charitable arm of his beloved football team West Bromwich Albion – and an ambassador for the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity. Two years ago National Express named a bus in his honour.

I can – you can

Who Says I Can’t?: Guide to Living Well with COPD, by Joe Lodge, £10, Amazon

IF YOUR life has been touched by Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), this book could be for you! Joe Lodge draws on 15 years experience living with severe emphysema, to help people understand the mind-set of dealing with COPD. Joe, whose lungs now only work at 25% efficiency, says: “While my lungs have slowly been failing on me, I’ve actually retained my quality of life. It’s all about how I approach my life and my limitations from a mental standpoint. “The challenge of most COPD patients is to slow their progression. While my book can’t do that, it can help people shift their mind-set and in turn prevent their decreasing lung efficiency from eroding their quality of life at the same rate. Believe me – you can still be happy and quite active with COPD, just in a different way!” The message in his book is not “hey, look what I can do!” but “hey, look what you can do with a few small changes!”

April/May 2016

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

ARIES March 21st - April 20th

22nd invites you to spoil yourself. Splash out on some luxuries and give yourself a treat or two. A close friendship or romance will be a profound source of pleasure in early May. The Full Moon on the 21st brings in some extra money; use it to upgrade your car, computer or phone. Having equipment that operates well will further improve your earning potential. Be prepared to refuse a loved one’s request for a loan at the end of May. The last thing you need is to mix friendship with finance; keep these realms strictly separate.

An opportunity to get an advanced degree, travel overseas or publish some written work could arrive. Your charisma will be at an all time high, making it easy to attract romance. A jealous authority figure may try to block your path to success. Your ability to wheel and deal will be very strong during the second half of the month. You can turn a creative pursuit into a moneymaking venture in early May. The middle of May is the best time of the entire year to start a new venture. An old romantic partner may try to reconnect as June approaches. Be wary about getting involved again.

SAGITTARIUS November 23rd - December 21st

TAURUS April 21st - May 21st

An intense relationship will make you excited about the future. If you’re single, you could meet your soulmate in a club, a nightclub, an environmental group or even an antique shop. Splash out on some new clothes or a makeover as May approaches. Love, romance and adventure are yours for the asking in May. The Full Moon on the 21st will attract money from an inheritance, legal settlement or refund. Save this windfall for equipment repairs, it’s important to keep your car, computer and appliances in good working condition. A disagreement over values could put strain on a friendship or romance towards the end of the month.

GEMINI May 22nd - June 21st

You could reach heights you never dreamed possible. During the second half of the month, you could receive an inheritance, tax refund or legal settlement that will put you in a more secure financial footing. Keeping a low profile will be enjoyable in early May. Your business or romantic partner will have exciting news on the 21st, courtesy of the Full Moon. Your lives will become much more adventurous as a result. Go ahead and yield the spotlight to your partner during the second half of May. They’ve worked hard for this recognition; let them bask in their fame and acclaim. Be receptive to advice from an accomplished but stuffy expert.

CANCER June 22nd - July 23rd

Time to launch an exercise regime. Eating well and sleeping more are also strongly advised. A creative project will come to fruition on the 22nd. This impressive performance will pave the way for more lucrative opportunities. Your social life will sparkle with excitement in May. The Full Moon on the 21st will yield impressive results of a health regime. You’ll look good and feel great during the second half of May. If you mistakenly offend a colleague, offer a sincere apology. Back up your words with actions. By demonstrating goodwill, you could make a friend out of an old rival.

LEO July 24th - August 23rd

Adopting a humble attitude isn’t easy for you, but it is very likely to lead to career success in April. The Full Moon on the 22nd will mark an improvement to your home life. You could move to a nicer place or add a relative or roommate to your household. You’ll achieve great prominence in your career throughout early May. The Full Moon on the 21st marks an exciting turning point in your love life. You

RUSSELL GRANT CALLING . . .

could meet someone special at a sporting event, gym or walking the dog. If you’re already in a relationship, schedule a fun trip with your amour. Money could be tight in late May; cut back on household expenses. Stretch resources as far as they will go. Prepare meals instead of eating out.

VIRGO August 24th - September 23rd

A legal settlement, dividend or inheritance will arrive in the early days of the month, relieving some of your financial problems. Good news about a loved one’s job is on the way. Go out and celebrate this marvellous turn of events. Try not to be resentful of their success. A chance to expand your horizons will arrive in May. This is a wonderful time to study, write and travel. The New Moon on the 6th could prompt you to visit a beautiful country that has always captivated your imagination. The Full Moon on the 21st could find you buying or selling a property. Be patient while a loved one adjusts to a change in your home life.

LIBRA September 24th - October 23rd

Traveling could put you on the path to love. An intense flirtation will fill you with excitement during the second half of the month. It’s fun to banter with someone who is as witty and intelligent as you. The Full Moon on the 22nd will draw some extra money into your bank account. Your love life will heat up considerably in May. If you’re single, you could meet someone special at a restaurant, garden or luxury goods store. Are you already in a relationship? You and your amour will feel like you’re falling in love all over again.

SCORPIO October 24th - November 22nd

A steady job with plenty of growth opportunity will arrive. The Full Moon on the

Your health will undergo a dramatic improvement in the second half of April. Resist the urge to adopt a rigorous exercise routine. Slow and steady wins the race. Your career prospects will also improve during the first half of May. Don’t hesitate to accept more responsibilities. Let your best friend or romantic partner lavish you with affection on the 21st. That’s when the Full Moon will illuminate your charms. Beware of discouraging a family member from pursuing their dreams at the end of the month. You have very different priorities, so you’re bound to take divergent paths.

CAPRICORN December 22nd - January 20th

Home life will be very satisfying. Around the middle of April you’ll have a chance to study or travel. On the 22nd, you should attend a party. Your magnetism will turn heads and attract admirers. Prepare to make some powerful friends. Love, romance and adventure will find you in May. On the 21st, the Full Moon will prompt you to pull away from work and enjoy some solitary activities. Don’t let pushy relatives and friends interfere with your private time. It may be difficult to gain access to an exclusive club or institution at the end of the month. Don’t let it bother you.

AQUARIUS January 21st - February 19th

You’re about to meet some influential people. Try to listen more than you speak at these gatherings. The middle of April brings you a chance to improve your living situation. You’re tired of taking orders from disorganised people who lack vision. Home life will be a profound source of pleasure in early May. The Full Moon on the 21st marks an exciting turning point in your social life. You could meet an influential teacher at a party. Let this instructor take you under their wing. Sparks might fly between you and someone close towards the end of the month.

PISCES February 20th - March 20th

New opportunities are on the way. But you will have to promote yourself. A captivating blend of words and images will drive people to your door. Be relentless about getting the word out. You’ll be pbusy in the opening days of May, and your love life will also get back on track, thanks to your amour’s increased availability. The Full Moon on the 21st will bring fame and acclaim. Use this positive attention as a springboard to bigger and better opportunities. A well-connected friend could help get you in all sorts of ways at the end of May.

HALF A MILLION PEOPLE ARE READING THESE PAGES

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

April/May2016

All Together NOW!

FIVE SUPER POP-UP PLANTERS TO BE WON

SUTTON SEEDS are calling it “our best-ever sweet pea” and FIVE readers can be among the first to grow it and also win Suttons’ versatile Pop-up Planter – a prize worth £38.

The new Sublime Scent Mix variety is a triumph of hybridisation with flowers nearly as big as the legendary Spencer types, the delicious perfume of old Grandiflora varieties, long stems for cutting and an astonishing number of blooms on each stem. The colours range from pale shades of yellow, lilac and

pink through to rich reds and purples. The Pop-up Planter contains 50 litres of compost and is ideal for growing flowers or vegetables on a patio or balcony. It is made of powder-coated tubular steel, tough, lightweight and easy to assemble, and folds flat for storage. Overall size is 49 cm x 65cm x 79cm tall (16in x 26in x 31in). Sweet peas are easy to grow from seed if the seeds are soaked in water for a few hours immediately before sowing. The seeds in our prize should be sown as

Let the ‘stars’ shine!

ULIPS and other brilliantly coloured flowers are the first to catch the eye in spring.

But a well-balanced garden needs background plants to complete the picture. Spring-flowering berberis shrubs get three A grades – for being attractive, accommodating and, when necessary, aggressive. n Attractive with glossy foliage, prolific blossoms and berries… n Accommodating because they put up with high winds (even on the coast), tolerate pollution, grow in poor or sandy soil, are untroubled by pests and diseases, can be hardpruned and don’t mind some shade… n And aggressive when you want a prickly, dense, quick-growing, evergreen hedge for security or privacy. Berberis – also known as barberry – take their name from berberys, the Arab word for the fruit. Around 450 species are native to different continents across the northern hemisphere, from tall shrubs to miniature specimens for the rock garden. Many of the evergreen kinds bear fearsome prickles on their foliage and even the deciduous sort often carry devilish spines on the stems. Virtually all bloom in April or May, with clusters of small, cup-shaped flowers in shades from yellow to deep orange-red looking superb against

soon as they are received. To enter the competition, answer this question: What is the name of Suttons’ “bestever sweet pea”? Send your entry with your name and address on a postcard or sealed envelope, stating where you picked up your copy of All Together NOW!, to Sweet Pea Competition, All Together NOW!, The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP, to arrive by April 20. You can also enter online at www.alltogethernow.org.uk n For the full range of Suttons plants and products, go to www.suttons.co.uk

CHECKLIST

PRIZE COLLECTION: Sublime blooms and the handy grow-frame

Berberis ‘Goldilocks’ – a very vigorous evergreen

glossy, dark leaves. The berries can be blueblack, red or yellow while the deciduous species often provide a wonderful show of autumn colour. The larger types are ideal in gardens as single shrubs or hedges. One, discovered in Chile by Charles Darwin in 1835, was named after him. Berberis darwinii has foliage like miniature holly leaves, golden spring flowers and purple autumn berries with thorny leaves. It makes an excellent hedge up to 3m (10ft) tall, a great deterrent against four – or twolegged – intruders. The arching stems should be cut back after the blooms die. The variety Flame produces deeper, reddish flowers. There are many other outstanding kinds for all sizes of garden: n Berberis ‘Goldilocks’ (pictured) is a very vigorous evergreen, reaching 4m tall and 3m wide (13ft x 10ft), with few spines on the leaves and large clusters of bright yellow flowers.

n Berberis linearifolia is an upright, stiffbranched evergreen with apricot flowers and blue-black fruit, reaching 2m (6ft 6in) in height. The variety n Orange King has paler flowers and arching branches. n Berberis x stenophylla is a hybrid with Darwin’s discovery in its parentage. It makes a magnificent evergreen hedge, growing to 4.5m (15ft)– though it can be restricted by pruning – and spreading graceful, curving branches smothered in buttercup-yellow flowers which are loved by bees. Many varieties of this species have been bred, among them Corallina Compacta, only 30cm (12in) tall, Lemon Cream with creamy-white blooms, and Pink Pearl with pink flowers against pink and white leaves on a 1.5m (5ft) shrub. n Berberis wilsoniae grows 90cm (3ft) tall but twice as wide in an attractive mound which is transformed in autumn with bunches of pale red berries and orange leaves. n Many varieties of Berberis thunbergii have red or purple foliage all summer as well as autumn tints – Rose Glow has white flecks, atropurpurea is purplish bronze and Dart’s Red Lady is purple turning bright crimson in autumn. n For yellow berries and flower of a similar shade, grow Berberis verruculosa, a compact, evergreen species 1.5 metres (5ft) in height and width.

FLOWERS: When the flowers of daffodils, tulips and other spring bulbs fade, spray or water them with a liquid feed once a fortnight until the leaves start to die down. In a warm spell in April, plant perennial flowers such as lupins and dahlias. PATIOS: Plant up tubs and hanging baskets in May or in April if starting them off under glass. Protect them at night until the risk of frost has passed. SHRUBS AND TREES: Prune shrubs such as forsythia or winter jasmine that have finished flowering. Cut out dead wood, weak growth and crossing branches then trim for shape. Do not prune shrubs and trees that have still to flower this year. Trim winter-flowering heathers lightly when blooming ends and water generously with a general liquid feed. LAWNS: If the lawn is in poor condition, April is the best time to apply a spring lawn feed, mosskiller or selective lawn weedkiller. Combined formulations are available. For best effect, let the grass grow for a week before applying. Wait until moss turns black, after about a fortnight, before raking it out of the lawn. PONDS: Water lilies and other pond species need feeding just like any other plant: use special pond fertiliser pellets pushed down into the roots. April is ideal for pump and filter maintenance so fish and wildlife get the benefit of clear water throughout the summer. FRUIT: Watch for the welldisguised green caterpillars of sawflies on gooseberries and for aphids on currants. Squash them or spray with a contact insecticide. Keep the soil round fruit plants free from grass and weeds. VEGETABLES: In April, sow easy veg like lettuce, radish, beetroot and carrot and, if you are more ambitious, cabbages, cauliflowers, sprouting broccoli, leeks, parsnips, spinach and peas and, in May, French and runner beans. HERBS: If you find parsley difficult to grow, sow it now. Make seeddrills just a quarter of an inch deep and water them with boiling water, then sow the seeds thinly. GREENHOUSE: Plant tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, peppers and aubergines. Remove cucumber tendrils as they appear, to encourage crop production. HOUSEPLANTS: Many house plants root easily from cuttings taken in spring. Insert short cuttings in pots of gritty, freedraining compost. Protect them from extreme heat and direct sun. Keep the compost slightly moist.

All Together NOW!

April/May 2016

The Accumulator Quiz

STARSPOT CROSSWORD Can you find the celebrity name hidden in this Starspot Crossword? Complete the crossword in the normal way then make a note of the letters contained in all the squares which are marked with shaded stars. These letters will make an anagram of the name you are looking for. 1

★

14 16

★

18 19 19

★

25 29

★ 30

★ ★

★

ACROSS

DOWN

1. 6. 8. 9. 10. 11. 13. 14. 16. 18. 19. 21. 22. 23. 27. 28. 30. 31.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 10. 11. 12. 14. 15. 17. 20. 24. 25. 26. 29.

Male of good birth (9) Hat (3) Punter (7) Circular frame (5) Neat (4) Drop suddenly (3) Record (4) Additional payment (5) Calculate (6) Regular beat (6) Furze (5) Part of speech (4) Feel sorrow (3) Revolve (4) Speak (5) Holy place (7) Unspecified quantity (3) Underskirt (9)

Joke (3) Wanderer (5) Soothe (4) Border (6) Tailed amphibian (4) Dispenser (7) Constable (9) Poisonous spider (9) Giver (5) Money-bag (5) Marsh (3) Female pronoun (3) Nation (7) Reddish-brown (6) Paved terrace (5) Stumble (4) Against (4) Encountered (3)

Each question has four possible answers and is worth from one to 15 points. Circle your chosen answers and keep a record of your points total. Maximum total points 120. QUESTION 1 – for 1 point: According to the nursery rhyme, who killed Cock Robin?

QUESTION 10 – for 10 points: Which bird of prey specialises in catching fish?

A B C D

The cat The fly The owl The sparrow

QUESTION 2 – for 2 points: Which book was a major influence on the ideas of Lord Baden-Powell in developing the Scout movement? A B

C D

100 120 144 188

Tiswas Wizbit Rugrats Animadness

QUESTION 5 – for 5 points: Who won the best British group award at the 2013 Brit Awards? A B C D

7 3 4 1 6 5

A B C D

Magician Paul Daniels. See Question 4

QUESTION 4 – for 4 points: Which children’s TV show was hosted by Paul Daniels? A B C D

Calvi The Nile Tenerife Trafalgar

QUESTION 12 – for 12 points: Who replaced Michael Gove as Education Secretary in 2014?

alt-J Mumford & Sons One Direction Muse

QUESTION 7 – for 7 points: Where in London is the Chamber of Horrors? A B C D

Madame Tussaud’s The Tower of London The London Dungeon The Houses of Parliament

QUESTION 13 – for 13 points: Which professional snooker player, born in Northern Ireland, has the nickname ‘Pistol’? A B C D

Stuart Bingham Ken Doherty Mark Allen Shaun Murphy

QUESTION 14 – for 14 points: Which Russian novelist wrote Crime and Punishment?

QUESTION 8 – for 8 points: In which movie did Clint Eastwood have the famous line: “Go ahead, make my day.”? A B C D

Justine Greening Jeremy Hunt Nicky Morgan Sajid Javid

A B C D

Sudden Impact Dirty Harry A Fistful of Dollars Magnum Force

Ivan Turgenev Fyodor Dostoyevsky Maxim Gorky Leo Tolstoy

QUESTION 6 – for 6 points: From which continent did the turkey originate?

QUESTION 9 – for 9 points: What type of circus performer is a funambulist?

QUESTION 15 – for 15 points: Which club did Manchester United play in the only FA Cup final to have been contested between two ‘Uniteds’?

A B C D

North America South America Asia Australasia

Lion tamer Clown Tightrope-walker Acrobat

Newcastle United Leeds United West Ham United Sheffield United

KAKURO

THERE is just one simple rule in Sudoku. Each row and each column must contain the numbers 1 to 9, and so must each 3 x 3 box. This is a logic puzzle, and you should not have to guess.

DIFFICULT

5 8 7 3 4 5 2 6 8 9 2 4 1 7 3 4 8 3 4 6 8 4 2 4 6 5

A B C D

QUESTION 3 – for 3 points: How many items comprise a gross? A B C D

Buzzard Merlin Kite Osprey

QUESTION 11 – for 11 points: During which battle did Nelson lose his eye?

The Jungle Book Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management Little Women The Swiss Family Robinson

SUDOKU

EASY

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

9 6 4

1 1 5

5 3

REACH 500,000 READERS

4 9 6 1 9 3

6 8 2 2 4 8

2 5

FILL in the blank squares in the grid with numbers so that each horizontal or vertical line adds up to the total given in the box either to the left or above it. Horizontal totals are given in the top right corners of the shaded boxes; vertical totals in the bottom left corners. You can use the numbers 1 to 9, but may not use the same number more than once in any run. The number may be used again, however, in the same row or column but as part of another run.

MEDIUM 14

11 23

21 18 9

9 11

18 3 15 10

ADVERTISE HERE 0151 230 0307

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Telephone dialling pads combine several letters on one key. Here we have encoded several sets of words or items by using numbers rather than letters. Then we have divided them into groups of three characters and run all the names one after another to make your task a little more difficult. Can you crack the codes?

EACH number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off. Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares. As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.

3 DEF

4 GHI

5 JKL

6 MNO

7 PQRS

8 TUV

9 WXYZ

2. mythology 639 773 871 776 638 438 712 363 271 527 661 224 455 371 259 836 637 872 144 776 598 871 435 361 734 278 716 272 477 871 493 721 227 726 372

4. chocolate bars 352 531 894 919 477 213 834 315 481 528 162 771 266 781 846 316 881 764 253 771 894 751 742 642 127 862 443 126 868 913 246 196 754 315 466

5. dinosaurs 276 686 728 787 187 423 728 677 127 224 467 287 871 897 266 672 878 717 368 223 728 677 178 346 728 787 183 562 472 786 715 378 623 728 677

SPOT CHECK

Starting from the central shaded letter, move one letter at a time (up, down, right or left, but not diagonally) to find 15 evergreen trees.

Can you place the six dominoes (right) into the grid below in such a way that the number of spots in all four rows across and all four rows down totals 11?

S W E

R W

R N

U J

C M E

O S

Y T

C Y

E M O

Here is an unusual word with three definitions, only one of which is correct. Can you identify the right definition?

FESCUE 1) A narrowleaved grass, some varieties of which are valuable for pasture or fodder;

In which year did all three of these significant historical events take place?

1. The Royal Navy launches its largest ever battleship, HMS Dreadnought.

K M Y

â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

SKIN

N M

TRADE

â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

JACK

LIBERTY

â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

TENT

H E O C R K TRANSFORMER

DAY

â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

GRAIN

WORD WIZARD

O MAKE A DATE

SPRING

â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

6. parts of the body 352 691 844 441 432 313 271 863 142 631 265 531 746 853 371 563 313 668 163 251 276 166 731 225 316 688 413 931 243 781 244 613 464 371 534

â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

HOUSE

3. French cities 627 734 553 716 268 371 868 568 731 727 471 596 614 736 625 316 753 267 134 566 153 142 873 125 376 668 133 772 631 226 637 127 378 162 629

prehistoric animals and

PATHWORDS

FLAT

DEAD

RACK

2 ABC

figures from Greek

1. types of trousers 532 671 758 713 687 716 837 255 712 673 714 477 837 712 446 671 752 257 138 642 733 715 634 787 713 527 371 242 771 754 172 687 127 332 437

MISSING LINK Each pair of words has a missing word between them that acts as a link to both (e.g. FRONT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; DOOR â&#x20AC;&#x201C; MAT). The initial letters of the six answers (reading downwards) will spell out a unit of currency.

1 []â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

Spaces and any punctuation marks are represented by 1.

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

DIALLING CODES

CROSS CODE

All Together NOW!

April/May2016

2) A flat ruler with a widened end once used for punishment in schools;

2. Cunard launches its new liner Lusitania, which becomes the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest vessel afloat.

3) A woollen yarn of two or more strands used in hand knitting.

3. London Underground opens the Bakerloo Line, linking Baker Street and Waterloo.

Add the given letter to the first word to make a new word. Clue: Solemnity inspired by adding to sauce.

WAS IT? a) 1886; b) 1891; c) 1896; d) 1901; e) 1906.

_____ +IT=____IT_

ALL THE ANSWERS Pathwords: cypress; Douglas fir; holly; monkey puzzle; olive; Norway spruce; yew; Scots pine; juniper; laburnum; Cedar of Lebanon; hemlock; lemon; cork oak; eucalyptus.

2 7 3 4 1 6 5 8 9

4 9 8 2 5 3 1 7 6

5 6 1 8 7 9 2 4 3

8 3 6 1 2 4 7 9 5

SUDOKU EASY

1 4 5 7 9 8 3 6 2

7 2 9 3 6 5 4 1 8

3 1 7 9 8 2 6 5 4

6 8 4 5 3 1 9 2 7

9 5 2 6 4 7 8 3 1

8 4 5 1 7 3 9 6 2

3 2 9 6 4 5 7 1 8

6 1 7 2 8 9 5 3 4

1 5 4 7 9 8 6 2 3

& + ' 0 : =

(

* $

;

)

CROSS CODE

9 3 8 5 2 6 4 7 1

7 6 2 4 3 1 8 5 9

SUDOKU DIFFICULT

2 7 3 8 6 4 1 9 5

5 8 6 9 1 2 3 4 7

4 9 1 3 5 7 2 8 6

10 15 9 29

18 21 24

9 14

4 1

8 9

6 1 2

KAKURO MEDIUM

5 7

8 9

8 22

3 9 12

3 8 1 12

Accumulator Quiz 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; D; 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A; 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; C; 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; B; 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; B; 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A; 7 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A; 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A; 9 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; C; 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; D; 11 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A; 12 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; C; 13 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; C; 14 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; B; 15 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A. Starspot Crossword Across â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1 Gentleman; 6 Cap; 8 Gambler; 9 Wheel; 10 Tidy; 11 Dip; 13 Disc; 14 Bonus; 16 Reckon; 18 Rhythm; 19 Gorse; 21 Noun; 22 Rue; 23 Spin; 27 Utter; 28 Sanctum; 30 Any; 31 Petticoat. Down â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1 Gag; 2 Nomad; 3 Lull; 4 Margin; 5 Newt; 6 Chemist; 7 Policeman; 10 Tarantula; 11 Donor; 12 Purse; 14 Bog; 15 She; 17 Country; 20 Russet; 24 Patio; 25 Trip; 26 Anti; 29 Met. Star Name: KEELEY HAWES

Word Wizard No 1 is correct. Fescue is a narrowleaved grass. Dialling Codes 1. jeans; plus fours; overalls; cords; hipsters; chinos; slacks; dungarees; jodhpurs; flares; chaps; ski pants; breeches. 2. Odysseus; Prometheus; Aeneas; Jason; Achilles; Clytemnestra; Hippolytus; Helen; Pegasus; Narcissus; Hydra; Cassandra. 3. Marseilles; Nantes; Toulouse; Paris; Lyon; Grenoble; OrlĂŠans; Dijon; Le Havre; Clermont-Ferrand; Cannes; Brest; Nancy. 4. Flake; Twix; Wispa; Fudge; Kit Kat; Mars; Boost; Time Out; Snickers; Twirl; Picnic; Crunchie;

Bounty; Daim; Yorkie; Lion. 5. brontosaurus; triceratops; brachiosaurus; tyrannosaurus; pentaceratops; stegosaurus; velociraptor; leptoceratops. 6. elbow; thigh; head; ear; toe; hand; ankle; shoulder; knee; foot; neck; arm; nose; calf; mouth; eye; chest; chin; finger; leg. Spot Check A = 3; B = 1; C = 2; D = 6; E = 4; F = 5. Missing Link roof; onion; union; bell; light; end. Currency: rouble. Make a Date The year was 1906. Transformer Gravy + IT = Gravity.

REACH 500,000 READERS

ADVERTISE HERE 0151 230 0307

All Together NOW!

SUBSCRIBE!

April/May 2016

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Liverpool’s shining example to the rest of the UK

CALL FOR ACTION!

All Together NOW! is helping and inspiring tens of thousands of people whose lives are affected by disability. But the charity needs to find ways to balance the books. You can help in a big way by becoming one of our loyal subscribers. For a suggested £15 donation (more, if you can afford it!) we will send you the next SIX editions.

NATIONAL survey says disabled people aren’t getting a fair deal in gyms – with lack of accessible equipment and negative staff attitudes mostly to blame.

NAME

But it’s a completely different story in Liverpool! Now in its third year, the city’s Active Me Inclusive sports project goes from strength to strength – and here’s an open invitation to join in the fun. Project manager Michelle said: “We’ve already had more than 1,200 people come along to our sessions – people who face daily challenges which often makes finding time, affording or taking part in physical activity and sport difficult or very low

ADDRESS

Please send this coupon and a cheque payable to All Together NOW! to: Subscriptions Dept., All Together NOW! The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP — THANKS!

on their agendas. “Our sessions are fun and friendly and you don’t have to be competitive – it’s all about trying something new, learning different sports, and becoming more active. “We have members who have not been involved in physical activity classes for a long time due to a health condition, a lack of confidence, time restrains, costs, lack of awareness of what’s on locally or having no one to go with.” More than 35 weekly activities are now available across the city, all tailored to suit individual requirements and take place in community centres, leisure centres, church halls, sports clubs and even nightclubs! Michelle added: “We have

Cerebral Palsy FC expand across Merseyside A NEW football club has kicked off in style in Liverpool on Monday nights – and there’s an open invitation for players with cerebral palsy or brain injuries to take along their boots. Cerebral Palsy United FC, who currently hold sessions in Manchester, have

teamed up with Liverpool County FA and Walton Sport Centre FC to get more disabled players involved in the game. Mark Horlick, development officer at LCFA, said: “Anyone who has cerebral palsy or acquired brain injuries and wants to play football can be part of our club. “We work with children and adults, whether they have played football before or not.

“We want our players to enjoy football in a positive learning environment.” Training sessions at Walton Hall Park (6pm-7pm) are run by FA and UEFA qualified coaches (including goal keeper training) and are specifically designed for players with CP. n Contacts: Mark Horlick at LCFA – 0151 523 4488 / 074684 35932 n Michelle Wilcock – 07988 866107 n www.cpunited.co.uk

Stay ahead of the game . . .

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

April/May2016

All Together NOW!

BOOK YOUR PLACE! MONDAYS

10.30-11.30: Able Table Tennis, The Bridge Community Centre, 2 Daneville Road. Contact Yvonne, 07872 466 676 11.00-noon: Swim Session, Lifestyles Austin Rawlinson, Speke. Contact Yvonne, 07872 466 676 11.00-12.00: Amazing Mondays – Zumba, ACE, Pagoida Arts, Henry Street. Contact Michelle, 07545 200317 12.00-1.00: Multi Sport, Lifestyles Evergreen, Carr Lane. Contact Yvonne, 07872 466 676 12.00-1.00: Swim Lessons, Lifestyles Evergreen, Carr Lane. Contact Michelle, 07545 200317 1.30-2.15: Zumba, Lifestyles Evergreen, Carr Lane. Contact Daniel, 07739 834681 2.00-3.00: Multi-Sport, Lifestyles Austin Rawlinson, Speke. Contact Yvonne, 07872 466 676 2.45-3.45: Zumba, The Brain Charity, Norton Street. Contact Michelle, 07545 200317 4.00pm-5.00: Yoga, Bradbury Fields, Youens Way. Contact Yvonne, 07872 466 676

TUESDAYS

10.00-11.00: Climbing and Watersports, Awesome Walls/Liverpool Watersport Centre. Pre-booking only. Contact Michelle, 07545 200317 11.00-noon: Dance Fitness, ACE, Walkabout, Concert Square. Contact Michelle, 07545 200317 11.00-noon: Walking Football, Lifestyles Garston Leisure Centre. Contact Yvonne, 07872 466 676 2.00-3.00: Multi Sports, Lifestyles Evergreen, Carr Lane. Contact Michelle, 07545 200317 4.30-5.30: Gym and Swim, Lifestyles Peter Lloyd, Bankfield Road. Contact Michelle, 07545 200317 5.00-6.00: Zumba, Henshaw’s Society for the Blind, 10 Duke Street. Contact Henshaw’s 0151 708 7055 6.30-8.30: Social Club and Multi Sports, Vagabonds Social and Tennis Club, Queens Drive. Contact Michelle, 07545 200317

WEDNESDAYS

experienced coaches so everyone gets the very best tuition to learn new skills.” Anyone attending the sessions are also entitled to Active Me Lifestyles Gym memberships for just £15 a month, which allow access to any of the Active Me classes, any lifestyle gym, or swimming pool seven days a week. Carers go free. Michelle continued: “We provide communication services for people who are deaf or hard of hearing at gym inductions, and at physical activity sessions and sports such as aquafit, walking groups, golf, cricket, football, metafit and kettlebells.” Next on the agenda for Michelle and her team is encouraging more visually

Fishing for all

impaired children – and adults – to get involved in the sessions. Michelle said: “Over the coming months we will be working with local group VISPA to understand more about how we can encourage and support visually impaired children and adults in Liverpool to be more active. “We also need to know what visually impaired children feel about being active,” adds Michelle. VISPA (Visually Impaired Sport and Physical Activity) is a group of Liverpool based organisations who have come together with the aim of supporting visually impaired children and young people to take part in more physical activity during and outside of school hours.

A NEW club for visually impaired anglers has been set up in Liverpool. Jamal Abdullah, who is helping to develop the Christopher Bradbury Angling Club, said: “Whether you’re a complete beginner or a skilled angler there is something on offer for everyone. “We’re a bit short of tackle, places to fish, and, of course, fish – but we’re getting there.” n Contact Jamal on 0151 221 0888 or jabdullah@bradburyfields.org.uk

Oval ovation

n VISPA currently comprises: Henshaws; St Vincent’s school; Bradbury Fields; Daisy Inclusive UK; Greenback Sports Academy; Liverpool Football Club; Everton Football Club; SAVI northwest; Liverpool City Council; and Liverpool School Sports Partnership. n IF YOU want to join the strategic group – or can help by completing a simple questionnaire about visually impaired children and sport – then please contact Michelle at Michelle.Messom@liverpool.gov.uk or call her on233 5261 n Active Me is funded through Sport England funding of £334K to Liverpool City Council through the Places People Play programme.

IMPROVED disabled facilities are part of a £1m upgrade for Wirral’s famous Oval Leisure Centre, featured in the 1981 Oscar-winning classic ‘Chariots of Fire’. The Oval will get a new fitness suite, exercise studio and catering facilities, following similar redevelopments at West Kirby Concourse and Guinea Gap Leisure Centre in Seacombe.

New guide

BRITISH Blind Sport has published new guidance to help sport providers include visually impaired people in all activities. n Copies of the Visually Impaired Friendly Sport Resource are available from BBS, tel 01926 424247 n email info@britishblindsport.org.

. . . www.alltogethernow.org.uk

10.00-11.00: Multi Sport, The Bridge Community Centre, 2 Daneville Road. Contact Yvonne, 07872 466 676 12.00-1.00: Badminton for All, Fire Fit Hub, 115 Upper Warwick Street, Toxteth. Contact Stephanie 07482 966606 12.15-1.15: Deaf Sport (communication support available), Liverpool College Sports Hall. Contact Abdel, text 07540146850 1.00-2.00: Nia Fusion Fitness, L’Arche Centre, The Ark, Lockerby Road. Contact Daniel, 07739 834681 2.00-3.00: Multi Sport, Lifestyles Walton, Walton Hall Avenue. Contact Michelle, 07545 200317 3.00-4.00: Climbing and Watersports, Awesome Walls/Liverpool Watersport Centre. Pre-booking only. Contact Michelle, 07545 200317 6.00-7.00: Zumba for All, Bradbury Fields, Youens Way. Contact Yvonne, 07872 466 676

THURSDAYS

10.00-2.00: Drop-In: Adapted Cycling, Wavertree Park (The Mystery), Wellington Road. Contact Yvonne, 07872 466 676 10.00-12.00: Swim Session, Lifestyles Park Road, Steble Street. Contact Yvonne, 07872 466 676 11.00-12.00: Boccia, Kenny Disco, All Saints Church, Molyneux Road. Contact Yvonne, 07872 466 676 4.30-5.30: Gym and Swim, Lifestyles Peter Lloyd, Bankfield Road. Contact Michelle, 07545 200317 5.00-6.00: Autism Adventures Football, Lifestyles Austin Rawlinson, Speke. Contact Michelle, 07545 200317

FRIDAYS

11.00-12.00: Funtastic Fridays – Zumba and Sports, Kirkdale Community Centre, Stanley Road. Contact Michelle, 07545 200317 2.00-3.00: Multi Sport, Lifestyles Austin Rawlinson, Speke. Contact Yvonne, 07872 466 676 2.00-3.00: Multi Sports, Lifestyles Peter Lloyd, Bankfield Road. Contact Daniel, 07739 834681 2.00-3.00: Core Conditioning, Henshaw’s Society for the Blind, 10 Duke Street. Contact Henshaw’s, 0151 708 7055 3.00-4.00: Tai Chi, The Brain Charity, Norton Street. Contact Michelle, 07545 200317 6.00-8.00: Indoor Cricket Nets, St Margaret’s Cricket and Sports Centre. Contact Eamon, 07725 109174

SATURDAYS

9.30-11.00: Cricket, Alder Cricket Club, Alder Road, West Derby. Contact Michelle, 07545 200317

SUNDAYS

3.00-4.00: Inclusive Swim, Liverpool Aquatic Centre, Wellington Road. Contact Yvonne, 07872 466 676

Latest timetable available at https://www.livewellliverpool.info/Services/1901/Active-MeInclusive

JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED! All Together NOW!

April/May 2016

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

REACHING PEOPLE OTHER NEWSPAPERS AREN’T! . . . HALF of our readers DON’T read any other LOCAL NEWSPAPER

‘

BRILLIANT – FULL OF HOPE, BEAUTIFULLY PRODUCED

. . . the ONLY paper that focuses on helping readers affected by age, ill health and disability

This is more than just a newspaper . . . It is the key that opens a thousand doors – Sir BERT MASSIE

Tel 0151 230 0307

sales@alltogethernow.org.uk www.alltogethernow.org.uk