Atn issue 73

FILM STARS! Don’t miss this amazing story p18-19

The woman who inspired this newspaper

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INSIDE:

APRIL-MAY, 2017

Blue skies ahead for thousands more people in need

STEVE’S

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£200m GIVEAWAY! WE NEED YOUR HELP

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BACK PAGE

opening doors . . . broadening minds . . . . . . and reaching

500,000

readers . . .

2

All Together NOW!

What’s inside p2-6

NEWS

p7

MORGAN FOUNDATION

p8

SIR BERT MASSIE

p10

CAREZONE

UNITED UTILITIES

p11

& RESCUE SERVICE

p12

SERVICE

p13

DA VINCI MOBILITY

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MERSEYSIDE FIRE

GTR MANCHESTER FIRE & RESCUE

INDEPENDENT LIVING

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LEGALZONE

p21

SKILLZONE

p22-23

THEATREZONE

p28-29

GARDENING

PUZZLEZONE SPORT

Rewards for those making a difference

NO GOING BIKE: An adaptive cycling facility is being forced to close

p20

CONTACT BOARD

BOOKS/HOROSCOPE

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

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MOTORZONE

HEALTH

NEWS

April/May 2017

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p32-33 p34-35

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.

It’s the end of the road...

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OUNTAIN bike fans have been expressing their disappointment at the closure of an adaptive cycling facitlity.

The news comes after Snowdonia National Park chiefs decided to move two out of three project bikes from the Coed y Brenin trail centre, near Dolgellau, to the Gwynedd Accessible Cycling Hub near Caernarfon.

Editor: Tom Dowling

Legal Affairs, Corporate Social Responsibility, Philanthropy editor: Steve McDermott

Editorial Support: Gerry Corner

Advertising/sponsorship 0151 230 0307

email: sales@alltogethernow.org.uk IT Support: Ken Almond Website: Pharos Design www.alltogethernow.org.uk

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TUESDAY 6 JUNE, 2017

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

one of ‘improving infrastructure and opportunities for disabled people,’ we had not expected that instead it would come at the cost of an existing accessible facility.

“I can sympathise with the desire to move the bikes to get the maximum usage, but the stripping of resources from existing projects within the Park to furnish new ones in a town outside of its borders seems like a particularly odd choice of direction.”

IN THE FRAME: Ian’s pictures and other work reflect his journey as a partially sighted artist

0151 230 0307

email: news@alltogethernow.org.uk

Graham O’Hanlon, co-ordinator of the Challenge Your Boundaries organisation, providing mountain bike experiences for disabled riders, is frustrated at the decision.

He said: “It would have been nice to think that an initiative such as the Gwynedd Accessible Cycling Hub would act as a feeder to our project for disabled riders who get the cycling bug and want to try something more challenging.

“As the stated aim of the Hub is

It’s all clicking into place for Ian PHOTOGRAPHER Ian Treherne put plenty of smiles on visitors’ faces at his inspirational solo exhibition.

Ian, 38, who starred in hit TV show The Undateables, was born partially deaf and with limited vision, due to Usher Syndrome, which causes progressive eyesight deterioration.

His exhibition, entitled ‘Release’, traces his personal journey as a partially sighted artist, alongside his intimate and candid portraits, film and woodwork.

Ian, said: “My mission is to find

my place in society. I’ve never felt I fitted in as a person, let alone an artist, and have struggled to participate in the world around me.

“After years of hiding away my disability, this exhibition was a celebration of opening up, vocalising and showcasing my visions through photography.

“Despite losing my eyesight slowly, I still want to show society the beauty I see and the conundrum I live with,” added Ian, of Rochford, Essex, Richard Kramer, at Sense, the national disability charity that

supports Ian, said: “We also know that the challenges facing people with dual sensory loss mean that people can feel withdrawn, depressed and isolated.

“Ian has shown bravery in how honest and open he has been about his struggle, and we hope this will give others in his position strength.”

‘Release’ was showcased at the Fiumano Projects in Central London. n Sense, tel 0300 330 9250 n Text: 0300 330 9252

HALF A MILLION READERS . . .

NOMINATIONS are wanted for the AbilityNet Tech4Good Awards 2017 an annual showcase for people who use digital technology to make the world a better place.

They are the only awards to highlight the wealth of charities, businesses and volunteers across the UK that utilise the power of technology to improve the lives of others.

This is the seventh year of the awards, which are organised by national charity AbilityNet and sponsored by BT, and entry is free and open to any business, charity, individual or public body in the UK. Mark Walker, head of communications at AbilityNet, said: “Over the past six years we’ve seen some amazing examples of how people have been inspired to make positive changes in the world using technology.

“These have included everything from a kit that helps people with asthma to understand, diagnose and medicate for the condition, to an app that allows sex workers to alert one another of dangerous perpetrators of crime.”

Anna Easton, director of sustainable business at BT, said: “We believe that a connected society is a better society.

“The internet helps you connect with family, community, education and healthcare services.

“However, there are still almost six million people in the UK who don’t have access to the internet.

We’re working to change that.

The winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony on July 11 at BT Centre, London. n Closing date: May 8. www.tech4goodawards. com/ -

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

All Together NOW!

April/May 2017

NEWS

Editor Tom Dowling’s trbute to the woman who inspired this newspaper – his Mum n A HUGE thanks to the trustees of the Persula Foundation for their unexpected and most generous donation to the All Together NOW! charity. n The Persula trustees saw our new promotional video (see centre pages) which tells the background to the paper and the impact it is making within the community, and immediately sent us a very welcome cheque!

KITTY WOULD HAVE BEEN SO PROUD OF YOU, MUM

PLAY TIME: Editor Tom Dowling taking his mum, Minnie, on a spin on his powered trike

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REAT to report that All Together NOW! goes

from strength to strength.

Contrary to what’s happening at other newspapers across the UK, demand for our unique charity paper is growing.

It’s a remarkable story.

But it’s only been possible due to the incredible amounts of help we’ve received over these past 12 years.

Without our partners, and a few grants from charitable foundations, we just wouldn’t be here today.

Nor would be in this position without the huge support and inspiration we’ve had from hundreds of individuals.

People like my Mum. Without her encouragement All Together NOW! would definitely have not got off the ground.

When I returned from Iran in the summer of 1974, paralysed aged 20, it was my mum who helped me pick up the pieces of my life, and spurred on to write about things that would help families affected by disability.

“Lots of people are denied the kind of

19th CENTURY SOCIAL REFORMER KITTY WILKINSON

information that would help them,” she said. “And you are in a position where you could help.”

Helping people was what my mum was all about.

“Everything begins with hope,” she’d say.

“And All Together NOW! provides

Council Approved Contractor & Suppliers Covering The Northwest

plenty of that – especially for carers.”

She had more than a few health issues herself, but was helping people right to the very end.

Oesophageal cancer, broken hip, chronic back pain, heart attacks, heart failure, kidney problems, going blind, skin on her legs continually being scratched and taking months to heal …

Her list of daily medication was endless.

But she took it all in her stride. One day at a time, she’d say.

My mum also knew all about being a carer – long before it was an accepted term.

The eldest of nine children, Minie Cox was born a small terraced house in poverty-stricken Liverpool in 1922.

While other children played in the streets, Mum’s childhood was spent conjuring meals in the kitchen, and washing clothes in the yard.

Aged eight, she had become a young mum and had to wash, dress and feed her sisters and brothers.

(Turn to centre pages – page 18-19)

Free Home Demonstrations

SALES, REPAIR & SERVICING OF ALL MOBILITY & DISABILITY PRODUCTS

3

Roll up for a festival to remember

ALL ROADS lead to Birkenhead Park in April for the first inclusive community festival to celebrate diversity in Wirral.

Three disability organisations secured £10,000 from the National Lottery to stage the ‘One Wirral’ event, bringing together groups from across the peninsula.

As well as being a great day out for the whole community, the event will highlight the achievements and positive contributions made by local people with a learning disability.

One Wirral, organised by Wirral Mencap, Options for Supported Living and Wirral Evolutions, goes ahead on Saturday April 19. n Contact, tel 0151 666 1829.

Shower time . . .

LOOKING for something to help you use the shower – or the bath?

Well, make a note of a bathing exhibition taking place in Liverpool in Warrington Disability Partnership and Liverpool City Council are staging the event at Lifehouse, Summers Road, Brunswick Business Park, Liverpool, on Thursday 4 May (10.30am till 3.30pm). n Contact Lyn/Gavin, 0151 709 0121

It’s DAD time

ORGANISERS of this year’s Disability Awareness Day are urging potential exhibitors to book their space as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

More than 500 spaces were snapped up at last year’s event, which attracted more than 22,000 visitors at Walton Hall Gardens, near Warrington.

Dave Thompson, chief executive of Warrington Disability Partnership, said: “Last year’s DAD was our 25th anniversary and was a huge success.

DAD26 promises to be even better.”

The show takes place on Sunday 16 July at Walton Hall Gardens, Warrington. n Contact, DAD team on 01925 240064

Call Us On:

01744 602602 Also At:

0151 423 3738

4

All Together NOW!

Bravo! Top jobs for disabled workers

A NEW campaign aims to get more people from minority groups into top jobs in art and culture.

The Arts Council is spending over £2.5 million on increasing the number of disabled people in senior leadership roles in England.

‘Change Makers’, which is also aimed at black and minority ethnic potential leaders, will provide bursaries to fund training placements for nine disabled leaders.

One of the disabled people who has secured a grant is Amit Sharma, currently associate director of the disabled-led theatre company Graeae.

Amit will join The Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester as associate artistic director for 18 months, and will direct two productions, and work with the theatre’s senior management team.

Abid Hussain, ACE’s diversity director, said: “We’re committed to ensuring the diversity of England is better reflected.”

Why I love this paper

I CAME across a copy of All Together NOW! in a supermarket trolley in Manchester.

Although part of the newspaper was missing, I read the available pages with great interest.

There was so much information which my wife and I could relate to, much more than I ever read in local papers. How can I receive this wonderful publication regularly? and will you please send me a “complete” version of the February/March edition so that I can catch up with ALL of the news.

– John Gray, Longridge, Knutsford. n EDITOR’S NOTE: Thanks, John. A complete copy of the paper is on the way to you. For people unable to pick up a copy locally, we also provide a subscription service. Details - page 34

No-frills funerals

MORE people planning a funeral are opting for a simple, no-frills cremation – with no service or mourners, flowers or limousines.

Figures show a 10-fold rise in the numbers of people requesting a direct cremation, from 0.3% in 2015 to 3.5% in 2016.

Catherine Powell, at Pure Cremation, said: “We are finding a whole host of reasons why people are choosing direct cremations above funerals.

“For some it is the desire for a no-frills, no-fuss cremation, others are looking for a non-religious send-off, while others would rather spend the money in some other way that celebrates their life.”

Typical costs range from £1,095-£1,295 – plus another £200 for up to 10 people to attend. n Tel. 0800 033 7737 or 01635 261944.

NEWS

April/May 2017

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Money for children’s hearing problems

n PICTURED: From left, Andy Abernethy (Medicash), Jack O’Shaughnessy, Christian Anderson, Nex Jager, Joshua Burns, George McKane and Jonny Hesketh

Changing lives for the better

HUNDREDS of young people with mental health problems are to get the chance to be involved in film and theatre.

Yellow House charity has set up a ‘ContentMent’ project that aims to improve the emotional wellbeing of young people from socially excluded and disadvantaged backgrounds across Merseyside.

Director Jonny Hesketh said: “Funding from Medicash’s

FARE PLAY! charitable trust has given the programme a vital kickstart.

“We know that there is a huge demand for what we are providing.

We are confident we will be able to make a huge difference to the lives of young people who need our help.”

Andy Abernethy, at Medicash, said: “Yellow House provides a friendly, safe and secure environment for young people to access life changing support.

“The team’s innovative and practical approach will no doubt go a long way in transforming the futures of many youngsters and we are delighted to have been able to provide the funding to help get the project off the ground.”

Yellow House has been supporting young people on Merseyside for over 30 years. n Yellow House: Tel. 07712 716645.

Big fines for cabbies who don’t play fair

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AXI drivers are facing fines of up to £1,000 if they refuse to accept wheelchair users, try to charge them extra, or fail to assist them.

Pressure from peers has forced the Government to bring into force regulations banning taxi and private hire drivers from discriminating against wheelchair users – over 20 years after they were first included in legislation.

ACCESS FOR ALL: Good news at long last for wheelchair users Successive Labour, coalition and Conservative governments have address the barriers which are faced by disabled people refused to bring the measures into force, since they were in accessing all types of public transport. included in the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, and Transport minister Anthony Jones said in a statement: then incorporated into the Equality Act 2010.

“We want to build a country that works for everyone, and But a committee looking at the impact of equality laws part of that is ensuring disabled people have the same on disabled people, whose members included several access to services and opportunities as anyone else – disabled peers, called in its report for the measures to be including when it comes to travel. implemented.

“People who use wheelchairs are often heavily reliant Welcoming the move, which came into effect on April 6, on taxis and private hire vehicles and this change to the Leonard Cheshire Disability campaigns director Peter law will mean fair and equal treatment for all.”

Jenkins said: “Wheelchair users are all too familiar with The new rules will apply in England, Wales and being discriminated against.

Scotland and will affect vehicles that are designated as “This has been a long time in coming but we celebrate wheelchair-accessible. its arrival. This is a victory for all disabled people.”

As well as being fined, drivers could also face having The Government will also be consulting on a draft their taxi or private hire vehicle licences suspended or accessibility action plan later this year, which will seek to revoked.

HALF A MILLION READERS . . .

A PIONEERING research project that could help children with a hearing disorder has won cash backing.

The work could help to diagnose Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), which could affect up to one in 10 children and explain poor school performance.

An £80,000 donation by The Masonic Charitable Foundation will fund a three-year project by Shiran Koifman, 29, at University College London, who will be developing new tests medical professionals can use to help diagnose APD, caused by the brain not processing sounds in the normal way.

Children with the condition may have difficulty responding to sounds, understanding things they’re told, concentrating, and expressing themselves with speech.

Shiran said: “I’m really excited to be part of a project which can have such a direct impact.

“I hope that maybe five years from now it can mean that a child and their family get a clear diagnosis of APD.” Dr Ralph Holme, director of research at charity Action on Hearing Loss, said: “Currently, we do not have any firm figures on how many children are living with APD, but it is possible that as many as 10% of children may have it to some degree which can severely affect their development and school performance, without parents being aware.

“We are hopeful that the results will help to clarify what APD is and provide us with diagnostic tools so that children can be given the support they need to achieve at school.”

‘

We want to be Oscar winners, too

www.alltogethernow.org.uk NEWS

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CTORS with learning disabilities are calling for TV and film makers to “embrace diversity” and give them an equal chance of stardom.

In an open letter, campaigners said: “Diversity has long been an issue at the Oscars. Last year’s #OscarsSoWhite campaign highlighted the lack of racial diversity.

“But still, disability has been overlooked in this debate, with even less of a voice for people with a learning disability.

“The pool of talent amongst actors with a learning disability grows every year, with some receiving critical acclaim.

“But, for the few roles that do show disability on screen, actors with disabilities are still overlooked. Statistics show 16% of Oscars are awarded to non-disabled actors playing a disabled character.

“Just 12% of the public say they have seen someone with a learning disability in a film.

“Hollywood has the power to shape attitudes

All Together NOW!

April/May 2017

Hotels champion will help improve access

They thought I wouldn’t be able to do it

and challenge our own perceptions. It’s time for the diversity debate to embrace diversity itself, and begin a new era for the currently unearthed and overlooked pool of growing talent amongst actors with a learning disability.”

Actress Sarah Gordy, pictured, who has Down’s syndrome and who appeared in BBC’s Call the Midwife, added: “When I started acting, directors and producers thought that I wouldn’t be able to play the parts or that I would hold up the schedule because of my learning disability.

“But once they have worked with me, they know I can do it.

“Writers, directors and producers need to be

more creative with their roles for disabled actors, and there needs to be more opportunities for actors with a learning disability to show their talents.”

Mencap’s head of campaigns, Rossanna Trudgian, said: “Research shows that there is still a widespread lack of understanding in society of what a learning disability is. We know that seeing actors on screen helps to change attitudes and improve understanding.

“We need to see more opportunities for actors with a learning disability so we can finally build a more inclusive society.”

The open letter was published in the Guardian newspaper.

THE man behind the country’s largest independent hotel group has been appointed a Hotel Sector Champion by the Government.

Minister for Disabled People Penny Mordaunt personally chose Robin Sheppard, pictured, chairman of Bespoke Hotels, to join her campaign to improve access to products and services, drive equality and provide equal opportunities for disabled people.

Last year he set up the Bespoke Access Awards, which encourage accessibility in hotels through design and innovation. This year’s awards will be launched in the autumn.

Channel 4’s Dan Brooke has been appointed as the sector champion for the media.

Another new champions is music campaigner Suzanne Bull, chief executive of Attitude is Everything.

Michael Connolly, regional training manager for OCS Group’s Aviation and Gateways business has also been appointed champion for air transport.

Plan for a magical Christmas 2017

● Spread the cost of Christmas 2017 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!

Please send me a FREE PARK Christmas 2017 Catalogue

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(Mrs/Miss/Ms/Mr):

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FIRST NAME (in full):

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ADDRESS: POSTCODE: TEL (incl Area Code):

ORDER ONLINE TODAY REQUEST A CATALOGUE

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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.

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

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All Together NOW!

April/May 2017

NEWS

Children’s thoughts about life and death

RARE insight into what children with lifeshortening and life-threatening conditions think about living, dying and their well-being is to be given by a new academic research project.

Children will have the opportunity to give their views on their hopes, desires and what they feel about their contribution to and support, or lack of it, from society.

Their thoughts will be recorded by a joint Manchester Metropolitan University and University of Sheffield study called ‘Life, Death, Disability and the Human: Living Life to the Fullest’.

“Too often other people speak for children and young people about their lives, their wishes and aspirations and this project seeks to listen to children directly,” said Professor Katherine Runswick-Cole, pictured, from Manchester Metropolitan University.

The £545,000 research project funded

by Economic and Social Research Council starts in April and runs for three years. n www.livinglifetothefullest.org

Brain injury date

THE first national conference aimed at helping children with brain injuries takes place at the British Medical Association, London, on 15 May. Hosted by The Children’s Trust, the conference brings together leading paediatric specialists. n Children’s Trust: Tel. 01737 365000.

Subtitles for all!

TV VIEWERS with hearing problems will soon be able to watch ‘catch up’ TV and films with subtitles on all programmes.

The House of Lords approved a Government proposal to compel video-on-demand broadcasters to provide subtitles.

For almost two years national charity Action on Hearing Loss have campaigned for the new laws.

Paul Breckell, the charity’s chief executive, said: “We now look forward to seeing access to subtitles across ondemand programmes enshrined in law.

“How, where and when we can watch TV has moved on at an incredible pace, but people with hearing loss have been left behind.”

There are 11 million people in the UK who need subtitles.

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Radio Mencap calling THE VOICE of the learning disability community is being heard like never before.

Radio Mencap is a new hour-long ONLINE show – and it’s devised, presented and run by people with learning disabilities.

Helping to run the show is Val Rainbow, arts coordinator for Heart of England Mencap.

She said: “I have done community radio in the past – but this is hugely exciting, we don’t know of anything else like it.

Our colleagues at Mencap Pathway are really enthusiastic – this was their idea, and this is very much their show.”

Funding came from the efforts of Gary Stokes, from Long Compton in Warwickshire, who took on the 40-mile Coventry Way Challenge, and raised the £1,500 needed to make it happen, to pay for staff, studio time and outdoor broadcast equipment. n Tune in to the show (Fridays 11am-noon) at: www.welcomberadio.co.uk

VAT-free car blow for wheelchair users ON AIR: Presenter Janet pictured with Gary Stokes and Val Rainbow

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AJOR concerns have been raised about changes to VAT relief for disabled people buying cars.

exception to the restrictions if a person’s YOU condition changes, but not for life changes. can buy a motor vehicle “It seems unduly harsh that a disabled VAT- free when all the following person should be denied tax relief on the New restrictions on VAT relief could conditions are met: extra costs they incur when changing lead to disabled people being unable n The vehicle is supplied to a disabled person who their motor vehicle, for instance in a to buy a car that best suits their normally uses a wheelchair to be mobile. A person who simple situation such as their family needs, says the Low Incomes Tax occasionally uses a wheelchair is not eligible. having grown so that they require a Reform Group. .n The vehicle is permanently and substantially adapted. larger vehicle. To deny the relief in From April 1, the Government has n The adapted vehicle is for the domestic or personal circumstances such as a baby arriving restricted the availability of zero-rate use of the disabled wheelchair user, and the would seem to be inequitable.”

VAT for the purchase of adapted supplier has been given a completed LITRG is also hugely concerned at the lack motor vehicles for eligible disabled users, declaration, form VAT1615A, which of a right of appeal within the new provisions, to one car every three years. confirms eligibility. thus making HMRC sole judge of whether a LITRG says there has been abuse of this vehicle continues to be suitable relative to the relief in the past, with some people buying says HMRC should improve the administration disabled user’s condition. numerous adapted vehicles in a single year, of the existing relief by gathering and matching According to Government estimates, changes removing the adaptations and then selling the data from car dealers and licensing authorities, to the scheme will affect around 6,000 car vehicles on for a profit. dealers that sell adapted motor vehicles, Instead of restricting the relief to tackle the tax using modern technology and then taking compliance action. abuse and, as a result, potentially raising the LITRG chairman Anthony Thomas said: “We n VAT Disabled Helpline: Tel. 0300 123 1073 cost of motor vehicle ownership for some particularly question why there will be an n Disabled Motoring UK: Tel. 01508 489 449 disabled people who genuinely need it, LITRG

Time to spring clean your account MONEY MATTERS

H

AVE you still got Christmas debt left on your credit cards and store cards?

Are you thinking of buying a spring outfit?

Are you thinking of putting a deposit on a holiday?

Are you worried about funding all these costs on credit cards with interest rates of 18% to 30% p.a.?

Well , there is an excellent solution. Get a credit card with a balance transfer to clear all these debts, and perhaps give you a little credit balance as well – at 0% per annum.

Yes, you read that correctly – at 0 % p.a.

There are several that charge a fee to

with GORDON VINER

transfer, but also some with no fee. So you get an interest free loan over about 24 to 41 months with little or no charge.

Great, isn’t it?

You need to pay back about 2.5% of the loan each month, so for a £4,000 balance transfer loan, interest free, you would repay about £100 per month. If at the end of the interest free period, you still had £1,200 outstanding, you could go through the same process again.

So, suppose you had two credit cards with £750 owing on each, and a store card with £500, you could repay all these and have £2,000 to spend using the example above.

You MUST NOT use the new credit card for purchases, or cash advances.

You MUST pay the monthly repayment by direct debit.

Here are some examples as at the time of writing this article – check online to see what’s available.

Santander: 0% fee 41 months TSB: 0.5% fee 28 months Halifax: 0.6% fee 26 months Sainsbury: 0 % fee 25 months Virgin: 0.55% fee 30 months Enjoy these free from interest loans.

Gordon Viner FCA CTA

HALF A MILLION READERS – AND GROWING

£200 million!

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

All Together NOW!

April/May 2017

‘

Huge donation from the founder of The Morgan Foundation

S

TEVE Morgan CBE has gifted over £200 million to The Morgan Foundation in a move which will benefit thousands of charities and community groups, particularly those helping children and families in desperate need.

The donation is believed to be one of the largest ever made in the UK, and marks a new era – and a huge step change – for the charity, which was formed by Steve in 2001.

Since that time it has committed £35 million to good causes in North Wales, Merseyside, West Cheshire, and North Shropshire, establishing itself as one of the biggest charities in the region.

The Morgan Foundation has distributed 49 specially-adapted smiley buses and vans.

Jane Harris, administrator of The Morgan Foundation, said: “Steve Morgan’s incredible generosity will mean a huge and profound step-change for The Morgan Foundation.

“Our ethos is based on making a difference and Steve’s gift of over £200 million means we will be able to help thousands of more people in need.

“We can also ramp-up the donation of smiley buses, which have made such a positive impact to the disabled and socially isolated in our region.

“I’m also delighted to say we are actively planning some very exciting, and significant, capital projects and we’ll be announcing more details soon.”

We will now be able to help thousands more people

Making a difference . . . that’s what we do

www.morganfoundation.co.uk Tel 01829 782800

PROUD DAY: Steve Morgan and his wife, Sally, at Buckingham Palace receiving the CBE for his philanthropic work

A

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

Created in 2001 by businessman Steve Morgan CBE – founder and chairman of Redrow plc, and chairman of the Bridgemere Group of Companies – The Morgan Foundation 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 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.

The Morgan Foundation

@Morganfound

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All Together NOW!

Take the time for this online music survey MUSIC-lovers who wear hearing aids are being urged to take part in a new online survey that could improve the sounds and their health.

Dr Alinka Greasley, who is leading the research at Leeds University’s School of Music, said: “Music plays a key role in people’s health and well-being. It is used for enjoyment, to change moods, to bring back memories and as a key part of social occasions.

“We would like to hear from anyone who wears hearing aids and listens to music so that we can compare the experiences of people with different levels of hearing loss and types of hearing aids, and map differences across various genres of music and musical contexts.”

About 11 million people in the UK have a hearing loss – roughly one in six.

Those taking part in the survey, which runs until the end of April, need to have a confirmed hearing loss (whether mild, moderate, severe or profound), wear hearing aid(s) for at least an hour a day (but not a cochlear implant) and be aged from 18 to 90. n A British Sign Language (BSL) version is also available. The survey itself is available at: http://tinyurl.com/musicandhearingaids

Dozens of top walks

PUT ON those walking boots . . . Now in its 12th year, the annual Ironbridge Gorge Walking Festival has 57 walks on offer, making it probably the biggest in the West Midlands and one of the best in the country.

All are free, but pre-booking is essential as numbers are limited to a maximum of 20 people.

n The festival takes place April 29 - May 7.

Tel. 01952 433 424.

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 2017

OPINION

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

My PIP victory . . . but what an utter fiasco

R

EADERS might be interested to know what happened to my application for PIP.

I was awarded the enhanced rate for both the mobility and care components.

That is the headline, but the details reveal more puzzling issues.

PIP is calculated by awarding points for each function or act the person cannot do or, if they can, only with great difficulty.

If a person cannot walk at all they get the maximum 12 points, entitling them to the enhanced rate of the mobility component.

If they can walk more than 20 metres they might get the lower rate but will not be

entitled to use Motability to lease a car.

I clearly qualified for this although the assessor pressed me on whether I could walk. Perhaps after the Second Coming!

The care component is more complex as a range of abilities are tested such as can the applicant cook a simple meal, eat food unaided, have ability to wash or bathe, to dress or use the toilet. Does the person need assistance or supervision?

Different numbers of points are awarded for each task, the difficulty it entitles and how long it takes. To get the enhanced rate, 12 points are needed. I received 17.

Looking at the details I was surprised to

SOUNDING OFF

note that one task that I cannot perform had been awarded four points.

It should have been eight and experts assure me that if I appealed the extra four points would be added.

However, there is no point in appealing as I already have five more points than needed to quality for the highest rate.

But this shows again there is little science or accuracy in the assessment procedure and is the reason so many disabled people are angry about PIP assessments.

Perhaps one day the Government will decide to cut costs and assess people on the roll of dice!

SIR BERT MASSIE

No welcome in the hillsides!

I

T IS now 22 years since the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) was passed and 13 years since employers and service providers were required to make old properties accessible.

I was therefore surprised to encounter so many difficulties when I tried to book a hotel in North Wales for a short break.

There is clearly a shortage of accessible bedrooms in North Wales. Some hotels said they had no such rooms and others said they did but they were already booked.

If this is common, and it seems to be, why not make more of the rooms accessible? It is frustrating when a hotel has only one room suitable for a wheelchair user.

The other problem I encountered was parking. Even hotels with a car park were most unhelpful. One hotel told me: “We have 72 rooms and only 30 parking spaces so it is first come, first served.”

I explained I required space to deploy the lift on my vehicle and asked if they could reserve one.

I was told: “No, we can’t do that.”

So the search for a hotel continued, as I cannot go to a hotel where I cannot park.

I noted that the hotels made no attempt to meet my needs and simply disregarded them.

However, the Equality Act 2010, which incorporates the DDA, requires service providers, such as hotels, to make reasonable adjustments to meet the needs of disabled people.

If I chose to take legal action against these unhelpful hotels, I am confident that I would be awarded at least £2,000 compensation. It might also remind the hotels of their legal duties.

On my television screen I often see advertisements rightly praising the beauty and variety of Wales and urging me to go there for a holiday. I’m happy to oblige but I do wish the tourist authorities in Wales would do more to make Wales a welcoming place for disabled visitors.

Or we might take our business to somewhere where we are made welcome.

High time we all recognise this language

IN MARCH an unusual event took place in the House of Commons.

The Labour MP, Dawn Butler asked a question in speech – and in British Sign Language – “Will the Minister agree the 18 of March marks the 14th anniversary since the UK Government recognised British Sign Language?”

It was on that date in 2003 the Government made a formal statement that it recognised BSL as a language in its own right (quoting an estimated 70,000 people whose preferred language it is), and promising to invest £1 million in a programme of initiatives to support this statement.

Despite this BSL is still not recognised as an official language such as Welsh or Cornish.

Let there be no mistake: BSL has all the attributes of a language with its own grammar and syntax.

Over half a million people speak Welsh but it is estimated that about 2,000 speak Cornish.

This seems to indicate making official a language used by 70,000 people is not unreasonable.

One advantage of making BSL an official language is that it might spread to be used by nondeaf people who wish to communicate with deaf people.

It might also result in the development of more technology to translate the spoken word into BSL and vice versa.

All disabled people should support deaf people in their battle to use their own language and have it recognised as an official language.

Sign up for your FREE e-newsletter – www.alltogethernow.org.uk

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

All Together NOW!

April/May 2017

9

CHARITY SPOTLIGHT . . . CALL US ON 0151 230 0307 or email sales@alltogethernow.org.uk

Polio roadshow set for Chester

PEOPLE affected by polio across the North West are being invited to have a say in the future of the British Polio Fellowship, celebrating its 80th anniversary.

The charity is calling in at the DoubleTree hotel, Chester, on Tuesday, May 2, as part of a nationwide roadshow.

Other locations include York, Leicester, Gloucester, Edinburgh, Newcastle and Watford.

Ted Hill, chief executive of The British Polio Fellowship, said: “Our members really are the heart of our charity, and the very reason we push on to provide them with support and help.

“Given the widespread area our members reside in throughout the country, we don’t get to sit down formally with some of them face to face as often as we’d like.

“Our Roadshow dates provide the perfect opportunity for us to do just that.” n Anyone wanting to attend the events must book online at www.britishpolio.org.uk/ national-roadshow-2017 n BPF, tel 0800 043 1935

CALLING ALL CHARITIES Help keep this paper alive and kicking!

Key to adventure The fight for access Advertise with us – 0151 230 0307

DELIGHT: Paul Walker, left, Lord's Taverners North West chairman, and Seashell Trust CEO Mark Geraghty, with Daniel Follon and Luke Morrow

T

HEY’RE getting into gear for another action-packed year at the Seashell Trust.

Keys to a new wheelchair accessible vehicle were handed over to the charity that helps children and adults with complex learning disabilities.

It was presented by the Lords Taverners, who supplied the vehicle with help from the Law Family Charitable Foundation.

“Our wonderful new Lord’s Taverners minibus is literally a lifeline to the local community for our children and young people,” said Mark Geraghty, head of the

charity based in Cheadle Hulme, Greater Manchester, “As many of them live with us it means that they can access a whole host of activities in the community, from sport through to shopping, facilities that they would struggle to get to without a wheelchair accessible vehicle.”

The Lord’s Taverners will donate over £3 million this year to help give disabled and disadvantaged young people a “sporting chance”.

Since 1976, the Lord’s Taverners has donated over 1,100 accessible minibuses across schools in the UK.

A GROUP of volunteers with and without disabilities is attempting to improve access to services and premises in their area.

Fiona Caplan, secretary of Southport Access For Everyone, said: “Our website www.southportaccessforeveryone.org is regularly updated with details of current projects, past successes – and dates of future meetings.

“Anyone wanting to get involved, or who would like our help with an access problem can contact us by e-mail at southportaccess@hotmail.co.uk, or by calling us on 07866 531036.

“People are also welcome to come along to one of our meetings, held on the fourth Monday in the month at Victoria Methodist Church on Sussex Rd, Southport.”

Knowsley Carers Centre

Are you caring for a family member or friend?

If the answer is yes, then we at Knowsley Carers Centre would like to hear from you.

From our offices in Halewood, Huyton and Kirkby, the Carers’ Centre staff are here to support you in your caring role.

The person you are looking after may need your help due to disability, long term illness, the consequences of ageing, learning disability, mental health issues or substance misuse.

We know that juggling a caring role with other family responsibilities and work commitments can be difficult and can have an impact on the carer’s own health and wellbeing.

Carers often find it difficult to find some time for themselves; to relax and unwind, but in order to continue doing what they do it’s vital that carers are well supported too.

We also know that when caring for someone we need access to information about services and advice, the where to go and what to do.

Here at Knowsley Carers Centre our support staff can provide information about all aspects of your caring role and signpost you to other appropriate services.

We offer a range of services to carers across the borough free of charge including the following;

• • • • • • • • •

Information and advice Benefits advice Advocacy Carers Emergency Card Support to access education and employment Holistic Therapies Breaks Counselling Coffee mornings and trips

Call us today on Tel: 0151 549 1412 or visit our website at www.knowsleycarers.co.uk

We look forward to hearing from you.

We are holding a "Midsummer Ball" on Saturday 17th June 2017, at the Rum Warehouse, The Titanic Hotel, Liverpool -7pm to 1am carriages.

Delicious dinner followed by raffle, auction and entertainment.

Tickets are £75 per head and all proceeds will be used by the Charity to support its work with blind andpartially sighted people in Merseyside.

Tickets available from Maria Schofield at mschofield@bradburyfields.org.uk or 0151 221 0888 ext 203

Local services for blind and partially sighted people

Registered Charity Number 222798

10

All Together NOW!

Brexit leaves PAs in limbo

BREXIT could worsen the social care crisis if the government does not protect access to personal assistants from EU countries.

That’s the warning from peers who say uncertainty over leaving the EU is causing “terrible uncertainty” among thousands of disabled people whose PAs are the citizens of EU countries.

The crossbench disabled peer Baroness Jane Campbell told the Lords debate that she had employed PAs from at least 10 EU countries in the last 25 years.

She said: “We constantly hear about the threat to the NHS if restrictions to work in the UK are tightened.

“The PAs and carers employed by thousands of disabled people must be accorded the same attention.

“Otherwise, the current social care crisis will worsen and disabled people will lose the right to independent living, as set out in Article 19 of the UN convention (on the rights of disabled people).”

Baroness Celia Thomas, the disabled Liberal Democrat peer, who speaks for her party on disability issues, said: “There is now a terrible uncertainty about what will happen in the future.”

Baroness Masham added: “We do not have enough British people who want to do such jobs.”

April/May 2017

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

A new safe friendship site for the over-60s

A

NEW website has been launched by a retired GP to help over 60s combat loneliness and find love or friendship free and safely online.

He said: “I retired some time ago but n 3.5 million aged I am still very aware of the dilemma faced by those finding themselves over 65 live alone (36% of all alone once more: either becoming people aged 65+ in GB) an on-demand babysitter or n Nearly 70% of these are women. dedicating themselves to their n 2 million people over 75 live alone; garden.

1.5 million of these are women.

“I organised parties for those n 61% of widows (male and female) in I knew were alone and saw England and Wales are 75 and over. several benefits develop in n Loneliness can be as harmful for addition to resolving isolation.” their health as smoking n David can be contacted at 15 cigarettes mussdavid@gmail.com a day.

Tel. 07938 986 489,

£2 billion is just not enough!

M Many dating and companionship sites involve meeting up with a completely new stranger.

But Old Flames Reconnected only allows contact between those who are registered, and only if the other party accepts the invitation.

David Muss set up the site following on from his experiences as a GP. He

noticed many elderly people finding themselves alone again either through the death of a partner or separation.

ORE than £2 billion in extra money for social care over the next three years is “meaningless” compared to the size of the crisis, campaigners warn.

The money was included in the Chancellor’s spring budget which contained few significant announcements on key issues of concern to disabled people.

And there were no U-turns on two major imminent cuts to disability benefits.

The Chancellor, Philip Hammond, failed to mention disabled people or disability once in his budget speech of more than 6,700 words.

But he admitted that the social care system was “clearly under pressure”, and although he repeatedly referred to the needs of older people, and not to working-age disabled people, he announced extra funding for local councils in England of £1.2 billion in 2017-18, £800 million in 2018-19 and £400 million in 2019-20.

He also said the Government would publish a green paper on social care funding later this year.

There was no mention of new amendments to personal independence payment (PIP) regulations,

SENIOR MOMENTS

ALL TOGETHER NOW . . . for Carers Week. Eight major charities want carers groups to come up with ideas to celebrate Carers Week (June 1218) and add details to their website at www.carersweek.org

announced by the Government following two tribunal rulings, which will tighten eligibility criteria and cut support to more than 160,000 people, particularly those with severe mental distress who need mobility support.

The Office for Budget Responsibility confirmed in Treasury budget documents that the amendments

. . . with FRANK HARRIS

to PIP regulations will save the Government £3.7 billion over the next five years.

Hammond also made no mention of cuts of nearly £30 a week to new claimants of employment and support allowance placed in the work-related activity group.

Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People said the extra funding announced by Hammond would do nothing to address the social care crisis.

A GMCDP spokesperson said: “The £2 billion to prop up adult social care over the next three years will do nothing to halt the massive cuts being rained upon disabled people trying to retain or access care funding.

“With the Local Government Association estimating that local authorities will be facing a £5.8 billion shortfall in social care by 2020, the money pledged is in reality a derisible amount.

“The fact that there was not a single mention of disabled people within the budget seems to be in keeping with the Government’s total disregard of the cumulative impact their austerity measures are having on us.” n The precise amount had yet to be confirmed by the Treasury, following confusion over contradictory figures in the budget documents.

HALF A MILLION READERS – AND GROWING – 0151 230 0307

All Together NOW!

April/May 2017

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

11

Billing roadshows RDŽHU D OLWWOH H[WUD KHOS Support when you need it most We can all benefit from a bit of extra help at some stage in our lives. This could be due to age, ill health, disability, mental health problems, financial worries or language barriers.

Registering for Priority Services is free and it means you will benefit from additional services to support your particular needs. Services include: • Braille, large print, ‘talking’ bills and text relay service

United Utilities took to the URDG ODVW PRQWK WR RDŽHU advice to customers on how to lower their water bills.

The water company visited towns around the North West to let more people know about the extra support that is available for customers who may be struggling with their water bills.

Specialist advisors were able to speak to customers about their bills and help with any water or wastewater issues.

Experts were also on hand to give practical advice to customers on how to lower their ELOOV DQG ZHUH DEOH WR RDŽHU ZDWHU VDYLQJ freebies to help reduce water wastage in the home.

United Utilities’ customer services director Louise Beardmore said: “We know

that many people in our region are just about making ends meet, and many more DUH VWUXJJOLQJ ZLWK UHDO LJQDQFLDO KDUGVKLS and don’t always know where to turn for help or what help is available. â:H KDYH D ORW WR RDŽHU DQG ZDQW WR PDNH it as easy as possible for our customers to get the help they need.”

Customers were also able to sign up for the company’s Priority Services scheme which provides extra support when it’s needed, for example due to age, ill health, disabilities, mental health problems or language barriers. See panel on the right for more information.

If you’re struggling with your water bill payments, please call United Utilities on 0800 072 6765. They have a range of support schemes available depending on your personal circumstances and can also set up a payment plan to make your bill more manageable.

• Nominate a carer, family member or friend to speak to us on your behalf • Protection from bogus callers with a password protection scheme • Support for dialysis patients • Knock and wait service to give you extra time to answer the door if we need to visit • Notice of interruptions to your water supply and alternative water supplies if your water is likely to go RDŽ IRU PRUH WKDQ KRXUV • Help if you’re struggling to pay your water bill or have debt issues • Translation services To register, call our Priority Services team on 0345 072 6093 or visit unitedutilities.com/priorityservices

<RX FRXOG EH EHWWHU RDŽ ZLWK D ZDWHU PHWHU Last year, more than 30,000 customers switched to a water meter, making a saving on their water bill.

Could you do the same?

If you have a water meter, it FRXOG VLJQLLJFDQWO\ UHGXFH \RXU bill. More than half a million customers in the North West have now switched to a water meter in their home.

7KH JUHDW QHZV LV WKDW ZH LJW meters free of charge and you have up to two years to switch EDFN LI \RX GRQàW LJQG \RX DUH saving money.

Talk to us today on 0345 072 6065 and we’ll let you know whether a meter would be right for you. You can also apply online at unitedutilities.com/meters 03/17/SD/7402

12

All Together NOW!

April/May 2017

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

That champion feeling

PROUD CHAMPIONS: From left, MFRS group manager Guy Keen; Robin Bush, Autism Together chief executive; and Tony Canavan, MFRS Prince’s Trust team leader for Youth Engagement, at the signing event

MERSEYSIDE Fire & Rescue Service was among a select group of organisations at a special Autism charter-signing ceremony.

autism awareness and make their venues more autism-friendly.

The Liverpool Autism Champions project was launched last April and is run by campaigners from Autism Together and Liverpool social enterprise Autism Adventures.

The team has delivered over 1,200 hours of training to organisations across the city – including MFRS – in a bid to make Liverpool one of the UK’s first autism-friendly cities.

The ceremony was organised by Wirral-based charity Autism Together.

Tony Canavan said: “I approached Autism Together for training for our Prince’s Trust staff and Apprentice Advocates, as many had said they would benefit from knowing more about autism.

“The training we received was extremely useful.”

Robin Bush, chief executive of Autism Together, added: “It’s a real credit to this city that organisations of all shapes and sizes are supporting our project.

“In the end it’s all about people, and the difference we can make to their lives.”

DON’T BE A HOARDER! A Represenatives from Tate Liverpool, NatWest bank and Remploy joined MFRS group manager Guy Keen and MFRS Prince’s Trust team leader for Youth Engagement Tony Canavan to sign the charter at the Malmaison hotel in Liverpool.

The charter, written by people on the autism spectrum, asks organisations to train their staff in

S SPRING arrives Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service is urging householders to take the opportunity to spring clean their homesto help make them hazard-free.

High levels of clutter make it much easier for a fire to start and can increase the chances of a fire spreading throughout the home.

As well as potentially trapping people in their homes in the event of fire, hoarded combustible materials such as newspapers, magazines, wood, books and flammable liquids would make it easy for a fire to spread quickly.

Since 2012, MFRS has been called to 26 fires where hoarding hindered rescue attempts by fire crews.

Last year, a fire caused by a fan heater saw two elderly people tragically lose their lives after fire spread quickly through their Liverpool home – due to extensive hoarding of items.

Ian Mullen, Incident Investigator for Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, said: “Hoarders are at very high risk of fires in the

Spring clean and reduce the risks, say firefighters

home. Not only can hoarding make it difficult, or impossible, to escape in the event of a fire but it also makes it more difficult for firefighters to access a property and extinguish the fire inside.

“Hoarding is a problem that can develop in households over years, and by the time people recognise there is a problem they may feel they are out of their depth or unable to make their homes safer.

“If anyone is concerned they may be at higher risk of fire due to hoarding, or know of someone who is, they should contact MFRS on 0800 731 5958 for free home fire safety advice.”

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Cut the clutter

FOLLOW the tips below to help keep your home clutter free and fire safe:

n Whether you use a traditional oven and hob or other methods of cooking like a portable stove, make it a priority to keep the cooking area clear. n Do not place items on, or near to, heaters, lamps or other electrical equipment. n Do not store gas cylinders in your home – they are a serious hazard during a fire. n If you have medical oxygen, follow the instructions and guidance given by your registered supplier. Do not store cylinders in basements, under stairs or in cupboards with electric meters/equipment. n If you smoke, use a proper ashtray that won’t burn and put it on a flat, stable surface so that it can’t fall over easily. Do not leave your lit cigarettes unattended.

Put candles or tea lights in heat-resistant holders that hold the candle or tea light

firmly. Ensure the holder is placed on a flat, stable, heatresistant surface. n Keep candles and tea lights away from anything that can catch fire and never leave them unattended. n Make sure you have at least one working smoke alarm per floor and test it as part of your regular clearance sessions. n Plan and practise how to escape from your home if there were a fire. Choose an escape route and keep it clear of possessions; in the event of a fire this will help you to escape quickly or allow firefighters to reach you if you are unable to escape. n Ensure possessions are stored on stable surfaces, and do not stack them so high that they become instable: They could fall and and block youir escape. n Newspapers and mail stored in bulk are highly combustible and will cause fire to

spread rapidly. Sort mail and newspapers on the day you receive them and recycle them on a regular basis. n In the event of fire, do not attempt to put it out yourself; leave your home straight away and call 999 once you are safely outside. Do not stop on your way out to collect possessions and do not go back inside once you have escaped. n If you feel you need help or assistance with hoarding there are many organisations that will support you through the process free of charge. n For more information visit www.helpforhoarders.co.uk For free home fire safety advice call MFRS on 0800 731 5958.

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

April/May 2017

All Together NOW!

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service set to open world leading training and safety centre Multi-million pound safety and training centre to take education out of this world 2Q WKH EDQNV RI WKH 5LYHU ,UZHOO LQ *UHDWHU 0DQFKHVWHU¡V borough of Bury, Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service has been building one of the most advanced emergency service training and safety centres in the world and is set to open its doors this Spring.

The Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service (GMFRS) Training and Safety Centre, which has been in the making for more than three years, will cater for almost every disaster imaginable from towering infernos to train crashes, chemical spills and collapsed buildings. )LUHĂ&#x20AC;JKWHUV ZLOO EH DEOH WR WUDLQ LQ UHDOLVWLF HQYLURQPHQWV WR ensure they remain prepared to face the disasters of the future and keep our communities safe Visitor Experience Within this incredible facility, schools and local people will have the chance to embark on a visit which could save their lives.

It will feature a variety of interactive exhibits and experiences designed to give the public an insight into Ă&#x20AC;UHĂ&#x20AC;JKWLQJ DQG WKH DGYLFH WKH\ QHHG WR OHDG VDIH DQG healthy lives.

There will also be a Survival Academy, which will give YLVLWRUV WKH EDVLF &35 DQG Ă&#x20AC;UVW DLG VNLOOV When people enter the Centre they will be assigned a watch ² MXVW OLNH ZKHQ D QHZ Ă&#x20AC;UHĂ&#x20AC;JKWHU MRLQV WKH VHUYLFH DQG embark on an experience which will see them step into the ERRWV RI D Ă&#x20AC;UHĂ&#x20AC;JKWHU Visitors will enter an immersive theatre featuring 4k video IRRWDJH WKH VPHOO RI VPRNH WKH KHDW RI D Ă&#x20AC;UH DQG WKH VRXQG of sirens will provoke their senses.

An Emergency Control Room will give visitors the chance to see the different types of emergencies GMFRS attends and have the chance to listen to real 999 calls.

A simulated car crash will give people the chance to see ZKDW KDSSHQV GXULQJ D FROOLVLRQ DQG KRZ Ă&#x20AC;UHĂ&#x20AC;JKWHUV ZRUN WR release casualties from the wreckage.

9LVLWRUV FDQ DOVR H[SORUH D IXOO VL]H ÂśĂ&#x20AC;UH KRXVH¡ ZKLFK VKRZV D URRP EHIRUH DQG DIWHU LW KDV EHHQ GHYDVWDWHG E\ Ă DPHV People will be able to spot the risks which caused the blaze and test themselves to see how quickly they could escape IURP D Ă&#x20AC;UH Training Facilities Chair of Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority, Councillor David Acton, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The GMFRS Training and 6DIHW\ &HQWUH ZLOO EH RQH RI WKH Ă&#x20AC;QHVW WUDLQLQJ IDFLOLWLHV IRU emergency services in the World. ´,Q WKH FRPLQJ PRQWKV LW ZLOO JLYH RXU Ă&#x20AC;UHĂ&#x20AC;JKWHUV WKH FKDQFH to hone their skills in a realistic environment, so we can ensure they are prepared to protect our communities no matter what emergencies they face. ´%XW WKLV LVQ¡W MXVW D WUDLQLQJ IDFLOLW\ IRU RXU IURQWOLQH VWDII :H¡UH FUHDWLQJ D VDIHW\ FHQWUH WR PDNH VXUH WKLV VLWH EHQHĂ&#x20AC;WV DOO WKH FRPPXQLWLHV ZH VHUYH :H ZDQW WR JLYH people an insight into the situations our crew face every day and we want to give them the skills they need to keep themselves safe. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The GMFRS Training and Safety Centre offers a unique insight into our work and it really is the visit that could save your life.â&#x20AC;?

The Safety Centre is open to schools from Spring 2017 and will be opening to the public Summer 2017.

For more information about the GMFRS Training and Safety Centre including details of how to book your visit go WR ZZZ PDQFKHVWHUĂ&#x20AC;UH JRY XN

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All Together NOW!

April/May 2017

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Leave the phone alone

D

ON’T do it . . . . Anyone caught using a hand-held mobile phone while at the wheel of a car now get a £200 fine and six points on their licence – doubling the previous penalty.

Neil Greig, at the Institute of Advanced Motorists, said: “We also want to see car companies, mobile phone makers and social media providers working together to develop technical solutions to hand held mobile phone use in vehicles.”

Roll up for Roadshow

THE COUNTDOWN has started for this year’s Mobility Roadshow – Europe’s largest test-drive and independent mobility event.

The three-day event returns to the NAEC Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, June 1-3,

0800 916 3028

NEW

NEARLY NEW

USED

HIRE

www.alliedmobility.com

PEUGEOT PARTNER HORIZON ™

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Now with FREE BLUETOOTH®

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Easy-clean lowered floor Unique EasyGlide™ pull-out ramp Original Peugeot seating throughout*

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Certified for larger & heavier wheelchairs Easy-use electric winch and parking sensors PLUS air conditioning, privacy glass and new Bluetooth® connectivity

FORD TOURNEO INDEPENDENCETM > Personalised seating layouts > Lightweight EasyFold™ ramp > Bluetooth® connectivity > Front & rear air conditioning > Lowered floor option > Privacy glass NEW MODEL > Parking sensors > Assist winch > Certified for larger & heavier wheelchairs

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FORD CONNECT FREEDOMTM > Easy clean, lowered floor > Unique EasyGlide™ pull-out ramp > Original Ford seating throughout* > Easy-use electric winch and parking sensors > Air conditioning > Grand Freedom with extra seating now available > Certified for larger & heavier wheelchairs *RS model

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Free UK-wide home demonstrations

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

All Together NOW!

April/May 2017

. . . getting – and keeping – you mobile . . .

MEET THE TEAM

Picture: KEN ALMOND

L

OOKING for something to help you with your mobility needs?

A walking aid, a wheelchair, a powered scooter or a handcycle – manually propelled or a powered variety? Or do you need your car adapting with hand controls, or something to help you getting in and out of a vehicle?

If so, then make sure you check

out the team at Da Vinci Mobility, one of the most innovative wheelchair manufacturers in the UK. Set up 16 years ago by wheelchair user Vincent Ross, the company provides a wide range of mobility solutions for people with all sorts of needs.

“We can help so many people retain or regain their independence,” says Vin.

“Our team have the knowledge and personal experience to be able to offer people plenty of options and help them make the right choice.”

No task is too small, too big, or too challenging for the team.

They are currently adapting a three-wheel Can Am Spyder so that it can carry a wheelchair on the behind the seat.

Vin said: “The American-made

No job too big, too small, or too challenging

Can Am Spyders are really opening the roads for wheelchair users wanting to experience the thrill of motorbiking. The two front wheels provides far greater stability.”

The Da Vinci team have also just fitted hand controls to a Can Am Commander off-road vehicle.

“We just love getting people up and about and living life to the full,” adds Vin.

15

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All Together NOW!

On your marks for ‘Victor’ wheelchair

PARALYMPIAN and ex-marine Phil Eaglesham has smashed his fundraising challenge to raise enough money to build a wheelchair that could be unveiled at September’s Invictus Games.

The new ‘Victor’ wheelchair is being developed by engineers from Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre and will let users raise themselves to the same height as others, and be capable of dealing with kerbs.

Two prototypes are now being built and Corporal Eaglesham is planning to take at least one to the Invictus Games in Toronto.

Corporal Eaglesham has been supported by The Royal Marines Charity; Canine Partners; Help for Heroes; Heropreneurs; Greenwich Hospital and Blesma.

Last year he represented Ireland in the Paralympics Games in Rio in Air Rifle Shooting.

April/May 2017

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Here’s something worth listening to

I

F YOUR hearing loss means your TV is too loud for everyone else in the room, a TV Listener will help you to hear without annoying anyone, including the neighbours!

A new wireless headset system allows you to choose your preferred volume, even if the television sound is turned off.

The volume on the new TV200 from amplicomms can be amplified to 112dB – that’s as loud as a rock concert – while tweaking the tone and balance controls enhance speech and clarity.

The lightweight headset has a built-in microphone

Getting over Top award for life’s new style chair little ups and downs A

NEW style wheelchair that goes up and down steps, and digital glasses that help people who have lost the use of their arms to use computers, have been crowned the winners of a “Dragons’ Den” style design competition.

MEBot, a Mobility Enhancement Robotic Wheelchair, was named Best New Concept, while GlassOuse, which uses Bluetooth to connect disabled users to computers, phones and televisions won the Best New Product title at The Blackwood Design Awards.

MEBot is a robotic-powered, six wheel wheelchair which has been

designed to tackle both kerbs and challenging terrains, such as icy and slippery surfaces, as its large centre driving wheels can reposition themselves to simulate front-, mid-, or rear-wheel driving.

While traditional power wheelchairs can get stuck on difficult types of ground, MEBot uses its front and rear caster wheels to inch forward on slick surfaces.

It also has a seat stabilisation system, which keeps people safely upright, and can climb stairs.

The MEBot team, based in Pittsburgh, USA, get a cash prize of £2,000 and support to develop the wheelchair.

option, so conversations in the room can be picked up and the sound source turned off, so you’ll never miss out on chat.

Simple to set up, the base unit plugs directly into the sound source such as an MP3 Player, Mobile Phone, CD, TV or Radio, wirelessly transmitting the sound to the rechargeable headset.

Using advanced infrared technology, the sound won’t be interrupted if you leave the room or someone walks in front of you.

Designed for comfort it’s lightweight and easy to wear. n Price, £59.99 from www.hearingdirect.com. n Tel: 0800 032 1301

Rory Cooper, leader of the MEBot design team and director of the Human Engineering Research Laboratories at the University of Pittsburgh, said: “The MEBot was inspired by wounded, injured and ill veterans who would like to do more than is possible with current wheeled mobility devices.

“We want to provide safe and expanded mobility and a design that is functional both indoors and outdoors.”

Designer Mehmet Turker’s pioneering digital glasses – GlassOuse – have been made specifically to help those who cannot use a traditional computer mouse.

EASY DOES IT: The new kerb climbing MEBot chair that is being developed in Pittsburg, California

Mehmet said: “We entered the award scheme as we share its aim to enable disabled people to live as independently as possible.

“Everyone here has worked extremely hard to perfect GlassOuse.

Though the headpiece can be used by anyone, we wanted to create something that would also make everyday tasks a lot easier for those who have suffered life changing injuries.

“We’re currently designing GlassOuse 2 and are very excited for what’s to come in the future.” n www.herl.pitt.edu/research/mebot n www.glassouse.com/

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

E B THE

April/May 2017

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All Together NOW!

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New promotional video tells the remarkable sto All Together NOW!

April/May 2017

www.alltogether

Plenty of food for thought at city’s Host restaurant

B

USINESSES from all over the region were represented at the premiere of the All Together NOW! video, telling the remarkable story behind the newspaper.

Don’t mis

More than 100 people turned up at Host Restaurant in Hope Street, Liverpool.

“It was a hugely enjoyable evening,” said Joel Jelen, trustee of All Together NOW! and director of Ubiquity PR, who staged the event.

“It was a night to remember. The video was very well received and has really helped to raise the profile of the All Together NOW! charity.

“A huge thanks to Colin Manning and staff at Host for the warm welcome and superb food.” n PICTURED: Top, Dave Blackman, Ian Knox, Joanna Gras, Martin Maginn, Madeleine Hough. Right: Alison Beech (Percy Hughes & Roberts) and Kerry Roe-Ely (Brain Tumour Charity); John Powell; Jophn Price; Louise Jones and Wayne Lester.

Below: Samantha Wooley, Siobhan Noble and Jenni Quach

Y

OU KEEP telling us how much you love All Together NOW! . . . well, now you can see the film of the awardwinning charity newspaper.

PICTURES: KEN ALMOND

For 12 years, the free paper has been helping hundreds of thousands of people across the North West who are affected by disability – and picking up lots of community and media awards along the way.

Now, Liverpool-based video agency Zut Media has made an online promotional video telling the remarkable story behind the paper.

Mark Hancock, co-owner of Zut Media, said: “We’ve made lots of quality films for companies, but this one was very special for us.

“It’s hugely inspirational and shows just what can be achieved against what might seem to be insurmountable odds.”

Mark, also a trustee of the All Together NOW! charity, added: “It’s a remarkable story.

“Now our goal is to get as many people as we can to view it – and attract more organisations and philanthropists to help make the paper bigger and better for everyone.”

The film tells of the circumstances that led to

‘Brilliant - tru

MORE THAN 1,000 people have al viewed the video, and early feedba very positive.

Peter Hooton, from The Farm, th that helped launch All Together NO 2005, said: “A superb video, and g hear the paper is going from stren strength.”

“Awe-inspiring,” said photograp McCartney, who is patron of Dada Merseyside disability arts organis Lieutenant Colonel Sean McEvoy the Lieutenancy of Merseyside, ad

editor Tom Dowling being shot and para Iran in 1974; how the seeds were sewn All Together NOW! ; and the huge impa paper is making across the region.

There are also interviews with Fin McN director of communications at Aintree NH

ADVERTISE WITH US AND WE’LL GET YOUR MESSA

ry about this award-winning charity newspaper

now.org.uk

All Together NOW!

April/May 2017

19

View the film at www.alltogethernow.org.uk

ss this film!

uly inspirational . . .’

“The newspaper is a great way of reaching people who are faced with disabilities all across the region. That’s why Aintree is so proud of the work we are doing with ready real ‘Boys Own’ adventure to the Everest All Together NOW! ” Anne Wells, deputy headteacher at ack is base camp.

Sandfield Park School, Liverpool, said: “We “How the newspaper has flourished is an saw an article about Huw Thomas, who had e band excellent example of what can be achieved his own company producing ProMove slings.

OW! in irrespective of disability.”

“The school has now purchased these slings great to Carl Wood, regional managing director, for those situations when you have to ngth to Trinity Mirror North West & North Wales, evacuate a young person. said: “The video is brilliant – genuinely “There are some excellent opportunities for pher Mike brilliant.” disabled people and good work being done by aFest, Andy Jones, business development, disabled people as well, so it’s really important sation.

Trinity Mirror Publishing, added: to have a forum for this to be shared.”

“Just incredible, truly incredible and y, clerk to Sarah Spoor, learning mentor at Sandfield inspirational! What a story!” dded: “A Park School, said: “I think All Together NOW! is a really informative paper. lysed in Hospitals Trust, and staff at Sandfield Park “It offers a lot of information regarding mobility, for School. and ways to contact people. It’s great that you’ve act the Fin McNicol said: “All Together NOW! has got it all contained within a newspaper.” covered everything from information about our Parent Maria Jewell added: “ I can keep up to Nicol, stroke services to work done by our prosthetic date with all the news. It’s nice to know there is a HS services. wider community.”

My inspirational Mum

SPREADING THE WORD: Minnie and the Dowling family at Warrington’s annual Disability Awareness Day

(Continued from Page 3)

Amazingly, despite all her domestic chores, she excelled at St George’s Church of England school, becoming the headmistress’s prefect, captaining the netball team, and was very popular among her school friends.

She also won a special prize for caring for and helping other children – a book about the life of 19th century social reformer Kitty Wilkinson, who did so much to help the working classes in Liverpool.

My Mum was one of only a handful of pupils across the city to receive the prestigious award.

She was just 18 when the Luftwafe set about devastating the city – and killing around 4,000 people across Merseyside.

My Mum and Dad might also have been killed, too, had it not been for an amazing piece of good fortune.

Returning home after a night on the town they heard the sirens, and sprinted down and into an air raid shelter in Prescot Street.

But Mum had an eerie feeling and pleaded with Dad to chance it back up on the streets.

As bombs rained down, and gunfire lit up the city skies, Min and Den took cover under a Post Office van.

Moments later there was a huge explosion: A bomb had made a direct hit with the shelter, killing virtually everyone inside.

In the mid-Fifties, and not long after she had given birth to me, she became seriously ill.

She never revealed exactly what her illness had been, only to say it had been “a woman’s problem”.

But she did admit that she’d been lucky to survive, and was so grateful to her friends and neighbours who helped look after her four boys.

Once she was back on her feet again, it was her turn to help people.

And she did that in abundance for the for the rest of her life, including nursing my Dad when he suffered a stroke.

Mum put her positive outlook on life all down to her faith – and not dwelling on her own problems.

“Faith is a remarkable strength,” she’d say.

She never lost hers.

M

um loved this newspaper, and all it stands for.

A few days before her death, she enjoyed seeing our new promotional video film.

“It’s a terrific tribute to the people who are supporting the paper,” she said.

“Despite having to face overwhelming tragedy and despair, life can still be wonderful and full of new opportunities.

“But people need to know about the help that’s available.

“And All Together NOW! is doing exactly that!”

I’m certain that Mum will be spreading the word in Heaven.

Hope you like this special tribute issue to her.

We’re back in summer – June 5 to be precise, a few days after what would have been her 95th birthday.

TOM DOWLING, editor

AGES TO HALF A MILLION READERS . . . 0151 230 0307

20

All Together NOW!

April/May 2017

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

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 312390

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

CARERS’ CENTRES

Knocked for six !

PRIZE SPECIMENS: Saintpaulias Delft and Bob Serbin

W

E WERE knocked for six with the huge amount of entries for our latest gardening competition.

Houseplant specialists Dibbleys of North Wales offered readers the chance to win one of six beautiful collections of Saintpaulias.

And the entries flooded in!

Here are the lucky six winners.

Mrs R Pennington, Melford Drive, Billinge, Wigan (“I was given my copy of All Together NOW! by a friend”)

Mrs H Wilkinson, Cranbourne Drive, Church, Accrington (Accrington library) Mrs C Mason, Dudlow Lane, Liverpool (Asda Huyton) Mrs Stafford, Seafield Drive, Wallasey (Floral Pavilion, New Brighton) Mrs J Broome, Sedgemere Avenue, Leighton, Crewe (Leighton hospital) Mr John Robinson, Lynholme Road Liverpool 4 (Priory Rooad Medical Centre) n For the full range of Dibleys houseplants go to www.dibleys.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

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

‘

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

April/May 2017

All Together NOW! is proud to have Harvey Howell as one its partners. They do so much for the community outside of their core business

All Together NOW!

We have been overwhelmed by the response we have received since teaming up with this fantastic charity newspaper – John Howell, director at Harvey Howell

Fight for young people

THE UK’s leading children’s charities have teamed up to fight for better health and social care for disabled children, young people and their families.

The new Disabled Children’s Partnership coalition, comprising 28 charities, was set up after new research reveals seven out of 10 families never receive support caring for their disabled child beyond their own close friends or family.

Recent figures estimate that £3.2bn was cut from a range of children’s early social care and welfare services between 2010 and 2015, leaving service and provision severely lacking across the UK. The Partnership’s chair, Amanda Batten, said: “It is shocking that in this country 69% of disabled children never receive support outside their close friends or family.

Yet, disabled children and their families still remain a glaring absence from the Prime Minister’s social reform agenda.

“This must be urgently addressed if the Government truly aspire to deliver a Britain that works for everyone.

“That is why the Disabled Children’s Partnership will be campaigning to ensure that the services and support disabled children and their families deserve are there when they need them, are easily accessible and more consistently provided.”

Let’s lead the way on disability rights

G

21

REATER Manchester’s first elected Mayor is being urged to make the region a trailblazer for disability rights in England.

Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People (GMCDP) believes the devolution of powers from the UK Government to the Greater Manchester area, which will choose its first elected mayor on May 4, has provided “a unique opportunity to develop ground-breaking initiatives to tackle disability”.

It has drawn up a manifesto of policies on disability rights that it is sending to each of the mayoral candidates, including calling for the new mayor to set up a regional version of the Independent Living Fund (ILF).

GMCDP is hoping the new elected mayor could make Greater Manchester “a model for others to follow” by accepting the policies laid out in its manifesto.

Greater Manchester and Liverpool City Region are among six mayoral combined authorities across England that will elect mayors, and each of them will exercise a range of powers devolved from central government.

Joe Whittaker, chair of GMCDP, said: “The scope for gains on rights for disabled people is tremendous – whether in areas such as transport or policing, where the mayor will have direct powers,

by JOHN PRING

or areas like health and social care where there is scope to work with and influence existing bodies.”

One of the policies GMCDP is calling for mayoral candidates to adopt through the disability manifesto is to create a Greater Manchester Independent Living Fund, modelled on a scheme set up by the Scottish government after the UK government closed ILF two years ago.

GMCDP would lead on work to set up the scheme, working with the 10 Greater Manchester districts.

Mr Whittaker said: “GMCDP are seriously concerned about the impact of significant cuts in local authority budgets in relation to adult and social care and the adverse consequences for disabled people and the finance to support their independent living.

“We want to create a radical way of financing and ensuring independent living to support the rights of disabled people to live and contribute to the society in which they live.”

On transport, Mr Whittaker said GMCDP had tried to concentrate in its manifesto on practical measures, including calling for a transfer hoist system at Manchester Airport and requiring taxi drivers and operators to have their licenses removed if a driver refused to accept a fare from a

disabled person.

The manifesto also calls for bus companies to do more to enforce the priority for wheelchair-users in the space set aside for them, and for the mayor to work with Network Rail and train operating companies to ensure that all Greater Manchester train stations are step-free from entrance to platform within five years.

In further education and training, Greater Manchester already has “significant experience in moving away from segregation to inclusion”, said Mr Whittaker, but GMCDP now wants to see disabled learners given “appropriate support” across “all curriculum areas”, as well as “meaningful work experience and mainstream apprenticeships, followed by good employment opportunities”.

Among the other suggested policies is for the mayor to work with DPOs and other voluntary organisations to develop a strategy that would ensure “adequate access to information, advice and advocacy”.

Another is for the new mayor to work with planning authorities to ensure that all private sector new-build homes are built to meet Lifetime Homes standards on accessibility, with 10% of them wheelchair accessible and “truly affordable”.

The manifesto also calls on the mayor’s office to lobby the UK Government to ensure that disability hate crime is treated equally to other hate crimes.

Let’s make this great paper even greater!

STEVE McDERMOTT

STEVE McDERMOTT, a former chairman and trustee of the Everton In The Community charity, wants to hear from North West legal firms wanting to team up with All Together NOW! A commercial and procurement lawyer for the Government Legal Department, Steve said: “My organisation encourages its lawyers to lend their expertise to not-forprofits and charitable organisations from a pro-bono perspective, and I couldn't think of a better charity to help.”

Steve, who has a keen interest in both corporate social responsibility and philanthropy, said: “This is an absolutely fantastic charity and community newspaper that’s helping and informing hundreds of thousands of people.

“I am sure there are many businesses and individuals who would want to be associated with this innovative and award-winning work.”

PROMOTE YOUR LEGAL SERVICES TO HALF A MILLION READERS . . . Tel 0151 230 0307

22

All Together NOW!

NEWS UPDATE

Tory-forced labour plans ‘won’t work’ PRESSURISING people who can’t work will do nothing to reduce the disability employment gap, say campaigners.

The MS Society is now urging the Government to scrap proposed changes to disability benefit.

Plans revealed in a Government Green Paper suggest “mandatory activity” could be introduced for people in the support group of Employment and Support Allowance.

This could mean that those already assessed to be too unwell to work could be forced to prepare for work or risk having their benefits sanctioned.

“The Government must recognise that many people with MS simply can’t work because of their condition and may not be able to return to work in the future,” said Laura Wetherly, from the MS Society.

“For these people, work has become impossible and in some cases could actually make their health worse.

“We’re urging the Government to make the welfare system make sense – the most vulnerable people need to be properly supported.” n MS Helpline: Tel. 0808 800 8000.

It’s good to talk..

PEOPLE experiencing anxiety or depression are being urged to try a service which has helped thousands of people .

The Workplace Mental Health Support Service has allowed almost 7,000 people across Britain to talk about their mental health.

And the service, run by disability employment specialist Remploy, has achieved a 90% success rate for people staying in their jobs six months after joining the programme.

It supports individuals suffering from stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues affecting their work.

Remploy chief executive Gareth Parry, pictured, said: “Talking to friends, family or seeking specialist and confidential support from organisations like Remploy can really help.” n Remploy: Tel. 0300 456 8114.

April/May 2017

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Cuts ‘will push people into poverty’

A BILL for £1,500 has been presented to the Government by disability organisations who say that’s how much new Employment and Support Allowance Claimants could lose in planned cuts.

Protestors gathered outside the Department for Work and Pensions, Treasury and Houses of Parliament in an 11th hour call for the Government to reassess the £30-a-week cut to the Work Related Activity Group (WRAG) of ESA. They were joined by MPs such as Debbie Abrahams, Shadow Minister for Work and Pensions, Heidi Allen (Conservative), Neil Gray (SNP) and Lord Low, Cuts to ESA WRAG, from £102 to £73 per week, are the latest to disability benefits, which the Government

has claimed with no robust evidence will “incentivise” disabled people to find work.

But research by The Disability Benefits Consortium contradicts Government claims, showing these cuts will push disabled people away from work.

Rob Holland, from the learning disability charity Mencap, said: “This Government has serious questions to answer as to why they have repeatedly looked to disabled people as targets of their austerity “ Cuts to ESA and changes to PIP have been met with universal opposition from disability organisations and MPs across all parties, with real warnings that cuts will push disabled people closer to, or further into, poverty.”

GAME CHANGER PLAY THE GAME: Student Zahra Majid, second left, and lecturer and supporter Liz Cable

I

NTERACTIVE “escape games” at venues across the UK are becoming a big hit with people wanting a fun way to spend a few hours.

But, sadly, many are not disabled friendly . . .

Blind student Zahra Majid has now taken up the challenge – to make them accessible for everyone.

Zahra, 22, hosted an event at her university media festival with escape room owners and designers from across the country, including academics who are looking to use escape rooms within education.

She said: “The first escape room I attended was a well-established venue, but I felt largely excluded from the puzzles – as the main sensory focus was visual. Although there were times when I did get involved, for the most part I was standing around, and couldn’t move freely because of tripping hazards.

“I then took part in another game, and the experience couldn’t have been more different.

“I was busy most of the time, either physically cracking codes and clues, or listening.

Zahra’s challenge to ‘escape rooms’

“My favourite part was when I got to use my listening and fine-motor skills to collaboratively work a magnetic ball through a large-scale maze, which I found hard but exhilarating.”

Zahra is now contacting escape room owners and designers and working with them to make their games more accessible.

Zahra added: “Good teamwork is key to inclusivity; every player should get to use their individual skills as part of a group.”

Leeds Trinity University senior lecturer Liz Cable supported Zahra with her campaign.

She said: “Zahra has had several conversations with escape game designers, inspiring them to think differently about their puzzles and games to include all sorts of differently abled players.

“It’s great to see the direct impact her work is having.”

Fear of doing ‘wrong thing’

CHANGING jobs can be stressful. More so if you have a disability . . .

According to a new survey by disability employment organisation Purple, a fifth of hiring managers admitted they were worried about interviewing someone with a disability in case they do or say the wrong thing.

Half said they were apprehensive about hiring someone with a disability because of fears they wouldn’t be able to do the job.

Fears from interviewers also included using the incorrect terminology (32%) and not knowing whether they should help with things such as opening doors or pulling out chairs (38%).

One in five employers also admitted that falling foul of discrimination law was a real concern.

Purple chief executive and disability equality champion Mike Adams said: “There is still much more work to be done to change opinion and we need to understand and respond systematically to disabled workers’ needs.”

Purple has launched a specialist disability employment agency, matching disabled jobseekers with vacancies businesses need filling. n Purple: Tel. 01245 392300.

‘Bad attitude’

TWO out of three human resources chiefs believe there are barriers to hiring disabled people.

And only one in three HR decision makers have taken on someone with a disability or mental health condition in the last year.

The findings from the Centre for Social Justice has led to new calls for the Government to actively work with employers to promote disabled people.

Kate Fitch, head of policy at disability charity Sense, said: “The Centre for Social Justice’s polling once again highlights the scale of the challenges facing disabled people as they look to secure and remain in employment.

“Many disabled people want to be in employment. However, this polling shows that there is clearly still a great deal to do when it comes to employer attitudes.”

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23

The news is all sounding positive at the Beeb

B

BC News has launched a £1 million scheme which will recruit, train and develop journalists with disabilities, both visible and hidden.

Over the next year, 12 new positions will be created in BBC’ sMobile and Online teams.

The roles will range from broadcast journalists to assistant editors, with the successful applicants working across a wide range of content.

The year-long scheme will include tailored training and learning, and at least half of the roles will become permanent at the end of

Honour for bosses’ efforts on access

AN enthusiastic effort by senior staff has helped a Government department to a top honour for its approach to disability.

The Business Disability Forum has confirmed the Foreign and Commonwealth Office as a leading organisation for accessibility and inclusion.

The Forum awarded the FCO with a Silver status in their world-renowned Disability Standard, a tool for measuring how well an organisation approaches disability, accessibility, and inclusion.

The organisation scored 83% in the Disability Standard with perfect scores in three of its assessed criteria: Commitment, Adjustments and Retention.

The FCO won special praise for the way senior staff took an enthusiastic lead in wellbeing activities and influenced the rest of the organisation.

Management of office-space was described as “exemplary” by assessors, who also singled out the organisation’s efforts to ensure that moves always considered the requirements of employees.

Alex Freegard, chair of Enable, FCO Staff Disability Network, said: “The collective approach in the organisation has created a cultural change.

“I look forward to continued engagement with the BDF and our other external partners who support us in becoming unconsciously inclusive.”

Angela Matthews, senior disability consultant at BDF, said: “It is a joy to work with the FCO.” n Business Disability Forum: Tel. 020 7403 3020.

the year.There will also be a mentoring programme for all those selected.

The first of the posts will be advertised shortly both within and outside the BBC. Details will be available on the BBC Careers website.

“We’re transforming the look and sound of BBC News as well as the people who run our programmes and services for two reasons,” said Director of BBC News and Current Affairs James Harding.

“We’re the greatest news organisation in the world, it should be open to everyone and

anyone to come here and thrive.

“And we want to be closer to our audiences, a news organisation in touch with what’s on people’s minds, a newsroom that doesn’t talk past people, but speaks to them.”

A Disability Talent Pool will also be created so that those who apply for positions but are not selected will be able to feed in ideas and stories to the Mobile and Online teams.

This will allow the BBC to find new stories, engage with the wider disabled community and discover new talent.

Play a big part in this paper’s future — BACK PAGE

Just the job!

LIFE-CHANGING: Beverley Breen says they have shown just how valuable people with autism are

A

CHARITY that helps people with autism take their first steps into employment has scooped two prestigious awards.

Autism Together’s Step into Work Plus programme was singled out for the Outstanding Adult Services prize at the Autism Professional Awards ceremony in Harrogate.

The Wirral-based charity also won the Most Supportive Employer award.

Step into Work Plus, funded through a Big Lottery grant of £265,000 in 2011, consists of a 24-week programme, which has so far helped 126 people: 42 are now in paid employment, 19 are in voluntary roles and seven are in full-time education.

More than 40 employers in greater Merseyside have worked with the charity, including Pets at Home, Wirral Libraries, the Light cinema in New Brighton and Tranmere Rovers FC. Programme manager Beverley Breen said: “Students, families, carers and employers all say our programme is life-changing.

“Across Merseyside and beyond we’ve

Two top awards for autism charity

increased awareness of autism with employers and have shown how valuable people with autism can be as employees.”

Step into Work Plus includes coaching in employment skills, such as understanding how to dress smartly and how to shop, handle money, take part in social events and travel on public transport. Students even have the chance to create their own micro business.

Robin Bush, chief executive of Autism Together, said: “Over three quarters of those with autism who are unemployed actually want to work. Paid roles – or even voluntary ones – can do wonders for their self-esteem and enjoyment of life.

“I’m tremendously proud that our small team has been able to make such a dramatic difference in these students’ lives.”

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All Together NOW!

MEDICAL NOTES How to reduce risk of serious disease

by Dr Sally Norton, NHS weight loss consultant surgeon & UK Health Advisor

CANCER is one of those diseases that has us running scared. With one in two of us likely to develop some form of it in our lifetime, it sometimes seems we are powerless. But is that really true?

The very image of cancer “striking” us suggests it is simply bad luck alone that leads to some of us receiving that feared diagnosis while others escape its clutches.

Of course, we have long known that avoiding smoking cuts the risk of lung cancer. But we are hearing that eating well, keeping a healthy weight, and now exercising can also reduce our risk, as four in 10 cancer cases in the UK are apparently linked to lifestyle.

A new study of data on almost 1.5 million people from Europe and the United States found that those who were most active in their leisure time had a lower risk of developing cancer, compared with those who were the least active. Not all cancers, sadly, but 13 out of the 26 assessed including breast, colon, liver, kidney, oesophagus and stomach.

The average amount of moderate exercise was around 150 minutes per week.

It seems that this finding is largely independent of weight – which is good news for those struggling to slim down but managing to exercise nonetheless.

Exercising and getting weight into a healthy range will in theory, therefore, cut risk further.

With exercise already proven to have benefits in lowering the risk of heart disease, strokes and more, as well as improving mental function, this is yet another bonus to being more active.

So keep moving and give it the slip. n www.vavistalife.com

Teenage drinkers

HEAVY alcohol use during adolescence alters the development of the brain, researchers found.

Cortical thinning was seen in young people who had been heavy drinkers throughout their adolescence.

The study, by the University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, performed magnetic resonance imaging of the brain structure on young and healthy – but heavy-drinking adults – as well as on age-matched light-drinking young people.

PhD student Noora Heikkinen, said: “The maturation of the brain is still ongoing in adolescence.

“Our findings strongly indicate that heavy alcohol use may disrupt this maturation process.”

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Government ‘wrong to reject heart checks’ THE Government has “got it wrong” by refusing to make heart checks available to all young people.

That’s the verdict of leading charity Cardiac Risk in the Young, which claims the decision is based on flawed data and lack of access to important new research.

They say the study adds more weight to the argument that proactive cardiac screening must be offered to all young people – whether elite athletes, grassroots players or the general population.

In the largest study of non-competitive athletes, around 30,000 young people

were screened across a four-year period using an ECG test.

Crucially, the number of participants displaying conditions associated with young sudden cardiac death was similar to those in studies that have been carried out among athletes.

A CRY spokesman said: “Every week, 12 apparently fit and healthy young (aged 35 and under) people in the UK die from a previously undiagnosed heart condition. In 80% of cases, there will have been no signs or symptoms, which is why CRY believes screening is so vitally important.”

At present, the National Screening Committee is rejecting calls to recommend the roll out of cardiac screening, stating; “Anyone who has had palpitations, breathlessness or is related to someone who has died before 50 of unknown causes should see their GP for a personal check.”

But lead researcher Dr Harshil Dhutia said: “This study will have very important implications for UK health policy regarding sudden cardiac death in young individuals, demonstrating that screening with ECG is affordable and accurate.”

JUMP TO IT!

Use it – or lose it . . .

R

EST and you will rust – that’s the general principal that applies to growing older.

The fact that as we age our flexibility decreases and our health impairments increase is a biological process we have to accept.

But if we can’t stop this natural process, there is an awful lot we can do to slow it down.

Regular activiity keeps your back, joints and brain in good shape and the AGR (Campaign for Healthier Backs) has compiled a checklist for keeping healthy in later life.

Staying flexible

You don’t need to be taking part in highperformance athletic sports. What matters is that you move your body on a regular basis.

A good and simple opportunity to integrate exercise into your daily life is by taking the stairs instead of the lift, walking short distances or riding your bike instead of taking the car.

Gentle use of a back-friendly mini trampoline, like the AGR-approved Bellicon, is a good exercise for any age. The springy movements train all muscle groups, stimulate your metabolism and enhance flexibility and the sense of equilibrium.

The regular push-and-pull stimulations created by jumping on a trampoline also stimulate the bone metabolism, which can help reduce osteoporosis.

Healthy eating

A healthy and balanced diet with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, fibres, fish and lean meat as well as only little fat and sugar is important at any age.

Since the energy consumption decreases with age, a healthy nutrition low in calories is particularly advisable then. In order to prevent osteoporosis, eat foods rich in calcium, such as dairy products, vegetable greens, legumes and nuts.

Regular check-ups

The recommended physicals and screening measures should be made use of so any disease can be identified and treated early.

But not only medical check-ups serve your health. Paying close attention to your body and to any changes is important as well.

A back-friendly world

Creating a back-friendly daily environment helps keep it mobile and pain-free for longer.

Since the time sitting down tends to increase as you get older, back-friendly recliners and TV chairs can provide a major contribution to the health of your back.

But it’s important the chair is perfectly customised to your individual requirements and body size. Elements such as the backrest and footrest should be adjustable.

Fitform and Himolla chairs have been awarded the AGR seal of approval and

therefore identified as particularly backfriendly.

The right mattress becomes increasingly important with age. This is because the spine needs sufficient support as well as optimal pressure relief and the promotion of movement at night. n The AGR has focused on the prevention and treatment of backache for over 20 years.

The AGR seal of approval, “Tested & Recommended”, is an important help for consumers when it comes to making choices.

Objects needed every day, such as mattresses, upholstered furniture, easy chairs, walkers or sporting equipment, may be awarded this seal of approval if they fulfil a strict catalogue of criteria and are deemed particularly back-friendly by an independent board of medical-therapeutic experts. n www.agr-ev.de/en

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Football stars in cancer warning

FOOTBALL stars across the North West are being given tips to help avoid skin cancer.

Following the death of the former Barnsley and Grimsby defender, Paul Futcher last year, the Professional Footballers Association has teamed up with Manchester-based charity Melanoma UK to raise awareness of the disease.

Players at Bolton, Huddersfield Town, Preston North End, Bury, Oldham Athletic and Rochdale Town have already been warned about the dangers of skin cancer and how to check for irregularities.

PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor commented: “We are delighted to work with Melanoma UK to raise awareness about the dangers of this cancer.

“To do this in Paul’s name, in memory of one of our finest members, makes it even more special and poignant.”

Gillian Nuttall, head of Melanoma UK, added: “Melanoma is a cruel disease which takes far too many people from us each year.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with the PFA to help raise awareness with football players and all those involved with the sport.”

Paul Futcher, who made 763 senior career appearances, battled cancer after innovative treatments in melanoma failed to combat the disease.

Former club Grimsby Town described Futcher as “one of the greatest footballers ever to have graced Blundell Park”.

Melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, is on the increase in the UK with over 14,000 cases diagnosed in 2015, leading to 2,200 deaths. n Melanoma UK: Tel. 0808 171 2455.

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TEAMING UP: From left, Ben Futcher (Paul’s son), Gillian Nuttall, Colette Futcher (Paul’s wife), and Gordon Taylor

THE BIG SLEEP Sticking to a routine your best chance

S

TICKING to a regular routine could be the key to good sleep.

Screen time before bed can mess with your ability to achieve a proper night’s rest. But people without TV and laptops still miss out on sleep, researchers say.

A study of people living without electricity or artificial light in a remote farming village in Madagascar finds they get shorter, poorer sleep than people in Europe or the US. But they seem to make up for lost shuteye with a more regular sleep routine.

People in the West sleep less than a generation ago. That decline is largely attributed to artificial light before bedtime wreaking havoc on our ability to stay in sync with the 24-hour day.

“I think we can safely assume our ancestors weren’t staying up late at night cruising Facebook or looking at their ereaders,” said David Samson, an expert in in evolutionary anthropology at Duke University in North Carolina, US. “It makes falling asleep much harder.”

To better understand our natural sleep patterns, Samson, Duke professor Charles Nunn and colleagues went to the remote village of Mandena, in northeastern Madagascar, where most households do without electricity, and one of the few remaining places on Earth where light pollution is not a problem.

Nights are lit by the glow of cooking fires and kerosene lamps, or, when it’s

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clear, the natural light of the moon and the stars.

The study revealed that even without artificial lighting to disrupt their rest, people in Mandena get less sleep than most adults in Europe and the US. The villagers usually turned in around 7.30pm, two hours after sunset, and woke around 5.30am, about an hour before sunrise. But only 6.5 of those hours were spent sleeping.

What sleep they did get was fragmented and light. Mandena villagers sleep together in houses with bamboo walls that do little to buffer noise. “On a nightly basis there are parties, dogs, roosters, children crying. It is a challenging environment for getting a good sleep,” said Nunn.

The participants frequently woke in the night, then stayed up for an hour or two before returning to sleep.

They also spent less time in deep sleep

... or you could try learning to breathe!

stress or anxiety – and who want to increase their energy levels. She says: “Learning how to breathe is largely responsible for overcoming my own insomnia of 15 years.

“If you are ready to actively participate in your own healing journey, the information in this book will show you how to breathe yourself to sleep.”

and the dream state known as REM sleep compared with Western populations. Yet rather than complain about being bleary-eyed or foggybrained, 60% reported they were happy with their sleep.

People in Mandena compensate for lost nighttime sleep by napping during the day, often for up to an hour – nearly twice as long as the average catnap for Westerners, said Samson, whose findings were reported in the American Journal of Human Biology.

More importantly, Samson said, their sleep patterns were more consistent than most Westerners from one day to the next. Even when the researchers gave 10 people an LED camping lantern for a week, they still slept and woke at virtually the same times each day.

“Sticking to a schedule may be just as important as getting a solid night’s sleep,” Samson said.

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Look out for signs of deadly condition

TAKE the time to remember the symptoms of sepsis – it could save your life or a loved one.

A blood condition caused by the body trying to fight it kills around 37,000 people each year.

Call 999 or go straight to A&E if any of your family or friends shows any of these symptoms: n Looks mottled, bluish or pale. n Is very lethargic or difficult to wake. n Feels abnormally cold to touch. n Is breathing very fast. n Has a rash that does not fade when you press it. n Has a fit or convulsion.

Dr Jane Rossini, deputy director for Public Health England North West, said: “We know that acting quickly in cases of sepsis can save lives and it is important parents have the information to take action.”

UK Sepsis trust ambassador Melissa Mead, whose baby son, William, died due to sepsis, said: “Sepsis is a cruel, ruthless condition which doesn’t discriminate and can affect anyone.

“I will never hear my sweet child say ‘mummy I love you’. I will never know the man that William would have grown to be.

“So please, it is too late for me to ‘think sepsis’, but it’s not too late for you.”

n Tel. 0800 389 6255.

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April/May 2017

An ice time had by all

MEDICAL NOTES

Doctors’ ignorance over eye disease

GPs are both unhelpful and badly informed when it comes to Britain’s leading cause of blindness, new research reveals The shock study shows patients with degenerative eye disease are not receiving the information and support needed to manage, understand and treat their condition.

It found a link between registration as sight impaired or severely sight impaired and a lack of information at diagnosis on what patients should do if they experience sudden deterioration in vision.

“Patient experiences are an important indicator of quality of healthcare and our study has shown that, despite some improvements, GPs are not adequately informed or equipped to support patients receiving this distressing diagnosis,” said Emily Boxell, of Royal Holloway, University of London, who carried out the study in conjunction with the Macular Society.

Cathy Yelf, head of the Macular Society, the national charity for those affected by central vision loss, said: “Without the right information at the right time, this debilitating condition can cause much more profound problems than necessary.”

n Macular Society helpline 0300 3030 111 or email help@macularsociety.org

Hearing tests urged

EVERYONE reaching the age of 65 should have a free a routine hearing check – just like eye and teeth checkups, says a body representing makers of testing equipment.

The British and Irish Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association is backing a campaign spearheaded by charities Action on Hearing Loss and the Ear Foundation.

Currently, the NHS assesses the hearing health of new babies, but a recent review by the UK National Screening Committee did not support screening for adults.

The BIHIMA believes that as well as a national screening programme for over-65s, the practice of regular hearing checks should be promoted as “the new normal”, in the same way as we have our eyes and teeth routinely checked.

Despite the fact that hearing loss affects over 11 million adults and 45,000 children in the UK, very few people ever get their hearing checked.

Action on Hearing Loss estimates that a hearing screening programme for people aged 65 would cost £255 million over 10 years, but the benefits would total over £2 billion.

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WHILE the rest of us are hoping for the weather to warm up, a group of doctors have been encountering cold water immersion in Norway’s frozen north.

Foolhardy medical professionals have been learning extreme weather medicine and survival skills on a course run by a UK firm.

The course, organised by West Country firm World Extreme Medicine, has been developed for medical professionals, expedition and wilderness medics working in cold and high-altitude environments.

Evenings in Alta, Norway, are spent gaining expedition medical skills essential to treating injuries and

illnesses likely to occur in hostile environments, while days are spent in the field, learning practical skills.

The doctors were coming up against challenges such as shelter construction, cold water immersion and navigation, while learning about frostbite and hypothermia.

Mark Hannaford, founder of World Extreme Medicine, said, “This course gives them the chance to test themselves in a real-life extreme environment. From there, they can go anywhere. They could provide medical support for scientists working in Antarctica, or with more training go on to work in other exciting areas such as deserts, high mountains or in conflict zones.”

Diabetes boost SNOW-GO AREA: Doctors learn survival skills

T

US go-ahead for artficial pancreas

HE pancreas can be triggered to regenerate itself – which could be exciting news for those with diabetes.

Restoring the organ, which helps control blood sugar levels, was achieved through a type of fasting diet during experiments.

Once the pancreas was functioning again, the symptoms of diabetes were reversed.

Researchers using mice found that the diet rebooted the body.

Experts said the findings were “potentially very exciting” as they could become a new treatment for the disease.

The experiments were on mice put on a modified form of the “fasting-mimicking diet”.

When people go on it they spend five days on a low calorie, low protein, low carbohydrate but high unsaturated-fat diet.

It resembles a vegan diet with nuts and soups, but with around 800 to 1,100 calories a day.

Then they have 25 days eating what they want – so overall it mimics periods of feast and famine.

Previous research has suggested it can slow the pace of ageing.

But animal experiments showed the diet regenerated a special type of cell in the pancreas called a beta cell.

These are the cells that detect sugar in the blood and release the hormone insulin if it gets too high.

Dr Valter Longo, from the University of Southern California, said: “Our conclusion is that by pushing the mice into an extreme state and then bringing them back - by starving them and then feeding them again - the cells in the pancreas are triggered to use some kind of developmental reprogramming that rebuilds the part of the organ that’s no longer functioning.”

There were benefits in both type 1 and type

The perfect tonic . . .

THE first artificial pancreas has been approved for use in the US for people with Type 1 diabetes aged over 14.

DAILY JABS: May one day be a thing of the past

2 diabetes in the mouse experiments. Type 1 is caused by the immune system destroying beta cells and type 2 is largely caused by lifestyle and the body no longer responding to insulin.

Further tests on tissue samples from people with type 1 diabetes produced similar effects.

Dr Longo said: “Medically, these findings have the potential to be very important because we’ve shown - at least in mouse models - that you can use diet to reverse the symptoms of diabetes.

“Scientifically, the findings are perhaps even more important because we’ve shown that you can use diet to reprogram cells without having to make any genetic alterations.”

Separate trials of the diet in people have

Dr Elizabeth Robertson, director of research at Diabetes UK, said: “Artificial pancreas technology has the potential to transform the lives of people with Type 1 diabetes, and it’s very exciting to see the first device approved for use in the United States.

“While research is still needed to develop and improve the technology further, this is a critical step towards the artificial pancreas becoming a reality for people with Type 1 diabetes across the world.”

been shown to improve blood sugar levels.

The latest findings help to explain why.

However, Dr Longo said people should not rush off and crash diet.

He said: “Do not try this at home, this is so much more sophisticated than people realise.”

Dr Emily Burns, research communications manager at Diabetes UK, said: “This is potentially very exciting news, but we need to see if the results hold true in humans before we’ll know more about what it means for people with diabetes.

“People with type-1 and type-2 diabetes would benefit immensely from treatments that can repair or regenerate insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.”

The study was published in the journal, Cell.

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Anxious patients ‘take longer to heal’

M

ENTAL health issues can affect the body’s ability to heal, a fascinating new study shows.

The wounds of people recovering from surgery were more likely to heal poorly if they were affected by anxiety or depression, researchers found.

Cases involving more than 175,000 patients undergoing surgical procedures showed a strong link between existing psychological problems and readmissions for wounds failing to heal properly, as well as for urinary and bleeding complications.

“There have been several small studies which show the importance of mental health to wound healing but not on a sample of this scale,” said lead researcher Philip Britteon at The University of Manchester’s Centre for Health Economics.

“Patients with anxiety or depression end up

spending extra time in hospital and, as well as the impact on their quality of life, also represent an additional cost for the NHS.” The odds of experiencing wound complications after a hip replacement were 1.17 times greater for patients with moderate anxiety or depression than those without.

This is significant as people with complications face longer periods of recovery, higher costs and poorer quality of life.

Also in the study, patients with moderate anxiety or depression had 1.20 times greater odds of being readmitted for a wound complication and had longer durations of hospital stay on average.

This represented a significant additional amount of time in hospital when considering the effect was observed for four of the most commonly performed procedures in England.

Similar results were seen across all types of operations and were larger for patients with extreme anxiety or depression.

Britteon, whose PhD has been funded by donors to the University, added: “This information is important as psychological health can often be overlooked in preoperative assessment.

“Addressing anxiety or depression in advance of surgery has the potential to help people recover more quickly and save the NHS time and money in the longer term.”

Patients having hip replacements, knee replacements, hernia repairs, and varicose vein operations were analysed and the results were adjusted for factors such as patient demographics, lifestyle choices like smoking, and other illnesses.

The results of the research were published in the British Journal of Surgery.

Time for action

Put the spring back into your step!

S

PRING has finally sprung!

And for many, this creates the perfect opportunity to spring clean our health, TV medic Dr Hilary Jones says.

Here are his healthy top tips for the coming months.

1. Set Yourself a Challenge Challenging yourself can reveal qualities you didn’t know you had, and spring is a great time to get outdoors and set yourself a new goal that you can work towards. It might be a 10K run, a parachute jump or a bike ride, and why not get some friends on board too for added fun and motivation! Convincing yourself that you will conquer the challenge will make you believe it, whilst boosting your self-esteem and self-confidence in the process!

2. Banish Unnecessary Stress Having too much on our plate can leave us feeling drained and anxious so it’s important to create a balance.

Take 10 minutes to reflect on the things you find stressful in life and think about ways to limit them or get rid of them altogether!

Unclutter your mind before bed and give yourself time to think about the things in your daily routine that are important to you.

3. Spring Clean Your Senses Staying connected with the world around us is key to our happiness, relationships and emotional wellbeing. Whilst many of us visit our optician and dentist regularly, we

are reading these pages

wrongly neglect our hearing health – with research showing people can wait up to 10 years before taking action on a hearing problem! Don’t waste time wondering whether your hearing is what it should be — get the facts by getting a free hearing test via www.HiddenHearing.co.uk 4. Get Health Wise Do you know your cholesterol level and your ratio of good fats to bad fats in your blood? What’s your blood pressure reading?

What is your height-weight ratio and what is your body fat percentage? Staying on top of your health and taking positive steps to look after yourself today will help to protect your health in the years to come whilst giving you a baseline to compare with in the future.

5. Perfect Portioning Most of us know what we should be eating in order to stay healthy but portion size is something many don’t give much thought to.

According to the British Heart Foundation, our portion sizes have increased by over 50% in the last 20 years, so try using your hand to measure portions: A portion the size of the palm of your hand should be your protein, two fist-size portions for veg/salad, one fist or less is your carbohydrates (potato, rice, pasta etc.)

Chewing your food properly and putting your fork down between mouthfuls also allows your brain time to register that your stomach is full.

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MEDICAL NOTES

Faulty gene found in people with dwarfism SCIENTSTS have discovered a faulty gene in people living with a rare form of dwarfism.

A UK research team’s work shows how errors in the gene – called DONSON – can cause growth defects associated with microcephalic dwarfism.

It raises the potential of more accurate diagnoses for patients with genetic microcephaly, which results in short stature and reduced head size.

The study, by an international team of scientists led by the University of Birmingham, could also provide an insight into how similar rare hereditary diseases are caused.

Tests on cells growing in the laboratory revealed that the DONSON gene plays a crucial role in ensuring DNA is copied correctly when cells divide and grow.

Cells from patients with mutations in the DONSON gene had trouble efficiently replicating their DNA and protecting it from uncontrolled damage, ultimately leading to growth defects typical of microcephalic dwarfism.

“Despite DNA replication being a process that is fundamental to life, there is still a lot we don’t know,” said Professor Grant Stewart, from the Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences at the University of Birmingham.

“This research sheds new light on the mechanisms underlying DNA replication, and the effect on human health when this process goes wrong.”

Huntington’s hope

A BREAKTHROUGH could pave the way for new ways of treating a devastating illness.

Early warning signs of Huntington’s disease have been uncovered in a sheep carrying the human HD mutation, leading the way for a possible future cure.

These new findings, by teams at the University of Surrey and University of Cambridge, reveal that Huntington’s disease affects important metabolic processes in the body before physical symptoms appear.

Professor Debra Skene from the University of Surrey, said: “Our research shows that this disease affects the body in a number of ways before the tell-tale signs of Huntington’s disease become visible.”

Professor Jenny Morton, from the University of Cambridge, said: “The more we learn about this devastating illness the better chance we have of finding a cure.”

Huntington’s disease is a genetic neurodegenerative disorder affecting more than 6,700 people in the UK.

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Until Apr 8: The Commitments.

Palace, Manchester. Soulful musical.

Until Apr 8: Lost Soul. Royal Court, Liverpool. Dave King’s recordbreaking comedy.

Until Apr 8: The Conquest of the South Pole. Everyman Liverpool.

Written in 1984 in East Berlin – with revolution in the air.

Until Apr 15: Scarlet. Theatre Clwyd, Mold. Uplifting comedy about three generations of women.

Captioned, April 15.

Until Apr 15: Junkyard. Theatre Clwyd, Mold. New musical set in 1979 in Bristol about a man who remembers what it’s like to be a teenager. Audio described, Apr 7 6; Apr 8. Captioned, Apr 8.

Until Apr 22: The Tennant of Wildfell Hall. Octagon, Bolton.

Passionate story of a woman’s fight for independence, based on the 1848 novel by Anne Brontë. BSL, Apr 11.

Captioined, Apr 13. Audio described, Apr 18.

Until Apr 29: Bat Out Of Hell. Opera House, Manchester. High-octane rock ‘n’ roll musical.

Apr 1-23: Beauty & The Beast. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Apr 4-8: Gabriel. Playhouse Liverpool. Paul McGann stars in an edge-of-your-seat drama about a family held captive in Nazi occupied Guernsey.

Apr 4-6: Beauty & The Beast.

The Brindley, Runcorn. Keith Chegwin and Basil Brush in the starring roles.

Apr 4-8: Horrible Histories: The Best of Barmy Britian. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Apr 4: Le Vin Herbe: Welsh National Opera. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Apr 5: La Boheme: Welsh National Opera. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Apr 5-8: Jane Eyre. Pavilion, Rhyl.

New musical.

Apr 6: Madam Butterfly. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Apr 6-8: Romeo and Juliet. Theatre Clwyd, Mold. Shakespear shaken up!

Apr 7-9: An American in Paris plus West End Highlights. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Apr 8-15: Jane Eyre. The Lowry, Salford. National Theatre and Bristol Old Vic production of Bronte masterpiece. Captioned, Apr 13.

Apr 9: Stand By Me. Palace, Manchester. Celebration of Ben E King and The Drifters.

Apr 9: Billy & Wally’s Big Show. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Apr 10-15: Dreamcoats & Petticoats The Musical. Regent Theatre, Stoke. Rock ‘n’ roll at its best.

Apr 10: The Bootleg Beatles.

Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Apr 11-15: My Country; a work in

April/May 2017

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BOX OFFICE CONTACTS BLACKPOOL Grand Theatre: 01253 290190 BOLTON Octagon: 01204 520661 LIVERPOOL Empire: 08444 999 999 Everyman & Playhouse: 0151 709 4776 Royal Court: 0870 787 1866 Unity 0151 709 4988 LLANDUDNO Venue Cymru: 01492 872000 MOLD: Theatr Clwyd: 0845 3303565 MANCHESTER Opera House: 0870 401 9000 Palace Theatre: 0870 401 3000

Royal Exchange 0161 833 9833 SALFORD The Lowry: 0843 208 6000 NEW BRIGHTON Floral Pavillion: 0151 666 0000 PRESTON: Charter Theatre: 0845 344 2012 RHYL: Pavilion Theatre: 01745 330 000 RUNCORN The Brindley: 0151 907 8360 SOUTHPORT: Floral Hall: 0844 847 2380 ST HELENS: Theatre Royal: 01744 756000 STOKE: Regent Theatre: 0844 871 7627

Home truths . . .

MAKE A NIGHT OF IT

progress. Playhouse Liverpool.

National Theatre’s new performance based on interviews with people across the UK after the EU referendum.

Apr 11-15: Nell Gwynn. The Grand, Blackpool. Winner of the 2016 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy.

Apr 11: April in Paris. Pavilion, Rhyl.

Apr 13-29: The Story Giant.

Everyman Liverpool. Family adventure.

Apr 12: The Matt Monro Story. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Apr 12: Kasabian. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Apr 12: The Solid Silver 60s Show.

Floral Hall, Southport.

Apr 13: Sir Ken Dodd’s Happiness Show. Floral Hall, Southport.

Apr 13: Seven Drunken Nights.

Charter, Preston. Tribute to The Dubliners.

Apr 13: One Night of Elvis: Lee ‘Memphis’ King. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Apr 13: Manford’s Comedy Club.

The Brindley, Runcorn.

Apr 14: The Solid Silver ‘60s Show: The Merseybeats and Dave Berry.

Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Apr 14-15: Beauty & The Beast.

Pavilion, Rhyl. Keith Chegwin and Basil Brush.

Apr 15: Alice in Wonderland.

Charter, Preston. Mayhem and madness.

Apr 15: The ELO Experience. The Brindley, Runcorn. Tribute show.

Apr 15-16: Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Apr 16: Shakin’ Stevens. The Lowry, Salford.

Apr 16: The Solid Silver 60s Show.

The Grand, Blackpool.

Apr 16: You Win Again. Palace, Manchester. The story of the Bee Gees.

Apr 17: Billy Ocean. The Lowry, Salford.

Apr 18-22: Running Wild. The Lowry, Salford. Prepare to be wowed as Michael Morpurgo’s novel is brought to life.

Apr 18-22: Cyrnao de Bergerac.

The Lowry, Salford. Swashbuckling tale of love to lift your spirits.

Apr 18-22: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat.

Charter, Preston. Joe McElderry in the dreamcoat.

Apr 18: The Emerald Island Tour: Caro Emerald. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Apr 18: The Billy Fury Story.

Palace, Manchester. 20th anniversary tour.

Apr 18-29: Mamma Mia! Regent

A BOLD and exciting theatre production, Home – devised specifically for audiences with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD) – is wowing audiences all over the UK. Frozen Light theatre company bring their innovative production to the Unity, Liverpool on May 24 (11am and 1.30pm).

Co-artistic director Amber Onat Gregory said: “We want to

Theatre, Stoke. Audio described and BSL, 2.30pm, Apr 22.

Apr 18-22: Gabriel. Theatre Clwyd, Mold. Paul McGann stars in an edgeof-your-seat drama about a family held captive in Nazi occupied Guernsey.

Apr 19: Yamato Drummers.

Pavilion, Rhyl.

Apr 19: Alice in Wonderland. The Brindley, Runcorn. Magical adventure for all ages..

Apr 20: Robin Hood - An Easter Panto. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Apr 20: Billy & Wally’s Stylish Spectacular. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Apr 21: Remembering Fred.

Pavilion, Rhyl. Fred Astaire tribute.

Apr 21: The Carpenters Story.

Palace, Manchester. Celebration of the music by Richard and Karen Carpernter.

Apr 21-May 20: The Lonesome West. Royal Court, Liverpool. Dark comedy. Two bickering brothers are stuck with each other after their father’s unfortunate death.

Apr 21: Showaddywaddy. The Brindley, Runcorn. The band that had more UK hits in the 1970s than any other act – including Abba.

Apr 21: The Garth Brooks Story.

enable people who rarely attend high street arts venues to experience the theatre. With this tour, we hope to reach as many people with PMLD as possible.”

The play follows Scarlet and Olive in a world that is not how they remember it. Where are they now and where is their home? n Unity, Liverpool Tel, 0151 709 4988

Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Tribute show.

Apr 22: Richard & Adam – The Journey. Pavilion, Rhyl.

Apr 22: Remembering Fred. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Tribute to Fred Astaire.

Apr 22: Mothership. The Brindley, Runcorn. Led Zeppelin tribute show.

Apr 23: Gerry Cross The Mersey.

Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Apr 23; The Sooty Show. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Apr 24-29: Ghost – The Musical.

The Lowry, Salford.

Apr 24-30: Wonderland. Palace, Manchester. Enchanting musical of Alice in Wonderland.

Apr 25: Memory Lane. The Brindley, Runcorn. Musical journey through the 50s, 60s and 70s.

Apr 25-29: Strictly Murder. The Grand, Blackpool. April 1939. An English couple are living in Provence – a long way from the rumblings of the coming war.

Apr 26-May 6: I Capture the Castle.

Octagon, Bolton. Set in the bohemian England of the 1930s, this funny coming-of-age story is set to stunning original music by Steven Edis. BSL, Tues May 2. Audio described, May 4. Captioned, May 5.

HOW YOU CAN PLAY A STARRING ROLE IN THE FUTURE OF THIS

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All Together NOW!

April/May 2017

Life’s full of Ups Downs, says Maria

T

HERE’S a world of vibrant colour and positive energy on show at Salford Museum and Art Gallery in ‘Ups and Downs,’ – an art collaboration with Central Station Design’s Matt Carroll and his sister Maria Carroll, who has Down’s syndrome.

The Carrolls are cousins of Happy Mondays Shaun and Paul Ryder, and they designed all the Mondays and Black Grape covers, including iconic sleeves for ‘Pills Thrills and Bellyaches’ and ‘It’s Great When You’re Straight…

Yeah’.

Maria, 54, has Down’s syndrome and has lived with Matt since their parents died within a few months of each other in 2011.

She grew up in a large family of nine brothers and sisters, surrounded by music, art and a community filled with larger than life characters.

Matt says: “She was born at a time when people with Down’s syndrome were considered uneducable. They were misunderstood and often ridiculed. But Apr 26. An Evening with Pam Ayres. The Brindley, Runcorn. Pam’s unique take on everyday life.

Apr 26: Morgan & West. The Brindley, Runcorn. Time travelling magic duo with a brand new show.

Apr 28: Billy Joel Songbook.

Charter, Preston. Elio Pace celebrates the music of the maestro.

Apr 30: That’ll Be The Day. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Apr 29: The Searchers. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Apr 30: The Simon & Garfunkel Story. The Brindley, Runcorn. Direct from its success in the West End. May 1: Yamato Drummers. Palace, Manchester.

May 1-6: The Play that Goes Wrong. Regent Theatre, Stoke.

Fawlty Towers meets Noises Off in this smash hit West End comedy.

May 1-3: All Or Nothing. Pavilion, Rhyl. Musical based on The Small Faces.

May 3-6: Casanova. The Lowry, Salford. Northern Ballet. Audio described, May 6, May 3: Sir Henry at Rawlinson’s End. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Liverpool comedian Michael Liversley.

May 3: Ellen Kent’s La Boheme.

Palace, Manchester.

Maria became the life force within the family, a beacon for good and a unique character – her big smile much-loved and respected in her community.”

The paintings began as drawings by Maria on her i-Pad, and she and Matt used these as a source to paint together.

One of Maria’s early paintings can be seen on The Happy Mondays ‘Yes Please’ album cover and the earthy tones of the pieces and liberating energy of her brushstrokes radiate warmth and comfort in Ups and Downs.

The Carroll siblings’ interest in art began in childhood when their dad would take them on family trips to Salford Museum and Art Gallery.

Matt recalls: “In fact, mum and dad grew up and met in the area around the gallery and it’s where dad got his library books as a lad, so it’s amazing that Maria and I are exhibiting there.

Matt adds: “We hope these paintings will inspire others and offer the wider community an insight into the wonderful ideas and unique view of the world people like Maria have.”

The exhibition runs until June 4 Maria and brother, Matt Carroll at the exhibition

May 3-6: Priscilla Queen of the Desert. Charter, Preston. Musical comedy set Down Under.

May 4: King of Pop – Navi with Jennifer Batten. Grand Hall, Preston. Michael Jackson tribute.

May 4: The Celtic Tenors. Pavilion, Rhyl.

May 4-27: The Importance of Being Earnest. Theatre Clwyd, Mold. Oscar Wilde’s brilliant comedy about double lives, friendship and discovering who you are. Audio described, May 18; May 20.

Captioned, May 20.

May 4: Shakin’ Stevens. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

May 4: Patsy Cline. Theatre Royal, St Helens. Sue Lowry’s tribute show.

May 5: Fleetwood Bac. The Brindley, Runcorn. Tribute show.

May 5: Liam McGenity. The Brindley, Runcorn. Widnes-born singersongwriter.

May 5: The Blues Brothers. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Tribute show.

May 5: Dire States – Tribute to Mark Knopfler. New Brighton.

May 6: ELO Again – Return of the Blue Tour. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Tribute show.

May 6: Be Bop A Lula. Pavilion, Rhyl.

May 6-20: The Sum. Everyman

UNIQUE CHARITY NEWSPAPER

Liverpool. Powerful modern-day play about hard times in Liverpool.

May 7: Laurence Clark – Independence. The Lowry, Salford. Liverpool comic’s unique take on life.

May 7: Joe Longthorne. Floral Hall, Southport.

May 7: The Solid Silver 60s Show.

Opera House, Manchester.

May 8-13: The Crucible. Opera House, Manchester. Enter the world of the Salem witch trials May 8-13: Sister Act. Regent Theatre, Stoke. Alexandra Burke in the lead role. Audio described and BSL, 7.30pm, May 11.

May 9: Pasha Kovalev. The Brindley, Runcorn. Dancing at its very best.

May 10: The Unthanks. The Brindley, Runcorn. The mavericks of British folk music.

May 11: Leo Sayer. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

May 11- Jun 3: Winter Hill. Octagon, Bolton. In the near future a group of women gather in a half built hotel on Winter Hill in Bolton; is it a book group discussing famous heroines? Is it a chance to meet with friends and drink wine? Or is it . . . a revolution?

Audio described, May 18. BSL, May 23. Captioned, Jun 1.

May 11-13: Kiss of Death. The Grand, Blackpool. Modern thriller with

plenty of dark humour.

May 11: Bringing on Back The 60s.

The Brindley, Runcorn. Featuring Mike Pender, of The Searchers.

May 13-14: Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

May 15-20: La Strada. The Lowry, Salford. Stunning new adaptation.

May 15-20: The Wedding Singer.

Opera House, Manchester. Rock-star wannabe Robbie is dumped by his fiancé and left considering a career on Wall Street.

May 15-17: All or Nothing – The MOD Musical. The Grand, Blackpool.

The story behind The Small Faces.

May 15-20: Million Dollar Quartet.

Palace, Manchester. The Broadway and West End smash hit musical..

May 16-20: Guys and Dolls. The Brindley, Runcorn. New York tale of gamblers, gangsters and nightclub singers.

May 19: Dean Friedman. The Brindley, Runcorn. Legendary singersongwriter.

May 19-20: Ben & Holly. Regent Theatre, Stoke.

May 20: The Simon & Garfunkel Story. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

May 20: Let’s Go Backwards Together: Al Murray. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

May 20: Frankenstein 1899. The

Brindley, Runcorn. The 19th century is drawing to an end, and a brave new world is set to dawn.

May 21: Beyond The Barricade.

Palace, Manchester. Greatest songs in musical theatre.

May 21: The Grumbleweeds Laughter Show. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

May 21: I’m Still Standing – The Elton John Songbook. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton. Tribute show.

May 22-27: Not Dead Enough.

Opera House, Manchester. Murder thriller from Roy Grace.

May 22-27: Thoroughly Modern Millie. Palace, Manchester. Back to the Jazz Age in New York City.

May 22-27: Sister Act: The Musical.

Alexandra Burke in the starring role.

Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

May 22-27: Grease. Regent Theatre, Stoke. Debut theatrical role for Tom Parker, from boy band The Wanted.

May 23: From The Jam. The Brindley, Runcorn. Former Jam bassist Bruce Foxton and Russell Hastings.

May 24: The Chicago Blues Brothers. Floral Hall, Southport.

May 24: A Night at the Opera. The Brindley, Runcorn. Superb singing, a select chamber ensemble and elegant costumes from the London Festival Opera.

May 25: Barron Knights.

The Brindley, Runcorn. Fun and great music.

May 26-Jun 3: Tmesis Theatre Training Company: Daydream Believers. Unity, Liverpool. Psychedelic experience inspired by the 1967 ‘Summer of Love’.

May 26-27: Roy Chubby Brown.

The Brindley, Runcorn.

May 27-Jun 7: Romeo & Juliet.

Everyman Liverpool. Shakespeare’s brutal tale of love and family.

May 28: The Chicago Blues Brothers. Palace, Manchester.

May 28: Sir Ken Dodd’s Happiness Show. Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

May 28: Beyond The Barricade.

The Brindley, Runcorn. Some of the greatest songs in musical theatre.

May 29-Jun 3: Out Of Order. Opera House, Manchester. Things go disastrously wrong when a Government junior minister dates one of the Opposition’s typists.

May 29-Jun 3: The Play That Goes Wrong. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

May 30-Jun 3: The Buddy Holly Story. Palace, Manchester.

May 30-Jun 3: Woman in Black.

Theatre Clwyd, Mold. Acclaimed ghost story.

May 30-Jun 3: All or Nothing.

Regent Theatre, Stoke. Musical based on the life and music of The Small Faces.

May 31-Jun 3: 9 to 5 The Musical.

The Grand, Blackpool.

. . . SEE BACK PAGE FOR DETAILS

29

30

All Together NOW!

Books

Barbara’s life of faith and fitness

God, Golf, and Parkinson’s, by Barbara Hogg, amazon, £9.95 LIFE is full of challenges. These challenges mould people and change them – for better or for worse.

Retired nurse Barbara Hogg struggle, and strength in the face of adversity and illness.

Parkinson’s disease is a condition that Barbara has been battling for 26 years with sheer willpower, faith, and unwavering determination.

She espouses exercise for combating the depression and anxiety associated with her illness, as well as keeping her body strong.

“God has opened doors that have led to helping others who are struggling,” she says.

“He has put people in my path who have helped me learn what is needed to have a positive attitude toward my advocacy work for Parkinson’s awareness.”

Advice on autism

Autism Supporting Difficulties, by Gaynor M Jackson, Troubador/Matador, amazon, £8.99

HAVING worked in inclusive schools as an advisory teacher, Gaynor M Jackson shares ideas and guidelines to help parents, educators and children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

Her book is a collection of ideas to reduce anxiety in everyday situations, providing simple and informative tips about how children with ASD can be supported by their parents and professionals to manage their anxieties and difficulties.

Gaynor says: “Children are individuals, no matter what they have in common.

“Autism is a spectrum of difficulties – and the degrees of difficulties and sensory issues are not uniform, but individual to each child.

“Sometimes we look too deeply, and sometimes not deeply enough.”

There is no cure for autism, but Gaynor hopes that by learning to pre-empt some of the potential anxieties caused by the unfamiliar, parents, educators and the children themselves may be able to help manage their reactions and, in time, reduce some of their fears.

April/May 2017

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

ARIES March 21st - April 20th

fitness regimen, changing your diet and getting more sleep will increase your stamina. On the 25th, the New Moon brings a financial windfall in the form of an inheritance, insurance refund or royalty payment. Spend this money on a spiritual pilgrimage you’ve been yearning to take. Visiting a place known for its beauty and culture will give you a new lease on life.

You’ll be working hard to improve your financial situation. The Full Moon on the 11th will cause a power struggle in a close relationship.

Beware of assuming a dictatorial attitude with your romantic or business partner. Hosting a gathering will lift your spirits at Easter; you’ll enjoy serving as Master of Ceremonies. On the 26th, you’ll see a big improvement in your income. Having more money will give you more time for relaxing activities. You should consider putting a stalled plan back into motion at the beginning of May. The Full Moon on the 10th draws you close to someone with a powerful personality. Letting down your guard with this charismatic individual will be empowering. Two heads are definitely better than one at this exciting time.

SAGITTARIUS November 23rd - December 21st

TAURUS April 21st - May 21st

It will be easy to command attention throughout April. Your powers of persuasion will be very strong, making it difficult to refuse any of your requests. On the 11th, the Full Moon will create some strain in your life. Mixing your personal and professional lives will cause a great deal of unhappiness. Expenses will increase during the second half of the month, despite your best efforts to economise. Surrounding yourself with creative people is a good idea during the opening days of May. Take this opportunity to develop an intriguing idea that’s been tugging at your subconscious for the past few weeks. If you play your cards right, you’ll be able to travel overseas. Toward the middle of the month, it will be much easier to get an audience for your ideas.

GEMINI May 22nd - June 21st

You’ll get help from an undisclosed friend at the beginning of April. Don’t question your luck when you receive a big windfall. Instead, give thanks for it by making a donation to your favourite charity. Dealing with a bureaucratic issue will be more frustrating than usual during the first half of the month. If you can postpone this business until May, do so. The first days of the month will find you working behind the scenes for an extremely creative person. Put your assumptions aside for the sake of absorbing new information. Look, listen and learn. The Full Moon on the 10th will finally begin to show results from a health regimen.

CANCER June 22nd - July 23rd

Working with a partner will help you make a cherished dream come true in the opening days of April. Don’t let pessimistic relatives and colleagues break your stride. A friend from your past will try to reconnect with you; recalling old times will jog some forgotten memories. The Full Moon on the 11th could bring a tense family situation to a head. It may be time to find a healthier living situation. Travel may be on the agenda around Easter. The early days of May could potentially bring impressive breakthroughs. News of a birth, engagement or marriage will arrive on the 10th, when the Full Moon sets off a string of festivities. The second half of the month will find you very busy.

LEO July 24th - August 23rd

An opportunity that seems tailor-made for you will become available. On the 11th, the Full Moon will bring some upsetting news. Pay careful attention to your body’s signals during the second half of the month. If an old ache or pain resurfaces, make a date with your doctor.

The New Moon on the 26th will put you squarely in the spotlight, where you belong.

Taking on a more prominent role in May will be rewarding. There will be many perks associated with this position and you should take full advantage of them. On the 25th, the New Moon will inspire you to pursue a lifelong dream. With

RUSSELL GRANT CALLING . . . the help of a relative or neighbour, you will gain access to the resources you need to succeed.

The final days of the month are ideal for assuming new job responsibilities.

VIRGO August 24th - September 23rd

The beginning of April is a good time to make some travel plans. On the 11th, the Full Moon will create financial strain. It may be time to talk with a loved one or child who has expensive tastes. Easter will bring a welcome opportunity to spend quality time with your favourite friends and relatives. An old flame will try to make their way back into your life during the second half of the month. At the start of May, you’ll feel a powerful, potent connection with someone close to your heart. This is a great time to ask someone for a date or plan a luxurious outing for the one you love. The New Moon on the 25th will put you squarely in the spotlight.

LIBRA September 24th - October 23rd

The Full Moon on the 11th will force you to defend your reputation to a meddling relative.

Stop letting a controlling family member influence your decisions. A windfall might come your way at Easter. Your household will undergo big changes during the second half of the month. On the 26th, you’ll get a chance to create long term financial security. The opening days of May will make it much easier to work with a partner. Take this opportunity to sort out misunderstandings or misconceptions and build a plan for moving forward. The New Moon on the 25th invites you to expand your horizons.

Push yourself harder than usual as June approaches.

SCORPIO October 24th - November 22nd

On the 11th, an embarrassing secret will come to light. Be ready to do some damage control at this stressful time. News of an engagement, marriage or pregnancy could be announced near Easter, setting off a round of celebrations.

The second half of April will prompt you to change your thinking on a local matter. May begins with an astral emphasis on all health enhancing ideas and strategies. Taking up a

The days surrounding Easter will be perfect for enjoying domestic pursuits. It’s a positive time to enjoy comfort food with your nearest and dearest. Do your best to conserve your financial resources during the second half of April. Make your cash stretch as far as it can possibly go.

On the 26th, the New Moon will prompt you to hold a far reaching lifestyle check. The start of May makes it easier to finalise arrangements for an upcoming vacation. The delays and snags that held you back will magically disappear. Your home life will be rewarding during the first half of the month. Spend as much time in your domestic comfort zone as possible; it will help you cope with stress from public life.

CAPRICORN December 22nd - January 20th

Your powerful magnetism attracts many admirers at the beginning of April. The Full Moon on the 11th will find you facing off with an oppressive authority figure. You may decide it’s time to leave a position that has become too stressful to bear. A loving message from someone special will make your spirits soar at Easter. It will be easier to smooth out and defrost family relationships at the beginning of May. Don’t discuss the details of your private life in mixed company toward the middle of the month. It’s best to be discreet, especially with colleagues. Try not to neglect your family during the second half of your month, even if exciting career opportunities beckon. The New Moon on the 25th marks a job offer that sounds too good to be true.

AQUARIUS January 21st - February 19th

The Full Moon on the 11th will cause arguments about religion, politics and culture to erupt. Instead of adding fuel to the fire, listen carefully to all points of view. Reconnect with friends and family at Easter. The second half of April will find you doing battle with a bureaucratic institution. A change in policy will create tremendous inconvenience to you.

Working from home will be genuinely pleasant and productive in the early days of May. Good news about a lifelong dream will arrive during the second half of May. Take a bold risk of some kind. On the 25th, the New Moon will attract opportunities for love, romance and adventure.

PISCES February 20th - March 20th

You’ll have to juggle the budget to accommodate your financial obligations. The second half of the month will see some big changes to your social network. On the 26th, the New Moon will give you a chance to acquire some valuable skills. In the opening days of May, finances will flow more freely. It will be a relief to have more income at your disposal..

On the 10th, the Full Moon will be a time when legal and official matters can be wrapped up and put to bed. It will be a relief to have a case decided in your favour. The New Moon on the 25th could find you relocating.

HALF A MILLION PEOPLE ARE READING THESE PAGES

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April/May 2017

All Together NOW!

TEN FAB PRIZES FOR BUDDING GARDENERS

PRIZES for young gardeners are on offer in this competition – sets of two imaginative packs from Johnsons Seeds’ Little Gardeners’ My First Growing Game series.

Each set is worth £11 and we have TEN to give away.

They come as colourful boxes that open out to reveal . . . n Sunflower Race, combining the growing element - seeds of Sunny Giant sunflowers with growing directions and a card to record the flowers’ growth rate - with the game, a snakes-and-ladders style board on which “frost” sends the players back and “watering” forward, a number spinner and sunflower counters; and... n Grow Your Own Pizza Topping, which contains seeds of basil and tomato Moneymaker, with growing and cooking

Growing business

THOMPSON & Morgan, the Ipswich-based seed and plant firm which has supported our gardening page with many competition prizes over the years, has forged closer links with the North West and Wales, major distribution areas for All Together NOW! The BVG Group, based in Brecon, Powys, with a distribution centre in Skelmersdale, Lancs, acquired 100% of the share capital of Branded Garden Products, the parent company of Thompson & Morgan, in March.

The new combined group will have a turnover of £140m.

BVG Group is a market leader in the direct sale of sporting supplements, fishing tackle, footwear and clothing, as well as home and garden products. T&M has expanded recently to offer what it claims is the UK’s widest range of horticultural products.

T&M will remain in Ipswich, its home since the company was founded in 1855, and will continue to be run as a separate business under the same management team.

directions, plus a lily-pond game with jumping frogs.

Both include compost pellets, peat pots, seed labels and an educational plant colouring-in picture.

Little Gardeners even has its own website (www.little-gardeners.co.uk), which combines fun and facts in the Fun Zone, Little Gardeners’ Academy and Meet the Gang page.

To enter the competition, answer this question: What variety of sunflower comes in Sunflower Race?

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: Little Gardeners Competition, All Together NOW!, The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP, to arrive by Friday May 26, or enter online at www.alltogethernow.org.uk n Johnsons range of seeds is available from a wide range of retailers and online at: www.johnsons-seeds.com

ASPARAGUS TIPS M

TULIP TIMER: Lily-flowered tulips like Fly Away enhance any spring garden

OST gardeners – and gourmets – will agree that asparagus is one of the finest vegetables.

The Romans thought so, too, and on invading Britain were delighted to find it was among the native coastal plants.

The name comes from the Greek aspharagos though Brits corrupted that to sparrow-grass.

Few gardeners grow it, perhaps because it demands a year or more of patience before the crop can be enjoyed. But why not go for a touch of luxury? Asparagus will grow in a sunny position on any well-drained soil- in fact is it is probably the most drought-tolerant vegetable. It is best to find space for a row at least 3m (10ft) long and 60cm-90cm (2ft-3ft) wide to ensure adequate crops – worth the space because a bed will yield for 20 years.

Seeds can be sown in a seedbed in spring and the young crowns transplanted the following April but,

since no shoots should be harvested the first year in the main bed, it will then be three years before a crop is available.

It is quicker to buy roots, called crowns, for planting in April and 4in deep. Make a trench 30cm wide and 20cm deep (12in x 8in) and make a ridge 10cm (4in) high along the centre of the trench. Plant the spiderlike crowns 30cm-45cm (12in-18in) apart, spreading the roots each side of the ridge, and cover with 5cm (2in) of soil. Earth up the shoots as they grow.

Crowns planted like this will produce a reasonable

number of the delicious, purple-tipped spears after two years.

Whether you start with seeds or crowns, the bed should be well prepared by thorough digging, removal of all perennial weeds, and incorporating farmyard manure or garden compost. If a raised bed can be built up, so much the better - it will encourage longer blanched spears and ensure drainage is good.

Asparagus is not a hungry crop but appreciates a dressing of general fertiliser each April. Despite traditional advice, the addition of salt to the soil has not been shown to have any benefit.

All-male forms of asparagus yield more spears.

One of the newer varieties, Guelph Millennium, is excellent, producing high yields of purple-tipped, green spears. It comes from Canadian breeding, making it particularly well suited to UK weather conditions.

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CHECKLIST 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 under glass. Protect them at night until the risk of frost has passed.

SHRUBS AND TREES: Prune shrubs that have finished flowering. Cut out dead wood, weak growth and crossing branches then trim to keep the shape balanced. Do not prune shrubs and trees that have still to flower this year.

LAWNS: Spike lawns that become waterlogged. Then apply a spring lawn feed, mosskiller or lawn weedkiller as appropriate. Combined formulations are available. For maximum effect, let the grass grow for a week before applying. When moss turns black, generally after a fortnight, rake it out of the lawn.

FRUIT: Watch for sawfly or aphid attack on gooseberries and currants, usually starting in the tips of shoots, and squash them or spray with a contact insecticide.

The hard-to-see green caterpillars of sawflies can devastate plants.

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, at the end of May, French and runner beans.

HOUSEPLANTS: Water more freely, feed regularly and do not leave plants in full sun all day except for types really suited to hot conditions.

All Together NOW!

32

April/May 2017

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.

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Steep cliff (9) Apart from (6) Religious figure (4) Undersized pig (4) Listen (anag.) (6) Forming a line (7) Poisonous tree (4) Perfumed powder (4) Border of cloth (3) Remove moisture (3) Wooden shoe (4) Annoying child (4) Biblical story (7) Pressing (6) Sort (4) Stratford’s river (4) Loiter (6) Society girl (9)

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: What is a siesta?

A A type of car B A roadside cafe C An afternoon nap D A spell of wet weather QUESTION 2 – for 2 points: Which European country has had monarchs called Alexander, Ivan, Peter, Nicholas and Catherine?

A Germany B Romania C Greece D Russia QUESTION 3 – for 3 points: What is the helmsman of a boat called?

A Midshipman B Purser C Coxswain D Deckhand QUESTION 4 – for 4 points: Which island is known as the Emerald Isle?

A Sri Lanka B Tahiti C Sardinia D Ireland QUESTION 5 – for 5 points: Actor Hugh Jackman played which leading character in the X-Men series of films?

A Wolverine B Magneto C Professor X D Batman QUESTION 6 – for 6 points: What is made from a combination of saltpetre, charcoal and sulphur?

A Lawn sand B Mothballs C Gunpowder D Insecticide

8

Regain a loss (6) Population count (6) Mother or father (6) Small US coin (4) No longer existing (7) Untidy state (4) Impasse (9) Fourfold (9) Simple (4) Lively dance (5) Aromatic plant (4) Perfumed (7) Rich cake (6) Yellow fruit (6) Nearly (6) Man (4) Wheel covering (4)

SUDOKU

QUESTION 10 – for 10 points: Chef Jamie Oliver practised cooking in his parents’ pub in which county?

A B C D

Essex Surrey Hampshire Yorkshire

QUESTION 11 – for 11 points: Which war began in 1861 and ended in 1865?

A B C D

The Franco-Prussian War The Boer War The American Civil War The Crimean War

QUESTION 12 – for 12 points: Which Gilbert and Sullivan operetta features the House of Lords?

A B C D

Actor Hugh Jackman. See Question 5

QUESTION 7 – for 7 points: In which sport might a suplex be performed?

A Diving B Wrestling C Yachting D Golf QUESTION 8 – for 8 points: What is measured by a chronometer?

A B C D

Patience Trial By Jury Iolanthe Ruddigore

QUESTION 13 – for 13 points: Which nut was first found in Australia?

A B C D

Pecan Macadamia Cashew Monkey nut

QUESTION 14 – for 14 points: Which composer’s Cantata No 208 contains the number Sheep May Safely Graze?

Air pressure Wind force Time Speed

A B C D

J.S. Bach Handel Vivaldi Telemann

QUESTION 9 – for 9 points: Which Dragons’ Den entrepreneur invested in Reggae Reggae sauce?

QUESTION 15 – for 15 points: Which car manufacturer purchased Lotus Cars in 1996?

A B C D

A B C D

Deborah Meaden Peter Jones Theo Paphitis Duncan Bannatyne

Proton Toyota Ferrari Porsche

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.

EASY

7 8 5 3 6

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

DIFFICULT

9

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

8

4 2 1 3 5 1

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2 6 5 9 7 5 6

REACH 500,000 READERS

8 7 3 5 4

2 9 3 8

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 12

14

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27 22 23 6

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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.

6

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

2 ABC

3 DEF

4 GHI

5 JKL

6 MNO

7 PQRS

8 TUV

9 WXYZ

Spaces and any punctuation marks are represented by 1.

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

5

33

DIALLING CODES

CROSS CODE

All Together NOW!

April/May 2017

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

4. sounds animals make 666 196 631 276 251 469 517 877 176 271 258 251 466 817 783 251 782 251 222 172 733 241 227 516 369 144 771 646 512 447 714 786 819 447 853

5. parties 265 375 291 224 838 831 768 286 172 523 127 477 717 278 217 252 313 477 126 872 687 124 337 317 872 971 784 243 124 337 312 722 537 712 253

PATHWORDS

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 popular summer activities.

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 12?

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6. real names of celebrities 734 462 531 394 448 177 472 455 219 448 313 284 316 236 625 314 277 919 322 166 762 153 263 122 537 146 736 617 866 371 327 765 412 857 272

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Add the given letter to the first word to make a new word.

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

SPETCH 1) A small rockery plant, with tiny purple flowers and glossy leaves;

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3. comic book villains 473 361 462 546 162 463 861 226 313 275 734 318 366 618 961 322 317 364 846 153 915 884 671 546 474 617 433 537 156 541 722 732 769 156 537

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2. Caribbean 843 122 426 271 724 681 582 421 366 464 226 173 782 542 142 484 126 844 821 263 122 728 321 874 643 231 263 186 224 613 664 642 215 262 422

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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 part of a church.

countries of the

1. iconic towers 945 547 186 937 184 317 427 312 875 125 127 221 663 196 753 187 233 123 683 712 479 753 712 845 346 417 426 442 418 693 712 875 154 254 32

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

2) A colloquial term meaning to pass on information about a person which will be to their detriment;

1. National Insurance sickness and unemployment benefits are introduced by the Liberal government.

2. The Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen reaches the South Pole one month ahead of Captain Robert Scott.

3) A piece of hide or undressed leather used in making glue.

3. Italy captures the Libyan city of Tripoli from the Turks.

Clue: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a game to use up all the wine â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and more.

WAS IT? a) 1907; b) 1911; c) 1915; d) 1919; e) 1923.

____ +S+=S____

ALL THE ANSWERS Pathwords: sunbathing; volleyball; swimming; barbecue; fishing; canoeing; hang gliding; walking; picnicking; cycling; hiking; cricket; tennis; gardening; croquet.

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SUDOKU EASY

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Accumulator Quiz 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; C; 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; D; 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; C; 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; D; 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A; 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; C; 7 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; B; 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; C; 9 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; B; 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A; 11 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; C; 12 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; C; 13 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; B; 14 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A; 15 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A. Starspot Crossword Across â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1 Precipice; 9 Except; 10 Icon; 11 Runt; 12 Tinsel; 13 Queuing; 16 Upas; 17 Talc; 18 Hem; 20 Dry; 21 Clog; 23 Brat; 25 Parable; 26 Urgent; 29 Type; 30 Avon; 31 Linger; 32 DĂŠbutante.

Down â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2 Recoup; 3 Census; 4 Parent; 5 Cent; 6 Extinct; 7 Mess; 8 Stalemate; 13 Quadruple; 14 Easy; 15 Galop; 18 Herb; 19 Scented; 22 Gateau; 23 Banana; 24 Almost; 27 Gent; 28 Tyre.

Star Name: MONTY DON

Word Wizard No 3 is correct. Spetch is a piece of leather.

Dialling Codes 1. Willis Tower; The Shard; Burj al Arab; One World Trade Center; Chrysler Building; Shanghai Tower; Burj Khalifa.

2. The Bahamas; Saint Lucia; Dominican Republic; Haiti; Antigua and Barbuda; Trinidad and Tobago; Dominica; Jamaica.

3. Green Goblin; Magneto; Bane; Darkseid; Venom; Two-Face; Penguin; Lex Luthor; Kingpin; Riddler; Loki; Scarecrow; Joker.

4. moo; woof; croak; howl; purr; roar; cluck; hoot; squeak; quack; baa; screech; bark; meow; hiss;

oink; chirp; grunt; whistle.

5. coleslaw; baguette; potato salad; crisps; pasta salad; dips; couscous; cheese straws; quiche; cheese; crackers; cake.

6. Reginald Dwight; Priscilla White; David McDonald; Harry Webb; Norma Jeane Baker; Gordon Sumner; Farrokh Bulsara.

Spot Check A = 4; B = 1; C = 5; D = 6; E = 3; F = 2.

Missing Link view; egg; sack; turn; right; yard.

Part of church: vestry.

Make a Date The year was 1911.

Transformer Port + S = Sport.

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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.

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April/May 2017

Right on cue for an action-packed year THE first World Disability Billiards and Snooker event of the year for players with sensory disabilities takes place in Derby on May 12-14.

The event takes place at the Cueball, a venue that boasts 14 snooker tables and has previously hosted World Ladies Snooker events, as well as English amateur competitions.

This will be followed by the Open Disability Snooker Championship, which for the first time will be held at the Golden Cue Snooker Club in Bilston, Wolverhampton, from September 22-24.

Later in the year, the WDBS returns to the Tradewell Snooker Club for the Hull Open (November 10-12), following a successful inaugural event last November which was recently featured during BBC coverage of the UK Championship.

For a third year the WDBS returns to the South West Snooker Academy in Gloucester, but this year with a difference as the venue will host a Six-Red Championship, open to people with any disability.

WDBS chairman Nigel Mawer said: “The WDBS is going from strength to strength

and we are expanding our events year-on-year.

“We have built up a large player base from the UK and we have players from as far afield as India who play in our events.

“We are in negotiations to run events in Belgium and Ireland, as we need to grow our events into Europe and beyond to achieve our goal of returning to the Paralympics.

“We have attracted some sponsorship for our events in the UK and in order to maintain our growth we would welcome support from small and large companies who can become partners in helping the WDBS provide these rewarding opportunities for people with disabilities.”

n Tel. 0117 317 8200, www.wdbs.info

POOLSIDE: Jeff Nield, Jo Garner, Diane Batterton, Jen Perry and Terri Arnold with the young swimmers

Splashing times!

E

LEVEN children with autism – together with their brother, sisters, mums and dads – all splashed out in style at Northwich’s Brio Leisure Memorial Court, raising £600 for Cheshire Autism Practical Support (ChAPS).

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!

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

“This was our first swimathon and we are so proud of our children,” said Jo Garner, who set up ChAPS in 2010.

“The money will go towards installing a sensory room at our offices in Runcorn.”

ChAPS runs a number of activities for children, their parents, young people and adults on the spectrum in Northwich, Winsford, Runcorn, Widnes, Ellesmere Port, Chester and Blacon.

As well as swimming, activities include youth clubs, meet ups for adults on the spectrum, yoga, roller skating, ice skating, horse riding, and animal interaction therapy sessions. n Contact, Susan Kemp: Tel. 07900 867933, email: community@cheshireautism.org.uk www.cheshireautism.org.uk

Generous Taverners

LEADING youth cricket and disability sports charity Lord’s Taverners has announced ambitious expansion plans.

Over the next three years, the charity has committed to: n Expand its Wicketz programme from three to 11 areas of the UK in places of greatest need. n Develop the sport of table cricket and expand the programme from 100 to 300 participating schools while

developing 60 young leaders. n Expand the Disability Cricket Champions to a further eight locations outside the capital. n Donate 120 new minibuses. n Provide 300 sports wheelchairs.

Last year, the charity invested a record £3.4million in its disability and sports programmes as well as grants for specialist facilities, transport, equipment and resources. n Tel. 020 7025 0000.

stay ahead of the game . . .

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‘Tour de Cymru’ is great for us, says Andy RIO 2016 hero Andy Lewis is calling on the British public to get behind ‘Tour de Cymru’, a new cycling event that will raise money for disability sport.

The Paralympian lost his right leg in a motorbike accident as a 16-year-old, catapulted into the air by a 38-tonne lorry.

Last year Andy made history, winning gold in the first para-triathlon to be staged at a Paralympic Games.

Now the athlete is supporting Leonard Cheshire Disability as a team of fundraisers representing the charity attempt to raise £10,000 through cycling ANDY LEWIS across Wales.

The ‘Tour de Cymru’ challenge will involve 10 amateur cyclists – a mix of staff and supporters – covering 350 miles in five days, starting on May 24.

Team members will zigzag from Anglesey to Gwent, stopping off at each of Leonard Cheshire’s five Welsh residential care services, four supported living services, and its Discover IT centre in Swansea en route.

Andy said: “Sport is important to me because it has given me the freedom I believe everyone should have access to.”

All money raised in Wales will be used to buy adapted sports and physio equipment for the people living in Leonard Cheshire services and to help residents access sporting activities in the local community.

April/May 2017

All Together NOW!

35

Doctor Nick in hot seat

That winning feeling T

HEY might not get the “leg up” for the Grand National, but for these horse-loving people with learning disabilities and autism, the thrill of a spin around the Aintree parade ring was the next best thing!

The group spent the morning at the iconic racecourse, getting to know the horses, learning the basics of riding, taking part in the Grand National history tour with Aintree’s historian Jane Clarke, as well as trying on a few famous silks in the jockeys room.

For Neil, who has learning disabilities, it was an

unforgettable day. “It was magnificent,” he said.

“A bit different from what I’m used to! It was a good experience and I thoroughly enjoyed it.”

The group is part of learning disability charity Hft’s Aim High project in Bradford, which organises twice-weekly activities promoting health and wellbeing.

Grant Rowley, Jockey Club NW communications manager, said: “The Aintree Community Programme is in its third year and inspires adults and children through the power of horseracing.

“Our riding for disabled

sessions with great partners like Hft are just one of many activities we’re looking to expand.”

Liz Lege, trustee at Beechley stables, Liverpool, said: “Days like this are a real celebration of what the stables can do in partnership with other organisations for the riders with disabilities. Everyone has had a wonderful time and it is a day we can all be proud of.”

n As part of Hft’s Aintree partnership, the charity’s mobile, purpose-built Smarthouse is situated within the newly launched Peter O’Sullevan Community Hub.

How to help blind riders . . .

A

NEW guide is available for stable staff who want to help visually impaired people take part in equestrian sport.

National charities British Blind Sport and the Riding for the Disabled Association’s guide gives tips on how organisations can adapt their equestrian opportunities to make them more suitable for blind people.

Alaina MacGregor, chief executive of British Blind Sport, said: “Being blind or partially sighted can be isolating and frightening for

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so many people.

“Conversely, being encouraged to get involved in sport and enjoying the expertise of a coach who can confidently work with a VI person can literally be life changing for everyone involved.”

n ‘A Guide to Delivering Equestrian Activities for Visually Impaired People’ is available to download at www.britishblindsport.org.uk Printed copies – email info@britishblindsport.org.uk or call 01926 42 42 47.

Tel 0151 230 0307

DR NICK WEBBORN has been elected chair of the British Paralympic Association, taking over from Tim Reddish, who stepped down from the role at the end of his two-term tenure.

He has attended nine Paralympic Games in various roles, including as Chief Medical Officer for ParalympicsGB at London 2012 and also works with the Invictus Games.

In 2016, he was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s 90th Birthday Honours DR NICK WEBBORN for services to Paralympic Sports Medicine and the British Paralympic Association.

Dr Nick studied medicine at the Royal London Hospital and was injured playing rugby at 24 while serving as a doctor in the Royal Air Force, subsequently spending time in both Headley Court and Stoke Mandeville as part of his rehabilitation. He represented Great Britain in Wheelchair Tennis in 2005.

Sascha retires

SASCHSA Kindred, one of the most successful Paralympic athletes of all time, has decided to retire after two decades at the very top of his sport.

Kindred, 39, one of just a few athletes to have taken part in six Paralympic Games, has competed at every World Championships since they began in 1994 and has stood on the podium at SASCHA KINDRED every one of them.

He began competing at 16 and, within a career haul of 62 major medals, has won a total of 13 Paralympic medals including seven golds.

“After some long and hard decision making I have decided that it’s time for me to call time on what has been a successful swimming career,” Kindred said.

“I am now looking forward to the next chapter and enjoying time in the water with my daughter.”

More help, please

NEW research reveals there is clear demand for more physical activities that are accessible for amputees and people with limb impairments.

The report, from the LimbPower charity, also provides key insights into people’s attitudes on being active and their motivations for and barriers to taking part in physical activity and sport. n Tel. 07502 276858.

36

WILL YOU FUNDRAISE FOR US? All Together NOW!

Y

OUR FREE and favourite All Together NOW! charity newspaper is helping hundreds of thousands of people.

But we could do with a bit of help, too . . .

If you are taking part in a fun run – or ANY fundraiser – please consider doing it for All Together NOW! and we’ll feature your efforts.

You can also help by making a charitable a donation to All Together NOW! You can either send us a cheque, text a donation on your mobile phone (DONATE ATNOW 88802), or commit to a regular monthly donation via the Charity Checkout link on our website www.alltogethernow.org.uk All Together NOW! is the only paper of its kind in the UK. Together we can secure the newspaper’s future – and make it even bigger and better for EVERYONE! Thank you TOM DOWLING, EDITOR All Together NOW!, The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP Registered Charity No: 1106387 n Tel 0151 230 0307 n info@alltogethernow.org.uk

April/May 2017

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