All Together NOW! Oct-Nov 2019

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NEWS

Top stylist Andrew opens unique salon

October/November 2019

MASTERCLASS: Andrew passing on a few tips

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ERSEYSIDE celebrity hairstylist Andrew Collinge has been handing out valuable tips at a new beauty salon exclusively for adults with learning disabilities.

Andrew and wife Liz were guests of honour at the opening of the Mirror Mirror salon in The Learning Zone, Bradford.

Andrew said: “I love the new salon, it’s light and airy and I’m sure it will be very popular.

Congratulations to everyone involved and good luck to the salon team.

“Liz and I came away from the The Learning Zone totally inspired by what we had seen and heard.”

Maxine Kneeshaw, area manager at learning

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CHANGES to welfare in the past 10 years have left disabled adults much worse off than non-disabled adults.

disability charity Hft, said: “Andrew and his family have been instrumental in getting this unique project off the ground and we’re so pleased they could be here to celebrate us opening our doors.

“People with learning disabilities don’t always have access to the same opportunities as everyone else so The Learning Zone supports them to do something new and expand their skill sets, leading to increased confidence and potentially even employment.

“Our new beauty room is a great example of this, providing people we support with a stimulating environment where they can learn something new or simply take an hour to relax and feel pampered.”

Editor: Tom Dowling

Editorial Support: Gerry Corner

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‘Miracle’ glasses help blind to ‘ see’

H

I TECH glasses like these by OXSIGHT are transforming the lives of many people with sight loss.

Steve Conway, head of charity Deafblind UK, said: “The success stories that we have heard so far are incredible; people who haven’t seen their partner or children for years can suddenly see the world around them again.

“This really is life-changing technology and I am proud to be a part of it.”

The glasses expand the field of vision for people with peripheral sight loss caused by conditions such as glaucoma, diabetes, retinitis pigmentosa, and other degenerative eye diseases.

The Disability Benefit Consortium says while many people who receive welfare support have experienced cuts on average of £300 due to changes to the system, disabled people have typically lost around £1,200 yearly.

The DBC’s research is the first comprehensive study looking specifically at the cumulative impact of welfare changes on disabled people. The research also found: n The more disabilities you have the more you lose out, e.g. someone who has six or more disabilities loses over £2,100 each year on average, whereas someone with one disability loses around £700 each year. n Households with one disabled adult and one disabled child lose out the most, with average losses of over £4,300 per year.

Highly stressful

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Disabled people are being hit the hardest

Bob Nolan, Deafblind UK’s chairman, said: “The moment when I first tried on the glasses will stay with me for a long time.

“I was talking with one of my family members and I could only make out her head and shoulders in a dimly lit room.

“When I put the glasses on I could clearly see not one but five members of my family!

And when you have less than five degrees of vision as I do, looking through the glasses is nothing short of miraculous.” n Deafblind UK. Tel. 01733 358100. n There are over 400,000 people living in the UK with deafblindness – by 2030 there could be as many as 600,000.

HALF A MILLION READERS . . .

As part of the research, 50 people living with a variety of conditions and disabilities were interviewed about their experiences.

People said that they found the application and assessment processes highly stressful, and that they did not feel trusted, and constantly challenged.

The report also states that the current system has become so complex and dysfunctional, that many disabled people have found it has had a devastating impact on their wellbeing.

Meanwhile, research from Citizens Advice shows that almost half of disabled people hit by the benefits freeze (44%) have gone without essentials such as food and toiletries.

Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said: “It is totally unacceptable that our benefits system is not providing the financial safety net that people need.”

Ken Butler, Disability Rights UK’s Welfare Rights and Policy Adviser, said: “Those on low incomes disproportionately spend their incomes on essentials – especially food, electricity and transport.”

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October/November 2019

End of an era as charity forced to close

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CHARITY that for 18 years has helped other charities with governance and funding issues has itself been forced to close due to lack of funds.

Sefton Councillor Paulette Lappin, chair of MNfC, said: “It is with great sadness that MNfC has had to close due to lack of funding.

“Over the years the charity has undertaken a wide Merseyside Network range of work that has for Change – previously helped to support the known as Liverpool PAULETTE LAPPIN EDWARD MURPHY voluntary sector Network for Change – across Merseyside was set up in 2001 by MNfC’s initial funding came from the with special reference to those who the late Edward Murphy with the aim of Big Lottery Fund, a variety of charitable need our help the most. supporting organisations and people trusts, and agencies. But over the years, “I would like to commend the staff and who are suffering discrimination and the charity has, like many other small trustees for all their hard work and those in deprived neighbourhoods. organisations across the region, found especially to remember Edward Murphy, MNfC also helped to set up it increasingly difficult to balance the without whom none of this would have All Together NOW! in 2004. books. been possible.”

Eighteen years of helping others comes to a sad end

TOUGH TIMES T IMES are tough – and getting tougher by the day for many North West charities.

Many are having to come up with all kinds of innovative ways to find the funding to continue delivering their services.

Some are succeeding – as highlighted in our centre pages with the return of the inspirational Steve Morgan Foundation Entrepreneur Awards.

Sadly, not all charities can do so – as in the case of Merseyside Network for Change, who have lost their battle for survival. (See top of page) The irony here is that for the past 18 years this Liverpool charity helped lots of other charities with their governance and funding issues (including this newspaper), and yet, despite the last few years of constant appeals for grants, they were just unable to help themselves.

Competition for funding is now as fierce as it’s ever been and we, too, are now finding life extremely challenging.

Since launching in All Together NOW! in 2005, we’ve been incredibly lucky to have had the magnificent support of our sponsors – the Steve Morgan Foundation, United Utilities Park Group and DaVinci Mobility – who all understand the value of getting specific and relevant news to the hundreds of thousands of people in the North West who are affected by disability

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– tel 0151 230 0307 or email info@alltogethernow.org.uk and ill health and who have no other way of accessing such vital information.

We also very much appreciate the help from lots of other businesses and charitable foundations that have been covering our printing costs.

But running a FREE newspaper – and one on the scale of All Together NOW! – is a costly business. We’ve survived this long mainly through the support from our sponsors, advertising revenue (which is now increasingly difficult to attract), and a few grants.

We’d hoped that your fantastic response to our Reader Survey would have helped us secure funding from the Big Lottery’s

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Reaching Communities programme and other funders. Unfortunately, our applications have so far come up against other high quality submissions.

We now face a very uncertain future – and all of the team here are exploring all options to keep this paper alive.

Rest assured, we will fight on for as long as we can.

Meanwhile, I hope you like this edition.

We’ll be back in December with your super Christmas/New Year issue – Tuesday December 3 to be precise . . . International Day of Persons with a Disability. See you then.

– TOM DOWLING, editor

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‘No-deal Brexit will be disastrous for us’

THREE disabled peers have pledged to do all they can to avert the significant impact on disabled people of a no-deal Brexit, with one warning of a “time bomb” that is now likely to “detonate”.

The disabled crossbench peer Baroness [Tanni] Grey-Thompson, pictured, said a no-deal Brexit would be disastrous for disabled people.

She said the impact on disabled people of a no-deal Brexit had “been forgotten and will be ignored”.

Another disabled crossbench peer, Baroness [Jane] Campbell, said: “It’s becoming an extremely worrying time-bomb about to detonate.

“Disabled people will suffer, especially if we crash out without a deal.”

The Liberal Democrat peer Baroness [Celia] Thomas added: “If we need certain medicines – and many of us do – they may not be available quite soon.

“Even if they are held up for a few days crossing a border, this could do incalculable damage to those who desperately need them.”

The disabled MP Stephen Lloyd, formerly a Liberal Democrat and now sitting as an independent, was another to “wholly oppose” a no-deal Brexit.

He said: “Crashing out of the EU with no deal serves no-one, least of all our country.”

Care homes’ fear

A NO DEAL Brexit could cause the closure of more care homes, says the union representing tens of thousands of care sector workers.

Reacting to the Government’s Operation Yellowhammer, Tim Roache, GMB General Secretary said: “Care is in crisis, and this paper shows that the Government is fully aware of that fact and just failing to act.

“Pre-election bribes firstly aren’t enough and secondly don’t tackle the underlying problems with in the care system.

“This shows the shambles of the entire system – on Brexit, on care, on how we look after the most vulnerable.

“This is complete and utter political failure on every imaginable front.”

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A RECORD number of disabled people received employment-related support through the government’s Access to Work (AtW) scheme last year.

The scheme funds workplace adjustments for disabled people such as support workers, travel costs and aids and equipment.

Until 2018-19, spending on AtW (£129 million) had been lower every year in real terms than in 2010-11 (£122 million), and fell to £103 million in 2015-16.

Figures from the Department for Work and Pensions reveal more than 36,000 disabled people received an AtW grant last year, an increase of more than 2,000 on the previous year.

Disabled campaigners have repeatedly highlighted the benefits of the scheme and have even branded it “a cornerstone of the movement for equality and civil rights for deaf and disabled people in the UK”.

But they have also highlighted concerns about delays and errors in dealing with claims, and the cap on annual payments (originally set at £42,500 but later increased to £57,200), which they say has a disproportionate impact on the job and career prospects of deaf users of British Sign Language and other disabled people with high support needs.

Simon says...

FALKLANDS War veteran Simon Weston tells his life story at the Brindley, Runcorn on Tuesday October 22.

Simon was serving in the British army in 1982 when two Argentine planes bombed the Sir Galahad, turning the ship into an inferno.

Simon survived but suffered 46% burns. Since then he has gone on to be a fierce campaigner for equal rights for disabled people.

Pupils ‘being failed’

THE needs of many disabled pupils in England are not being met – while councils are under growing financial pressure because more children are attending special schools, Parliament’s spending watchdog warns.

The report from the National Audit Office says pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) who are attending special schools or alternative provision rose by more than a fifth between 2014 and 2018.

It warns that although the Department for Education has increased school funding, particularly for pupils with high needs, it has not kept pace with the rise in numbers of pupils, while councils “increasingly overspend their budgets to support pupils with high needs.”

The report adds: “The main reason local authorities overspent their high needs budgets is that more pupils are attending special schools.”

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Doubts cast on job figures M NEWS

Record numbers are getting help at work

October/November 2019

ORE clarity about job figures claiming record numbers of disabled people are in employment has been called for by Manchester-based Breakthrough UK.

Office for National Statistics data show 1.15 million more disabled people are in work compared to six years ago, while a total of 4.1 million in the UK have jobs.

But Peter Jackson, chief executive of Breakthrough UK, which supports disabled people in employment, said the figures needed “more scrutiny”.

He said research was required to identify what had caused the fall in the unemployment rate, including whether the roll-out of the Government’s universal credit benefits system was playing a role.

He said: “Somebody needs to drill down into that data to get a better understanding of the impact of the very diverse range of factors involved.”

He added: “We have not seen any significant difference in terms of the employment market and the experiences of our clients on our employment

programmes. Our experience in working with disabled people who we are supporting to secure employment in the open jobs market has not changed.

“It is still very challenging. People are generally experiencing the same types of barriers,” he added.

Mr Jackson said there had been increasing contact from employers who have signed up to the Government’s Disability Confident employment programme.

He said: “It’s certainly got traction from employers.

Whether that gets translated into real outcomes impacting on their workforce is an entirely different matter.”

Mr Jackson also compared the ONS figures with his own day-to-day experiences in Manchester.

He said: “If you walk the streets of Manchester on any given day, the level of deprivation and marginalisation is slapping you in the face.

“The number of homeless people sleeping in shop doorways – that is my barometer in terms of how well the economy is functioning.”

COME OFF IT, CHANCELLOR

Extra cash is ‘woefully inadequate’

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XTRA Government cash intended to improve disabled people’s lives is woefully inadequate, says leading charity Disability Rights UK.

As part of the spending review, the Chancellor announced £36 million extra funding for the DWP and an extra £40 million funding for discretionary housing payments in the private rented sector in England and Wales.

But Ken Butler, DR UK’s Welfare Rights and Policy Advisor, said: “We welcome extra Jobcentre advisor support in schools for young people with special educational needs and the extension of Access to Work to internships for disabled people.

“However, the extra funding for the DWP is woefully inadequate.

“Nearly half of disabled people hit by the benefits freeze have gone without essentials such as food and toiletries.

“Other changes to the welfare system over the past 10 years have left disabled adults four times worse off financially than non-disabled adults.

“Radical reform to the benefits system for disabled people is urgently needed.”

The charity is calling for: n Ending the benefit freeze. n Ending the bedroom tax.

CHANCELLOR SAJID JAVID

n Bringing back the ESA work-related activity component and the equivalent element in universal credit. n Introducing a disability element to universal credit to replace the disability premiums that have been cut from the system. n Removing the benefit cap for everyone who receives a disability-related benefit, including those in the workrelated activity group or equivalent in universal credit. n Returning the work allowances in universal credit to pre-2016 levels, and removing the two-child limit. n Reviewing the assessment criteria for personal independence payment; n Carrying out regular, independent surveys of the actual costs of living with a disability and ensure that the level of payments under PIP reflects this.

Other changes to the welfare system over the past 10 years have left disabled adults four times worse off financially than non-disabled adults.

HALF A MILLION READERS . . .

Top roles denied to disabled workers

MOST business leaders are apprehensive about recruiting disabled people to a senior position, according to a new poll.

Only one in 10 of over 1,000 leaders surveyed said they wouldn’t be worried about recruiting a disabled person to a senior role.

In addition, two thirds did not know any senior disabled leaders.

Research, commissioned by Inclusive Boards with Survation, says the main cause for their concern was that they felt making the necessary adjustments would be expensive.

This was despite the average cost of reasonable adjustments being just £75.

Samuel Kasumu, Director of Inclusive Boards, said: “These findings show just how far we are as a society from truly understanding how to engage with disability within the workplace.

“There are many disabled people who have just as much talent and leadership potential as anyone else.

“We need to educate businesses and challenge many misconceptions.”

Mark Hodgkinson, chief executive at disability equality charity Scope, said: “Many businesses are missing out on a huge pool of disabled talent.

“We know that employers who recognise the potential of disabled people at all levels of their organisation will thrive.

“Becoming an inclusive employer needs to be a priority for all businesses, large and small.

“The most important step for companies is for them to recognise the need to make a start.” n 7.6 million people of working age (16-64) reported in January-March 2019 that they were disabled, one in five (nearly 20%) of the working age population.

CHRISTMAS CRACKER!

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October/November 2019

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ENTRY FORM

THE first entry drawn out of the hat on Tuesday 12 November will win the hamper. You can also send your answer on the back of a postcard to:

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Your chance to win this super hamper

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ARK have teamed up again with All Together NOW! to give you the chance of winning one of their fantastic Christmas food hampers.

It’s the 11th successive year that the Birkenhead-based firm have run the competition, which is now one of our most popular and most looked forward to features.

The top of the range Empire hamper is worth £571.50 and is bursting with Christmas food and drink to keep even the biggest families fed over the festive period.

It’s filled with top brand confectionery, desserts, soft drinks, beers, wines, spirits, pasta, soups, vegetables, freezer foods and the finest quality meat.

Park CEO Ian O’Doherty said: “We are delighted to be able to put up another top prize this year. The competition always attracts a huge entry and we are confident that this year’s will create even more excitement.”

For more than 50 years Park have been helping people with their high street vouchers and Christmas Savings schemes. n You can enter the competition using the form on this page, or by visiting our website at:

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

n For more information about budgeting for Christmas, go to:

www.getpark.co.uk/atn

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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 indicate this on your entry. n The winning entry must agree to having a photograph taken for promotional purposes.

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All Together NOW!

MS and Parkinson’s cure is ‘a step closer’

A CURE for Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease is moving a step closer with the creation of Europe’s biggest brain bank The all-new digital brain bank includes an ambitious virtual reality initiative allowing the best researchers to study brain tissue, from wherever they are in the world, without having to leave their desks.

Two top neurological charities have announced £3m of funding for the initiative, to be based in the existing the MS and Parkinson’s Tissue Bank at Imperial College London Parkinson’s UK and the MS Society will donate just over £1.5 million each in the hope that it can provide a breakthrough for scientists across the globe working on treatments for both conditions.

The two diseases affect more than 248,000 people in the UK. Current treatments do not stop, slow or reverse either.

MS Society’s Dr Sorrel Bickley, said: “We can see a future where nobody needs to worry about MS getting worse.”

Professor David Dexter, of Parkinson's UK, added: "This holds huge potential for speeding up access to better treatments and ultimately a cure.”

Cash for legal battles

FUNDING will soon be available for disabled and older people to take legal action when they have faced discrimination on public transport.

The fund has not yet been officially launched by the Equality and Human Rights Commission, but disability organisations and other stakeholders have been approached about the project.

It would see EHRC providing funding to pay a solicitor or barrister to represent older or disabled people who would not otherwise be able to afford to pursue legal action against transport providers under the Equality Act. An EHRC spokesperson said: “We have spoken to a variety of stakeholders and taken their comments on board. We will be releasing more details about the project soon.”

Spinal charities unite

THREE spinal cord injury charities have signed a joint commitment to work more closely together.

The Spinal Injuries Association, Back Up and Aspire say they are committed to building a powerful and unified voice for the more than 50,000 spinal cord injured people across the UK. SIA chairman Dr Rupert Earl said: “The opportunity for an independent life for every person paralysed by a spinal cord injury is under threat.

“As someone who has also lived with tetraplegia most of my adult working life, I am appalled that our rehabilitation and care services are increasingly failing to provide adequately for the very reasonable needs of SCI people.

“SIA’s commitment to work together with Back Up and Aspire, and campaign for all people affected by a spinal cord injury, is absolutely the right thing to do.”

YOU DON’T LOOK BLIND! NEWS

October/November 2019

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

DANIEL WILLIAMS reports on living with sight loss

L

OTS of people haven’t the foggiest idea what being blind is supposed to look like!

So comments such as ‘You don’t look blind’ can be somewhat baffling...

Visually impaired people who don’t use a cane or a guide dog often show no visible sign of sight loss so look the same as any sighted person and it’s often this that confuses people.

Of course, as with many things, this stems from stereotypes, but people with sight loss don’t all have similar eye characteristics or a standard “look” and they don’t conform to a set pattern of non-looking.

Then there is how a blind person walks.

Visually impaired people don’t all shuffle about, chin on chest, trying to look at their feet and bumping into things!

There will always be some elderly people who may look frail or unsteady and it is often this that gives rise to the assumption that all blind people struggle and need assistance.

Having lived with a visual impairment for over 25 years, it seems to me that not much has changed surrounding the media and fashion industry’s portrayal of sight loss.

After carrying out various online searches,

Myth busting!

Common (and hilarious to people with sight loss) misinterpretations include:

n Only elderly people have sight loss. n If you’re blind, how come you are so confident and capable? n Why aren’t you miserable? n You can’t be blind if you wear makeup! n You wear such fashionable clothes; you can’t possibly not see!

it’s still mostly represented in a bland and old fashion light. Some sight loss charities seem to constantly portray images of older white ladies with white hair and dark sunglasses.

However, this is a stereotype that needs to change, as blind people come in all shapes, sizes, ethnicities, sexual orientations, classes and personalities – just like everyone else within society.

So, good people of the fashion and media industries, why aren’t we walking down the catwalk with our guide dogs, represented on manikins in shop windows and on advertising

boards in a modern and inclusive country that celebrates equality and diversity?

Although things are improving, TV shows such as soaps still underrepresent people with visual impairments.

Even if they are included, they seem not to be a lead character or they portray sight loss in a negative way, focusing on what people can’t do, rather than what they can.

The thing is, people with visual impairments are just the same as the rest of the population – some dress well, some are very well educated and have professional careers, some speak cool stuff and just like everyone else … and some don’t!

The facts are that blind people are generally a happy, outgoing lot who enjoy life without a fear of being vulnerable.

So next time you bump into a person with sight loss, just treat them as you would anyone else. If they look like they may need some help, just ask.

n Daniel was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa aged eight and now helps to improve the lives of others living with sight loss through his business, Visualise Training and Consultancy www.visualisetrainingandconsultancy.com

Are you ready to dine in the dark . . ?

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ANDLELIT dinners are one thing – but how does having a meal in complete darkness in a city restaurant appeal to you?

Food experts reckon eating in the dark enhances other senses and improves the flavour of the food. Over the past two decades ‘Dine in the Dark’ restaurants have sprung up across Europe, the US, Asia and London.

But the first one was opened 20 years ago in Zurich by blind clergyman Jorge Spielmann as a way of getting customers to understand some of the issues around blindness.

Now, Liverpool blind charity Bradbury Fields

is reviving the concept in a variety of city restaurants.

Organiser Louise Miller said: “We want to bring this to as many different venues as possible and run the events alongside the restaurant’s normal service.

“That’s why we provide blind folds so that customers get the same experience as a Dine in the Dark restaurant.

“It’s about raising money and also about awareness.

“We can’t actually simulate what it’s really like having a visual impairment and the challenges people face, but we want to give people some idea. It’s a fun evening, but it

HALF A MILLION READERS . . .

has a serious message behind it.”

The first event went ahead at Lunyalita at the Albert Dock, Liverpool, with one customer saying: “It was an education into a visually impaired world in a fun and accessible format!”

The next Dine in the Dark experience is taking place in November – venue still to be arranged. n Contact Louise Miller at Bradbury Fields.

Tel. 0151 221 0888

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

All Together NOW!

October/November 2019

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HE Steve Morgan Foundation aims to make a real difference by changing the lives of thousands of people across the region.

Founded by Steve Morgan CBE in 2001, the Foundation supports projects that help children and families, people with physical or learning disabilities, the elderly, and the socially disadvantaged across North Wales, Merseyside and Cheshire.

More than £38m has so far been awarded to over 650 charities and organisations, and this number will increase dramatically over the coming years after Steve committed £200m additional funding to the Foundation in 2017.

Enable funding for individuals was also introduced to provide grants for adults and children with disabilities in financial hardship, who require specialised equipment.

There are three types of funding available for organisations which fit the application criteria: n Major grants and one-off capital funding for large projects; Regional grant funding; Enable funding for specialised equipment, which includes the brand new Smiley Buses.

If you need help, contact us – details below

A wonderful inspiring day

— STEVE MORGAN, Chairman, Steve Morgan Foundation

. . . here’s how the Foundation’s Enable Fund is making a difference

O

COOL , EVALINE

UR ENABLE grants are helping people with wide-ranging disabilities to lead more independent lives.

Liverpool student Lewis was diagnosed with a brain tumour at the age of three, and later developed syringomyelia, which cause fluid-filled cysts to form within the spinal cord.

Lewis is now unable to stand, walk or sit unsupported, or have functional use of his hands.

“Despite his condition, Lewis got A-levels in English and History and is now studying journalism at Liverpool City College,” says Lindsey De Bartolo, Enable Funding Officer with the Steve Morgan Foundation.

Unable to use his hands, one of Lewis’ many challenges has been eating.

“Previously, Lewis was fed by his family,” said Lindsey, “but the Steve Morgan

centre pages – p16-17

Foundation has provided him with a Neater Eater Robotic, which he had trialled and adapted for his own needs.”

An Enable grant of £3,514 was awarded to Lewis for the equipment which has made a hugely positive impact on his life.

Lewis’ mum said: “The Neater Eater has helped Lewis with his independence and has meant that we can all eat together as a family.”

GETTING the right type of wheelchair is vital – especially so if you are six years old and determined to get out and about with your friends.

This super cool, selfpropelling chair is helping Evaline in all sorts of ways.

Evaline, who lives in Ellesmere Port, was born with cerebral palsy and spastic diplegia and found her previous wheelchair increasingly hard to push.

When the trustees of the Steve Morgan Foundation heard about Evaline’s problems they provided an Enable grant of almost £2,500, for a new Leggera wheelchair.

Now there’s no stopping her!

www.stevemorganfoundation.org.uk Tel 01829 782808

Steve Morgan Foundation

@stevemorganfdn

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‘SCHOOL OUTCASTS’ NEWS

New wheelchairs to be ‘cool and affordable’

PLANS for a new children’s wheelchair that will “shake up the market” have been given a major boost.

Systems and engineering consultancy Frazer-Nash is working with the Whizz-Kidz charity to help deliver its Wheels of Change initiative – developing cutting-edge mobility to improve the lives of young disabled people.

The project, which will use advanced technologies to develop a prototype for an innovative powered wheelchair, is being run in collaboration with Duchenne UK and The University of Edinburgh.

Frazer-Nash’s Jon Sowman, who is working on the project, said: “Wheels of Change is planning to shake up the wheelchair market with a design that is affordable, modular and cool.

“It aims to break down the barriers and stigmas of being in a wheelchair, improving the confidence and independence of young wheelchair users” The new prototype is expected to be completed by the end of next year.

The People’s Postcode Lottery provided a £1 million grant for the project. Software company Somo Global is also supporting the work.

Radio aid ‘is a lottery’

THREE North West councils are failing more than 500 young deaf children by not providing them with life-changing technology, say the National Deaf Children’s Society.

Salford, Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen are among 43 of 152 councils that are not handing out radio aids, which allow deaf children to develop crucial language and communication skills.

Latest figures from the NDCS reveal 240 children are missing out in Salford; 181 in Blackpool; and 144 in Blackburn with Darwen.

NDCS deputy director Jo Campion said: “Figures show that thousands of young deaf children across the country are being thrown into a radio aid lottery, where their chances of having one at home are based on their postcode, not on their needs. It’s a tragic waste of potential and it’s deeply unfair.

“Radio aids play an absolutely essential role in young deaf children’s lives at a stage when communication, language and interacting with their family and friends are vital.

“They boost a child’s chances of picking up language, reduce the effect of background noise and help in situations where face-to-face conversations are difficult, like playing outside or travelling in the car.

Current Government data also shows that in the early years, just 38% of deaf children reach the expected level of development in areas like communication and language, compared to 77% of hearing children. n NDCS Helpline: Tel. 0808 800 8880.

October/November 2019

C

HILDREN with special needs being regularly bullied and treated as outcasts at school, with staff in denial, are the findings of a grim new report.

The study, which found many pupils labelled as SEND (having special educational needs and disabilities) have few or no friends at school, has prompted calls for a major change in attitude from head teachers, local authorities and the Government.

Pupils in their first few years of secondary school have described how they are targeted by bullies and socially excluded as a result of their disabilities.

One said: “Like I’ll walk into a class and I’m met with horrible comments because I walk differently because I walk with my feet turned out and I’m met with ‘penguin’ or ‘retard’, stuff like that.”

There were also hints of a “culture of bullying denialism” among school leaders, with some pupils seeing anti-bullying initiatives as insufficient and unhelpful.

Those that did have friends in mainstream schools tended to associate with “fellow social

‘Little change for disabled pupils in last 40 years’

outcasts”, says the report, Special or Unique: Young People’s Attitudes to Disability.

Evan Odell, from Disability Rights UK, who carried out the research, said: “These findings show that, in some areas, little has changed for disabled children in the last 40 years or so.

“Schools, special educational needs coordinators and teachers have understandably emphasised the need for reasonable adjustments and classroom support for pupils with SEND. “Now they need to deal with bullying and ensure disabled children have the same chance to develop social skills and share in the experiences that mark out the teenage years.”

The report points out that the pupils who took part in focus groups for the study were selected by their teachers, who may have

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chosen those they thought would provide answers reflecting well on their school.

Among the report’s recommendations is a call for school leaders to encourage teachers to take more action to address bullying and social exclusion in the classroom, and to promote “greater openness” about disability in their schools.

It calls on the Department for Education to develop SEND-specific anti-bullying guidance, and to include information on the social model of disability, human rights and discrimination in the Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE) curriculum.

Sue Bott, DR UK’s head of policy and research, says in the National Lottery-funded report: “This should be a wake-up call or else we will find yet another generation of disabled young people experiencing the same negative attitudes and behaviours.

“If we fail to have an education system that is truly inclusive of disabled young people, that values disabled young people for who they are, and enables disabled people to reach their full potential then our efforts to realise the human, social and economic rights of disabled people will always be limited.”

CINEMA SHAME

Deaf children missing out on the magic of big screen

C

THE LION KING came top of the films that used subtitles, but less than half of cinemas actually included them . . .

INEMAS are ignoring thousands of deaf children, with only three in 10 venues having subtitled showings of this summer’s top kids’ films.

The study by the National Deaf Children’s Society reveals the top 11 children’s films were shown in 581 cinemas, but on average, just 171 provided at least one subtitled showing.

None of the films were subtitled by more than half of cinemas.

Animated film Ugly Dolls was the least accessible film for deaf children this summer, with just one in 20 (5%) cinemas putting on a subtitled performance. This was closely followed by The Queen’s Corgi (10%) and Horrible Histories: The Movie – Rotten Romans (17%).

The Lion King came top, despite less than half (48%) of cinemas putting on a single subtitled performance.

Toy Story 4 was in second place with 44% and the latest instalment of the Spiderman franchise came third with 39%.

Helen Cable, who leads the NDCS’s work

with children and young people, said: “This research couldn’t be clearer – deaf children across the UK are being denied a key part of their childhood.

“The magic of the cinema is such an important part of growing up. It’s disgraceful that cinemas are failing deaf children.

“Cinemas need to increase the number of subtitled films they show, and they need to start seriously investing in the new technology that is being developed to make the cinema more accessible for deaf children. None of this is rocket science, but its impact would be enormous.”

Deaf blogger and campaigner Ellie Parfitt, 22, said: “Going to the cinema was never really a social outing option for me due to the lack of subtitled cinema showings. Mostly due to the

HALF A MILLION READERS . . .

limited options available, usually at unsuitable times and days.

“Hearing people have 100% choice of which film they get to see. But we don’t have that choice.

“Is it fair that we have to travel 200 miles to another cinema to watch a subtitled showing?

Is it fair that we only have the choice of one film out of 20?

“It’s disheartening to stay at home while my friends and family go to see a film that I want to see.

“Cinemas wouldn’t refuse wheelchair access or remove a disabled toilet, so why refuse subtitles?”

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

October/November 2019

All Together NOW!

9

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Called Help to Pay, the scheme is aimed at customers who receive Pension Credit (either Pension Guarantee Credit and/or Pension Savings Credit) and helps to reduce your water bill by up to ÂŁ180 a year.

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NEWS

October/November 2019

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Never too late to start work on that six-pack

IT’S never too late to start building up those muscles – that’s the lesson of an eye-opening new study.

In tests, older people who had never taken part in sustained exercise programmes showed the same ability to build muscle mass as highly trained master athletes of the same age.

Two groups of men in their 70s and 80s – lifelong exercisers still competing at top levels in their sport, and others who had never participated in structured exercise – took part in weight training on exercise machines.

The master athletes were expected to have an increased ability to build muscle. But the results showed that both groups had an equal capacity to build muscle in response to exercise.

“Our study clearly shows that it doesn’t matter if you haven’t been a regular exerciser throughout your life, you can still derive benefit from exercise whenever you start,” says lead researcher Dr Leigh Breen, from the University of Birmingham’s School of Sport and Exercise Science.

“Obviously a long term commitment to good health and exercise is best, but even starting later on in life will help delay age-related frailty and muscle weakness. What’s needed is more specific guidance on how individuals can improve their muscle strength, even outside of a gym-setting through activities undertaken in their homes”

A right to live freely

MOVES aimed at giving disabled people a new legal right to live independently have been welcomed by campaigners.

If introduced through legislation, it should see the UK comply for the first time with article 19 of the UN p19 Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Two years ago, the UN committee on the rights of persons with disabilities called on the UK to recognise disabled people’s right to live independently, and said it was “going backwards” in that regard.

Now equality watchdog the Equality and Human Rights Commission has produced six “key elements” that together could “incorporate the right to independent living into domestic law”.

Sue Bott, of Disability Rights UK, said: “The measures would go a long way towards realising our right to independent living.”

Find YOUR local Carers Centre –

Maid of the mountains ROLE MODEL: Paralympian long jump champion Stef Reid celebrating another gold medal.

RIGHT: Stef being measured for her new limb at the Leprosy Mission in Nepal

P

ARALYMPIAN Stef Reid lost her right foot in a horrific boating accident when she was just 15.

Since that day she has gone on to become a three-times Paralympic medallist, world Paralympic long jump champion, and five-time world record holder.

But Stef, 34, also has a calling to encourage and mentor those struggling with disability and took time out of training for Tokyo 2020 to be with patients at The Leprosy Mission’s Anandaban Hospital in Nepal.

Stef literally “walked in their shoes” after having her state-of-the-art prosthetic foot replaced with one from the hospital’s workshop.

Living and training in Loughborough with wheelchair racing husband Brent Lakatos, Stef said the major difference in her “new” foot was the more economic materials used.

“A lot of the way they did the casting was really similar to what I experience in the UK, and this is bearing in mind I go to a very amazing private clinic,” she said.

“You can always tell someone knows what they’re doing by the way they interact with your stump, your residual limb. You can see the guys at Anandaban Hospital have done the casting many times.

“But I felt a little bit embarrassed about the leg that I have, in that my leg is so advanced

by CHARLOTTE WALKER

and has the best technology.”

Stef met patients like Jyoti, whose home was destroyed in the 2015 earthquakes which killed 9,000 people. Jyoti was diagnosed with leprosy while pregnant with her second child, Mala, now seven months.

“Before I travelled to Nepal there was that hesitation of ‘I really hope I’ll be able to communicate well’,” said Stef.

“But in the end it didn’t even matter. I had people coming to me wanting to hold my hand.

We just stood there and didn’t really have to say anything at all!

Stigma

“It was just an understanding that sometimes life is really hard and we all go through hard things. But there’s still hope at the end of it.

“Just from being here it has become clear to me that it doesn’t matter where in the world you are, or what culture you are from, we all want the same things.

“We all want to provide a safe home for our family and be healthy and part of a community.

“But leprosy is a really hard disease on so many fronts. There is, unfortunately, a lot of stigma associated with the disease and one of the most upsetting things is that sometimes people view it as ‘you’ve got this disease

because you have done something wrong, something sinful’.

“I can’t even imagine having to deal with that reaction from neighbours; that somehow this is your fault and ‘you deserve this’ which is so untrue.

“I have been so impressed by the response of The Leprosy Mission. It is not a case of ‘we’re going to give you some medication, we are going to offer you some support and some surgery if you need it and then send you on your way’ because that’s not the way to heal people. Theirs is a full-on holistic approach.

“They understand that it doesn’t matter if you fix the body, if you don’t change the views of the community, if you don’t ensure that people are independent financially, that they are able to take care of each other, then it’s just not going to work. This is what long-term care looks like.” n Anandaban Hospital in Nepal was designated a Disaster Response Centre in the wake of the 2015 earthquakes, after it reached out to 18,000 earthquake victims, as well as leading the world’s fight against leprosy. n Heal Nepal aims to find, cure and heal people with leprosy in a bid to rid the country of an ancient disease. n healnepal.org.uk

HALF A MILLION READERS . . .

www.alltogethernow.org.uk NEWS

PIP victory could help many more . . .

MANY more people with mental health problems who find social situations debilitating may now be entitled to claim Personal Independence Payment.

This will particularly affect people who need help to engage with other people and form relationships.

The ruling was made following a challenge by a PIP claimant, a 47-year-old man known as MM, about the way the points scoring system works in PIP assessments.

Personal Independence Payment is the benefit gradually replacing Disability Living Allowance.

National charity Mind intervened to support MM’s challenge because of the wider issues his case raised for people living with mental health problems.

MM and Mind successfully argued that the DWP needs to clearly define what counts as support and not dismiss the kinds of help that many people with mental health problems rely on.

Scoring system

Under the scoring system used by PIP assessors to decide eligibility for money, assessors have to decide if someone needs “prompting” to engage with other people, or if they needed “social support”.

A decision that someone needs “prompting” means they receive a score of two, while if someone needs “social support” they receive a score of four.

PIP claimants need to score a total of eight points across all criteria to be eligible for the basic rate of payment, £58.70 a week.

They need to score 12 points to be eligible for the enhanced rate of £87.75 a week.

Confusion over the criteria, and the difference between “prompting” and “social support” meant that MM was originally deemed ineligible for PIP. n Since PIP was introduced in 2013, more than 425,000 people with conditions that are classed as “psychiatric disorders” have been turned down for the benefit.

October/November 2019

11

‘Too many businesses are failing disabled customers

HIGH STREET NONSENSE! — Mike Adams

H

IGH street businesses are losing millions by shunning disabled consumers, new research reveals

A poll of disabled people found over half of those quizzed struggle to make purchases of a product/service due to their disability.

Disabled young people (aged 16-24) fare the worst – more than three-quarters of them say they have found it difficult to buy goods online or in person due to their disability on more than one occasion.

Four in five disabled customers say businesses could do more to be accessible and more than half (56%) agreed that improving staff understanding about different disabilities would encourage them to spend their disposable income, estimated to be £249 billion a year.

Separate research has shown that 75% of disabled people have had to leave a store or website, unable to go through with their purchase because of their disability.

People said that shops are the most accessible business to purchase from, followed by banking and hospitality/leisure/restaurants.

The research comes as businesses and organisations prepare for Purple Tuesday on November 12, a day which celebrates UK companies that are improving the customer experience for disabled shoppers. Major names taking part include Sainsbury’s and shopping centre owners Intu.

Mike Adams, chief executive of Purple, the disability organisation behind the day, said: “While many UK businesses and organisations are stepping up to the

tel 0151 230 0307

mark and making the changes needed to improve disabled customers’ experiences, far too many are not.

“This is a huge mistake, not least because by turning their backs on disabled shoppers they are losing out on millions of pounds of revenue every year.”

Disabled consumers told pollsters that inaccessible and unusable locations, poor customer service and a lack of understanding about disabilities were the main reasons they struggled to spend their money.

Over one in five said that they would be more likely to make a purchase if buisnesses hired more disabled people, and some stated that wider aisles or lighter doors would have the same effect.

Spending habits

The findings support previous research, which shows that less than 10% of organisations have a dedicated strategy for targeting disabled customers.

Disabled people say they spend on average £163 on retail per month, £117 on banking, £98 on travel, £69 on insurance, £78 on hospitality (such as at restaurants or on leisure activities) and £19 on gym or health activities.

Organisations that register for Purple Tuesday will benefit from free resources from Purple on topics such as website accessibility and customer service training.

In exchange, Purple asks that business make a minimum of one commitment to improve the customer experience for disabled people. n Last year, more than 750 organisations took part, pledging 1,500 commitments to improve disabled people’s customer experiences. They included Argos, Asda, Barclays and Sainsburys.

Big funding boost for for arts organisations

DISABLED-LED organisations have secured Arts Council England funding of more than £750,000 aimed at producing more leaders with disablities in the arts.

Graeae Theatre Company in London received £300,000 for a national leadership programme, with one of its focuses being to connect early and mid-career disabled artists with mentors.

ACE is also giving £284,000 to Access All Areas, Disability Arts Online, and Manchester Metropolitan University for the LeaD career development programme, which will support seven potential leaders with learning difficulties to become theatre directors, represent AAA on social media and become co-chairs of boards of trustees.

Shape Arts will receive £185,000 for a two-year leadership programme Nick Llewellyn, AAA’s artistic director, said LeaD would “give a voice to a community that has not had a seat at the table before”.

The funding is part of ACE’s Transforming Leadership fund, which saw grants of more than £7 million – funded by the National Lottery – handed to 18 projects, with the aim of ensuring arts and cultural leaders “are appropriately skilled and from diverse backgrounds”.

Best wishes, Ruth

RUTH Gould, artistic director at Merseyside’s DaDaFest arts charity, has taken up a new post with Disability Cymru in Cardiff.

Ruth, pictured, has been with the charity for 23 years. She said: “It has been a tough decision, but I know DaDaFest has developed to be one of the world’s leading disability arts companies and I have enjoyed helping it get there.

“I am grateful for the support of the staff and the board, and how we have worked together to make enormous impact using the arts, and leading on social justice disability issues.”

Sally Gannon, chair at DaDaFest, said: “We are incredibly thankful to Ruth for her enormous contribution in shaping DaDaFest to what we know it to be today.

“Her passion and commitment has been invaluable.

“She leaves behind a fantastic legacy and a strong organisation that we can continue to develop.”

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Time to stop pavement parking . . .

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Ps have called on the Government to ban parking on pavements, after hearing how the practice was putting disabled people all over the country in stressful and even dangerous situations.

The Commons Transport Committee says in a new report that pavement parking affects disabled people who are visually-impaired, use mobility aids or are neurodiverse.

The committee said it was profoundly regrettable that the Government has taken so long to take action, and criticised the lack of concrete actions to tackle pavement parking and improve people’s daily lives.

A DfT spokesperson said: “We are committed to ensuring that our roads work for everyone, but we are also aware that pavement parking can cause real problems for a variety of road users.

“The department recently concluded a review to better understand the case for changing the law, and ministers will be considering our next steps over the coming months.”

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Allied stars in German tourism film

Seat worth a standing ovation TEAM EFFORT – Greg Barnard

A

CAR seat making travelling easier for owners of the wheelchair accessible Peugeot Horizon has been developed by Allied Mobility.

The Tip and Tumble Seat, which has secured a European patent pending award, is the culmination of a year’s work across all departments at AM.

The original seat design in the base Peugeot Rifter model made it difficult to fold the adapted seats forward and gain enough space for a wheelchair user to feel comfortable. Although highly efficient and well-designed, the seat was never designed to store away for a wheelchair user.

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Design engineer Greg Barnard said: “This has been a real team effort. It has been over a year of work from when we first identified the problem to getting the Tip and Tumble Seat design in place and we are really happy with the results.”

ALLIED Vehicles have been working with leading German TV company ZDF and Scotland for All to showcase just how accessible Scotland is for people with disabilities ZDF filmed across Scotland, visiting venues ranging from Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Yacht Britannia, to Glencoe and Dunrobin Castle.

The footage has just been aired on German national television – with one of Allied’s range of adapted vehicles taking centre stage.

Rebecca Bridges, Rentals Manager for Allied, said: “Scotland is known all over the world for its hospitality so it’s great to be able to play our part in this.”

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In the bag All Together NOW!

October/November 2019

Mim’s brilliantly simple fix for a tricky problem

S

OMETIMES it’s the simplest ideas that can make big differences to people’s lives.

School nurse Mim Oldershaw saw the problems faced by a friend’s two-year-old son who was unable to swallow.

He needed to be fed through a straw, which was attached to a heavy bag. Mim said: “I had a text while they were still in hospital telling me that the feeding bag he was given was too heavy and bulky for him, so he had to be confined to a buggy.

“I knew that I had to do something about the tube feeding bag. I love textiles and fashion, so

Mim and one of the bags carried by its proud owner

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Bad loos stopping people travelling

I

T’S SOMETHING the vast majority of people take for granted.

the thought of combining medicine and sewing was a dream to me!”

Between them, they created their TubieeGo bag that was easy – and fun – to use.

All bags are adapted by hand and generally cost between £35 - £50 depending on size and style.

Mim added: “It made me realise that we could help lots of people.

“The idea that people were being held back by equipment that was too heavy or too embarrassing to take out didn’t sit right with me.

“I heard stories of toddlers being confined to buggies, of young professionals wanting to feed

through the night because they didn’t want to take the bag to a board meeting, and children feeling worried to start school.”

The bags are a rip-roaring success. So much so that Mim’s business has been shortlisted in the NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Awards for the North West.

The regional finals take place in October in Manchester. If successful, they’ll be taking their bags for the finals in London. n Tel. 0151 722 9417. n info@tubieego.com n www.TubieeGo.com

HALF A MILLION PEOPLE ARE READING THESE PAGES Call us . . . tel 0151 230 0307 sales@alltogethernow.org.uk

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But being able to simply use a public toilet is a nightmare for huge numbers of people with disabilities – and is stopping them from travelling.

Even many of those “disabled” toilets that supposedly conform to industry standards are a no-go area for some wheelchair users due to lack of space, clutter and dirt, according to a new report from Leonard Cheshire Disability and Disability Horizons.

Hundreds of disabled people spoke out after having trips to British tourist spots ruined by a “disgusting” and “degrading” lack of useable toilets.

One person said, “Using the toilet meant lying on a dirty floor,” while others said they were forced to urinate in bottles by a lack of disability-friendly facilities. Some people even refrained from drinking during the day to try and avoid a trip to the loo.

No guarantees

Despite newer attractions such as the Museum of Liverpool offering more fully accessible facilities, Leonard Cheshire’s findings indicated that this is still the exception rather than the norm.

More than seven in 10 of the respondents said they had arrived at a UK tourist attraction only to find inaccessible toilets.

Of these, almost the same proportion had been assured, prior to their visit, that there was a suitable loo.

The study also revealed that even when accessible loos were available, this was no guarantee they would be vacant for disabled people.

Toilets meant to be reserved for disabled people with special “RADAR” keys, for example, were open to exploitation, with one visitor saying that “people just buy RADAR keys off Amazon and eBay.”

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

PEDALLING A GREAT IDEA

H

EREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S a novel way to help older people get out and about

And itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all down to 82-year-old Norman Riley â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and a group of commnity-minded pupils.

Specially designed trishaws, pedalled by volunteers, are now a common sight on roads and beauty sights around Perth, Scotland.

The pupils at Perth High School came up with the idea of launching a local â&#x20AC;&#x153;chapterâ&#x20AC;? of the Cycling Without Age charity when researching for a Duke of Edinburgh project.

Norman, a tenant at the Bield Quayside Court residential home in the town, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s amazing how

All Together NOW!

October/November 2019

popular Cycling Without Age has become in the area. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had hundreds of people out on the trishaws, including 83-year-old Betty who was able to visit the area of the river where she played as a child.â&#x20AC;?

Christine Bell, executive officer at Cycling Without Age Scotland, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Norman has really been a driving force â&#x20AC;&#x201C; he is officially our Senior Ambassador and a member of our Board of Trustees. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We could not have done any of this without Normanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drive and commitment.â&#x20AC;?

Other chapters are now beginning to spring up across the country.

KING OF THE ROAD: Senior Ambassador Norman, below left, out for a ride with pals courtesy of the Cycling Without Age charity

n Cycling Without Age was set up in 2012 in Denmark by Ole Kassow. n Ole wanted to help older people get back on their bicycles, but he had to find a solution to their limited mobility. The answer was a trishaw

and he started offering free bike rides to the local nursing home residents. n The charity now provides cycling opportunities to older people in 40 countries. n www.cyclingwithoutage.org.uk

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All Together NOW!

October/November 2019

‘

www.alltogethe

We had over 100 entrie could have won. They w

EVERYONE A ABOVE: Trustee Sally Morgan with the triumphant team from the Priority Youth Project

LEFT: Chairman Steve Morgan presents Diane Clark with her Outstanding Individual Contribution to Charity award

T

CHAIRMAN STEVE MORG

HE RETURN of the Steve Morgan Awards brought a fitting end to an inspirational annual conference as over 200 charity representatives came together to share their ideas and experiences.

All smiles from the Neo Community team with trustee Ashley Lewis

The second Steve Morgan Foundation charity conference, staged at Carden Park Hotel in Cheshire, was another major success with a day of presentations and workshops, followed by the return of the awards for the first time since 2012.

Steve Morgan, chairman of the Foundation, said: “It was another wonderful and inspiring day.

“We held our first annual conference last year, which I thought was great, but this was even better, and has set the bar even higher for future years.

“I think all of us tend to get so busy and

wrapped up in our day-to-day activities, that we forget that other people out there have issues very similar to our own.

“Charities will often experience the same situations and the same frustrations, and getting together at this conference is so valuable in sharing stories which we can all relate to.

“It was after last year’s first conference that we decided to bring back our awards, and we were really impressed with the quality of the applications.

“The judging process, which included some online voting, took a lot of time and effort but we really enjoyed seeing how much incredible work is taking place at the grass roots levels of so many communities.

“We had over 100 applications and I think any one of them could have won - they were that good.

“I would also say that every single one of

the charities that conference are w work they do and society.”

Presentations w representatives fr charities – the Op Community, You Mind CIC – cove improving mental volunteers, and h within an organis

W

A series of work covering a range representatives e experiences, prom linking up togethe The day was co presentation of fiv

www.stevemorganfoundation.org.uk Tel 01829 782

ernow.org.uk

es – and any of them were that good — STEVE MORGAN

October/November 2019

Chairman, SMF

A WINNER!

ABOVE: Doing the biz – the team from RainbowBiz with trustee Rhiannon Walker

GAN WITH THE AWARDS’ WINNERS

came along to our winners, because of the d what they put back into

were given by rom a series of diverse pen Door Centre, Neo uth Shedz and Designs In ring subjects such as l health, the importance of how to build resilience ation.

orkshops

kshops were then held of topics with charity encouraged to share their mpting many to consider er in the future. oncluded with the ve awards, including an

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All Together NOW!

Outstanding Individual Award, won by Diane Clark, CEO with Passion for Learning CIO in Chester, a charity which recruits volunteers to help children to read and learn.

Diane said: “This means more to me than anything, because without the Steve Morgan Foundation, we would be nowhere,” said Diane.

“They were the first people I met that really understood what I was trying to do when I was working out of the boot of my car!

“Without the Steve Morgan Foundation, we wouldn’t have reached the thousands of children that we now reach, and that is why nothing means more to me than this.”

The Best Entrepreneurial Charity or Social Enterprise Award was won by RainbowBiz CIC, with Neo Community being named as the Charity or Social

Steve Morgan Foundation

Enterprise making the Greatest Local Impact.

The Priority Youth Project was named as the Best Charity or Social Enterprise Changing Young Lives, while the Open Door Centre was awarded the prize for the Best Volunteer Team.

The awards, which included prizes of £5,000 for the winners and £1,000 for the runners-up, were presented by Steve and his fellow trustees Sally Morgan, Ashley Lewis and Rhiannon Walker.

The Kim Community Choir, part of the Flintshire-based Kim Inspire charity which provides high quality support for people with mental health issues, also received rousing applause after their uplifting performance. n Photography by Keyhole Productions, whose director Kris McDonald was named the Best Young Entrepreneur at the Steve Morgan Foundation awards back in 2010.

@stevemorganfdn

BELOW: Opening doors . . .

Lee Pennington and Greg Edwards from the Birkenhead-based Open Door Centre with trustee Ashley Lewis

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All Together NOW!

SHOPMOBILITY

n ALTRINCHAM . Tel 0161 929 1714 n ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE. Tel 0161 339 9500 n BARROW. Tel 01229 434039 n BIRKENHEAD. Tel 0151 647 6162 n BLACKBURN AND DARWEN. Tel 01254 690566 or 07757 502217 n BLACKPOOL. Tel 01253 349427 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 710144 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 WIDNES: 0151 511 8833 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

October/November 2019

Begonia winners

THE SIX lucky winners of our begonia competition are: Mrs A Edmondson, Park Street, Bootle (I picked up my copy of All Together NOW! from Breeze Hill Health Centre) Miss Sophie Bowman, Landseer Avenue, Blackpool (Wilkinson’s, Blackpool) Audrey Rimmer, Duke Street, Liverpool (Asda, Southport)

E Kilshaw, Plover Avenue, Winsford, Cheshire (Leighton Hospital) Miss C. Boston, Mallee Crescent, Southport Mrs D Owens, Poplar Grove, Prescot, Merseyside n Winners will receive six varieties of bazookas, courtesy of Dibleys Nurseries, based at Llanelidan, Ruthin, North Wales.

Pools apart from the rest

S

PLASHING out in style – that’s what hundreds of people with autism will be doing at a new super swimming pool in Wirral.

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Free counselling

FREE counselling services are available at The Brain Charity to anyone with a neurological condition – and those who are related to, or care for, them.

The charity’s counselling team can help people with issues such as anxiety, low mood, stress, behaviour, relationship problems and general wellbeing.

Sessions usually run over an eight-week period at the charity’s premises in Norton Street, Liverpool. n Contact 0800 008 6417 or email: info@thebraincharity.org.uk

SPECIAL FEATURES: Marie Bower and Mike Storms at the poolside

The pool at Autism Together’s refurbished premises at Raby Hall, Bromborough, has special features including a sensory suite, donated by the Williams Family Foundation, installed in the pool area.

Terry Usher, head of Autism Together’s Community and Vocational Services, said: “People with autism can be very sensitive to light and sound, so we have given them the opportunity to shape their own experience while using the pool.

“Swimmers can choose ambient sounds or their favourite songs, alter the lighting levels and even change the colour of the light to suit their mood.

“Swimming is a very calming exercise for those with autism, offering many positive benefits in terms of health and wellbeing.

“We anticipate swimmers will access the pool up to 30,000 times every year, so it really is a vital part of the service we offer.” n Tel. 0151 559 2475.

Bella’s amazing 1,000m swimathon

S

IX-YEAR-OLD Bella Mckinney has got them jumping for joy at Wingate Centre for Gymnastics.

Bella swam an incredible 1,000 metres and raised more than £1,500 for the Wingate Special Children’s Trust, which provides sports facilities and holidays/days out for disabled youngsters at its Cheshirebased venue.

Bella’s mum Jane said: “Bella is a regular at the centre and noticed that they were selling toys and sweets and asked me why.

“When I told her she decided that she wanted to raise some money to help. We thought perhaps a few lengths, but Bella had other ideas! “ The Wingate Centre in Wrenbury gets no Government funding and relies on the generosity of its supporters. n Tel. 01270 780456.

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. 0151 263 8366. Text 0151 260 4076. n ACSIL (Amputees and Carers), Tel, 0151 261 1166 n THE BRAIN CHARITY 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.

Text 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 n WEST MIDS Amputee

Group. 07891 794733; 07585 958322; 07557 228154

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

All Together NOW!

October/November 2019

PEOPLE with hearing loss can now stream music, phone calls and other sounds directly from their compatible Google device to a ReSound LiNX Quattro hearing aid and Cochlear Nucleus 7 Sound Processor without worrying about their hearing devices’ battery life.

The new technology is open source, which will allow other hearing device and handset manufacturers to develop direct Android streaming too.

KNOWSLEY Parent Carer Voice hold coffee mornings/ drop-in sessions for people to have a cuppa and a chat.

Here are the next dates when the kettle goes on . . . n Weds Oct 16: Alt Bridge School, Huyton. n Thurs Nov 14: Yew Tree Primary School, Halewood. n Fri Dec 6: Bluebell Park School, Kirkby. n Tel. 0151 549 1412.

INCLUDE ME IN!

I

F YOU like music that’s inclusive to everyone – you’ll like what’s being planned in the Midlands.

The upcoming Fast Forward Festival, focusing on this very theme, will highlight all that’s good – and sometimes bad – in the music buisness, and will be a great showcase for disabled talent.

Holly Radford, of MAC Makes Music, said: “This is a key date for anyone within the music sector, with genuinely great opportunities to hear outstanding contributors from across the country!”

The event will highlight organisations working to remove existing barriers for musicians with disabilities, including Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Drake Music, and The National Open Youth Orchestra.

Fast Forward is a national disability and arts festival celebrating inclusion and challenging expectations around disability and the music industry. n The festival is at the Midlands Arts Centre on Thursday, October 24. n www.macbirmingham.co.uk

VISUAL PROBLEMS 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

Mel reaches her peak... 31 times!

P

ILATES teacher Melody Dean wanted to highlight the benefit that nature has on mental health – and raise funds for a local charity.

So she walked up Moel Famau every day throughout July – and the money is still rolling in. So far, she has raised over £820 for Bridge Community Farms and Wellness Gardens, based in Ellesmere Port.

Melody, who runs Melody Dean Pilates & Lifestyle in Chester, said: “This charity does incredible work in our community, growing and delivering high quality, organic produce and creating a safe, educational and supportive space for people struggling with their mental and physical wellness.” n Bridge Community Farms.

Tel. 07446 699995.

HELP AT THE END OF A PHONE

n CARLISLE: Action for Blind People Tel 01228 595121 n 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 or 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 HEARING ISSUES 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 SOUTHPORT Centre for the Deaf Tel 01704 537001 n ST HELENS: Deafness Resource Centre Tel 01744 23887 n WOLVERHAMPTON Centre for Deaf Tel 01902

CARERS’ CENTRES

n ACCRINGTON Tel 01254 387 444 n BLACKBURN with DARWEN Tel 01254 688 www.bwdcarers.org n BLACKPOOL Blackpool Borough Council, Tel 01253 477 716 nCUMBRIA Carlisle.

Tel 01228 542 156 Penrith.

Tel 01768 890 280 Barrow-in-Furness.

Tel 01229 822 822 Kendal.

Tel 01539 732 927 Whitehaven, Tel 01946 592 223 n CHESHIRE & WARRINGTON Helpline:0300 102 0008 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 (WIRED) Tel 01925 633 492 n WEST LANCS Tel 01695 711243 n WIGAN & LEIGH Tel 01942 705959 / 486923 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

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All Together NOW!

FLASHBACK n KEN PYE has just completed his two latest books – Two Triangles: Liverpool, Slavery, and The Church, and Liverpool Murders and Misdemeanours. n Ken also gives local history talks to groups and organisations across the North West.

Contact him on 0151 427 2717 or email ken.pye@discoverliverpool.com n www.discover-liverpool.com

October/November 2019

ORNATE: The gazebo at the centre of Gateacre village

The story behind the gazebo

O

NE of Liverpool’s many “lost villages” is Little Woolton, now known as Gateacre, and this charming Georgian and Victorian mock-Tudor village has kept most of its features as well as its identity.

In the centre of Gateacre Village Green, at the heart of this small community, stands a handsome sandstone gazebo.

This once housed a commemorative water fountain. It was erected in 1883 as a memorial to the resident of nearby Lee Hall (since demolished), John Hays Wilson, born in 1825.

Wilson was a wealthy brassfounder and industrialist who served on the local authority as chairman of Liverpool’s Water Committee.

One of his most significant responsibilities was to drive forward and oversee the design and planning of a new fresh water pipeline. This would transport water from the hills and valleys of North Wales to the rapidly expanding, and increasingly thirsty, population of Liverpool.

This development

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

RESTORED: The commemorative bust of Queen Victoria

The man who transformed a city’s health

MYTHICAL: One of the many strange creatures decorating the gazebo

was crucial in improving the public health of the city, as it now made more cheaply and readily available fresh, filtered, pure water.

This helped prevent the lethal outbreaks of cholera, typhoid, dysentery, and diahorrea that had so afflicted especially the poorer people of Liverpool for so long.

Construction work on the Welsh dam and reservoir began in 1881, and was finished in 1888. Sadly, though, Wilson did not live to see his revolutionary idea completed as he died seven years earlier, having caught a chill at a horse racing meeting held in the grounds of his home.

The new reservoir flooded the head of the River Vyrnwy valley and submerged the small village of Llanwddyn. Indeed, at times

www.discover-liverpool.com

of drought the rooftops of some of the cottages can be seen above the water level. Its stone-built dam was the first of its kind in the world and is built partly out of great blocks of Welsh slate.

Thirty-seven houses were inundated by the new lake, as well as ten farmhouses, the church and two chapels, and three pubs. However, before the old Llanwddyn disappeared, Liverpool Corporation built an entirely new one further down the valley.

Even the bodies from the churchyard were given a new home!

Today, Lake Vyrnwy is a very popular tourist destination, and its waters cover an average width of half a mile and a length of 4.75 miles. It has been designated a nature

reserve and the RSPB has a number of bird hides around its shores.

It was the villagers of Gateacre who raised the funds to build the memorial to John Hays Wilson, and it is adorned with some very strange and finely carved figures. These include a variety of animals, most seemingly mythical, including mermaids playing musical instruments and a Liver Bird. Also, you will find a very large, gruesome, but unidentifiable gargoyle creature that appears to be jumping out from one side.

Near the gazebo on the green, and standing directly in front of the gloriously half-timbered Black Bull pub, is a bronze bust of Queen Victoria mounted on a tall pedestal. This was placed in 1887, as a donation from Sir Andrew Barclay Walker (1824-1893), of brewing fame, who also gave the Walker Art Gallery to the city.

The bust was restored some years ago and, in what was once an annual tradition on her birthday, local children ceremoniously washed and waxed the Old Queen’s bust amid much fun and frolic.

This is not allowed nowadays though!

Ken Pye – 0151 427 2717

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

All Together NOW!

October/November 2019

It’s all in the line of duty

MEDICAL NOTES

The spray that could avoid an amputation

WALK THE WALK: Actress Vicky McLure with her Memory Walk medal

S

HE has wowed millions of television viewers as DC Kate Fleming in the hugely succssful BBC series Line of Duty.

dementia, whilst uniting with thousands of other walkers who are also affected.

“We need new treatments for dementia now – there have been none in the last 15 years.”

She added: “We owe it to the 850,000 people in the UK currently living with dementia to do something to change this.” n The Cheshire Memory Walk (3.5km or 6km) takes place at Arley Hall on Sunday, October 12. Tel. 0300 330 5452. n Dementia Helpline: Tel. 0300 222 11 22.

BEATING SEPSIS

Now Vicky McLure has become a firm favourite with many of the families living with dementia.

Vicky was again striding out in this year’s Greater Manchester Memory Walk, organised by the Alzheimer’s Society.

“I love taking part every year,” said Vicky. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate the life of my Nana Iris who I lost to

S

EPSIS is a killer – but digital technology at Liverpool’s Royal and Broadgreen hospitals is helping save hundreds of lives by spotting it early.

The hospitals’ digital system brings together lab results and patient observations into one place to help staff diagnose and treat suspected sepsis, saving up to 200 lives a year.

“We have seen a major impact on sepsis care with lives saved,” said Dr Paul Fitzsimmons, chief operating officer at The Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals NHS Trust.

“In some cases, it would have been impossible to make a diagnosis without the help of our digital system.

“By providing automated sepsis alerts from clinical information from multiple sources we are treating septic patients both faster and more effectively – helping our clinicians prioritise doing the right things first and reducing death rates in severe sepsis.”

Screening is now at 100% in the

Machines spot a killer where doctors can’t

emergency department and on its wards; antibiotic given to patients with sepsis within an hour has increased to nine in 10 in in the emergency department and is up to three in five on wards.

Meanwhile, deaths from septic shock mortality in the under-45s has dropped from six in 10 to less than one in 10.

Sepsis – also known as blood poisoning – is a life-threatening response to an infection in the body, where the immune system damages tissues and organs.

It kills 37,000 people every year in the UK. Hospitals in Cambridge and Berkshire are also at the forefront of the digital war

news@alltogethernow.org.uk

against sepsis. In Cambridge, deaths have fallen consistently over the last three years, with at least 64 lives saved in the past year.

In Berkshire, nine in 10 patients are now consistently screened for sepsis during admission as opposed to two in ten beforehand.

Celia Ingham Clark, medical director for clinical effectiveness at NHS England, said: “The systems at Liverpool, Cambridge and Berkshire are life-saving and as more hospitals adopt digital tools, thousands more families will be spared the harm and heartbreak of sepsis.”

Dr Ron Daniels head of the UK Sepsis Trust, said: “These innovations involve technology that uses existing recognition strategies for sepsis.

“In the coming years, however, we expect that our improved understanding of the condition, combined with the embracing of evermore advancing technology, will ensure that we deliver the very best care to the patients who need it most urgently.”

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

OXYGEN sprays could greatly reduce the numbers of people needing foot and leg amputations, says a new report.

“The evidence for topical oxygen therapy is growing and is shown to be beneficial and improve outcomes in suitable patients,” said Paul Chadwick, of Birmingham City University and chairman of the Expert Panel Report.

“The patients of biggest concern for me are those with severe ulcers as they are four times more likely to need a major amputation and almost twice as likely to die within one year.”

One product showing promising results in topical oxygen therapy is Granulox® (Mölnlycke), a haemoglobin spray that binds oxygen from the atmosphere and transports it to the wound bed, where it is released.

In a controlled trial on 72 patients with venous leg ulcers, the average wound size reduction was 53% at 13 weeks, says the report in the Diabetic Foot Journal.

Studies have also shown that twice as many chronic wounds healed at 8-16 weeks with the haemoglobin spray compared to standard of care.

Diabetic foot disease is the largest single reason for hospital admissions among people with diabetes, costing the NHS an estimated £1 billion per year, while the additional social costs, such as reduced mobility and sickness absence, are estimated at £13.9 billion per year. n There are about 169,000 people with a diabetic foot ulcer in the UK.

Right connections

PEOPLE with brain and nerve conditions will be diagnosed faster and receive better guidance, thanks to a new “toolkit”.

Experts hope it will avoid up to 2,500 emergency admissions to hospital each year and save up to £10 million.

The toolkit, produced by the NHS and seven charities, will help medics improve care for people with Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neurone Disease and Parkinson’s.

Genevieve Edwards, director of external affairs at the MS Society, said: “This is an incredible opportunity to develop better services for progressive neurological conditions in England.

“By providing clear guidance on what services can improve, and how, this toolkit can make a real difference and unlock the timely, joined up, and holistic support people deserve.

She added: “We’re looking forward to working with commissioners to achieve this, and seeing the impact.”

Tel 0151 230 0307

All Together NOW!

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October/November 2019

MEDICAL NOTES

Tip top guide to a good night’s sleep

A

S NIGHTS draw in and days turn cool, autumn brings its own set of sleep challenges for those who struggle to snooze.

Here’s some sound advice from experts at The Sleep Council to make sure autumn doesn’t leave you fatigued and frustrated: n Shorter days can mean less exposure to sunlight: This means lower levels of vitamin D and increased feelings of fatigue – and also disruption of the circadian rhythm, which regulates feelings of wakefulness and sleepiness. n Getting plenty of sun on your face in the morning can help, so be sure to open the curtains as soon as you wake up and, if possible, go for a morning walk. After sunset, do the opposite and dim indoor lights to get your body back on track. n While crisp, chill air can make it tempting to light the fire and crank up the heating, it’s actually best to keep the home – or at least the bedroom between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius. n Letting the bedroom get too warm can mess with sleep: too hot and the body struggles to bring its temperature back down, causing wakefulness. Too cold and the body will eventually wake you up – demanding extra layers of warmth and insulation!

Exercise regularly

n Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that can set in when daylight hours grow shorter, is thought to affect one in 15 people between the months of September and April in the UK each year.

While the cause of SAD is still unknown, the disorder can alter melatonin levels, which play a role in the sleep/wake cycle and cause daytime sleepiness and oversleeping. n To re-establish a normal sleep schedule, exercise regularly, ensure the bedroom is conducive to sleep (strictly no gadgets and gizmos) and keep bedtime/waking times consistent – even at weekends. Getting as much natural daylight as possible is key too, as it suppresses melatonin levels and boosts serotonin production. n Colder weather can also tempt us to eat more than we should. Overload the tum at your peril! Too much food, too close to bedtime is a sure-fire recipe for wake-up level heartburn and indigestion. n Make sure your bed is comfortable and still supportive. It might be time to re-appraise the piece you use more than any other in the home – and if your bed is seven years old or more, then a new one could definitely be on the cards.

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The long walk!

A TWO-DAY walk from Liverpool to Conwy raised funds for two charities.

Members of the Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen Hospital Trust’s facilities management team, Avrenim, put their best feet forward for the hospital’s R Charity and Mountains for Mia, the Wirral-based charity set up by Mia Austin, who died in June.

Ten years ago, aged 21, Mia suffered a stroke that left her paralysed from the neck and unable to talk.

LIVER ALARM

People only told they’re at risk when it’s too late

P

EOPLE who are only diagnosed with liver disease after being admitted to hospital as an emergency will be dead within a year, a shock report reveals.

Campaigners are calling for urgent action to address the findings of their report – The Alarming Rise of Liver Disease in the UK. Liver disease is expected to overtake heart disease as the biggest cause of premature death and is already the biggest cause of death for people aged 35 to 49.

But more than three-quarters of people with cirrhosis, or scarring, of the liver only find out when admitted to Accident and Emergency, says the research by the British Liver Trust.

Trust chief executive Pamela Healy said: “It is completely unacceptable that more isn’t being done to address the liver disease epidemic we are facing in the UK. This ‘silent killer’ is leading to the premature deaths of thousands of men and women every year.”

Liver problems develop with no obvious symptoms in the early stages yet, if caught early, the disease can be reversed through lifestyle changes. Nine in 10 cases of liver disease are due to three main risk factors: obesity, alcohol and viral hepatitis.

“To address this issue, we need the government to support us in improving early diagnosis and tackling prevention,” said Ms Healy.

“Helping people understand how to reduce their risk of liver damage is vital to change outcomes. Although the liver is remarkably resilient, if left too late damage

New brain clue may reverse ageing

WHEN our bodies age, muscles and joints can become stiff, making everyday movements more difficult.

It’s also true of our brains . . .

That’s according to a new study which reveals how increasing “brain stiffness” as we age causes brain stem cell is often irreversible and leads to dysfunction. liver failure.”

The research also Professor Steve Ryder, advisor to demonstrates new ways the Trust and consultant physician to reverse older stem at Nottingham University Hospital cells to a younger, said, “The increase in deaths from healthier state.

Scientists in Cambridge liver disease is in stark contrast to examined the impact of other major killer diseases like age-related brain heart disease and many other stiffening on the function cancers where the numbers of of cells called OPCs. deaths have remained stable or decreased. A lack of awareness means liver disease is These are a type of brain stem cell important consistently overlooked and underfunded.” for normal brain function, The British Liver Trust’s Love Your Liver campaign, and for the regeneration which aims to reach the one in five people in the UK of myelin – the fatty who may have early stages of liver disease but are sheath that surrounds unaware of it, focuses on three simple steps: our nerves, which is n Drink within recommended limits and have three damaged in multiple consecutive alcohol-free days every week. sclerosis, which affects n Eat a balanced healthy diet, maintain a healthy over 100,000 people in weight and take more exercise the UK. n Know the risk factors for viral hepatitis and get Dr Susan Kohlhaas, tested if at risk. There are now very effective cures for from the MS Society, who hepatitis C. part funded the research, n Find out if you are at risk of liver disease in a said: “The Cambridge few minutes by taking the British Liver Trust’s team’s discoveries have important implications for online quiz at future treatments.” www.britishlivertrust.org.uk/screener

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All Together NOW!

October/November 2019

Omega-3 fats ‘no use against diabetes’ OMEGA-3 fats have little or no effect on risk of Type 2 diabetes, according to new research.

Increased consumption of omega 3 fats has been widely promoted because of a common belief that it will protect against – or even reverse – conditions such as diabetes.

But a major study has concluded that they actually offer no benefit.

Despite over 58,000 participants being randomised into long-term trials, and 4% of those participants developing diabetes, the people consuming more long-chain omega-3 fats had the same risk of diabetes diagnosis

as the control group who did not take more fish oil.

Dr Lee Hooper, from the University of East Anglia, where the research was carried out, said: “Our previous research has shown that long-chain omega-3 supplements, including fish oils, do not protect against conditions such as heart disease, stroke or death.

“This review shows that they do not prevent or treat diabetes either.

“Omega-3 supplements should not be encouraged for diabetes prevention or treatment.

“If people do choose to take supplementary fish oil capsules to treat or prevent diabetes,

or to reduce levels of triglycerides in their blood, then they should use doses of less than 4.4 grams per day to avoid possible negative outcomes,” said Dr Hooper, from the UAE’s Norwich Medical School.

Dr Julii Brainard added: “Oily fish can be a very nutritious food as part of a balanced diet, but we did not find enough trials that encouraged participants to eat more oily fish to know whether it is useful in preventing diabetes or improving glucose metabolism.

“What we did find is that there is no demonstrable value in ordinary people taking omega-3 oil supplements for the prevention or treatment of diabetes.”

FIT FOR LIFE!

Keep moving – it can help fight cancer, say experts

E

XERCISE not only improves our quality of life – it could help cancer patients avoid any recurrence of the disease.

The NHS is increasingly using structured exercise as part of their cancer treatment programmes.

And UK researchers are now investigating the importance of structured exercise in living with and beyond cancer.

“Physical activity and structured exercise have an important role to play in alleviating the physiological and psychological impact of cancer and its treatments,” said Professor John Saxton, who is heading the research at Northumbria University, Newcastle.

“This isn’t just about quality of life, as it can also benefit long-term disease outcomes, such as risk of cancer recurrence and the development of cardiometabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular conditions.”

A large-scale trial is examining how exercise programmes before surgery can be used to improve fitness and treatment outcomes in colorectal cancer patients across the UK. “There is a real need to provide sustainable lifestyle support, including regular exercise, healthy eating and maintenance of a healthy body weight,” said Prof Saxton.

“We know that common cancers, such as cancers of the breast, prostate and colon can be linked to excess body weight.

“And if patients put weight on after

Diagnosed in blink of an eye

A

BRITISH company is using artificial intelligence to spot early signs of serious eye disease and prevent blindness.

Visulytix has created a program called Pegasus that sends eye scans taken at opticians, screening centres and GP surgeries to Microsoft’s Azure cloud.

It then uses AI to spot early signs of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration in seconds.

Jay Lakhani, chief executive of Visulytix, said the key to preventing blindness was catching conditions early, and AI is helping healthcare professionals do that. “The problem

treatment, this can be linked to poorer outcomes.”

While structured exercise interventions will never replace the traditional cancer treatments of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery and hormone treatments, Prof Saxton is seeing structured exercise programmes increasingly being used as part

with many blinding eye diseases such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy is that they can develop slowly, with patients often unaware they have a condition,” he said.

“There’s no sudden impact on your vision, which means people may not notice them for quite a long time, while quietly losing sight.

“We see our solution as “decision support” – AI and doctor working together. What Pegasus does is upskill the user, so they can operate with a specialist’s level of accuracy.

AI-provided decision support needs to be used to counter the fact that there simply aren’t enough ophthalmologists.”

of NHS treatment. The research is closely aligned with NHS treatment plans and helping build a solid evidence base to support the use of exercise.

“This research is about using physical exercise as part of lifestyle interventions to improve the health of people living with and beyond cancer,” added the professor.

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MEDICAL NOTES

New smartphone app helping beat anorexia

A SMARTPHONE app is being used to treat people with anorexia in a revolutionary new approach to the eating disorder.

The “Mandometer” app, developed by scientists in Sweden, teaches anorexia patients to eat normally again.

And the professor heading the team behind the pioneering method claims its success rate far outstrips conventional therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

“Anorexic patients can learn to eat at a normal rate by adjusting food intake to feedback from a smartphone app,” said Professor Per Södersten.

“And in contrast to failing standard treatments, most regain a normal body weight, their health improves, and few relapse.”

The approach is based on the theory that slow eating and excessive physical exertion – both hallmarks of anorexia – are a prehistoric response to short food supply that can be triggered by dieting and reversed by practising normal eating.

Södersten and his team’s private Mandometer clinics – which reinvest 100% of profits into research and development – are now the largest provider of eating disorders services in Sweden.

“Subjects eat food from a plate that sits on a scale connected to their smartphone. The scale records the weight loss of the plate during the meal, and via an app creates a curve of food intake, meal duration and rate of eating,” explains Södersten.

Through this feedback, patients learn to visualise what normal portions of food look like and how to eat at a normal rate, the professor says in the journal Frontiers in Neuroscience.

“The rate of remission is 75% in, on average, one year of treatment. The rate of relapse is 10% over five years of follow-up and no patient has died,” he added.

Beating cancer fatigue

SHEER fatigue is one side effect of cancer that gets very little consideration.

But now a new app is attempting to combat the effects of so-called Cancer-Related Fatigue.

The Untire app, which has successfully passed NHS assessment, aims to help users gain better control of their energy levels by becoming – and staying – mentally and psychologically active.

CRF is characterized by feelings of tiredness, weakness and a lack of energy related to cancer or cancer therapy. n www.untire.me

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October/November 2019

Oct 9-26: Les Misérables. Liverpool Empire. Winner of the 2014 BBC Radio 2 Audience Olivier Award.

Oct 10-12: First Encounters: Merchant of Venice. Grand Theatre, Blackpool. Royal Shakespeare Company presents. Specially created for 7-13 year olds. ‘till Oct 19: Beryl. Octagon, Bolton.

How Beryl Burton - wife, mother, northern lass – became a recordbreaking world champion and a cycling legend. Audio described Oct 10, 7.30pm. Captioned Oct 12, 2.30pm.

BSL Oct 16, 7.30pm.

Oct 10: Daniel O’Donnell. Venue Cymru, Llandudno. Irish charm and music from the most successful easylistening country entertainer in Ireland.

Oct 11: The Illegal Eagles. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Oct 11: Joe Brown – 60th Anniversary Tour. Lyceum, Crewe.

Oct 11-12: Some Like it Hip Hop. The Lowry. A story of love, mistaken identity and revolution.

Oct 12: Lulu – Still on Fire. Pavilion, Rhyl. Lulu still has plenty to shout about as she embarks on another mammoth tour.

Oct 13: ELO AGAIN. Grand Theatre, Blackpool. Celebrating the truly universal music of Jeff Lynne and the Electric Light Orchestra.

Oct 13: A Country Night in Nashville.

Lyceum, Crewe. Recreating a buzzing Honky Tonk in Nashville.

Oct 14-19: Amelie the Musical.

Playhouse, Liverpool.

Oct 14: John Finnemore’s Flying Visit. Lyceum, Crewe. Star of the multiaward winning BBC Radio shows.

Oct 15: The Sound of Springsteen.

The Brindley, Runcorn.

Oct 16: ABBA Mania. Lyceum, Crewe.

Europe’s leading ABBA tribute.

Oct 17: Grease (Sing-Along). Venue Cymru, Llandudno. Dementia friendly screening.

Oct 17: The Nutcracker. Lyceum, Crewe. Russian National Ballet presents.

Oct 17: Rip it Up – the 70’s. Opera House, Manchester.

Oct 17-19: Christopher Wheeldon’s Cinderella. Palace, Manchester. A magical ballet with over 40 dancers, a live orchestra, and plenty of surprises.

Oct 17: You Win Again – Celebrating The Music of The Bee Gees. Pavullion, Rhyl.

Oct 18: Swan Lake. Pavilion, Rhyl. Performed by the Russian National Ballet.

Oct 18: Clinton Baptiste - The Paranormalist Returns. Lyceum, Crewe. As seen on Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights.

Oct 19-29: Sleeping Beauty Pantomime.

Theatre Royal St Helens.

Oct 19: Count Arthur Strong - Is Anybody Out There? Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Written and performed by Steve Delaney.

Oct 19: Milkshake Live! The Brindley, Runcorn. New musical.

Oct 19: An Irresponsible Father’s

BOX OFFICE CONTACTS

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Palace: 0870 401 3000 SALFORD The Lowry: 0843 208 6000 NEW BRIGHTON Floral Pavillion: 0151 666 0000 PRESTON: Charter Theatre: 0845 344 2012 RHYL: Pavilion: 01745 330 000 RUNCORN The Brindley: 0151 907 8360 SOUTHPORT: Floral Hall: 0844 847 2380 ST HELENS: Theatre Royal: 01744 756000 STOKE: Regent Theatre:

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Streets ahead!

L

AURENCE Clark has just helped to write the scripts for 25 episodes of Coronation Street.

And there’s no let up for the stand-up comic.

He’s now right in the middle of his autumn tour with his An Irresponsible Father’s Guide to Parenting show.

Laurence, who has cerebral palsy, gives a comic, brutally honest and charming account of what it’s really like to be a disabled parent.

Try to catch one of his two North West gigs . . .

Sat Oct 19: City Wide Arts Festival, Stoke on Trent.

Thurs Nov 21: Chorley Little Theatre, Chorley.

YOU’VE GOT TO

Guide to Parenting with Laurence Clark. City Wide Arts Festival, Soke on Trent.

Oct 19: Lost Voice Guy, Coliseum, Oldham. He may not be able to talk but he definitely

Compiled by CHRIS GROVES

has something to say and his comedy will leave you speechless.

Oct 20: Lost Voice Guy. The Lowry.

Oct 20: Sinatra: Raw. Lyceum, Crewe.

Oct 20: ABBA Mania. Palace, Manchester.

Oct 20: Rick Kemp. The Brindley, Runcorn. An evening of songs and stories with Steeleye Span legend.

Oct 20: Sing-a-Long-a-The Greatest Showman. Regent Stoke.

Oct 20: There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly. Grand Theatre, Blackpool.

The perfect treat for anyone aged 2 to 102!

Oct 21-26: Avenue Q. Palace, Manchester.

Oct 21: Swan Lake. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

The Russian State Ballet and Opera House.

Oct 22: Nutcracker. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Oct 22: An Evening with Simon Weston. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Oct 22-23: Dada Masilo - Giselle. The Lowry.

South Africa’s renowned choreographer.

Oct 22-23. That’ll be the Day. Lyceum, Crewe.

Oct 22-26: The Exorcist. Opera House, Manchester. Spine-tingling new stage production direct from London’s West End. Oct 22-26: Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story.

Grand Theatre, Blackpool.

Oct 24- Nov 16: Seagulls. Octagon, Bolton.

Inspired by Chekhov’s The Seagull, this brand new musical brings the classic play into the 21st century, combining live original music with the passion of first love and heartbreak. BSL Nov 6, 7.30pm. Audio described Nov 12, 7.30pm.

Captioned Nov 14, 7.30pm.

Oct 24: Thunder: Unplugged and Unscripted.

Lyceum, Crewe. Danny Bowes and Luke Morley talk through the highs and lows of life in Britain’s most popular rock band.

Oct 24: There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed A Fly. The Lowry. It’s the perfect treat for anyone aged 2 to 102.

Oct 25: The Chicago Blues Brothers. Lyceum, Crewe.

Oct 26: The Snow Queen. Pavilion, Rhyl. A magical theatre experience for all the family.

Oct 27: Charlie Landsborough. The Brindley, Runcorn.

Oct 27: Paul Simon’s Graceland Live. Josh

Turner Guitar as Paul Simon, joined live on stage by the talented South African Cultural Gospel Choir.

Oct 27-28: Austentatious – the improvised Jane Austen novel. The Lowry. An improvised comedy play.

Oct 28-Nov 2: On Your Feet. Palace, Manchester. This exhilarating musical features some of the most iconic pops songs.

Oct 28-Nov 2: The Entertainer. Opera House Manchester. For the first time since its premiere in 1957, John Osborne’s classic is given a vibrant new setting.

Oct 28: James Arthur. Liverpool Empire. a very special up close and personal tour.

Oct 29: Albert Lee. The Lowry. One of the finest guitarists the world has ever seen.

Oct 29: Michael Starring Ben. Liverpool Empire. A jaw-dropping and magical tribute to Michael Jackson.

Oct 29-Nov 2: Carmen: Welsh National Opera. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Oct 30: One Night of Elvis: Lee “Memphis” King. Liverpool Empire. The world’s No 1 Elvis Tribute artist.

Oct 30-31: Kill the Beast: Director’s Cut. The

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October/November 2019

Lee’s only in it for the fun

Nov 19: Circus 1903. The Lowry. Transporting you to the Golden Age of Circus.

Nov 19-23: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Theatre Royal, St Helens. Seen by an estimated 26 million people, and counting.

Nov 20: The Lady Boys of Bangkok. Lyceum, Crewe.

Nov 20: Private Peaceful. Grand Theatre, Blackpool. Reliving the life of a young First World War soldier awaiting the firing squad.

Nov 20-23: Tom Gates Live on Stage. Opera House, Manchester. Based on the bestselling books by Liz Pichon.

Nov 21: An Irresponsible Father’s

F

OLLOWING his sell-out tour in spring, Lee Ridley (aka Lost Voice Guy) is taking his show to disabled parking spaces at more than two dozen new venues this autumn.

Guide to Parenting with Laurence Clark.Chorley Little Theatre.

The first comedian ever to win TV’s Britain’s Got Talent may not be able to talk but he definitely has something to say and his comedy is winning over audiences all over the UK. Lee is the first stand-up comedian to use a communication aid. In 2013 he took his first ever solo show to the Edinburgh Fringe and has performed a show there every year since.

He has also performed at the Brighton Fringe, Glasgow International Comedy Festival, Leicester Comedy Festival, Nottingham Comedy Festival and Liverpool Comedy Festival.

He is also an ambassador for the charity Scope and a patron of Smile For Life, Find A Voice, Communication Matters and The Sequal Trust.

His debut book I’m Only In It For The Parking – a humorous autobiographical look at disability and the way we approach it – was published in May.

LAUGH! Wed Oct 9: The Atkinson, Southport.

Sat Oct 19: Coliseum, Oldham.

Sun Oct 20: The Lowry, Salford.

Sun Oct 27: Epstein Theatre, Liverpool.

Fri Nov 1: Chancellors Hall, Wolverhampton.

Oct 31: Hello Again – The story of Neil Diamond. Theatre Royal, St Helens.

Oct 31: Frank Skinner. Lyceum, Crewe.

Oct 31-Nov 1: Tim Minchin. Liverpool Empire.

Nov 1: Lost Voice Guy. Chancellors Hall, Wolverhampton.

Nov 1: Heart of Light. Lyceum, Crewe.

Experience the ancient Indian tale of Rama and Sita.

Nov 2: Shakespears Sister. Liverpool Empire.

Nov 3: The Magic of the Beatles.

Liverpool Empire.

Nov 3: Frank Skinner. Opera House, Manchester.

Nov 3: Halfway To Paradise - The Billy Fury Story. Grand Theatre, Blackpool.

Nov 3: Squeeze. The Lowry.

Nov 4: OMD. Liverpool Empire. Another exciting instalment of the band’s 40th anniversary celebrations.

Nov 5: The Sound Of Springsteen. Grand Theatre, Nov 5-9: Blood Brothers. Lyceum, Crewe.

Nov 5-9: The Woman in Black. Regent, Stoke.

A gripping and terrifying stage adaption of one the world’s most chilling tales.

Nov 6: Carole: The Music of Carole King.

Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Nov 6: Psychic Sally - 10 Years and Counting. Grand Theatre, Blackpool.

Nov 6: Lenny Henry. Liverpool Empire.

Nov 6-9: The Dawn of Dracula. The Brindley Studio, Runcorn. Soup Productions presents a fresh and gothic interpretation of the blood-curdling classic Nov 7-10: The Snowman. Opera House, Manchester. Guaranteed to melt the heart of even the most cynical Scrooge.

Nov 7: Eddie Izzard - Wunderbar.

Liverpool Empire.

Nov 8: Diversity: Born Ready.

Liverpool Empire. .

Nov 8-10: North Wales Choral Festival.

Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Nov 8: Gary Clarke Company: Wasteland.Grand Theatre, Blackpool. A gritty story of loss, hope, escapism and survival.

Nov 8: Anything for Love – The Meat Loaf Story. Pavilion, Rhyl.

Nov 9: A Night with Eric and Ern. Playhouse Liverpool.

Nov 9: Fastlove – A tribute to George Michael. Liverpool Empire. Direct from

All Together NOW!

London’s West End. Nov 10. The Upbeat Beatles. Grand Theatre, Blackpool.

Nov 11: Adam Ant. Opera House, Manchester.

Nov 11-16: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.

Playhouse, Liverpool.

Nov 11-16: Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

Liverpool Empire. Based on the Oscar-winning film.

Nov 12-16: Our House – The Madness Musical. The Brindley, Runcorn. Featuring a collection of Madness hits.

Nov 13-17: Madagascar – The Musical.

Southport Theatre.

Nov 12-16. Dangerous Obsession. Grand Theatre, Blackpool. A man dangerously obsessed and determined to seek retribution for his wife’s accident.

Nov 16-17: Diversity Born Ready. Palace, Manchester.

Nov 17: Les McKeown’s Bay City Rollers.

Lyceum, Crewe.

Nov 17: Whitney - Queen of the Night.

Liverpool Empire. A stunning celebration of the music and life of one of the greatest singers of our time.

Nov 18-23: Annie. Regent, Stoke. Lesley Joseph as the tyrannical Miss Hannigan.

Nov 21: The Life and Rhymes of Benjamin Zephaniah. Lyceum, Crewe. A compelling and inspiring show.

Nov 22: Rinaldo. Liverpool Empire. Bringing out all the energy and excess in Handel’s first opera for the London stage.

Nov 22: Ruby Wax – How to be Human.

Lyceum, Crewe.

Nov 23: Rigoletto. Liverpool Empire. A dramatic score.

Nov 23: Boogie Wonderland. Grand Theatre, Blackpool.

Nov 23-Jan 18: Sleeping Beauty. Everyman, Liverpool. BSL, Mon 6 Jan, 5:30 pm; Audio Described, Thu 9 Jan, 1:30 pm, Thu 9 Jan, 7:00 pm; Captioned, Sat 11 Jan, 1:30 pm Nov 25-30: Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

Palace, Manchester. Based on the Oscarwinning film.

Nov 26: Frank Turner. Opera House, Manchester. Frank’s UK headline tour to support his forthcoming album: No Man’s Land.

Nov 26-30: A Murder is Announced. Grand Theatre, Blackpool. Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple mystery.

Nov 26-30: The Red Shoes. The Lowry.

Matthew Bourne’s triumphant adaptation of the legendary film.

Nov 27: The Ronnie Scott’s Story: 60th Anniversary Concert. Lyceum, Crewe. Direct from London’s world-famous jazz club and combining world class live jazz.

Nov 27-30. English National Ballet: Nutcracker. Empire Theatre. The magical Christmas tradition for all the family.

Nov 28: An Evening of Clairvoyance with David Holt. The Brindley, Runcorn. One of the UK’s leading spirit mediums.

Nov 28: Dr John Cooper Clarke – The Luckiest Guy Alive. Southport Theatre.

Britain’s best loved and most important performance poet Nov 28: Ed Byrne - If I’m Honest.

Floral Pavilion, New Brighton.

Nov 28: Hello Again – The Story of Neil Diamond. Venue Cymru, Llandudno.

Nov 28: Dr John Cooper Clarke – The Luckiest Guy Alive. Southport Theatre.

Britain’s best loved and most important performance poet.

Nov 28: The ELO Experience. Regent, Stoke.

Bringing the music of Jeff Lynne and The Electric Light orchestra to the live stage.

Nov 29: Dancing Queen – The Concert.

Southport Theatre.

Nov 29: The Elvis Years at Christmas.

Lyceum, Crewe.

Nov 30: Mark ‘Billy’ Billingham. Lyceum, Crewe. An evening with TV’s most experienced, highest ranking, most-decorated SAS leader and sniper.

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All Together NOW!

Books

New PM marks a dark moment Crippled: Austerity and the Demonisation of Disabled People.by Frances Ryan, £7.92, Amazon

PRIME Minister Boris Johnson’s rise to power is a “really dark moment” for disabled people.

That is the message from journalist and campaigner Frances Ryan whose investigation into the effects of austerity on the disabled is the subject of a powerful new book.

Watching the PM and his new cabinet take control had affected “everybody who looks different and feels different”, said Ms Ryan, at the launch of Crippled: Austerity and the Demonisation of Disabled People.

“These moments can feel particularly scary when you’re reliant on the Government to help you with all the basic parts of life, being able to get yourself dressed in the morning or leave the house,” added Ms Ryan.

Paul Atherton, one of the subjects in Ryan’s damning book, told an audience including shadow chancellor John McDonnell, how he was currently “destitute” due to his ongoing struggle to secure benefits he is entitled to.

Mr Atherton, who has been homeless for the last 10 years and lives “pretty much at Heathrow Terminal Five” said he had “absolutely no funds coming in whatsoever” after the DWP stopped all his benefits And he said the likelihood of receiving any financial support for the next four months was “pretty slim”.

He told the launch event: “What the state or the Government or society expects you to do to survive these periods, I have no idea.

“As a human being, why would you inflict that pain and suffering and degradation on another human being? It’s incomprehensible to me.”

Mr McDonnell warned the event, and those watching via a live online feed, that Mr Johnson’s silence on disability and social security policy since taking office was ominous for disabled people and those claiming benefits.

He said: “In all the discussions so far he’s mentioned nothing about social security, and nothing about disabled people in any of the announcements that he’s had, and I think that reflects their priorities and the direction in which they are travelling.”

Ms Ryan said disabled people would need to be “at the front and centre” of any fightback against the loss of their rights.

She said she hoped her book could play “a small part in a much bigger picture of this rallying cry”.

October/November 2019

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

SCORPIO (October 24th-November 22nd)

ARIES (March 21st-April 20th)

You’ll be coming into your own on the 13th, thanks to an empowering Full Moon. Take this opportunity to command the spotlight. Don’t let the forbidding New Moon on the 28th stop a promising relationship from getting off the ground. If you’re already in a serious relationship, an argument about joint finances could cause a headache. You can’t afford to ignore a tense financial situation in midNovember. The Full Moon on the 12th insists you re-think your spending habits. On the 26th, the New Moon warns against venturing into unknown territory. Although you long for adventure, you need a reliable guide.

Someone who pretends to be an expert won’t give you the service and attention you deserve.

You’ll see the results of a health regimen on the 13th, thanks to a gratifying Full Moon. Your efforts to eat well, be more active and get more reset will pay off handsomely. Give yourself a handsome reward for your diligence and sacrifice. On the 28th, the New Moon will tempt you to change your appearance. Don’t undergo any radical transformations at this time.

November’s Full Moon on the 12th brings attention to a troubled relationship. You will no longer be able to ignore the troubling behaviour of someone close to your heart.

Resist the temptation to explain away these jarring incidents. On the 26th, the New Moon will bring a money-making opportunity.

TAURUS (April 21st-May 21st)

Hidden information will come to light on the 13th, due to a revelatory Full Moon. The New Moon on the 28th will pave the way to a partnership. This alliance won’t be entirely easy. It will be difficult to satisfy your unusual tastes and sensibilities. At times, your other half will have difficulty anticipating your needs.

Try not to subject them to wild mood swings.

Mid-November will push you to be more demanding. On the 14th, the Full Moon will prompt you to confront a demanding friend, romantic partner or business associate. The New Moon on the 26th will tempt you to get involved in another relationship, but hold off.

Don’t let powerful chemistry cloud your judgment.

GEMINI (May 22nd-June 21st)

The Full Moon on the 13th is an ideal time to attend a social gathering. On the 28th, the New Moon will present a difficult challenge. This will command every ounce of your energy and the final days of October will be exhausting. Try to rest at every opportunity. Eating nutritious meals on a regular schedule will keep your system strong and repel illness. A shocking secret will come to light, due to November’s revelatory Full Moon on the 12th. You’ll be dismayed to discover a charming colleague has been involved in underhanded activity. If they ask for you to cover their mistakes, refuse.

The New Moon on the 26th indicates a partnership will take root. Maintain an open mind about who does what.

CANCER (June 22nd-July 23rd)

The Full Moon on the 13th trains the spotlight firmly on you. You’ll enjoy showcasing your talent and working before the public. Instead of trying to blend in with the crowd, emphasise your differences. This will allow you to land the creative assignments you enjoy. Traveling will be both intellectually stimulating and spiritually rewarding. A tense Full Moon on November 12th indicates creative squabbles. This is one of those situations where too many cooks have spoiled the broths. Although you have worked to keep your ego in check, this has only allowed pushier individuals to get their way.

The New Moon on the 26th inspires you to begin a health regimen. Be realistic when setting fitness goals. Slow and steady wins the race.

LEO (July 24th-August 23rd)

Taking an ethical stance will be rewarded on the 13th, thanks to a satisfying Full Moon. You may prevail in a legal matter or vanquish an immoral enemy. The New Moon on the 28th will present an opportunity that shakes up your domestic life. It’s important to develop

SAGITTARIUS (November 23rd-December 21st)

RUSSELL GRANT CALLING . . .

coping strategies and relaxation techniques to deal with this transition. You’ll be expected to do some damage control in mid-November.

The Full Moon on the 12th could shed light on an ongoing problem. Dealing with dissatisfied people will be challenging. You’ll have to fight to strike a compromise that satisfies you all.

Listen more than you speak. On the 26th, the New Moon will create some excitement. Don’t be so quick to pursue a serious relationship with a humorous suitor.

VIRGO (August 24th-September 23rd)

On the 13th, an enriching Full Moon will put more money in your bank account. An inheritance, refund or settlement will allow you to make some extensive home improvements.

A course of study could be overwhelming on the 28th, thanks to a tense New Moon. You’ll be expected to process enormous amounts of information in a short amount of time.

November’s Full Moon on the 12th will make you nervous about the future. While it’s true you won’t be sure about your next moves, that isn’t a bad thing. Keep your options open and stop pressuring yourself to forge a new path. If you have had a recent success; bask in the glory. The New Moon on the 26th marks some changes to your domestic life.

LIBRA (September 24th-October 23rd)

The Full Moon on the 13th is a great time to strike a compromise with your best friend, romantic partner or business associate.

Instead of clinging stubbornly to a particular point, be willing to negotiate. The New Moon on the 28th invites you to practice the power of positive thinking. November’s Full Moon will bring an unexpected expense. You’ll have to scramble to pay this bill. The New Moon on the 26th will bring some surprising news. Be wary about believing a story that seems too good to be true. Similarly, it’s important to take gloomy news reports with a grain of salt. Surround yourself with positive people who make you laugh. The end of November won’t be nearly as bleak as it appears.

After a long period of drudgery, you’ll be able to relax and have some fun on the 13th. That’s when an uplifting Full Moon invites you to come out and play. You’ll want to retreat from public view and develop an independent project on the 28th, but the tense New Moon won’t allow you to do so. An annoying colleague will continually bother you for information they should already possess.

November’s Full Moon will require you to find a treatment for a nagging ache and pain. It’s possible this problem could be stress-related.

Making changes to your daily routine is critical.

CAPRICORN (December 22nd-January 20th)

Home, family and real estate command your attention on the 13th. That’s when a stimulating Full Moon draws your attention to domestic life.

If you’ve been trying to wrap up a deal, midOctober is the time to do so. It’s also possible that there will be a parting of the waves by someone close to you. In November, a creative project won’t get the reception you desire on the 12th. That’s when a tense Full Moon heaps harsh criticism upon you. Resist the urge to be defensive. The New Moon on the 26th will tempt you to retreat to a quiet hideaway.

Someone will urge you to make a comment or give an interview. Politely turn away these requests.

AQUARIUS (January 21st-February 19th)

The Full Moon on the 13th is the ideal time to get things sorted – processing paperwork, tackling correspondence and paying bills. Fill the pantry, clean the bathroom and clear out clutter. These tasks will be time consuming but satisfying. On the 28th, the New Moon warns against accepting an opportunity that has lots of strings attached. November’s Full Moon on the 12th is the time to start spending more attention to home and family. The New Moon on the 26th warns against going on expensive outings. Be honest with friends.

PISCES (February 20th-March 20th)

Don’t hesitate to ask for what is rightfully yours on the 13th, when the Full Moon sheds lights on your material needs. If you’ve been trying to improve your income, you’ll have a good chance of doing so in mid-October. The New Moon on the 28th invites you to expand your horizons. You won’t be able to put off mundane tasks in mid-November. The Full Moon on the 12th will require you to stop what you’re doing and attend to routine paperwork and household chores. You’ll be tempted to change things in your life on the 26th, but hold off. The New Moon is clouding aspects of this opportunity that will be very distressing. Stick with what you have. Better the devil you know .

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All Together NOW!

October/November 2019

Dazzling, intriguing garden – all created from her chair

Sue’s paradise T

WO years ago Sue Hockney would admit she knew next to nothing about gardening.

This year, working entirely from her wheelchair, she grew 2,000 flowering plants in her conservatory and planted them in beds, borders and 500 ornamental containers.

The display she created was so spectacular that her garden qualified at the first attempt for opening to the public under the prestigious National Garden Scheme (NGS).

Sue, from Crosby, Merseyside, worked as a hairdresser before moving with husband Robbie to a cottage in North Wales 16 years ago. The cottage was picturesque but the garden very ordinary – until Sue arrived on the scene.

“That was when a friend gave us two beautiful hanging baskets for the front of the house,” said Sue, 56.

“It really got me interested and the next year I started growing flowers. Begonias were my favourites at first and I still grow them – about 120 this year.”

She started sending away for seeds, collecting unusual pots and planning a transformation of the garden. Robbie made garden structures, re-laid paths and fitted ramps to improve access round the plot.

The resulting garden is both dazzling and intriguing with vivid flower displays leading to

formal corners, rustic seats in secluded shade and humorously stagey features framed by climbing roses and sweet peas.

Some garden designers consider there are strict rules for plant combinations. Sue, an experienced amateur artist, ignores any such constraints.

Blue echiums sprout by multi-coloured petunias; pink antirrhinums merge with maroon and lilac cosmos daisies; and a mix of purple heliotropes, red dahlias, and blue scaevola create glorious chaos.

The trailing branches of Lysimachia nummularia Aurea, the golden-leaved creeping jenny, trail elegantly from containers.

For coolness there is a border of creamygreen Hydrangea paniculata Limelight and for contrast clipped topiary, tall groups of ornamental kale, the serene foliage shrub Persicaria Red Dragon and the unusual Dianthus barbatus Green Wicky which has spiky emerald flowers.

Diagnosed with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy at the age of 14, Sue has

WIN! WIN! WIN!

The perfect patio pals

DAZZLERS: Primula Rambo Red Flame and daffodil Jetfire planted together

FLOWER LADY: Sue Hockney and her beautiful garden

needed a wheelchair for the past six years. “I have a basic Flexmobil wheelchair which enables me to do most of the sowing and planting using standard tools, though my Helping Hand grabber comes in useful, too.

“There are 87 species and varieties in the garden this year and I grew most of them from seed.

“I had so many plants that they filled the conservatory. When it came to planting out, there were too many for the garden so we have given a lot away but also planted them in containers along the lane beside our house and my son Chris has a collection of pots outside his hairdressing salon in Ruthin.”

The garden, at Neuadd Wen (White Hall) in the village of Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr, between Ruthin and Bala, was open by appointment throughout July and August.

Admission charges and teas – served with irresistible cream-and-jam scones – have raised well over £400 for the NGS. She plans to open again next year.

n The NGS, which started more than 100 years ago, has donated £58m to nursing and health charities, including £3m from 2018 alone. This year 3,500 gardens opened to the public. Main beneficiaries are Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK and the Queen’s Nursing Institute.

SUTTONS have combined two spring dazzlers, primula Rambo Red Flame and daffodil Jetfire, in plant-and-bulb twin packs – and we have FIVE, each worth £14.99, to be won.

Planted together, these vivid flowers will produce an eye-catching display in patio pots or a border. The prize pack contains more than enough plants to fill a large container: Fifteen garden-ready plugs of primula Rambo Red Flame. This is a real stunner with huge blooms of red and golden yellow which will add warmth to the chilly scene in the early months of next year. Each plug will each grow to 1120cm (4-8in) in height and spread; and…

Fifteen bulbs of daffodil Jetfire. Jetfire, which holds the Royal Horticultural Society’s award of garden merit, is a miniature narcissus which bursts into colour in April to complement the longflowering primula. Each bulb produces a bloom with bright orange trumpets and backward-folding yellow petals on 25cm (10in) stems.

To enter the competition, answer this question: How tall does daffodil Jetfire grow?

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 Suttons Twin Pack Competition, All Together NOW!, The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP, to arrive

by Friday, October 18, or enter online at www.alltogethernow.org.uk. n For the full range of Suttons plants and products go to: www.suttons.co.uk.

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All Together NOW!

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October/November 2019

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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Mormons Jehovah’s Witnesses Shakers Quakers

QUESTION 6 – for 6 points: How many funnels did the RMS Titanic have?

A B C D

A B C D

QUESTION 7 – for 7 points: The characters Piggy, Jack and Ralph are in which novel?

QUESTION 5 – for 5 points: What is the organisation called the Society of Friends more commonly known as?

One Two Three Four

Yellow Green Pink Purple

QUESTION 12 – for 12 points: What was the name of Britain’s first Polaris submarine?

Singer Annie Lennox. See Question 9

A B C D

Dreadnought Valiant Resolution Vanguard

QUESTION 13 – for 13 points: Which of the following is not a name for an entertainment award?

Treasure Island Animal Farm The Lord of the Flies Charlotte’s Web

QUESTION 8 – for 8 points: Which fish is traditionally eaten in Poland and the Czech Republic on Christmas Eve? Carp Salmon Sturgeon Pike

QUESTION 9 – for 9 points: Annie Lennox won an Oscar for which song in the film Lord of the Rings: Return of the King?

A B C D

SUDOKU

Waiting in Vain Precious Into the West Something So Right

A B C D

Oscar Romeo Emmy Tony

QUESTION 14 – for 14 points: Who wrote the First World War poem The Soldier?

A B C D

Wilfred Owen Siegfried Sassoon Edward Thomas Rupert Brooke

QUESTION 15 – for 15 points: What, to a gardener, is MM106?

A B C D

Organic weedkiller An apple rootstock Hormone rooting powder A type of compost

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

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

A B C D

Oliver!

Mary Poppins The Sound of Music Cats

Throw them onto passing trains from a bridge Put them into meat pies Feed them to the pigs Sell them to medical students

Four Five Six Seven

QUESTION 11 – for 11 points: What is the most common colour of the gemstone citrine?

Wear it Drink it Smoke it Use it to play the bagpipes

QUESTION 4 – for 4 points: What did the fictional murderer Sweeney Todd do with the bodies of his victims?

Inn (5) Church cantata (5) Rested (7) Uttering (6) Father (5) Rust (7) Succession of rulers (7) Pointed instrument (3) Jane ----, novel by Charlotte Brontë (4) Diesel (4) Judge, umpire (7) Young hare (7) Sound attenuator (7) Female deer (3) Paradise (6) Lariat (5) Stage show (5) Chose (5)

A B C D

QUESTION 3 – for 3 points: The song Feed the Birds is in which musical film?

A B C D

★

33

Bone in the upper arm (7) Walked slowly (5) Turkish commander (3) Completely (7) North Italian city (5) Milky sap (5) Fidgety (7) Irritable (4) Refer indirectly (6) Cure (6) Flightless bird (4) Mollusc (7) Cowboy show (5) Paint solvent (inf.) (5) Heroic (7) Prosecute (3) Proportion (5) Miser (7)

28

★

31

32

Captain Barnacle Captain Pugwash Captain Haddock Captain Codling

QUESTION 2 – for 2 points: What might a Scotsman do with a chanter?

★

★

QUESTION 10 – for 10 points: How many different ways can British coins be made to total 6p?

14

16

18

chosen answers and keep a record of your points total. Maximum total points 120.

A B C D

10

12

Each question has four possible answers and is worth from one to 15 points. Circle your QUESTION 1 – for 1 point: Which sea captain was a friend of Tintin?

7

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5

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

DIFFICULT

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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 5

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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?

29

DIALLING CODES

CROSS CODE

All Together NOW!

October/November 2019

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1) A coarse, brown bread flavoured with caraway seeds, originating in Bavaria;

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

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5. architectural terms 225 878 723 315 397 866 314 274 695 313 594 641 288 873 771 754 684 126 723 512 658 661 227 482 516 433 176 784 261 546 835 132 361 346 425

Starting from the central shaded letter, move one letter at a time (up, down, right or left, but not diagonally) to find 14 popular places to go on a date.

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3. UK armed forces 732 712 364 725 134 353 162 774 251 266 626 337 162 567 124 712 443 316 277 425 143 637 251 265 663 512 744 234 371 236 472 515 438 836 268

SPOT CHECK

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

terms associated

4. with biology 737 747 284 661 467 666 319 946 831 436 312 228 374 214 526 316 742 647 613 443 784 661 796 246 747 122 745 527 917 768 346 175 276 212 355

Spaces and any punctuation marks are represented by 1.

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ 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.

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1. political leaders 254 686 616 263 352 184 282 437 192 537 212 524 716 375 351 467 222 438 193 587 461 727 569 912 488 861 638 269 248 162 262 178 846 177 634

2) A kind of woollen cloth, usually dyed red, and used to make underclothes;

1. Gold is discovered at Dawson Creek, renamed Bonanza Creek, on the river Yukon in Alaskaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Klondike region.

2. The first edition of the London Daily Mail is published, priced at one penny.

3) A drinking song, popular in the nineteenth century.

3. The shortest war in recorded history, the Anglo-Zanzibar War, starts at nine in the morning and lasts for around 40 minutes.

Add the given letter to the first word to make a new word.

Clue: Mistake made in helping to produce a cake.

WAS IT? a) 1881; b) 1886; c) 1891; d) 1896; e) 1901.

____ +IN=____IN

ALL THE ANSWERS Pathwords: cinema; restaurant; bowling alley; art gallery; miniature golf course; amusement park; ice skating rink; bar; cafĂŠ; zoo; museum; seaside; concert; theatre.

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Accumulator Quiz 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; C; 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; D; 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; B; 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; B; 5 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; D; 6 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; D; 7 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; C; 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A; 9 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; C; 10 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; B; 11 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A; 12 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; C; 13 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; B; 14 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; D; 15 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; B. Starspot Crossword Across â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1 Humerus; 5 Paced; 8 Aga; 9 Totally; 10 Turin; 11 Latex; 13 Nervous; 15 Edgy; 17 Allude; 19 Remedy; 22 Rhea; 24 Bivalve; 26 Rodeo; 29 Turps; 30 Valiant; 31 Sue; 32 Ratio; 33 Niggard.

Down â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1 Hotel; 2 Motet; 3 Relaxed; 4 Saying; 5 Pater; 6 Corrode; 7 Dynasty; 12 Awl; 14 Eyre; 16 Derv; 17 Arbiter; 18 Leveret; 20 Earplug; 21 Doe; 23 Heaven; 25 Lasso; 27 Drama; 28 Opted.

Star Name: ORLANDO BLOOM

Word Wizard No 2 is correct. Stammel is a cloth.

Dialling Codes 1. Clinton; Mandela; Thatcher; Walesa; Blair; Merkel; Gorbachev; Yeltsin; Sarkozy; Bhutto; Netanyahu; Obama; Putin; Prodi.

2. Korean; Falklands; Iraq; Vietnam; Franco-Prussian; Hundred Years; Gulf; Crimean; Opium; Napoleonic; Boer; Peninsular.

3. rear admiral; field marshal; commander; major; air chief marshal; general; colonel; brigadier; admiral; lieutenant.

4. respiration; hormone; zygote; gene; bacteria; gland; organism; digestion; symbiosis; capillary; protein; plasma; cell.

5. balustrade; keystone; gargoyle; flying buttress; plinth; corbel; column; capital; ogee; portico; lintel; dado; finial.

6. laparotomy; thyroidectomy; rhinoplasty; colostomy; hysterectomy; angioplasty; mastectomy; appendectomy; vasectomy.

Spot Check A = 4; B = 5; C = 1; D = 2; E = 6; F = 3.

Missing Link dance; apple; martin; spend; organ; nose. Fruit: damson.

Make a Date The year was 1896.

Transformer Muff + IN = Muffin.

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TEAM TALK: Jonnie in training– and in action on the track

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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ARALYMPIAN Jonnie Peacock will be coaching and mentoring four disabled youngsters as part of a new Channel 4 series.

The Paralympic 100m Champion will be showing them, and their families, that there are no barriers to participating in sport and physical activities – given the right support and tools.

Jonnie said: “My own story and those of many Paralympians prove sport and an active lifestyle is possible regardless of disability.

“Giving disabled youngsters the support and encouragement they need to stay active doesn’t just help them physically, it can potentially provide them with a life-changing sense of confidence and self-worth.”

The new series, Jonnie’s Blade Camp, will air next year.

Great Groves!

W

ORLD No.1 George Groves claimed his first title on home soil when beating a strong international field in blustery but dry conditions in the 2019 English Disability Open, staged over the Gainsborough course at Stoke by Nayland.

Groves, from Horne Park Golf Club in Surrey, carded rounds of 77 and 74 to claim a five-shot victory over veteran competitor Duncan HamiltonMartin (St George’s Hill, Surrey) on seven-over par 151.

The English Disability Open, which was part of the England Golf championships calendar for the first time, was open to players who are eligible for the World Rankings for Golfers with a disability (WR4GD). It attracted 42 competitors from across Britain, France and The Netherlands, including new players George Blackshaw (Delamere Forest, Cheshire) and Ellie Perks (Hagley, Worcestershire).

PICTURE: Leaderboard Photography.

HALF A MILLION readers across the North West . . .

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All Together NOW!

October/November 2019

So what’s your gym like for disabled people?

At the double!

Tony bounces back in style

M

ILIONS of disabled people are not being catered for in UK gyms, according to a new survey.

HOT SHOTS TONY SOUTHERN ON HIS WAY TO VICTORY

T

HREE of the top North West snooker players basked in the glory at the 360Fizz UK Disability Snooker Championships.

Liverpool’s Tony Southern recorded a famous double in the Groups 1-2 wheelchair classification – his first silverware since the Belgian Open back in March;.

There was also a fourth WDBS title in Group 6B (Learning Disabilities) for Runcorn’s Leroy Williams, while Shabir Ahmed, Blackburn’s rising star, saw off a familiar final opponent in the shape of Lewis Knowles with a 3-1 win to also claim his eighth Group 8 crown. It was also Ahmed’s second success in the space of a month, following his success at the Disability Tour Championship held at the Crucible Theatre in August.

Nigel Coton (Louth) claimed a second World Disabled Billiards and Snooker title in Group 3 as he resisted a brave fightback by John Teasdale to win 4-3.

Daniel Blunn (Sutton Coldfield) notched up his tenth title after defeating Andy Johnson 3-0 to maintain his dominance in the category.

Having progressed from his group for the loss of just a single frame, Blunn then saw off Nigel Brasier and David Church to reach the final, while Johnson defeated Ben Rawson and former professional star Dean Reynolds to join him there.

Despite a close second frame, it was Blunn who ran out a comfortable 3-0 winner in what was a repeat of the 2018 Welsh Open final to make it a perfect 10 on tour.

There was an all-new final in Group 5 as David Langridge defeated debutant Dean Simmons 3-1 to claim his maiden WDBS title.

Langridge, who himself made his debut at this event 12 months ago, enjoyed a strong

WORDS AND PICTURES by MATT HUART

WINNERS: Shabir Ahmed, left, and Leroy Williams

weekend overall as he progressed from the group stage without the loss of a frame, before again overcoming Simmons in the final to claim victory.

In the Learning Disabilities (Groups 6A-6B) section, Mohammed Faisal Butt made it four victories in a row in Group 6A after he defeated Mike Busst 3-1 in the final.

The pair, who have now met in four of the past five WDBS finals in this category, progressed to the semi-finals and defeated Warren Ealy and Liam Crook respectively to set up another title match.

Nick Neale (Coventry) defeated Ronnie Allen 4-1 in a repeat of last month’s Welsh Open final to claim his eighth WDBS title for players with visual impairments.

In the Challenge Cup – for players who did not progress to the final day – there was a maiden WDBS victory for Steve Cartwright (Farnborough), who edged out Blake Munton in a single-frame final.

Held at Barratts Snooker Club, Northampton, the three-day championships attracted almost 70 players.

The weekend also featured a special open day – supported by the Motor Neurone Disease Association – and there were sessions led by WPBSA World Snooker coach Steve Rutter to introduce newcomers with disabilities to the sport.

n www.wpbsa.com

Personal trainers (PTs) not being equipped to work with disabled people, fitness professionals not recognising disabilities, and employers being unsure of how many of their gym members have a disability were some of the key points.

The survey, highlighted in the report Raising the Bar, from Future Fit Training, showed that 86% of fitness employees think that current training does not equip gym professionals to work with disabled people.

The report showed that more than half (61%) of UK fitness professionals are unsure of what proportion of their customer base have a disability. Many were also unaware of the breadth of conditions that constitute a disability, including physical and mental impairments.

Rob Johnson, founder and MD of Future Fit Training, said: “The results of this survey are a wake-up call to the fitness industry that more needs to be done to cater for and engage disabled people.

“They reveal the scale of the challenge that lies ahead to ensure that disabled people’s needs are recognised, understood and addressed in gyms and fitness establishments across the UK.”

‘Unimportant’

Other results revealed only 18% of respondents thought qualifications related to engaging disabled people were important when recruiting new staff, and 36% thought they were neither important nor unimportant, despite there currently being 13.9 million disabled people in the UK. Working with disabled people isn’t currently included in standard PT qualifications. However, 95% of fitness professionals surveyed that this should be included on courses.

Phil Rumbelow, from the Jubilee Hall Trust, said in the report: “There needs to be a change in what we think about disability. We’ve got an ageing population that wants to be active for longer, and we need to be able to adapt and engage everyone who walks through our door.” n Raising the Bar is an annual review, undertaken by Future Fit Training and supported by ukactive. The report collected data from the UK’s largest leisure operators, representing over 45,000 fitness employees.

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