Atn oct nov 2013 by All Together Now

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How an injured racehorse helped paralysed Paul to raise big bucks

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HORSE POWER! opening doors . . . broadening minds

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

0151 230 0307 Who to contact Editor: Tom Dowling email: news@alltogethernow.org.uk

John happy with a dog’s life ACTOR John Barrowman helped the Princess Royal launch this year’s Hearing Dogs for Deaf People’s annual awards scheme, which celebrates the remarkable achievements of more than 800 special partnerships across the UK.

John said: “These incredible dogs have completely changed the lives of so many. “I have seen how much of a lifeline they give to their deaf recipients, removing some of the isolation and loneliness that hearing loss can bring.” The charity was set up in

‘Exciting new MS treatment’ wins backing from Europe AN EXCITING new treatment for multiple sclerosis has been given the go-ahead by the EU agency responsible for regulating new drugs. Approval is now needed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) before MS patients in the UK start to receive the treatment. The new drug, Alemtuzumab, to be known by the brand name Lemtrada, is the culmination of almost 40 years research at Cambridge University. Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks nerve fibres and their protective insulation, the myelin sheath, in the brain and spinal cord. The resulting damage prevents the nerves from ‘firing’ properly and ultimately leads to their destruction, resulting in physical and cognitive disabilities. Alemtuzumab reboots the immune system by first

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NEXT EDITION: Tuesday 3 December 2013 All Together NOW! is published by All Together Now! Ltd, The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP Registered Charity No.1106387

1982 and trains dogs to alert deaf people to household sounds such as the doorbell, telephone and smoke alarm. It has placed almost 2,000 dogs with deaf owners. n Tel: 01844 348100 (voice and minicom). www.hearingdogs.org.uk

Friendship and Dating

depleting a key class of immune cells, called lymphocytes. The system then repopulates, leading to a modified immune response that no longer regards myelin and nerves as foreign. However, roughly one third of MS patients develop another autoimmune disease after taking Alemtuzumab, mainly targeting the thyroid gland and more rarely other tissues especially blood platelets. Dr Alasdair Coles’ research team is now investigating how to identify people who are susceptible to this sideeffect. Dr Coles said: “Alemtuzumab offers people with early multiple sclerosis the likelihood of many years free from worsening disability, at the cost of infrequent treatment courses and regular monitoring for treatable sideeffects.”

abilityfriendshipanddating.co.uk

Ability is social media with a social conscience and is aimed predominantly at people who have a disability. It has been set up by a disabled person who understands how lonely we can be. New this autumn we are soon hoping to have the support of many people who all have something in common. Wether you are looking for love or friendship Ability is the site for you. Ability has been designed with you in mind!!! We are a small fastly growing independent company who offers a bespoke service to your needs. Look out for our upcoming events designed to help you all meet and enjoy each others company we aim to do these regularly across the UK . Our first event will be a Dinner, Disco and Date meeting. Please let us have your suggestions for future events. Look forward to seeing you there soon!!!!

Please quote voucher code ability123 for 50% discount exclusive to ATN readers

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TOO many people who use community mental health services are not being involved in decisions about their own care, says a new report from the Care Quality Commission. A major national survey of more than 13,000 people who use the services in England shows the care people receive in the community needs to improve. Of particular concern is people’s lack of involvement in their care plans and having their views taken into account when deciding which medication to take. People were asked about the care and support they received from mental health services outside hospital, such as those offered by outpatient clinics, local teams providing crisis home treatment, and generic community mental health services.

Unacceptable, says Minister FAR MORE needs to be done across health and care services to improve the treatment that people with learning disabilities receive, says Care and Support Minister Norman Lamb. Two new publications from the Department of Health show that while some improvements have been made, people with learning disabilities are still experiencing poor care, and face unacceptable inequalities in health and social care. Mr Lamb said: “We have asked the National Clinical Director for Learning Disability to look at the feasibility of developing best practice guidelines. “It is not good enough that people with learning disabilities are at a greater risk of dying earlier due to poor healthcare.”

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Why this paper is so vital Hello! IT’S GREAT to be back after the fantastic summer – and great to extend a very warm welcome to the Co-operative Group who have just opened a new and exciting Independent Living store in Poynton, Cheshire (see Page 5). Situated at Poynton crossroads, the store is all geared to helping people with their independence. Trained staff will help you find what items are best for you from a wide range of household and outdoor products. There’s even a special 10% discount to all our readers. Of course, helping people to find the right products, services, and new opportunities – and raising public awareness about how disabled and older people are making positive contributions to society – is what the All Together Now charity is all about. And if more evidence was needed to justify the huge, ongoing need for this FREE charity newspaper then surely it’s provided in abundance in recent surveys carried out by four of the UK’s top charities – and from the Government’s own shock figures that highlight the low

Cheshire Disability, and Vitalise say: n Millions of carers don’t know where to get help; n Millions of disabled people don’t know how to get involved in sport; n Millions think attitudes toward them have got worse since the Paralympics; n Millions are too scared to go out for fear of abuse and intimidation; and n Millions are not on the internet. Scope even claim that disabled people face a “digital divide” with mainstream technology such as smartphones and tablets alienating those with special needs. That’s why everyone of us connected with All Together NOW! continues to battle against the odds to ensure the paper’s survival – and long-term future. If your organisation wants to get involved with our work – as an advertiser, sponsor, or if you want to support the charity with a donation – then I’d be delighted to hear from you (details on Page 2) I hope you like this issue. See you again in December with our exciting Christmas issue! Thanks for all your support

Counting real cost of the bedroom tax

DIGITALLY DIVIDED

ISABLED people face a “digital divide” with mainstream technology such as smartphones and tablets alienating those with special needs, says one of the UK’s biggest disability charities.

Researchers for Scope and the Helen Hamlyn Centre for Design said many of the UK’s 11 million disabled people still have to choose between expensive specialist equipment and inaccessible mainstream gadgets. They found technology designed for disabled people is often costly and has low functionality, while mainstream products such as iPads are rarely customised for those with additional needs. The research, funded by BT’s Better Future campaign, also found that emphasis needs to be placed on improving the information available to disabled people about the enabling

EDITOR: TOM DOWLING

numbers of disabled and older people using the internet. The UK’s caring organisations, English Federation of Disability Sport, Scope, Leonard

Half of all disabled people are still not connected to the internet – nor are 4m older people

technology that is available. Scope chief executive Richard Hawkes said: “Modern technology has the potential to transform disabled people’s lives – but first we need to get past the digital divide. “If you are disabled, you are still often stuck between a rock and a hard place.

“You can spend a fortune on specialist technology, or you can buy the devices that we all use, like iPads and tablets, which are affordable but often inaccessible and hard to adapt. “We have seen some progress, but there is still huge untapped potential for mainstream devices to support disabled people better.”

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ABOUT one in three council housing tenants affected by the bedroom tax in areas across the North West have fallen behind with their rent since its introduction earlier this year. Figures provided by nine local authorities across the North West in response to Freedom of Information requests by False Economy show that since the bedroom tax was introduced this April, over 2,000 council housing tenants have been pushed into arrears. The bedroom tax, introduced under the Welfare Reform Act 2012, penalises council housing and housing association tenants if they have a “spare” bedroom by reducing their housing benefit by 14% or 25%, depending on the number of spare bedrooms. Those affected have included disabled people who currently use “spare” rooms for their carers to sleep in or to store their equipment.

Dave’s new award DAVE Thompson, the founder and chairman of Warrington Disability Partnership, has won a National Diversity Award. Dave, paralysed 24 years ago while playing American football, picked up the Entrepreneur of Excellence Award for Disability. Dave has also received an MBE and an honorary MBA from Chester University for his work for disabled people. In 2006 he was also commissioned as a Deputy Lieutenant of Cheshire.

Top newsletter IF YOU can access the Internet then here’s a newsletter that’s well worth reading. The National Information Forum, founded in 1980 – and a fantastic supporter of All Together NOW! – was voluntarily wound up in 2011, but the popular, free News Briefing, produced on a monthly basis by Derek Kinrade and Chris Bazeley, has continued under the banner ‘Not the National Information Forum’. You can subscribe for the Bulletin at ann.darnbrough@btinternet.com

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Eye test could identify psychiatric disorders AN EYE movement test to assist the diagnosis of major adult psychiatric disorders has taken a step closer to being commercialised after winning a prestigious national contest. Devised by researchers from the University of Aberdeen, the test recognises unusual eye movements to help clinicians identify illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and severe depression. The plan to commercialise the test for use in mental health care worldwide beat off competition from five other finalists in the 2013 Converge Challenge Awards – recognising Scotland’s entrepreneurial innovations – to scoop a prize of £60,000. Dr Philip Benson, a senior lecturer at the University of Aberdeen University’s School of Psychology and one of the academics behind the test, said: “Delivering an accurate and timely diagnosis remains one of the most pressing responsibilities of psychiatry. “There aren’t any objective diagnostic tests available to routinely validate decisions made by clinicians. “It has been known for over a hundred years that individuals with psychotic symptoms are unable to smoothly track slowly moving objects with their eyes. “Their gaze tends to lag behind the object and then catch up with it by making rapid skips called saccades.”

Wheelchair beaches THE Government is at long last taking steps to make beaches and tourist spots more disabled friendly. Despite equality and access laws that have been in place for more than a decade many of the UK’s top tourist venues and beaches are nogo area for wheelchairs. Disability minister Esther McVey has asked all local authorities to to ensure that tourist hotspots are accessible to all of the population.

Heads up, please... A 3D image of YOUR head could help determine how facial surgery is developed. Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and FACT (the Foundation for Art and Creative Technology) want 1,000 volunteers to take part in the groundbreaking Headspace project to create a comprehensive database of human head shapes using state of the art 3D photography. Christian Duncan, craniofacial surgeon at Alder Hey, said: “The benefits of this research are huge; from helping to design surgical operations to enhancing our ability to compare the outcomes of surgery. “There are potential wider benefits too, for example in forensics and police work.” Volunteers can call at FACT, in Wood Street, Liverpool, uuntil December 1 (between 12pm and 7pm Wednesdays) n www.theheadspaceproject.co.uk

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£50K up for grabs

Dementia: can YOU help . . ? A NEW online film is aimed at encouraging more patients and carers to take part in research into dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases.

SHOW’S OVER Dementia affects around 820,000 people in the UK – a figure that is expected to rise to one million people by 2021. n The film can be seen at www.youtube.com/NIHRtv or via www.FocusOnDementia.nihr.ac.uk

NOSTALGIA is good for your health, as one care home is discovering. A 1950s shop – complete with ration books, old coins, a vintage telephone and even broken biscuits for three shillings – has been recreated by a care home specialising in demential care. Trevaylor Manor in Penzance, Cornwall, built the replica shop to help its residents take comfort in reminiscence.

Paralympics have not changed attitudes

AST year’s Paralympic Games enlightened millions about how disabled people can achieve great things in the sports arena. But while the Government hoped the Paralympics would improve the lives of disabled people by changing attitudes and increasing participation in sport and the community, research from three of Britain’s leading disability charities paint a very worrying picture. Scope says four out of five disabled people think that attitudes towards them haven’t improved in the last 12 months, with 22% claiming things have actually got worse. And 84% of those say the “benefit scrounger” rhetoric – from politicians and the media – has had a negative effect on views of disabled people. One third of disabled people are still experiencing intimidation and abuse, say Leonard Cheshire Disability, and more than one in five are too scared to go out of their homes. In a national survey of more than 1,000 disabled people the charity found that nearly one in 10 had been a victim of crime in the last 12 months. The charity’s chief executive, Clare Pelham, said: “We need everyday inclusion and good behaviour, not just Olympic and

IF you haven’t allowed a disability to stop you running a successful business, then you could be in line for a big reward. A £50,000 prize is up for grabs in this year’s Stelios Award for Disabled Entrepreneurs in the UK. The award, jointly run by the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation and Leonard Cheshire Disability, recognises outstanding achievements of people who have overcome challenges to set up their own businesses. Sir Stelios HajiIoannou, founder of easyJet, said: “I am passionate about encouraging entrepreneurship, and the previous winners of this award offer proof that there are many highly talented disabled entrepreneurs out there. “Removing the barriers disabled people face in business is essential – for far too long disability has been associated solely with benefits and welfare.” The deadline is October 25. Call 0845 671 7173 or download an application form at www.lcdisability.org

Unprofessional! PARTY TIME: London Mayor Boris Johnson celebrating the Paralympics. But the UK’s big charities are worried about the future.

One in five say life has got worse Paralympic inclusion. We all know that the impact of hate crime or aggressive behaviour can be very distressing and can destroy lives.” Meanwhile, Vitalise, the charity that provides holidays for disabled people and carers, has also found that the feel-good factor that the Games brought is flagging. Vitalise’s new study has found that six out of 10 people with disabilities say there has been no perceptible change to their lives. Seven out of 10 believe the general public does not have a better understanding of everyday lives of people with disabilities,

and only seven out of 10 think perceptions of people with disabilities has changed. As a result, only half of disabled people and carers feel more positive, compared with three quarters immediately after the Games. Vitalise chief executive Chris Simmonds said: "It would be a crying shame if that outpouring of goodwill and enthusiasm were allowed to fade away. “Sadly, our survey shows that just one year on from the Games, that amazing legacy may be in trouble.”

PROFESSIONALS working with vulnerable adults are frequently unaware of the Mental Capacity Act or lack skills to put it into practice. That’s the warning to politicians from the Law Society. Nicola Mackintosh, a member of the Law Society’s Mental Health and Disability Committee, said: “Professional training for front line staff has not kept pace with the increasing complexity of community care. “Safeguarding the dignity and wellbeing of people with impaired capacity should be a priority for Government,” she told a House of Lords Select Committee. “Solicitors often handle the aftermath of poor implementation of the Act and it is essential that steps are taken to increase awareness so vulnerable citizens are not at risk.”

340,000 people – two-thirds of All Together NOW! readers – DO NOT read any other disability or health publication — The Murray

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A new mobility store to help keep you independent Well, life doesn’t stop moving. Why should you? Our new Independent Living store has everything you need to keep doing the things you love. And you needn’t know the difference between propelled and powered wheelchairs – our trained team will help you find the right product for you from a wide range of household and outdoor products. Visit your new store at Poynton Crossroads

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‘Council help for blind could end in a decade’ IN LESS than 10 years, no blind or partially sighted people will receive any form of care or support from their local council, say the Royal National Institute of Blind People. The charity’s report, ‘Facing Blindness Alone’ reveals between 2005 and 2013 there has been a 43% decline in the number of blind and partially sighted people in England getting even the most basic types of council support – down from 55,875 people to 31,740; nearly 25,000 fewer people. “If trends continue, in just 10 years we could be in the very real position that not a single blind or partially sighted person will receive any support from their council to remain independent,” says RNIB’s chief executive Lesley-Anne Alexander. “Every year 23,000 people in England lose their sight. Being left alone to cope with sight loss is wholly unacceptable. “No matter how tight the budgets of Government are, this is essential support which must be provided. The Government needs to act now.” n RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk

Oh baby, what a life! MORE than one third of children born this year are expected to live to 100, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Highland bike ride? SCOTLAND’S first purpose-built cycling track for people with physical and learning disabilities was opened by Paralympian Karen Darke. As part of The Highland Cycle Ability Centre in Cantray, near Inverness, the one-kilometre track has been built at a cost of £250,000 and offers time trial technology for use by all cycling clubs – by appointment. A variety of specialist bicycle models are available, including tricycles for added stability, handcycles, tandems for visually impaired cyclists, and detachable tandems for wheelchair users. n www.highlandcycleability.co.uk

Speak up for them! THOUSANDS of people in the UK are living without access to a powered communication aid that would enable them to have a voice. New research by national charity Communication Matters found that 316,000 people in the UK are benefiting or may benefit from augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) support. Of those, 31,600 could be using powered communication aids yet only around 9,000 are. The findings, which found great variation in service provision across the UK, stem from research carried out by the University of Sheffield. n Communication Matters: 0845 456 8211.

ROAD TO SUCCESS: Paul’s remarkable Iron Man Triathlon – with a mountain climb to round it all off – raised £400,000

Paul – a sure fire WINNER! WONDER HORSE: Big Buck’s

IKE all great sportsmen, Paul Stewart never gives up hope and loves nothing more than a good challenge.

But the IronSpine Challenge he dreamed up for himself this summer could so easily have turned into another nightmare. The challenge: to walk a marathon, to swim 2.4 miles, to cycle 112 miles, and climbi the mountain that changed his life forever. And all within 15 days in the hottest August we’ve had for ages! It seemed an impossible challenge – especially so for someone on crutches, with no feeling below his knees. Five years ago, Paul broke his back while snowboarding in the French Alps. “I looked up and saw this slab of snow coming towards me,” Paul said. “I remember everything going black. It was like being inside a tumble dryer.” His biggest worry was being buried alive. “But when I opened my eyes it wasn’t black and I wasn’t buried. I wasn’t in any pain. I just couldn’t feel my legs.” He had plunged 200ft off a cliff at 100mph and doctors soon told him he would never walk again. He would be paralysed for life. Fortunately, though, things did improve. Some feeling gradually returned to his thighs and after weeks and weeks of sheer blood, sweat and tears in the gym, Paul left

STRIDING OUT: TV’s horse racing celebrity Claire Balding joins Paul during his walk through London

by TOM DOWLING hospital, though still paralysed from below the knees and on crutches. “It was all a bit of a nightmare, but things are getting better all the time,” Paul told me when we met at Aintree’s Grand National meeting – the annual pilgrimage for his racehorse-loving family. The family’s star horse, the legendary long distance hurdler Big Buck’s – winner of four World Hurdles and unbeaten in his previous 17 races – was missing from the party through injury. “It’s all very disappointing, but that’s life. These things happen,” Paul said. “He picked up an injury before Christmas but we’re all really hopeful that he’ll bounce back. He just never gives in. He’s a real battler – a star – and an inspiration to everyone, especially to me, my family and all those down at Paul Nicolls’ stable.” Recalling his own battle after injury he said: “I was a nightmare. I always overdid things. But I’ve always been a sportsman and I believe that you have to train the hardest you can to reach the end goal. “My goal is to complete the IronSpine Challenge and to raise £400,000 for two spinal research charities, Spinal Research UK and Wings for Life. “I’m going to need luck on the way but,

like Big Buck’s, I’ll give it everything I canl!” He did, too – and exceeded his own expectations. But there were times when the going got really tough, Paul admits, and especially when the skin separated from his shins. “Yes, there were times when I was really worried, but with so much support I knew I just had to go on.” The return to the Alps was also extremely emotional. “I took ill the night before the climb. I was very feverish and antibiotics did the trick. But I was always going to do the climb, no matter what. “At first I had to descend 400 feet and my mind was full of all the bad stuff that happened to me and the worry that I wouldn’t be able to do it. But then I saw what a lucky boy I am and how lucky I was to be alive. My arms were killing me and I just had to keep climbing. It was a bit like my recovery – one step at a time and you eventually climb the mountain, which I did. “It all hasn’t sunk in. When it does I’ll probably break down. But at the moment I’m a very happy boy.” n Paul’s next goal? To be included in the TAKE ME HOME! GB wheelchair tennis squad for the 2016 Paralympics in Rio. I wouldn’t back against him doing it.

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All Together NOW! TAKE ME HOME!

October/November 2013

YOU can be a lifesaver

A CAMPAIGN to help children having epileptic seizures has been launched by the Young Epilepsy charity. Parents, carers and teachers are being urged to take the following steps: 1. Note the time when the seizure started 2. Clear the area to allow the child to move freely and safely 3. Administer rescue

medication according to the child’s emergency protocol (usually after 5 minutes in convulsive seizures) 4. Reassure the child 5. Call an ambulance if the seizure continues for five minutes after giving rescue medication n Young Epilepsy Helpline, 01342 831342 n www.youngepilepsy.org.uk

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It makes Sense! N

EW guidance for hospital staff looking after children who have multi-sensory impairments has been published by national deafblind charity Sense. Steve Rose, the charity’s head of children’s specialist services, said: “Going into hospital can be a daunting experience for any child. “For a child who may be both deaf and blind and have other complex needs, the challenges are even greater. This guidance offers practical tips and ideas to help make the hospital stay less stressful and includes resources for staff who would like to know more.”

The document outlines causes of multi-sensory impairments and how they affect children. It also suggests a “personal passport,” which Sense has developed .n Sense, tel 0845 127 0066 n www.sense.org.uk THE National Autistic Society has welcomed the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence’s (NICE) publication of guidelines for the management and support of young people with autism. The NAS said the guidelines will help professionals to work better with families of children and young people with autism, but also called for more research into the condition. n NAS tel, 0808 800 4010 n www.autism.org.uk

HOSPITAL HELP FOR DEAFBLIND CHILDREN

Perfect breaks!

All year round supported holidays for guests of all ages and abilities. Our holidays, which are tailored to meet the needs of each individual, include: • Superior, carefully selected accommodation with all modern facilities • 24-hour care and support with consistent staff

WARD-winning care provider The Mosaic Care Group has a growing reputation for providing short breaks and respite care across the North West.

• All meals and soft drinks at the accommodation • Overseas airport transfers • Travel to all excursions • Valuable support and assistance at airports, ports and departing locations – assistance with booking in and passport control • Support and assistance with all travelling elements i.e. during flights to and from the UK From cruises around the Mediterranean to short breaks in Paris, trips to Florida, relaxing European breaks or even Multi-activity holidays, we can create a holiday suit you.

info@mosaicleisure.co.uk www.mosaicleisure.co.uk Part of the Mosaic Care Group

This summer the team took on a new challenge – adding eight children’s residential trips to their six-week activity programme. The first group enjoyed a three-day break at Winmarleigh Hall, near Preston, and took part in a range of acivities, from abseiling to kite flying. There was also an outdoor education holiday club at Rock and River Outdoor Activity Centre which featured treasure hunts, rock

climbing, canoeing and abseiling while the groups’ holiday club in Blackpool saw participants own a pony for the day and enjoy lots of crafty workshops and outdoor play. And, in response to feedback from parents and carers, day trips were also arranged - including walking with dinosaurs, touring football stadiums, sailing, and even battle fighting. Mosaic’s short breaks manager Alicia Roberts said: “We have had an amazing summer. The launch of our residential trips has been a huge success. We have enabled 64 children with various additional needs to enjoy unforgettable experiences. It’s been

absolutely fantastic.” Claire Fryer, Mosaic’s founder and managing director, said: “We pride ourselves on listening and responding to the needs of our service users and their families. “We are always looking for new ways to enhance the services and provision we offer, and we get great satisfaction from turning service users’ wishes into reality.” The Group has recently launched Mosaic Pathways, a service supporting adults with learning disabilities to live independently in their own homes for as long as they choose. n Tel 01772 325 350 www.mosaicbreaks.co.uk

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

October/November 2013

All Together NOW!

How we can help . . .

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

Difference. Over the past decade we have helped hundreds of organisations across the region, committing over £10 million. This year we will be giving away a whopping £1.5 MILLION to good causes. Created in 2001 by

businessman Steve Morgan OBE, founder and chairman of Redrow plc, chairman of the Bridgemere Group of Companies and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, the Morgan Foundation supports charities across North Wales, Merseyside, West Cheshire and North Shropshire. Our aim is to provide funding for small to medium-sized organisations who are addressing specific needs in these regions.

We are particularly keen to support those who have already begun to make an impact, but need a helping hand to expand their work and increase their effectiveness. We focus our help mainly on those who work directly with children and families but we recognise that many wider issues may also affect their welfare, so we are interested in any project which contributes to the quality of life in our region.

Together again . . . ON SONG: The Company of Friends in top form at the retreat

A weekend of fun and help for Amy and her worldwide friends

AMILIES from across the world all came together for a very special event at St David’s Hotel, near Chester, over the weekend of September 21-22. They were all taking part in the seventh annual retreat of Amy and Friends, a North West charity that helps and inspires families affected by Cockayne Syndrome, a rare disease that causes premature ageing. Children from Australia, Portugal, Tunisia, France, Germany, Holland and the USA were joined by their parents, siblings, friends, medical therapists and a raft of volunteers. The weekend retreat gave the children a rare chance to meet and play with others who have the condition – and provided parents with the opportunity to share

experiences and insights. Entertainment was provided by The Company of Friends and Two Toned, with an unforgettable parade of the children’s favourite Disney characters from Angels and Scallies. There was also visit – in brilliant sunshine – to the fully inclusive adventure camp at Barnstondale Centre on the Wirral. n Cockayne Syndrome is a rare inherited disease of childhood affecting DNA repair, often characterised by developmental delay, poor growth, progressive neurological problems and a number of features representing premature ageing. There is currently no cure or treatment and the average life expectancy is 12 years. n www.amyandfriends.org.uk

FUN TIME: Amy Garton-Hughes and mum Jayne with Barnie Owl, the new mascot for the fully inclusive Barnstondale Centre, situated in Wirral

THANKS to regular support from The Morgan Foundation, Wolves Aid is the biggest UK charity of its kind in football. The Wolverhampton-based charity specialises in supporting small to medium sized locally based organisations or charities whose work focuses on children, families, disadvantage and disability. Wolves Aid is also keen to let people and organisations know about what other kinds of help are available. “That’s why we are holding our second exciting Funders Fayre event,” says administrator Laura Cowley. “This event will give people the knowledge to go and get more support. It will also give groups the chance to network with ech other.” n The event takes place at Molineux stadium on Thursday October 24 (10am - 2pm). Tel, 0871 222 2220

Dream playground is a winner THE new playground at Southern Neighbourhood Council, Dingle, which was built with the help of a grant from The Morgan Foundation, has been put to good use over the summer.

www.morganfoundation.co.uk Tel. 01829 782800

All Together NOW!

October/November 2013

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Let’s Let’s all all shop shop SHOPPING can be fun - but it can also be fraught with difficulties and frustrations for many people who have communication problems.

Based on the feedback, the service developed an information poster with a range of communication ‘handy hints’ which could be used as part of training packages for shop staff. That’s why Liverpool Community Health Anita Williams, principal speech and is encouraging shops and supermarkets language therapist at LCH, said: to be more aware of the kind of difficulties “Feedback from our patient groups some of their customers face. suggests that shopping can be a difficult LCH’s Adult Speech and Language Therapy Team were awarded £200 as part and unpleasant experience due to the lack of awareness of communication of the national Giving Voice campaign to disabilities from retail staff. support getting this ambitious initiative off “But a good shopping experience can the ground. increase independence, confidence and The team engaged with local shops and improve the overall wellbeing of our retail staff to share experiences from patients.” patients who had acted as mystery HAPPY SHOPPERS: Making shopping easier for people with communication needs Sainsbury’s Liverpool store in East shoppers. Prescot Road became the first local supermarket to sign up to the campaign. Matt Birch, regional manager for Sainsbury’s, invited Councillor Richard McLinden, chair of the Adult Social Care Health Committee at Liverpool City Council, LCH patients and staff to help launch the initiative. The group shared their ILLIONS of people across shopping experiences, toured Merseyside have been have the newly refurbished store and been helped this past year by also presented Sainsbury’s with the wide-ranging services of services copies of the poster that will be of Liverpool Community Health. used as part of staff training and And many of the ‘thank you’ letters and development plans. postcards received by LCH staff were Matt said: “We are delighted to proudly on display at the Trust’s annual be able to work with the group meeting, held at their new headquarters at to help our colleagues Liverpool Innovation Park. understand how we can provide Some of the patients who have been an ever improving in-store helped by the Trust also spoke highly of the experience.” services and treatments they received, Councillor McLinden added: “I including help with pressure sores; help to am absolutely delighted to be live independently at home; and special involved in this event. To see help for asylum seekers from the Trust’s retailers who are engaging with children’s services. local communities and actively Bernie Cuthel, LCH chief executive, said: aim to improve shopping “Over the past year, our staff have provided experiences for people with nearly two million patient contacts across disabilities is truly heartLiverpool, Sefton, Knowsley and the warming.” surrounding areas of Merseyside. Anita Williams, principal “Our AGM was a fantastic opportunity to CITY PRIDE: Liverpool Lord Mayor Gary Millar opens the Trust’s new building with speech and language therapist showcase the breadth of services we for LCH, said: “We are so Frances Molloy, chair of LCH deliver within our communities every day, excited to have our first sign up and to celebrate some of the ways to the campaign. in which our staff are helping “Sainsbury’s colleagues have people in our local communities to shown care, compassion and live longer, healthier lives.” sensitivity to the needs of Lord Mayor of Liverpool customers, and we look forward Councillor Gary Millar unveiled a LIVERPOOL Community Health being either male or female and it is surgical procedures. to other retailers following their plaque to open the new LCH has launched a new Trans causing them some distress, they “Above all else, we want people lead and using this tool as part premises, and guests had an Support Service (TSS). may wish to seek professional who use the Trans Support Service of their disability awareness opportunity to take a tour of the The service aims to support support to help them understand or to feel listened to, valued and training.” new state-of-the-art offices, which transsexual, transgender, and address these feelings. supported.” The LCH team is now are on track to being awarded a gender non-conforming people by “This new service will offer a series Bernie Cuthel, chief executive exploring the possibility of SKA Gold rating for the listening to them, providing of sessions with a trained counsellor LCH, said: “We are very proud to be delivering accredited organisations use of low carbon information about their available or therapist, which will help make launching this new service, which communication difficulties and sustainable products. options, and empowering them to clients aware of the full range of underlines our commitment to training packages to local shop n Liverpool Community Health move forward with their lives. available options for resolving their providing high quality community and businesses, and is also employs over 3,200 staff, Tim Blackstone, sexual health gender distress and assist them in healthcare services, which are keen to develop a Shoppers’ delivering over 65 different training & development coordinator determining their life goals. inclusive to all and effectively Charter. community health services from for Liverpool Community Health, “We can also support GPs in support the diverse range of n Want to get involved in over 100 different health centres explains: “If a person thinks that referring people onto one of the communities that we serve.” the campaign? Contact the and community locations, as they may have gender dysphoria, or national Gender Identity Clinics, if The service has already received a Adult Speech and Language well as from patients’ own feels a discrepancy between their the client decides that they want to vote of confidence from the local Therapy Department on homes. birth gender and their sense of undergo hormonal treatment or trans community.

Thanks a MILLION! M

New trans service is a big hit

To find out more, visit . . .

www.liverpoolcommunityhealth.nhs.uk 0151 296 7403.

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

October/November 2013

All Together NOW!

Help is at hand to pay your water bill Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t suffer in silence - thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the message from United Utilities to customers who may be struggling to pay their water bill. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going through a tough financial patch and finding it hard to make your payments, please get in touch with us on 0845 746 2034. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re easy to talk to and we have a range of support schemes depending on your financial situation,â&#x20AC;? says income manager Iain Pilling. For customers in severe financial difficulties, United Utilities offers a scheme whereby it will support customers to help pay off their debt if they commit to regular payments. Says Iain: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our Arrears Allowance scheme is for customers who are really struggling to pay off their debt. For the first six months we will match payments pound for pound. Then, for payments made after the first six months, we will match every ÂŁ1 paid with a ÂŁ2 allowance, helping to clear the debt much more quickly.â&#x20AC;? To discuss our Arrears Allowance further, please call us on 0845 746 2034.

For customers in receipt of Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance, Employment & Support Allowance or Pension Credit, the Department for Work and Pensions manages a scheme to help customers who have arrears on their water bill to pay direct from their benefits. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The issue for many customers in financial difficulty is budgeting to pay off their arrears, and the Water Direct scheme ensures this is included in the regular payment.â&#x20AC;? If you wish to discuss Water Direct, please contact us on 0845 746 2034. Financial support is also available to those customers who have a water meter installed but face particular hardship because they use a lot of water for essential purposes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our WaterSure scheme helps customers who receive certain benefits and need to use a lot of water because they have a large

Need a little ExtraCare? for customers with extra g hand n i p l ne e A helping hand fo A he r cu s

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family or specific medical condition,â&#x20AC;? said Iain. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Customers who are accepted onto our WaterSure scheme have their water charges capped in line with the average household bill amount, giving the customer peace of mind that they wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to pay more than this amount each year.â&#x20AC;? For a WaterSure application pack, telephone our automated leaflet request line on 0845 303 7711 or visit our website: unitedutilities.com/watersure. United Utilities can also set up a flexible Direct Debit arrangement so that customers can pay their bills quarterly, monthly or even weekly. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Direct Debit can help our customers to budget their repayments and you also get a ÂŁ5 reduction on your annual water bill so it is really worth considering,â&#x20AC;? said Iain. Switching to Direct Debit is easy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; phone us on 0845 746 2222 and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll do the rest.

We offer a range of free services to help customers who: q BSF PMEFS q IBWF B EJTBCJMJUZ q IBWF B TFSJPVT JMMOFTT q IBWF TJHIU IFBSJOH PS MFBSOJOH EJGÄ DVMUJFT Our services include: q QFSTPOBM OPUJÄ DBUJPO PG XBUFS TIVU PGGT q MBSHF QSJOU #SBJMMF BOE UBMLJOH CJMMT

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We also offer a free password scheme for all our customers.

To find out more call 0845 746 1100. If you have hearing or speech difficulties and use a textphone, please dial 18001 followed by the number you require. 01/13/SD/5538

All Together NOW!

Equipped for life EQUIP Stroke is a new website launched by the Stroke Association for stroke survivors to get information on products and services that can help them live independently. The products have all been independently reviewed with advice written by occupational therapists from the Disabled Living Foundation and advisors from the Stroke Association. Claire Vincent, partnerships manager at the Stroke Association said: “We get so many enquiries about aids and adaptations, but everyone is different. “There was clear demand for a strokefocused portal that could tailor information to each individual.” n www.stroke.org.uk/dailyliving n Helpline 0303 3033 100.

New bipolar site A NEW online self-management programme to help those suffering from bipolar disorder has been launched. Developed by Dr Daniel Smith, from the University of Glasgow, and colleagues at Cardiff University’s National Centre for Mental Health, the site aims to improve understanding about the condition and includes a wide range of advice to help those with the disorder manage it more effectively. n www.beatingbipolar.org

October/November 2013

INDEPENDENT LIVING

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

WHAT’S NEW NEW WHAT’S

HOT SEAT: Tim Morgan putting his Mountain Trike through its paces

IF YOU are one of the two million hearing aid users in the UK, you will know all about how background noise can spoil listening to the radio or watching TV. A new Neck Loop listening system allows you to still wear your hearing aid - and chat at the same time. The wireless TV2410 NL also lets you walk around the house or garden, up to a 30metre range, and you’ll still hear the TV. n Cost £97.99 n Tel: 01733 361199. n www.actiononhearingloss. org.uk/shop

TV’s Dragons aren’t stopping Tim

HESHIRE entrepreneur Tim Morgan reckons his new all-terrain Mountain Trike wheelchair could become a best seller – despite failing to get investment from BBC TV’s Dragons. Mountain biker Tim entered the Dragons Den determined to win over at least one Dragon. But Tim’s hopes of attracting an investment of £100k for a 5% share in his Nantwich-based business were shattered.

Self-made multi millionaire Deborah Meaden did offer the full investment but wanted 15% of the business, which Tim quickly rejected. “It was fantastic to receive an offer from a Dragon and if I’m honest probably better than I expected. “While I know the investment would have instantly taken Mountain Trike to the next level, I couldn’t budge on the percentage share in the company.” Undaunted, Tim still believes he

has a winner on his hands. “The trike provides wheelchair users with far greater freedom and independence than ever to travel off the beaten track. “No other manually operated wheelchair provides comparable high level of manoeuvrability. “Despite deep mud and wet ground the unique drive and steering system means your hands stay clean and dry.” The trike costs £3,995 n Contact, tel 01270 842616. n www.mountaintrike.com

A NEW earplug lets you listen to loud music without compromising audio quality or risk of hearing damage. ProGuard Hearing Protection’s Linear PR20 specifically designed for musicians, DJ’s, sound engineers, concert-goers and music enthusiasts. n Cost £14.99 n Tel: 0208 639 4446. n www.earplugs.co.uk

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

October/November 2013

All Together NOW!

MERSEYTRAVEL

October/November 2013

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Bike mad Ian lands his dream prize A

COMPETITION which encourages people to leave their cars at home and take up cycling to work or their nearest rail station has been won by bike enthusiast Ian Walker.

The contest, to win a new road bike and safety equipment, was organised by TravelWise – Merseytravel’s sustainable transport campaign, in partnership with Merseyrail. Ian, from Wallasey, Wirral, was one of over 280 people who completed a questionnaire about how employees usually travel to and from work, and their cycling habits. He said: “With this bike I can cycle the nine mile round trip from my home to Seacombe and then complete my journey to work on the ferry, saving me time and money.” Georgia Dufton, from The

Disclosure and Barring Service, one of the TravelWise Employers Network members that took part, said: “We are thrilled to have been part of the Summer Cycling Campaign. “Working in partnership with Merseytravel through the Employers Network Programme, our Health, Safety and Wellbeing Group have been promoting sustainable travel to and from work, encouraging colleagues to think about the alternatives to car travel and how this could improve their health.” Councillor Liam Robinson, chair of Merseytravel, said: “As a keen cyclist myself, it’s great to see so many people using their bikes to get to work. “There are now secure storage facilities across most stations on the Merseyrail network, which helps people to fit cycling easily into their daily commute.”

ON YOUR BIKE: Ian Walker and Councillor Liam Robinson, chair of Merseytravel

As part of the TravelWise programme ‘Freewheeling’, free cycle training is available to anyone over 16 who lives and works in Merseyside. The initiative is offered as part of the Department for Transport Local Sustainable Transport Fund. For details. call 0151 330 1253 or visit www.LetsTravelWise.org

n The TravelWise Employers Network offers businesses across Merseyside access to bespoke consultancy support, helping them to give their staff and visitors choice about how they travel to work, alleviating car parking pressures, increasing health and wellbeing and giving the best advice in order to maximise productivity where staff travel and transport is concerned.

We care about the accessibility of our buildings, vehicles and information. All of our staff are trained to be courteous and considerate, particularly when our customers have special requirements.

Merseytravel is making sure that Public Transport on Merseyside is easy for everyone to use

Whether it be automatic door openers in our head office, availability of textphones for main points of contact, or producing timetables in large print, we want to make public transport easier for everyone to use. Among our services and facilities are: U Àii V ViÃÃ >ÀÞ ÌÀ>Ûi v À ÛiÀ {n]äää «i « iÊ with disabilities U ìÀ ] Ü y À] >VViÃÃ L i LÕÃiÃ Ü V >ÀiÊ developed in partnership with our local authorities and bus companies U v À >Ì > Û>À iÌÞ v v À >ÌÃ V Õ` } Ì iÊ iÀÃiÞÌÀ>Ûi VViÃÃ Õ ì q V Ì> } >VViÃÃÊ ÊÊÊìÌ> ÃÊv ÀÊ> ÊLÕÃÊ> `ÊÀ> ÊÃÌ>Ì ÃÊ Ê iÀÃiÞÃ ì Textphone users can dial 18001 then 0871 200 22 33 for a text relay assisted call

0871 200 22 33 Calls costs 10p per minute from land lines, mobiles may vary

Tell us what you think MERSEYTRAVEL’s Autumn Customer Forums give commuters the opportunity to air their views on transport and the way they travel. Each of the forums, held in Liverpool, Knowsley, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral, between 1.30pm to 3.00pm, offer people the chance to meet local councillors, representatives from Merseytravel, and transport operators including Arriva, Stagecoach, Northern Rail and Merseyrail. Liverpool - Monday October 14: No 1 Mann Island, Liverpool. Sefton - Tuesday October 15: Christ Church, Lord Street, Southport Wirral - Wednesday October 16: Lauries Centre, Claughton Road, Birkenhead Knowsley - Thursday October 17: Kirkby Leisure Centre, Cherryfield Drive, Kirkby St Helens - Friday October 18: Peter Street Community Centre, Peter Street, St Helens

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

October/November 2013

4 million over-70s licenced

All Together NOW!

SENIOR SERVICE: TV celbrity Valerie Singleton presents the three new online videos

— and almost 200 are over 100 years old!

HE NUMBER of older people with driving licences has broken through the four million barrier. Figures analysed by the RAC Foundation shows there are now 4,018,900 men and women aged 70 or over who hold a valid full British licence. Of these, 191 are aged 100 or over.

The oldest licence holder is recorded as being a woman aged 107. The oldest licence-holding man is 106. While not all of these licence holders will be active drivers, the statistics illustrate the growing number of older people who still use a car. And the total is set to increase dramatically.

The Government has predicted that of the UK citizens alive today, around 10 million will reach their 100th birthday. It is at age 70 – and every three years thereafter – that drivers must declare whether or not they are fit to drive. This self-declaration is not made on the basis of any formal medical or driving test, but relies on the judgement of individuals.

To help people make the right decision, Rica, a research charity providing information to older and disabled consumers, has published a guide, Driving safely for life, with support from the RAC Foundation. Many people drive safely and with confidence as they age.However, experience in Australia and America suggests an estimated one in 10 Continued Page 16

Help online for senior drivers THREE online videos may be just the thing for senior drivers. Launched by breakdown provider and road safety charity GEM Motoring Assist, stillsafetodrive.org.uk has been put together to help promote safer driving. The videos are presented by Valerie Singleton – who many senior, and not so senior drivers, may remember from TV’s Blue Peter. The resource includes a driver assessment which is not a test but will tell older drivers what they are doing well and what they could do better. David Williams, GEM Motoring Assist chief, said: “A car gets its annual MOT, so it makes sense for the driver to get checked as well, especially bearing in mind that many drivers aged 70+ will have received no form of refresher training for more than half a century.” n www.stillsafetodrive.org.uk

All Together NOW!

Help available for older drivers Contunued from Page 15 for all of us to regularly drivers continues to drive consider our abilities when they are not fit to do whatever our age.” so. Dr Jasper Holmes, coProfessor Stephen Glaister, director of Rica said: “Rica director of the RAC has found that people don’t Foundation, said: “All drivers know where to go for trusted should regularly consider sources of information and their fitness to drive, but advice. matters come to a head “We’re really pleased to when we reach 70 and have launch this new guide with to declare that we should be the RAC Foundation that on the roads. gives clear and trustworthy “For those reliant on a car, advice on a sensitive issue giving up driving will have a affecting older people. huge impact on their ability “The guide sits alongside to live an active life so it is other useful information on important that they get all our website to help people the help and support to stay independent and make the right decision at involved, including a unique the right time. car measurement tool.” “The RAC Foundation does not support compulsory n The guide can be downloaded at: retesting at a set age www.rica.org.uk/drivingbecause this presumes that safely-for-life on reaching a particular www.racfoundation.org/res birthday people’s physical earch/driving-safely-for-life and mental capacities Printed copies are change radically. available by sending send “But we do see an a large (A4) self addressed important need for an envelope with 69p in ongoing dialogue with stamps to: Rica, Unit G03, motorists and All together now_Oct13_Half.e$S:Layout 1 03/10/2013 15:49 Page 1 The Wenlock, 50-52 Wharf encouragement from officials Road, London N1 7EU. and the medical profession 3 EE ASS 201 FRCY GLmber

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Independen October/November 2013

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AY Lindsay has never been one to hide away in a corner. Or in the back of a car, for that matter!

So she was overjoyed when she realised her new car meant she would not be isolated in the back of the vehicle. In fact she wishes she had bought her new wheelchair accessible vehicle -–a Peugeot Independence from Allied Mobility – years ago. “I like to be involved in all the chat on journeys, so it’s perfect for me that I can sit up next to people,” said Kay, from Rochdale, Lancashire. “I feel so relaxed when I’m travelling and can easily talk to my friends and carers. Being up high so I can see out of the windows is wonderful, I really enjoy my journeys now. “We even take the car out just to go for a drive sometimes, that’s how much I love it!” When it was time for Kay to get a new accessible car, the Naidex show in Birmingham earlier this year was her first port of call. There she met up with two of Allied’s mobility advisors, Kevin and Darren, who were able to point her in the right direction. Kay said: “Kevin and Darren were easy to talk to and were so full of information

October/November 2013

about all of Allied Mobility’s cars. We had a great chat and they didn’t put any pressure on me at all which made me feel really at ease.” Kay settled on the Peugeot Independence after a home demonstration from mobility advisor Richard. She realised Independence was a perfect match when she saw how much space there was inside; Independence offers bags of room for her wheelchair. “There’s nothing I dislike about my Independence; the wheelchair restraints are secure and easy to use and I feel really safe travelling in the car,” added Kay. “The fuel consumption is brilliant, which is always a bonus! My carers find the ramp so simple to operate and it’s nice and lightweight. It’s miles better than any car I’ve travelled in before. “I also love how Independence doesn’t look like a “disability” car and the tinted glass windows give me plenty of privacy, protecting my skin which is really sensitive to sunlight.”

n For more information call FREE on call 0800 916 3062, email info@alliedmobility.com or visit www.alliedmobility.com

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REACH 450,000 READERS

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THE NISSAN LEAF is the first 100% electric vehicle available through Motability, the leading car scheme for disabled people. Available from £999 Advance Payment (a one-off upfront cost), the LEAF combines the practicality of a standard medium hatchback with lower running costs than a petrol or diesel car of its size.

Anyone who receives the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance, the Enhanced Rate of the Mobility Component of Personal Independence Payment or the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement can exchange the weekly payment to lease a new car through Motability. n Tel: 0800 093 1000, www.motability.co.uk

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October/November 2013

READERS’ LETTERS . . . OPINION . . . COMMENT . . .

Do YOU have any polio stories to tell? CAN I request the support of your readers with an ambitious project to make three documentary films to mark the 75th anniversary of national charity The British Polio Fellowship in 2014? We want to hear urgently from anyone with life histories of dealing with polio and post polio syndrome (PPS), plus films, photographs and other mementos. It may be your material refers to a loved one and that is fine, too. Don’t worry about the quality or format of the material, the important thing is that we gather as much information as possible. You do not need to be a member of The British Polio Fellowship any and all information will be warmly received. As a film-maker approaching this subject with no set agenda, I have been shocked a condition like PPS can still exist in Britain when polio is on the brink of global eradication. So few people are aware of polio or PPS that these films have moved from being commemorative to vital in my eyes. It is imperative we reach out and tell this story and you can help us do it. If you have a tale to be told we would love to hear you recount it to us and our cameras. We are ready to give you that platform. Please contact The British Polio Fellowship on 0800 018 0586 for further information. Tony Klinger, film-maker and ambassador for The British Polio Fellowship

Mental health hope I HAVE been very impressed by All Together NOW! It really is informative, interesting and inspiring. The paper provides easy to understand information concerning benefits, “signposting”, disability rights, etc. I am physically disabled and have mental health problems, along with PTSD, and find it difficult to navigate the maze of many websites that offer “advice” or reports in the area of their own expertise. Your newspaper is refreshingly jargonfree, gets right down to the practical point of any legislation and is very easy to understand. I think the idea of a new Mental Health Zone is a very good one. And if the new section provides useful information to those with mental health needs at the same standard it does for those with physical care needs, then this will be a very useful source of hope and support for people who do not know where to turn. Helen Waine (email) THANKS for the compliments, Helen. We received a great response to our mental health survey and are now putting together our application for funding for a new Mental Health Zone within the paper. Watch this space . . . Tom Dowling, editor

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Museum’s dark age attitude WHEN equality legislation was being drafted, disabled people knew that it would be impractical for every building to be fully accessible. In some cases creating access would be very costly, even if possible. In other cases it could ruin the building – imagine putting a lift into Ann Hathaway’s Tudor Cottage. But being unable to create perfect access is not the same as doing nothing. As a wheelchair user I recently visited three museums on Merseyside and received very different receptions. The Williamson Tunnels by definition would be difficult and so it proved. But the volunteers helped me to see as much as possible from my limited access and pointed out the quality of the brickwork. There was a small exhibition at ground level

and a video was showing so I could gain an impression of what I could not see. The volunteers were helpful and friendly. I had a similar reception at Fort Perch Rock in New Brighton. It was impossible to get to most of the rooms but the good people there helped me to get to the few rooms where access was possible and again there were helpful videos. Both these museums were mostly inaccessible but the visits were enjoyable because of the attitude of staff and volunteers. I contrast this with an attempted visit to the Western Approaches Museum in Liverpool. The reception was hostile and I was told: “It’s all downstairs and there is no lift.” I noted that there was a ramped cinema that could have been used for a video or some exhibits but was informed it is no longer used. I later wrote to the museum to complain and

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‘

seeking an explanation. I received a phone call informing me the museum was exempt from having to cater for disabled people because it was underground and it was impossible to install a lift. I was intrigued by this dismissive call because the Equality Act makes no provision for exemptions. Service providers are required to make reasonable adjustments. If it is impossible to install a lift, have they put in handrails for ambulant disabled people? Have they used Braille or audio for blind people? Do they have a policy on disabled people at all? The museum commemorates events of the 1940s and that is the decade in which their attitudes seem to remain. What a sad contrast with the positive attitudes at the Williamson Tunnels and Fort Perch Rock!

History lessons MAINSTREAM history magazines are beginning to feature articles with disability themes. For example, a recent issue of History Today has a feature on the history of blindness and how blind people were treated in the past. In 1824 a blind woman, Adele Hussun, wrote: “One looks upon the use of sight as one of the greatest fortunes. I cannot share this opinion. I was deprived of my sight at the age of nine months. I have just reached my 22nd year, and I don’t ever remember forming a single regret concerning the loss of my eyes . . . people who console me hope to better my lot, but alas, they only made it worse.” More recent writings echo this view. Selina Mills’ Life Unseen: The Story of Blindness will be published next year and I look forward to reading it. Disability history can teach us much about today.

HAT has happened to the Disability Movement? Does it still exist?

The campaigning on disability issues in the late 1970s and through to the 1990s was led by disabled people. The cry “Nothing about us without us” reflected the demand that policies concerning disabled people should not be imposed without consulting disabled people. These were the days of mass demonstration for civil rights legislation and other provisions to enable disabled people to contribute to society and play a full role. In those days disabled people were fighting for civil and human rights. The last few years have witnessed cuts to disability benefits, social care provision, the bedroom tax imposed even when an additional room is essential, and the increasing expectation that disability equipment must be purchased privately. The disability movement has been powerless to prevent most of these cuts. Many disability organisations have closed or had to shrink due to lack of funding. New

organisations have emerged to fight back including Black Triangle, Sparticus and Disabled People Against the Cuts. All are run by volunteers on shoestring budgets. But despite this, they have enjoyed some success although insufficient to stem the hostile tide. National disability organisations tend to be issue or impairment specific. For example, Scope assists people with cerebral palsy, Mencap – people with learning disabilities, Mind – people with mental health issues and so the list goes on. Other organisations, like Motability, have tightly defined and specific roles. What is now needed is a national mass membership organisation of disabled people that can develop enough people and resources to enable it to ensure that the voice of disabled people is heard loud and clear through the corridors of Whitehall and the debating chambers in the Palace of Westminster. It should be able to refute false so-called facts made about disabled people and influence laws and regulations.

One organisation is trying to do just this. Disability Rights UK was formed a few years ago following the merger of the Royal Association for Disability & Rehabilitation, Disability Alliance and the National Centre for Independent Living. It is controlled by disabled people but until recently has not sought to become a mass membership organisation. That is changing. DRUK now wants disabled people to join in large numbers and through surveys on their website and other means to seek the views of disabled people on the big issues of the day. If sufficient people join it will provide the organisation with resources, through membership fees, and the political clout to make sure the voices of disabled people are heard. Their website is: www.disabilityrightsuk.org. Click on the button that says Join Us. I have become an Ambassador for DR UK because the price of not having a strong voice is much TAKE ME HOME! greater than the membership fee.

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October/November 2013

OBESITY Blame the medics, too

All Together NOW!

Stubbing it out

FINGER OF BLAME: Dietician Sue Norton

IABETES and obesity are rocketing and top dietitian Sue Norton is pointing the finger of blame at the health experts and professionals.

Sue has spent all her working life advising people how to eat and live healthily. In her day job she works for the NHS in Merseyside helping people who are severely overweight.

SMOKE FREE ZONE: Actress Suzanne Collins, Councillor Chris Meaden, Rory Coleman; and Simon Gilby, chief executive, Wirral Community NHS Trust

She is also the chief dietitian for Boossh, a firm that supplies diet supplement drinks to people who are looking to lose weight. “This country is now in the grip of an obesity epidemic,” says Sue, “and the effects of that will be felt for many years to come. “We are talking about future generations suffering from heart disease, diabetes and a wide range of other health issues. “As a country we have known that

‘Living drugs’ A REVOLUTIONARY new cancer treatment could replace chemotherapy and make the disease less likely to come back. Pioneering research has found a way of using the body’s own immune system to attack the cancer cells. The technique transforms white blood cells into stem cells, reprogramming them to fight the disease. Researchers believe the use of stem cell technology could lead to quicker treatment plans, reducing the emphasis and reliance currently placed on chemotherapy. Dr Emma Smith, from Cancer Research UK, said: “It looks pretty exciting. It’s effectively using the body’s own immune system and harnessing its power to attack the cancer cells.” “It specifically targets the tumour cells and leaves the healthy ones alone, meaning it comes without any of the side effects with treatments like chemotherapy, which can be harsh for patients. It’s another piece in the jigsaw and has huge potential benefits for the future.” “Firing up” the body’s immune system in this way produces a delicate balance, where invaders such as cancer cells are attacked, but not the body’s own tissue. In a sense, the treatment would produce “living drugs”, which would act as a preventative measure, safeguarding the sufferer against recurrences. After successful trials on mice, it is expected that the treatment will be tested on humans, and later developed as a treatment by 2020.

this was coming for many, many years and we have not done enough to tackle the problem. “We are now finding ourselves in a situation where public health services will not have enough resources to deal with the demands that are being placed on it. “What is really worrying is the problem is going to get even worse over the next 10 to 20 years and we are really not ready for the tsunami that is heading our way.”

YOU KNOW it makes sense – so try to stop smoking! That’s the message to smokers in the national Stoptober campaign. Merseyside actress Suzanne Collins and former 40-cigarettes a day man Rory Coleman helped launch Wirral’s contribution to the campaign, encouraging people to quit during the month of October. Councillor Chris Meaden, Wirral Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “Quitting isn’t always an easy journey but with the support of friends, family and Stoptober resources, everyone can help each other to reduce the number of smokers.” n NHS Smoking Helpline 0800 022 4332.

More than 600,000 people underwent hospital treatment for diabetes last year – a more than threefold increase from the 189,283 cases in 1997. And an estimated half of all British adults are now overweight or obese. Sue added: “I think there is no one main reason for the increase in obesity levels, more a mixture of issues including the increase in junk food, the lack of exercise and

changes in lifestyle over the last two decades. “The rise of computer games and the internet is not helping but attitudes have also changed in terms of the way children play and the attitudes of parents.” Sue added: “Having said all of that the health profession cannot escape without any blame for the current situation. Decent health care should be about prevention as much as cure.”

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Big Parkinson’s breakthrough A TEAM of British researchers have made “a great leap forward” in the bid to find a cure for Parkinson’s.

Beatrice Fraenkel chair, Mersey Care NHS

UTUMN is here and with it comes Halloween, but hopefully you will not be seeing two particular Halloween outfits – withdrawn by Tesco and Asda after a public outcry for the way they stigmatised people with mental health problems. Together with my chief executive, Joe Rafferty, we have invited Asda to visit us here at Mersey Care to learn more about a life impacted by mental health issues and how lives are affected by stigma. You can read our letter at www.merseycare.nhs.uk/News/Latest_New s/Asda_letter.aspx For two retail giants to respond to public pressure so quickly and withdraw these particular products is largely thanks to a spontaneous and targeted campaign on social media. Writing in the Guardian, Alastair Campbell, a Mersey Care trust member and mental health campaigner, acknowledged the importance of social media in this debate. I would like to see more trends like this because social media empowers people like you, me, and everyone. It means we can take part in wider conversations that can have a real impact on all our lives. I also believe social media can cut right through all sectors of our population, including age and disability, enabling individual and collective voices to be heard thanks to digital inclusion. I have a Twitter account, which I find is a very useful form of communication – you can tweet me @BFraenkel Here at Mersey Care we are already putting measures in place to rolling out free Wi-Fi at our main sites, proliferating access to information and more dialogue. I’D like to give special mention to a daylong visit by chief executive of the NHS, Sir David Nicholson, to our mental health services in Sefton and North Liverpool. Sir David said the visit had reminded him of turning points in both his own career and that of the wider NHS. He was also grateful for the real-life stories and honest opinions shared by service users and staff. If you would like to read his full report, search on-line for ‘David Nicholson blog Turning Points’ or go to: www.england.nhs.uk/2013/09/13/turningpoints-dn FINAL mention goes to the good news that Mersey Care and The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust have signed a joint agreement to develop a purpose-built Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre within Walton’s new Neuroscience building on the Aintree Hospital site, increasing access to specialist help for people with an acquired

Scientists at the University of Bedfordshire have discovered that Parkinson’s sufferers’ brain cells (neurons) are dying. This is because the neurons in the brain’s movement-control area cannot detoxify harmful substances produced during metabolic reactions. The next step is to find a way of protecting a cell from death, which may ultimately lead to a cure for the one in every 500 people with the disease. Dr Bushra Ahmed and a team of research students found that Parkinson’s sufferers’ neurons are overloaded with excessive everyday toxic by-products.

These by-products are harmlessly managed in a healthy individual. But Parkinson’s sufferers’ neurons are damaged when they meet - a process known as Oxidative Stress. It is the Oxidative Stress which causes Parkinson’s sufferers’ brain cells to die, and this leads to messages that control movement and balance to be disrupted. Dr Ahmed said: “What we have found far exceeded expectations in terms of firmly identifying the key factors in the causes of Parkinson’s disease. “This research is undoubtedly a great leap forward in the race for a cure, as we can now begin to develop methods of protecting these areas and preventing the damage synonymous with this condition.”

DELIGHT: DR Busra Ahmed

Fighting failure H

EART failure patients have been given new hope of better treatments.

TEA-TIME: Volunteers and staff at the Leighton Hospital tea bar

National charity Heart Research UK hailed “exciting” new work into heart failure as they handed over £114,500 to fund a UK research project. Heart muscle cells can die if they are deprived of oxygen – for example during a heart attack – and because they cannot regenerate, the heart functions less well and heart failure develops. University of Reading researchers aim to find out why heart muscle cells die and then find ways to either help them survive or replace them. There is an urgent need for new and better drugs to treat heart failure. Studies show that nearly 80,000 people a year die from heart disease in the UK, almost as many as it takes to fill Wembley Stadium, with more than FORTY new wheelchairs for patients at said: “It is a brilliant feeling for us that 750,000 people in the country living with Cheshire’s Leighton Hospital are now we can help patients, particularly the heart failure. The two-year research project will provide available, thanks to volunteers selling elderly, by working with the Trust to crucial insights into why and how heart almost 200 teas and coffees every day! provide these new wheelchairs. muscle cells stop dividing and do not The Royal Voluntary Service operates “We have a great relationship with the regenerate. tea bars at Leighton and Victoria hospitals, and we are currently looking Leading the work, Professor Angela Clerk Infirmary, Northwich. at what additional projects we can said: “Our team have been one of many Regional manager Carol Nevison work together on.” globally that have worked on individual key enzymes in the heart over 20 years. This is good news for current sufferers as we all aim to bring new therapies to the clinic in THE risk of being affected by Professor Aneta Stefanovska of “endotheliometer” which measures the coming few years.” cardiovascular disease – like the Physics Department said: “The activity in the endothelium, a layer Heart Research UK’s strokes or heart disease – heart does not beat regularly, but of cells coating the inside of every national director, Barbara increases the older you get. varies in a complicated way which is blood vessel in the body. Harpham, said: “Heart Scientists at Lancaster University linked to the action of the lungs. The Professor Stefanovska said: failure is a very debilitating are now studying how the whole cardiovascular system – the “Endothelial function declines with condition, and due to the cardiovascular system changes as heart, lungs, arteries, veins and age, and diseases such as heart ageing population, the we grow older. peripheral system– interacts to failure and hypertension have numbers affected are Blood flow and other create a non-linear dynamical associated endothelial dysfunction. expected to soar. This cardiovascular signals from 200 system. These oscillations of the “We can use it to check that the project is exciting because people of all ages were recorded cardiovascular system can tell us a state of ageing is within healthy it could provide new ways and analysed using novel methods lot about the state of a patient’s limits and can try to prevent of treating heart failure from physics and mathematics, health.” possible complications leading to and hopefully giving which revealed the subtle changes There are now plans to develop a serious impairment and patients a better quality of which occur with age. routine tool called an cardiovascular disease.”

Three cheers for 40 chairs

The secrets secrets are are all all in in the the veins veins .. .. .. The

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My summit challenge for dad MOST sons would climb a mountain for their dad. Chris Hewitt is doing just that, but sadly his dad won’t be there to see it. Chris, 29, lost his father to cancer earlier this year and is now determined to trek to the summit of one of the world’s tallest peaks in his memory. As part of Team Liverpool, Chris will spend six days trekking up Mount Kilimanjaro next summer, raising funds for the Marie Curie Hospice Liverpool. Chris said: “Our whole family had been overwhelmed by the support provided by the staff at Marie Curie. “I’m expecting the trek to be extremely challenging, but equally rewarding, especially as every step

I take will be helping someone like my dad back home in Liverpool. “I’m sure he would be proud of me for taking on this challenge to help others, and I’m determined to reach the summit, but whatever happens I am committed to doing my best and I know that honouring my dad’s memory will be what motivates me to keep going.” The hospice is now now looking for others to join Chris next year. n For a trek brochure, call 0151 801 1412. The Marie Curie Hospice Liverpool costs £5.7m a year to run, and provided free care and support to 1,970 local patients and their families during 2012/13. MOUNTAIN MISSION: Chris Hewitt

Mind over body

MEDICAL NOTES Hospital delays put thousands at risk THE lives of thousands of suspected head and neck cancer patients are being jeopardised by hospital delays, say the British Dental Health Foundation. In an area where even a small hold-up in treatment can make all the difference to a patient’s prospects, new figures show more than 1,250 suspected sufferers being forced to wait longer than three weeks to see a specialist. And more than 50,000 patients were not seen within 14 days of being referred for examination between April 2012 and March 2013. Without early detection, the five-year survival rate for mouth cancer is only 50%. If it is caught early, survival rates over five years can dramatically improve to up to 90% per cent. Tobacco use, drinking alcohol to excess, smoking, poor diet and the human papillomavirus (HPV), transmitted via oral sex, are all risk factors for mouth cancer, which is forecast to affect 60,000 people in the UK over the next decade.

Fabulous fruits

ORE evidence – if we needed it – that our mental state can deeply affect our ability to get over physical problems.

A study has found that depression has a negative effect on the physical recovery of older people who suffer a hip fracture as well as on their immune system, leaving them at risk from infections like pneumonia. A mentally low state also makes it less likely they will regain the physical ability they enjoyed before the fracture. Researchers say treating older hip fracture patients for depression is key to their recovery and preventing their immune systems from being compromised. And they are now calling for all such patients to be routinely tested for depression. As many as 40% of older people who suffer a hip fracture go on to develop depressive symptoms, but are currently not screened for depressive symptoms as a matter of course. At least half the people who suffer a hip fracture never regain their previous walking ability – and up to a quarter may die within a year of the fracture with many more developing infections and illnesses. The results of their study surprised members of the Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research at the University of Birmingham. Director Janet Lord said: “We went in to this study assuming that the stress of a hip fracture would be the major factor resulting in poor immune function in these patients and that depression might make things a little worse. “Instead the data revealed that the depression was the major factor influencing how well a patient recovered. “Our work emphasises the importance of preventing or treating depression in this vulnerable patient group. “Such a simple intervention could save many lives and reduce costs to the NHS.” The research showed that depressed patients were less able to carry out routine daily activities when tested both six weeks and six

GRAPEFRUITS and other citrus fruits may be able to save lives. Researchers at the University of Glasgow say molecules occurring naturally in fruit – particularly grapefruit – may play an important role in the future treatment of heart disease. The molecules, called flavanoids, have proven effective at reducing the inflammation which can lead to deadly cardiovascular disease. These molecules may hold the key to the development of a new generation of anti-inflammatory drugs which are cheaper, easier to produce and less toxic than current therapies.

Big queue for hips

Beating depression depression vital vital to to recovery recovery Beating ACTIVE MINDS: Dr Anna Phillips and patient Hazel Broadmore

months after the injury than those who were not depressed. Dr Anna Phillips, at the University of Birmingham said: “Although the priority for older hip fracture patients is surgery to mend the fracture, it is also very important to understand and measure the factors that affect wellbeing and recovery once individuals leave hospital. “Depression is one such factor which can affect resistance to disease and physical function; identifying and treating this depression is therefore key to a good recovery.” Alongside these results, the researchers

discovered that depression in hip fracture patients also leads to a weaker immune system, which could leave the patient vulnerable to infections. Hazel Broadmore, from Birmingham, fractured her hip while out walking. She has made a successful recovery, but said: “You have to keep active. “I can quite easily see how people who don’t have the support of family and friends that I do can become depressed. “And then you can just sit and have no reason to go out, and everything gets worse.”

people are reading these pages . . .

A HUGE growth in demand for hip replacements is excpected to take place over the next seven years. The market is estimated to reach a value of nearly £4.5 billion by 2019. Research and consulting firm GlobalData say the main factors driving the increase are people living longer, an increase in younger patients receiving hip replacements and the rising prevalence of osteoarthritis.

New cancer hope A BIG breakthrough in the treatment of a particularly deadly form of cancer could be just round the corner. Pancreatic cancer has the worst survival rate of any common cancer – with just 3% of those diagnosed living for five years. But it is hoped the survival rate may double over the next few years with the help of six exciting new research projects – funded TAKE ME HOME! from the Pancreatic Cancer Research Fund.

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. . . EDUCATION . . . TRAINING . . . JOBS . . . EDUCATION . . . TRAINING . . . JOBS . . .

New dance therapy at Edge Hill

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EDGE Hill University is the first in the North West to offer training in dance movement psychotherapy, after to an increasing demand on the NHS to offer more holistic therapies to patients. The new MA Dance Movement Psychotherapy (DMP) course will help graduates develop and support the health and well-being of vulnerable people. Programme Leader Katy Dymoke said: “At a time when cuts are being made to the NHS, there is a greater demand for choice and alternative therapies. “With some illnesses there is a tendency to put patients on medication, which can BEST FOOT FORWARD: Dance Movement Psycotherapy can help disabled people make them almost zombie-like, but what we’re offering is the kind of therapy that can give them a better quality of life. “Increasing evidence shows that DMP can help patients manage their symptoms more effectively and reduces hospital admissions, which is why it is more important than ever to ensure that we can meet the growing demands for this service.” DMP involves the psychotherapeutic use of movement, a process through which a person can as a result of providing unpaid HE first ever national engage creatively in a care.” research into the process to further their Dr Moira Fraser, director of experiences of student emotional, cognitive and policy and research at Carers carers has exposed the lack physical well-being. Trust said: “We know that

Shock report on student carers

of support they receive and the negative impact this has on their education, finances and lifestyle.

Key findings from the National Union of Students’ report, ‘Learning with care’ include: n Two thirds of student carers worry about meeting costs of basic essentials; n More than half have considered dropping out of their courses; n Student carers who were in receipt of Carer’s Allowance did not feel the benefit was adequate – and the fact that fulltime students are not eligible for Carer’s Allowance was considered unfair and as contributing to their financial hardship. The report also highlighted that student carers felt a lower wellbeing than students without caring responsibilities. And 15% indicated they had mental health difficulties, which in some cases could have a serious effect on their studies.

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Their support needs are being ignored

Kelley Temple, NUS Women’s Officer, said: “Student carers – the majority of whom are women – are an invisible group in many universities and colleges. “Despite the valuable service they provide to society, their support needs are often misunderstood or ignored by their education providers. “Universities and colleges, as well as the Government, should take prompt action to rectify this and ensure that student carers are able to get the education they deserve. No woman should be denied access to education

student carers are underrepresented in further and higher education, and that carers who might be considering continuing with their education face considerable barriers. Providing them with the support they need to pursue their studies is vital.” Heléna Herklots, chief executive of Carers UK, said: “People taking on caring responsibilities between the ages of 18 and 24 are amongst the fastest growing group of carers. “A lack of support for young people who care does serious and long-term damage to their education, career prospects, social inclusion and their mental and physical health. “Social services, the NHS, schools, colleges, universities and community groups have a crucial role to play identifying young carers early, and ensuring their families get the financial and practical support they need.”

Helping blind children

It is founded on the principle that movement reflects an individual’s patterns of thinking and feeling and is recognised as an alternative aid to many types of diseases, disabilities and mental health conditions. DMP was recently used to help visually impaired young people. Katy said: “These children are often protected by their siblings. However, dance empowers each child to make a movement in line with how they are feeling. “It also enables them to take risks and go beyond their day-to-day limitations, in a space free of obstacles. Some of these children have come on in leaps and bounds and it is fantastic to see their growing sense of confidence.”

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EDUCATION . . . TRAINING . . . JOBS . . .

NEW HORIZONS: More opportunities await at the City of Liverpool College

New name new skills!

IVERPOOL Community College has officially changed its name to the City of Liverpool College.

The college said the switch reflected its commitment to the city’s economic growth – and would show businesses that courses met their training needs. The new name and logo was used on camper vans as part of a marketing campaign to recruit students. Principal Elaine Bowker said the new name would ensure the college continued its key role in providing the employment skills needed to boost Liverpool’s economy.

She said: “The name change and re-brand is a small part of our continued move to align the college closely with the city. “We are playing, and will continue to play, a vital part in Liverpool’s future economic success, providing the skills the city needs and investing in existing and new projects which will play a crucial role in ensuring local people benefit from the jobs being created in Liverpool’s key growth sectors – sectors from tourism, to the superport to the green energy industry. “Our name change is a declaration of our

commitment to the city, in particular the community which is still central to our whole ethos as a college.” Ms Bowker said the college had worked to identify new programmes and services to produce talented workforces. The college is working with businesses on a range of projects including the creation of a new University Technical College with Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool City Council, Peel Ports and the Eldonian Group. The UTC, in North Liverpool, will focus on the low carbon and superport industries.

Sign language award for Evie, aged 5 A FIVE-year-old girl who recently became one of the youngest people in the country to receive an official certificate for her British Sign Language skills has been shortlisted for a national award. Evie Gavin (pictured), from Bacup in Lancashire, is on this year’s shortlist for the Young Learner of the Year award, in the 2013 Signature Annual Awards

which aim to break down barriers between deaf and hearing people. Evie, who signed her first word, milk, aged only 10 weeks, was initially taught to sign by her mother, Ayesha, who was born profoundly deaf. Studies have shown that children up to the age of seven find it easier to grasp new concepts such as language.

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ARIES March 21st - April 20th

books Paralysed with Fear, The Story of Polio, by Professor Gareth Williams, £18 THE full story of the polio vaccine and moving tales of those who suffered the disease. Williams uses the polio story to address broader themes including the lure of alternative medicine when faced with a disease with no apparent cause or cure.

Run out of esteem? The Confidence Factor by Annie Ashdown (Crimson) £12.99 WE ALL suffer from a lack of self-confidence at some point - whether it’s in our work or personal lives. But when it strikes, how can we best cope and master the techniques needed to counteract negativity? Based upon the author’s own personal experiences and her expertise as one of the UK’s leading confidence experts, The Confidence Factor explains the seven simple steps to feeling strong again - whatever life throws at you.

Darkly comic tale Sympathy for the Devil, by Dr Gary Acton, £13 HALF of us will get cancer, and many of us will die of it. But do we need to? Cancer-busting drugs are getting better all the time, yet many life-saving treatments never make it out of the laboratory. Acton’s sense of black humour makes the tale as entertaining as it is shocking. It’s the story of one drugs company struggling to survive as all its experimental cancer drugs fail.

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advance your reputation.

SCORPION October 24th - November 22nd

Don’t discuss sensitive subjects like religion or politics around the 10th. Step up your fitness routine at mid-month; the results will be impressive. Family won’t be very supportive of a personal decision on the 18th. The opening days of November will find you squaring up to an intimidating authority figure and winning hands down as you cut a dash in a public setting or professional forum. Someone will express romantic interest in you as November matures, but you will probably prefer not to get involved as you think through what the possible consequences might be. Take care not repeat the details of a private conversation around the 24th.

You won’t be able to ignore a health problem at mid-month. Make an appointment with a doctor and follow the instructions to the letter. You can’t afford to play fast and loose with your health. October ends on a high note, when a group of friends decides to throw you a festive birthday party. A power struggle erupts between you and a colleague in early November. An intriguing email, text message, or voice mail sends shivers up your spine at mid-month. It looks as if an admirer is intent on seducing you.

SAGITTARIUS November 23rd - December 21st

TAURUS April 21st - May 21st You will do battle with a bureaucratic organisation in the days surrounding the 18th. Support that was promised to you will suddenly be withdrawn, forcing you to find other ways to attain your objectives. Your efforts will not be wasted. You will finally notice the effects of your hard work on a personal project around midNovember. Good news is set to come your way – money from an inheritance, refund, or legal settlement lands in your bank account in the final days of November so make sure to use it wisely! GEMINI

May 22nd - June 21st A good job is yours for the asking at the beginning of October. Don’t turn your back on the people who have loved and supported you all this time. You can no longer tolerate an old friend's erratic behaviour. Once this troublemaker leaves your life, you'll have so much more time for the activities you love. An exciting engagement or wedding announcement reaches your ears toward the end of November. If you’re the one who is making a romantic commitment, let your friends throw a big party in your honour. It’s only right to share your happiness with others.

CANCER June 22nd - July 23rd Be aggressive in financial talks at midmonth. You won’t get paid what you are worth unless push your agenda. Resist the urge to accept a job that involves lots of pressure. Although you’d probably be successful in this position, you really don’t want to sacrifice your personal happiness for the sake of an impressive title. November adds heat to a romantic relationship. Launch a health regimen in the final days of November. If you start cutting calories now, you’ll avoid putting on weight that usually comes with the holiday season.

LEO July 24th - August 23rd The second half of October will be spent on the activities you love: acting, singing, or playing music. You’ve always had a knack for the performing arts, and will enjoy ! ME HO ME TAKE developing your

RUSSELL GRANT CALLING . . . gifts in such a supportive environment. The opening days of November are ideal for property deals of all kind. Your hard work will be recognised in the second half of November. If you have your own business, go ahead and raise your rates. People will be happy to pay more money for your expertise.

VIRGO August 24th - September 23rd Step up your fitness routine during October. Weight resistance training will yield admirable results. A steady source of income will come to an abrupt end at midmonth; you won’t be able to rely on money from a dividend, inheritance, or legal settlement any longer. You’ll be tempted to rekindle a romance with an ex-lover in November. If you’re already in a relationship, take a short trip with your amour, and leave the kids at home. This should be an adults only vacation. Think about making some changes, maybe some home improvements as November draws to a close. Building an addition or redecorating your bedroom will be a wonderful use of your time.

LIBRA September 24th - October 23rd A passionate argument will cause an intimate relationship to fall apart on or around the 18th. Although it saddens you to turn our back on this friend, you now realise you can no longer maintain your alliance. Fortunately, your family will be very supportive. An exciting moneymaking opportunity falls into your lap in early November. If you want to make a success of this endeavour, make friends with people at every level of the organisation. When the rank and file feel appreciated, they’ll do everything in their power to

A love affair gets a big jolt on or around the 18th. It will be hard to know where you stand during this stressful period. Instead of dwelling on your uncertainty, keep busy with domestic projects. This is a good time to clear your living and work spaces of clutter. By the time October turns to November, you’ll feel much more confident about the future. A profound spiritual breakthrough will occur on or around the 3rd. Be careful if an old lover tries to make their way back into your life in the first half of November.

CAPRICORN December 22nd - January 20th By mid-month, a respected teacher will offer to mentor you. Seize this opportunity before a rival snatches it away. A property deal could come to grief at the last minute in the days surrounding the 18th. The more flexible you are, the better your chances of bringing this matter to a successful conclusion. Your social circle expands in exciting ways at the beginning of November. By the end of the month, you should scale back your social life. A little rest and relaxation will help you recharge your batteries.

AQUARIUS January 21st - February 19th The results of a test will be disappointing around the 18th. Take this opportunity to reassess your goals. A secret love affair spices up the final days of October. November thrusts you into the spotlight. This is a great time to run for office or apply for a high-powered job. A friend will invite you to take a short trip at the end of November. This will be a welcome chance to relax before Christmas gets underway.

PISCES February 20th - March 20th A source of income will come to an abrupt end near the 18th, forcing you to economise. Too often, you suppress your artistic desires for the sake of family responsibilities. This time around, you’ll be able to focus on the activities you love without a qualm. Someone will pressure you for a loan in the first days of November, but you're not in the position to give it. You work hard for your money, and shouldn't feel obligated to give it to an irresponsible friend. Sign up for a class in the second half of November. It will give a whole new dimension to your life.

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October/November 2013

All Together NOW!

TITCHMARSH TOOLS UP FOR GRABS!

MANY garden tools can be heavy to lift and exhausting to use – but not the superb set to be won in this competition. We are giving away TWO sets of four lightweight gardening tools from the Alan Titchmarsh English Style collection made by Bulldog Tools. Plus, there is a bonus for readers with limited grip. Total value of each set of five tools is £125. Bulldog have made tools at Clarington Forge in Wigan for no fewer than 233 years, starting in 1780 when the American War of Independence was at its height and Mozart was writing operas. The English Style tools are lighter than most because they

are made of stainless steel, with polished heads, which are mounted on ash wood shafts. The tool sets comprise: n Border spade which is not only light but ideal for digging in borders without damaging existing plants. n Border fork with four tines. The spade and fork each have a soft grip and forward-tilting D-shape handle. n Dutch hoe with a wide-angled hoeing blade. n Garden rake with 12 teeth. The bonus is the Alan Titchmarsh ratchet secateurs, with soft-grip handles that make pruning much easier, especially when cutting through thicker twigs and branches. To enter the competition,

answer this question: Why are Alan Titchmarsh English Style tools so lightweight? n 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 Alan Titchmarsh Competition, All Together NOW!, The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP, to arrive by Friday, November 22. Or you can enter online at www.alltogethernow.org.uk n Please also tell us what you think of All Together NOW! n For more on the full range of tools available go to www.qualitygardentools.com/ alan-titchmarsh

CHECKLIST

SUPERB: TV gardener Alan Titchmarsh recommends our prize Bulldog tools

This colourful life INSPIRATIONAL: Right – Pansy Matrix Mix, above, verbena Talman’s Fragrant Treasure and below, sweet pea Valerie Harrod

S a nine-year-old wolf cub, I was thrilled when I won the gardening proficiency badge after tending my own personal plot through spring and summer.

Now, 65 years later, I get just as excited as each new season produces its delights, not only of flowers and produce but also of information and ideas. Surely no one with an interest in plants or gardening could fail to be inspired by new garden opportunities, whether involving begonias, beetroots or blueberries. My begonia of the year, thriving in my sunny conservatory, is Flo Belle Moseley, which has purplish-chocolate coloured leaves like angels’ wings with pink spots, and bright pink blooms with yellow centres. Amazing! It’s available from Dibleys Nurseries – www.dibleys.com As ever, I’ve had a big crop of beetroot from the best variety there is, Pablo, but you’ll have

to get the seeds by mail order. At least, I’ve never seen them on sale in a garden centre. It’s a mystery! Blueberries have been the vogue fruit of the last decade but have not been easy to grow because they need acidic soil - which most gardens do not contain - and tend to burst into bushes too big for the space they have been planted in. But I’ve found a variety, Blue Crop, compact enough to grow in a large container. The young plant cost me £9 so it was worth spending a little more on ericaceous compost and feed. When it comes to the crunch, the only way to

FLOWERS: Pinch out the tips of long shoots on wallflowers to help them grow bushy. Check borders for self-seeded foxgloves, aquilegias, campanulas, forget-menots and other flowers. Dig them up and plant them in groups of their own kind. SHRUBS AND TREES: Guard against wind damage to wall shrubs and climbers by supporting and tying them. Inspect old ties to ensure they are not too tight. PATIOS: Move pots into the sunniest position and raise them on bricks or pot feet so they do not stand in puddles after autumn rains. LAWNS: Damp or mossy lawns should be spiked 10cm (4in) deep and the same distance apart, ideally with a hollow-tined aerator, otherwise with a garden fork. PONDS: Keep ponds clear of debris by cutting back dead foliage of aquatic plants, removing any blanketweed and clearing fallen leaves regularly with a net. VEGETABLES: Plant overwintering crops – the broad bean Aquadulce and onion sets such as the variety Radar. When rhubarb leaves have died down at the end of November, sprinkle a handful of general fertiliser round each plant and apply a generous layer of manure or garden compost. HOUSEPLANTS: Those that flowered earlier in the year require just enough water to keep the compost slightly moist. Plants, which are still to bloom, like Christmas cactus and cyclamen, need food and water regularly.

WINNERS

acquire most of the tastier kinds of apple is to grow your own. Several excellent varieties are available as dwarf or columnar trees that take very little space. I planted a delicious collection of these a few years ago and can recommend them all – eating apples Discovery, Katy, Greensleeves and Red Pippin (aka Elstar); and the famous old cooker Keswick Codlin. Dazzling new flowers worth checking out include the pansy Matrix Mix from Thompson & Morgan; and verbena Talman’s Fragrant Treasure and a well-scented sweet pea, Valerie Harrod, both from Mr Fothergill’s. Anyone planning to plant rose bushes this autumn should check the guide booklet Find that Rose which combines details of the latest award-winning varieties with a directory of all kinds available from UK nurseries – handy if you want to plant a rose in someone’s memory. Go to www.findthatrose.net

THE TWELVE lucky winners of our crocus competition are: Mr Colin Butterworth, Ashton Bank Way, Ashton-on-Ribble, Preston P J Rowlands, Bidston Village Road, Prenton, Wirral Mrs S Stockton, Kings Drive, Crewe Mrs Kathleen Pownall, Cooper Court, Nutter Road, Thornton, Cleveleys Mrs Lesley Manning, Church View, Barlborough, Nr Chesterfield Mrs M Lockart, Thirlmere Court, Liverpool Mrs M French, Aimson Road East, Timperley, Cheshire Ms Jean M King, Cornice Road, Liverpool Wendy Atkins, Marshalls Lane, Northwich Diane Whiteside, Stanley Terrace, Liverpool George Grieve, Vicarage Road, Formby Sue Toomer, York Road, Lytham St Annes All winners will receive a crocus TAKE ME HOME! pack from Thompson & Morgan

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October/November 2013

E! E HOM TAKE M

BOX OFFICE SENSATION!

Until Oct 12: Educating Rita. Salford Lowry. Willy Russell’s comedy. Until Oct 19: Crime and Punishment. Liverpool Playhouse.A new adaptation of Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s epic novel. AUDIO DESCRIBED - OCT 10. CAPTIONED - OCT 19. Until Oct 26: Sons of the Desert. Liverpool Royal Court. Laurel and Hardy’s film recreated for the stage. Until Nov 2: Season’s Greetings. Clwyd Theatr Cymru. Alan Ayckbourn’s Christmas drama. Until Nov 16: Wicked. Manchester Palace Theatre. The sequel to The Wizard of Oz. Oct 8-Oct 12: Mansfield Park. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel. Oct 9-Oct 10: Liverpool Empire Youth Ballet: Peter Pan. Liverpool Empire. Liverpool’s best young ballet dancers performing the classic children’s tale. Oct 10: Psychic Sally Morgan. Rhyl Pavilion. An evening of mediumship. Oct 10: The Ladyboys of Bangkok. Preston Charter Theatre. Comedy, cabaret and carnival. Oct 10-Oct 12: The Producers. New Brighton Floral Pavilion.Comedy from the Mel Brooks film. Oct 10-Nov 2: Long Day’s Journey into Night. Bolton Octagon. Drama from Eugene O’Neill. Oct 11: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Radio Show Live. Rhyl Pavilion. The radio show of Douglas Adams’s spacecomedy. Oct 11: Nabucco. Manchester Opera House. Verdi’s Opera. Oct 12: Paul Weller. Preston Charter Theatre. Ex-Style Council and The Jam singer-songwriter. Oct 12: An Evening with Pam Ayres. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Poetry and comedy. Oct 12: Aida. Manchester Opera House. Verdi’s operatic love story. Oct 12: Richard Durrant. Clwyd Theatr Cymru. The Guitar Whisperer brings his show to a new level. Oct 14-Oct 15: The Tin Ring. Salford Lowry. Zdenka Fantlova, one of the few Holocaust survivors still alive, returns to tell her uplifting story. Oct 14-Oct 19: Go Back for Murder. Manchester Opera House. Agatha Christie novel brought to the stage. Oct 15-Oct 17: The Winter’s Tale. Runcorn Brindley. A modern retelling of Shakespeare’s classic. Oct 15-Oct 19: People. Salford Lowry. Alan Bennett comedy. AUDIO DESCRIBED - Oct 19. CAPTIONED - Oct 18. Oct 16: Paul Daniels. Rhyl Pavilion. Magic from one of britain’s best-loved performers. Oct 16-Oct 17: Jason Manford. Liverpool Empire. Stand-up comedy. Oct 16-Oct 18: The Ciggie Run. St Helens Theatre Royal. Hilarious adult comedy. Oct 17: Bill Bailey. Preston Charter Theatre. Musical standup comedy. Oct 17: Translunar Paradise. St Helens Citadel. A journey of life, death

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

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

01745 330 000. RUNCORN The Brindley: 0151 907 8360. SALE: Waterside Arts Centre: 0161 912 5616. STOKE: Regent Theatre: 0844 871 7627. SOUTHPORT: Floral Hall: 0844 847 2380. ST HELENS: Theatre Royal: 01744 756000. Citadel: 01744 735436. WOLVERHAMPTON Grand Theatre: 01902 429212.

Go on . . . treat yourself!

and enduring love. Oct 17: Stefan Grossman. Clwyd Theatr Cymru. Country guitarist. Oct 17: The Committee Meeting. Rhyl Pavilion. Group comedy. Oct 17: The Mooman. Clwyd Theatr Cymru. One-man, heartwarming show. Oct 17-Oct 19: Alice in Wonderland. Clwyd Theatr Cymru. Lewis Carroll’s classic. Oct 18: Joe Brown. Runcorn Brindley. Rock and roller. Oct 18: Animal Farm. Runcorn Brindley. Dramatisation of Orwell’s Soviet allegory. Oct 18: The Illegal Eagles. Liverpool Empire. Eagles tribute act. Oct 19: Midge Ure. St Helens Citadel. Singer-songwriter. Oct 19: The Illegal Eagles. Preston Charter Theatre. Tribute to the Eagles. Oct 19: The Christians. Runcorn Brindley. Pop music. Oct 19: Carlos Acosta in Concert. Salford Lowry. Internationallyrenowned ballet dancer. Oct 19: After the Rainfall. Salford Lowry. Epic 70-year story.

Oct 19-Oct 20: Josh Widdicombe. Salford Lowry. Stand-up comedy. Oct 20: Sleeping Beauty. Preston Charter Theatre. Moscow Ballet. Oct 20: M People: 20th Anniversary Greatest Hits. Liverpool Empire. Dance act. Oct 20: Daniel O’Donnell. Salford Lowry. Singer. Oct 21: Eighties Triple Bill. Salford Lowry. Go West, Hue and Cry and The Christians share a stage for a spectacular show. Oct 21-Oct 26: A Clockwork Orange. Salford Lowry. Anthony Burgess’s classic dystopian masterpiece. Oct 21-Oct 26: Seven Brides For Seven Brothers. Manchester Opera House. Hit musical. Oct 22: Reduced Shakespeare. Preston Charter Theatre. All 37 of Shakespeare’s plays in 97 minutes. Oct 22-Oct 23: Room on the Broom. Southport Floral Hall. Popular children’s book adapted for the stage. Oct 23: Vampires Rock! Blackpool Grand Theatre. Rock and roll musical.

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October/November 2013

All Together NOW!

WIN A NIGHT WITH FLOYD

HAVING performed to over a half a million fans around the world since their first show in Liverpool in 2011, Brit Floyd, one of the best Pink Floyd tribute bands around, are back in the North West. Three performances of their P-U-L-S-E 2013 show go ahead in Preston, Manchester and Liverpool – and we have a pair of tickets for each performance. The band’s North West dates: Tues Oct 29: Preston Guildhall. Wed Oct 30: Manchester Bridgewater Hall. Sat Nov 9: Liverpool Echo Arena. To win a pair of tickets just answer this question: Where was Brit Floyd’s first show? Answers on the back of a postcard to: Brit Floyd Competition, All Together NOW! The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP. Please state which show you prefer, and don’t forget to include your telephone number. Please also tell us what you think of All Together NOW! – and where you picked up your copy.. You can also enter online at: www.alltogethernow.org.uk. Insert BRIT FLOYD in the subject line. Closing dates: Preston and Manchester (Tuesday October 22); Liverpool (Monday November 4). LIGHT FANTASTIC: Three North West shows for Brit Floyd

FAMILY TICKET TO BE WON CHRISTMAS is on its way – oh, yes it is! – and there’s a fun-packed panto programme lined up right across the North West. If past performance is anything to by, then one of the best is sure to be The Brindley’s version of Beauty and The Beast. And we have a family ticket worth £54 to give away for the show, which runs at the Runcorn venue from Friday December 13 till Sunday January 12. Although no word yet on who is taking the starring role, Joshua Mumby, who

Oct 23: Vampires Rock! Blackpool Grand Theatre. Rock and roll musical. Oct 24: Alison Moyet. Salford Lowry., pop diva. Oct 24: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Radio Show. Southport Floral Hall. Douglas Adams’s masterpiece featuring the original voice cast. Oct 25: The House That Stank of Death. Salford Lowry. Unique comedy/horror experience. Oct 25: Deborah Bonham. St Helens Citadel. Classy blues-rock from sister of Led Zeppelin’s drummer John. Oct 25: Ken Dodd. St Helens Theatre Royal. Comedy. Oct 26: Magic – A Kind of Queen. St Helens Theatre Royal. Top tribute to Freddie Mercury and Queen. Oct 26: Essence of Ireland. Preston Charter Theatre. Moving story told through music, song and dance. Oct 26: Mikado. Rhyl Pavilion. Gilbert and Sullivan’s opera. Oct 26: Bryan Ferry. Salford Lowry. Rocl icon.

played Fleshcreeper in last year’s Jack and the Beanstalk, is back as the Beast; Hollyoaks’ Andy Moss is Anton; Sarah White is back, too, this time as Countess

Oct 26: Nina Conti. Liverpool Playhouse. Thought-provoking and hilarious ventriloquism act. Oct 27: Jamie Cullum. Salford Lowry. Singer-songwriter. Oct 28-Nov 2: The Mousetrap. Rhyl Pavilion. Classic Agatha Christie. Oct 28-Nov 9: Blood Brothers. Liverpool Empire. Willy Russell’s classic musical. Oct 29: Brighouse & Raistrick Brass Band. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Top brass band. Oct 29: Brit Floyd. Preston Charter Theatre. Ultimate Pink Floyd tribute. Oct 29-Nov 2: Agatha Christie’s Go Back for Murder. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Mystery thriller. Oct 29-Nov 2: 1984. Liverpool Playhouse. A new adaptation of George Orwell’s magnum opus. Oct 29-Nov 2: Fiddler on the Roof. Salford Lowry. Musical. Oct 29-Nov 3: The Snail and the Whale. Salford Lowry. Beloved Julia Donaldson story, for age four and up. AUDIO DESCRIBED Oct 30. SIGNED - Oct 30. Oct 30-Nov 2: The Phantom of the Opera. St Helens Theatre Royal.

de Beaumont; Joe Standerline is The Dame; and Callum Arnott plays Ben. To win the family ticket just answer this question: Who plays the Countess de Beaumont? Answers on the back of a postcard to: Panto Competition, All Together NOW! The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP. Please tell us what you think of All Together NOW! – and where you picked up your copy. Or enter online at: www.alltogethernow.org.uk. Insert PANTO in the subject line. Closing date: Friday, November 22.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s best-known musical. Oct 31: Sing-a-Longa Rocky Horror. Runcorn Brindley. Cult camp horror. Oct 31-Nov 23: Copenhagen. Clwyd Theatr Cymru. Thriller based on true events in the Second World War. Nov 1: One Night of Elvis. Runcorn Brindley. Tribute to The King of Rock and Roll. Nov 2: Joe Longthorne. Runcorn Brindley. Versatile entertainer. Nov 2: Halfway to Paradise: The Billy Fury Story. Southport Floral Hall. The life and music of Billy Fury. Nov 3: An Afternoon with Sir Roger Moore. Salford Lowry. Film star discusses his life. Nov 5-Nov 9: Peter Grimes. Salford Lowry. Britten’s astounding opera. AUDIO DESCRIBED - Nov 9. Nov 7: The Complete (Abridged) Works of Shakespeare. Runcorn Brindley. All 37 plays in 97 minutes. Nov 9: Aida. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Verdi’s grandest opera. Nov 9: Joe Longthorne. Southport Floral Hall. Entertainer and singersongwriter.

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Nov 9: ELO Experience. St Helens Theatre Royal. Tribute to the Electric Light Orchestra. Nov 9: The Bay City Rollers’ Story. Preston Charter Theatre. Musical journey through the sound of the 70s. Nov 9-Nov 30: Singin’ in the Rain. Manchester Opera House. Musical. Nov 11: Alistair McGowan. Salford Lowry. Impressionist. Nov 11-Nov 16: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Much-loved musical. Nov 12: Five. Rhyl Pavilion. Boy band back together. Nov 12-Nov 16: Annie. Runcorn Brindley. Musical. Nov 12-Nov 16: The Grand Gesture. Liverpool Playhouse. Comedy. Nov 13: Hot Club of Cowtown. Salford Lowry. Jazz band. Nov 13: The Nutcracker. Rhyl Pavilion. Russian Ballet for the family. Nov 13-Nov 16: The Slipper and the Rose. Liverpool Empire. The Cinderella musical. Nov 14: What Would Beyoncé Do? Salford Lowry. Frank comedy featuring

Beyoncé’s music. Nov 15: The Statement of Randolph Carter. Salford Lowry. Based on H.P. Lovecraft’s classic horror. Nov 15: Bill Wyman’s Rhyhm Kings. Preston Charter Theatre. Rock and roll icon with his new group. Nov 15-Nov 16: Nobulus: Out of the Blue. Salford Lowry. Extraordinary mix of breakdance, popping, locking and acrobatics. Nov 16: Max Boyce and Special Guests. Rhyl Pavilion. Welsh icon of songwriting in concert. Nov 16: Paul Carrack. Preston Charter Theatre. Singer songwriter. Nov 16-Nov 17: Rob Newman’s New Theory of Evolution. Salford Lowry. Stand-up comedy. Nov 17: Bananas in Pyjamas. Blackpool Grand Theatre. The hit TV show brought to the stage. Nov 17: A Viennese Strauss Christmas Gala. Rhyl Pavilion. The very best of Viennese classical music. Nov 17: How To Catch A Star. Salford Lowry. Oliver Jeffers’ bestselling children’s book, for ages three upwards. Nov 17: The Best Christmas Present in the World. Salford Lowry. Michael Morpurgo reads his Christmas book. Nov 17: Craig Campbell. Salford Lowry. Comedy. Nov 18: A Christmas Carol. St Helens Theatre Royal. Dickens classic. Nov 19: Broken. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Dance show. Nov 19-Nov 20: Chelsea Hotel. Salford Lowry. New show from award-winning theatre company, Earthfall. Nov 20: Colin Hay. Salford Lowry. Singer from Men at Work. Nov 20-Nov 23: The Nutcracker. Liverpool Empire. Classic ballet. Nov 20-Jan 18: War Horse. Salford Lowry. Michael Morpurgo’s tale of friendship. SIGNED - Nov 28, Jan 9. AUDIO DESCRIBED - Dec 7. CAPTIONED - Dec 11. Nov 21: Go West & Hue & Cry. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Eighties pop featuring special guests The Christians. Nov 21: Strictly Burlesque. Southport Floral Hall. Music, dance, comedy and speciality performances. Nov 21-Nov 22: What the Ladybird Heard. Preston Charter Theatre. Farmyard of fun for the family, based on award-winning picture book. Nov 21-Nov 22: Toro! Toro! Salford Lowry. Michael Morpurgo’s tale set in Spain during the Civil War. Nov 22-Jan 11: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Fazakerley. Liverpool Royal Court. Christmas show. Nov 23: Ken Dodd. Southport Floral Hall. Stand-up comedy. Nov 24: Ed Byrne. Liverpool Empire. Stand-up comedy. Nov 25: Steeleye Span. Southport Floral Hall. Folk rock. Nov 26-Dec 7: Cats. Liverpool Empire. Multiple TAKE ME HOME! Tony award winning musical.

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October/November 2013

The Accumulator Quiz

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

★

10 11

★ 15

★

26 28

★

★ 31

★ 29

★

ACROSS

DOWN

1. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 15. 16.

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 12. 13. 14. 17. 18. 19. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26.

24. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32.

20.

Wasteful (8) Rouse (6) Tumble (4) Furrow (3) Coiffure (colloq.) (6) Milk pudding (8) Push forward (6) Scooped up with the tongue (6) Having an assignation with (6) Ten-year period (6) Put to death (8) Polish composer (6) Little devil (3) Chat (4) Mystery (6) Outstanding event (8)

Each question has four possible answers and is worth from one to 15 points. Circle your chosen answers and keep a record of your points total. Maximum total points 120. QUESTION 1 – for 1 point: Which of these bears appeared in The Muppet Show? A Fozzie B Baloo C Aloysius D George

8 9

QUESTION 10 – for 10 points: In which year was the ITV soap Coronation Street first broadcast? A B C D

QUESTION 11 – for 11 points: What type of animal was the dachshund originally bred to hunt?

QUESTION 3 – for 3 points: Which zodiac sign falls between Scorpio and Capricorn? A Sagittarius B Leo C Pisces D Aquarius

QUESTION 12 – for 12 points: Which UK medal bears the inscription: ‘For Gallantry’?

QUESTION 4 – for 4 points: Which domestic animals can be Peruvian, Abyssinian or Himalayan? A Hamsters B Rabbits C Cats D Guinea pigs

Literate person (6) Lump (6) Desert-dwelling rodent (6) Mortal (6) Stint (6) Heavy food (6) Potato (slang) (4) Defensive trench (4) Slim (4) Boy’s name (4) Bog fuel (4) Action (4) Capital of Greece (6) Call in question (6) Jovial (6) Intensify (6) Habit (6) Merchant (6)

1956 1958 1960 1962

QUESTION 2 – for 2 points: By what name was the literary character Lord Greystoke better known? A Oliver Twist B Tarzan C Billy Bunter D Batman

QUESTION 5 – for 5 points: Actor Nicolas Cage is the nephew of which renowned film director? A Martin Scorsese B Robert Altman C Francis Ford Coppola D George Lucas QUESTION 6 – for 6 points: On the leaves of which plant does the silkworm feed? A Bamboo B Mulberry C Sugar cane D Coconut palm

SUDOKU

A B C D

Actor Nicolas Cage. See Question 5

QUESTION 7 – for 7 points: What are classified under the Dewey system? A B C D

Badgers Rabbits Foxes Rats

Books The elements Galaxies Fingerprints

Victoria Cross George Cross Military Medal Distinguished Flying Cross

QUESTION 13 – for 13 points: In which US state is the federal gold reserve of Fort Knox? A B C D

Kentucky Florida Texas California

QUESTION 8 – for 8 points: Which of these countries is known as Suomi in its native language and carries the word on its postage stamps?

QUESTION 14 – for 14 points: La Brabançonne is the national anthem of which country?

A B C D

Portugal Greece Finland Poland

Monaco Luxembourg France Belgium

QUESTION 9 – for 9 points: What type of food has a German variety called pumpernickel?

QUESTION 15 – for 15 points: On which island is the Indonesian province of Irian Jaya?

A B C D

Bread Cured beef Salt cod Fruit cake

Java New Guinea Sumatra Borneo

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

DIFFICULT

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

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

8 9 3 9

3 7

2 7 9 6 4 1

5 3 7

4 6

2 5

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

MEDIUM 10

6 17

35 9 16 11

3 22 9

38 3

SAY THAT AGAIN . . .

‘

LIFE is a dream for the wise, a game for the fool, a comedy for the rich, a tragedy for the poor —Sholom Aleichem, Jewish humorist

‘

YOU have enemies? Good. That means you’ve stood up for something, sometime in your life – Winston Churchill, former UK Prime Minister

IN THE end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years. – Abraham Lincoln, former USA President

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

October/November 2013

3 11

19 22

1 8

11 10

22 7

1 14

13 5

22 5 24

16 9

22 2

7 17

11 4

1 22

22 22

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.

2 ABC

3 DEF

4 GHI

5 JKL

6 MNO

7 PQRS

8 TUV

9 WXYZ

Spaces and any punctuation marks are represented by 1.

4. Rivers 286 613 268 231 174 463 164 531 361 842 637 126 473 164 437 164 187 368 186 542 742 253

637 265 646 776 168

underground

177 733 653 946 255

2. stations 268 368 142 733 617 712 688 243 122 724 132 774 643 661 927 417 688 415 367 464 162 725 312 724 122 869 371 445 5

739 672 156 874 731

5. Diseases 763 866 642 152 189 746 431 744 686 771 762 557 274 215 377 679 484 717 224 371 484 7

SPOT CHECK

Starting from the central shaded letter, move one letter at a time (up, down, right or left, but not diagonally) to find 17 games.

Can you place the six dominoes (right) into the grid below in such a way that the number of spots in all four rows across and all four rows down totals 10?

L MAKE A DATE

LAMP

S M O

O N I D S TRANSFORMER

M S

MISSING LINK Each pair of words has a missing word between them that acts as a link to both (e.g. FRONT – DOOR – MAT). The initial letters of the six answers (reading downwards) will spell out an artist.

DINNER

–––––

MAKE

–––

FREE

––––

FISH

–––

WORK

–––

PLUG

BREAD

––––

DEER

TOP

947 226 746 866 651

3. Colours 363 725 317 877 531 431 627 666 125 225 653 819 355 691 276 672 643 125 831 237 147 391 887 786 473 483 146 344 6

234 184 961 473 194

423 371 625 728 464

6. English racecourses 243 583 642 616 396 381 377 661 466 396 272 681 246 873 317 696 172 751 639 287 462 268 661 583 569 867 866

275 631 263 919 175

863 645 691 143 636

PATHWORDS

1 []’–

London

1. Sports 522 767 731 769 464 827 413 668 225 517 392 918 366 471 766 714 653 178 429 126 417 946 646 416 382 172 722 488 464

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?

11 6

11 21

26 7

22 16

10 22

DIALLING CODES

CROSS CODE 16

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WORD WIZARD

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

E D

SPRAG 1) A style of declaiming between singing and speaking;

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

2) A bar inserted in a wheel to prevent a vehicle from running backwards;

1. The automobile engineer C.S. Rolls makes the first round-trip flight to France over the English Channel. 2. Slavery is abolished in China.

3) The rough edges removed from a metal object after it has been cast.

3. King Edward VII dies and is succeeded by his son, King George V.

Add the given letter to the first word to make a new word. Clue: A turn in the field can produce financial rewards.

WAS IT? a) 1903; b) 1906; c) 1907; d) 1910; e) 1913.

_______ +W=W_______

ALL THE ANSWERS Pathwords bagatelle; spillikins; marbles; conkers; hopscotch; jacks; dominoes; tag; sardines; charades; lotto; tiddlywinks; bingo; ludo; beetle; leapfrog; roulette.

7 1 6 8 5 4 3 9 2

2 3 8 6 9 7 4 1 5

8 6 3 7 1 5 9 2 4

1 2 9 3 4 6 7 5 8

4 7 5 9 2 8 6 3 1

3 4 7 5 6 2 1 8 9

9 5 1 4 8 3 2 6 7

6 8 2 1 7 9 5 4 3

1 5 4 3 7 6 8 9 2

3 6 7 8 2 9 1 5 4

8 2 9 5 1 4 7 6 3

5 1 3 6 4 2 9 8 7

15 2

P M O K

16 3

A W R U H 4

Q E

21 8

22 9

SUDOKU EASY

X G

CROSS CODE

2 7 6 9 8 3 5 4 1

9 4 8 1 5 7 2 3 6

6 8 5 2 3 1 4 7 9

4 3 2 7 9 5 6 1 8

7 9 1 4 6 8 3 2 5

38 7

5 9

9 7

SUDOKU DIFFICULT

5 8 14

2 10

ADVERTISE HERE 0151 230 0307

5 9 4 2 3 1 8 7 6

KAKURO MEDIUM

9 16

2 9 3 12

1 6

Accumulator Quiz 1 – A; 2 – B; 3 – A; 4 – D; 5 – C; 6 – B; 7 – A; 8 – C; 9 – A; 10 – C; 11 – A; 12 – B; 13 – A; 14 – D; 15 – B. Starspot Crossword Across – 1 Prodigal; 8 Excite; 9 Fall; 10 Rut; 11 Hairdo; 12 Semolina; 15 Propel; 16 Lapped; 20 Dating; 24 Decade; 27 Executed; 28 Chopin; 29 Imp; 30 Talk; 31 Enigma; 32 Landmark. Down – 2 Reader; 3 Dollop; 4 Gerbil; 5 Lethal; 6 Scrimp; 7 Stodge; 12 Spud; 13 Moat; 14 Lean; 17 Alec; 18 Peat; 19 Deed; 21 Athens; 22 Impugn; 23 Genial; 24 Deepen; 25 Custom; 26 Dealer. Star Name: HUGH DENNIS

Word Wizard No 2 is correct. A sprag is a device used to lock a wheel. Dialling Codes 1. lacrosse; rowing; squash; football; speedway; tennis; snooker; golf; rugby; boxing; swimming; netball; parachuting. 2. Covent Garden; Swiss Cottage; Barbican; Farringdon; Wapping; South Kensington; Marble Arch; Bank; Tower Hill. 3. emerald; purple; beige; maroon; black; violet; yellow; brown; orange; blue; cerise; grey; turquoise; white; indigo. 4. Avon; Danube; Mersey; Rhine; Nile; Colorado; Thames; Congo; Loire; Niger; Missouri; Trent; Volga;

Ouse; Ribble. 5. pneumonia; jaundice; typhoid; shingles; mumps; smallpox; malaria; leprosy; hepatitis; rabies; meningitis. 6. Cheltenham; Newmarket; Epsom; Goodwood; Ascot; Aintree; Sandown Park; Newbury; Wincanton; Ludlow; Plumpton. Spot Check A = 6; B = 3; C = 1; D = 2; E = 5; F = 4. Missing Link table; use; rein; net; ear; roll. Artist: Turner. Make a Date The year was 1910. Transformer Innings + W = Winnings.

REACH 450,000 READERS . . .

TAKE ME HOME!

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October/November 2013

SHOPMOBILITY n ALTRINCHAM. Tel 0161 929 1714 n ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE. Tel 0161 339 9500 n BARROW. Tel 01229 434039 n BIRKENHEAD. Tel 0151 647 6162 n BLACKBURN AND DARWEN. Tel 01254 690566 or 07757 502217 n BLACKPOOL. Tel 01253 349 427 n BOLTON. Tel 01204 392946 n BURY. Tel 0161 764 9966 n CARLISLE. Tel 01228 631564 n CHESTER. Tel 01244 312626 n CHORLEY. Tel 01257 260 888 n COLWYN BAY. Tel 01492 533822 n CREWE. Tel 01270 580 031 n ELLESMERE PORT. Tel 0151 355 1420 n KENDAL. Tel 01539 740 933 n LEIGH, Wigan. Tel 01942 777 985 n LIVERPOOL. Tel 0151 707 0877 n MANCHESTER Trafford Centre. Tel 0161 747 2684 n MANCHESTER Arndale Centre. Tel 0161 839 4060 n NELSON. Tel 01282 692 502 n NORTHWICH, Vale Royal Tel 01606 288820 n OSWESTRY. Tel 01691 656882 n PENRITH. Tel 01768 895 438 n PRESTON. Tel 01772 204 667 n RHYL. Tel 01745 350665 n ROCHDALE. Tel 01706 865 986 n RUNCORN, Halton Lea Tel 01928 716971 n SHREWSBURY. Tel 01743 236900 SKELMERSDALE. Tel 01695 550066 n SOUTHPORT. Tel 0151 288 6885 n ST HELENS. Tel 01744 613 388 n STOCKPORT. Tel 0161 666 1100 n WARRINGTON. Tel 01925 240064 n WARRINGTON. Birchwood Tel 01925 822 411 n WIGAN. Tel 01942 776 070 n WINSFORD. Tel 01606 557550 n WREXHAM. Tel 01978 312390 MIDLANDS n BIRMINGHAM. Snow Hill Railway Station. Tel 0121 236 8980. Level 2, Centre Car Park, Bullring. Tel 0121 616 2942 n STAFFORD. Tel 01785 619456 n STOKE ON TRENT. Tel 01782 233333 n SUTTON COLDFIELD. Tel 0121 355 1112 n TAMWORTH. Tel, 01827 709392 n WALSALL. Tel 01922 650781 n WEST BROMWICH: Sandwell. Tel 0121 553 1943 n WOLVERHAMPTON. Tel 01902 556021

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YOUNG AT HEART: Lorraine Pennington, manager of the Young Carers Service, receives the cheque from former St Helens Mayor, Councillor Almond (right). Also pictured are Alan Ashton, chief executive of the Carers Centre, and Jane Dearden

Ex-Mayor helps young carers

NEW service for young carers in St Helens has been given a £52,500 boost from former town mayor Canon Councillor Geoff Almond, who nominated the service for his Mayor’s Appeal.

Councillor Almond said: “I am absolutely thrilled at the amount of money raised and the tremendous generosity of local people and businesses.” Janet Dearden, chair of the St Helens Carers Centre,

added: “Well done to the former Mayor for raising such a fantastic amount which will benefit young carers in St Helens and help to develop the new service.” n Contact, tel 01744 675615

HELP AT THE END OF A PHONE n ANGLESEY:

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

Partnership. 01925 240064 WIRED Tel 0151 670 1500 n WEST LANCS HELPLINE Freefone 0800 220676 n ST HELENS DASH Tel 01744 453053 n WREXHAM Tel 01978 262955 MIDLANDS BIRMINGHAM Disability Resource Centre Tel 0121 789 7365 Disabled People’s Network Solihull Tel 0121 788 1544 STOKE: Disability Solutions Tel 01782 683800 WOLVERHAMPTON Elder and Disabled Group Tel 01902 448552 n WIRRAL

ORGANISATIONS FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE BLIND n ACCRINGTON Tel 01254 233332 n BARROW Tel 01229 820698 n BIRMINGHAM Action for Blind Tel 0121 665 4200 n BLACKBURN Tel 0125 554143 n BLACKPOOL: N-Vision Tel 01253 362696 n BURY Tel 0161 763 7014 n BURNLEY Tel 01282 438507 n CARLISLE: Action for Blind People Tel 01228 595121 CHESHIRE & N WALES: Vision Support. Tel 01244 381515 n CUMBRIA (West) Tel 01946 592474 n CUMBRIA (Sth Lakeland) Tel 01539 726613 n GUIDE DOGS Tel 0118 983

5555 n HENSHAW’S 0161 872 1234 Tel 0151 708 7055 n LIVERPOOL: Bradbury Fields.Tel 0151 221 0888: Action for Bind Tel 0151 298 3222 n MANCHESTER: Action for Blind Tel 0161 787 9252 n PRESTON: Action for Blind People Tel 01772 320550 n OLDHAM Tel 0161 682 8019 n ROSSENDALE Tel 01706 873256 n SIGHTLINE (North West) Tel 0800 587 2252 n WIGAN Tel 01942 242891 n WIRRAL Tel 0151 652 8877 ORGANISATIONS FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE DEAF n BIRMINGHAM Institute for Deaf Tel 0121 246 6101 n CHESHIRE Deaf Society Tel 01606 47831 n CUMBRIA Deaf Society Tel 01228 606434 n LANCASHIRE (EAST) Deaf Society Tel 01282 839180 n MANCHESTER Deaf Centre Tel 0161 273 3415 Genie Networks. Tel 0161 941 4549. Text 18001 0161 941 4549 n MERSEYSIDE Society for Deaf Tel 0151 228 0888 n ST HELENS: Deafness Resource Centre Tel 01744 23887 n WOLVERHAMPTON Centre for Deaf Tel 01902 420904 n N WALES Deaf Association, Tel 01492 542235

CARERS’ CENTRES

n ACCRINGTON Tel 01254 387 444 n BLACKBURN with DARWEN Tel 01254 688 www.bwdcarers.org n BLACKPOOL Blackpool Borough Council, Tel 01253 477 716 n CUMBRIA Carlisle. Tel 01228 542 156 Penrith. Tel 01768 890 280 Barrow-in-Furness. Tel 01229 822 822 Kendal. Tel 01539 732 927 Whitehaven, Tel 01946 592 223 n CHESHIRE Helpline: 0800 085 0307 n KNOWSLEY Tel 0151 549 1412 n LANCASTER Tel 01524 66475 n LIVERPOOL 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 456 2808 n WARRINGTON Tel 01925 644 212 n WEST LANCS Tel 01695 711243 n WIGAN & LEIGH Tel 01942 683711 MIDLANDS n BIRMINGHAM Tel 0121 675 8000 n SOLIHULL Tel 0121 788 1143 n WALSALL Tel 01922 610 810 NORTH WALES n ANGLESEY Tel 01248 722828 n BANGOR Tel 01248 370 797 n CONWY Tel 01492 533714 n DENBIGHSHIRE: NEWCIS, Tel: 0845 603 3187 n DOLGELLAU Tel 01341 421167 n FLINTSHIRE: NEWCIS, Tel: 01352 751436 n WREXHAM CARERS SERVICE Tel: 0800 276 1070

Email your news to us at news@allltogethernow.org .uk

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October/November 2013

All Together NOW!

Lottery boosts sports chances

Fitness coach scheme a winner

EXCITING opportunities to get regularly involved in sport are opening up for young disabled people across the North West. State-of-the-art Youth Zones will offer a wide range of inclusive activities at six sites in the region. Each zone – at Blackburn, Bolton, Carlisle, Oldham, Manchester and Wigan – will boast an unprecedented standard of sports and arts equipment and expertly trained staff. The OnSide charity has been given £1.2m from the Big Lottery Fund to work with more than 1,200 disabled young people. They will train over 180 specialist volunteers at the Youth Zones where football, basketball, badminton, BMXing, climbing, dance, lacrosse, wrestling, creative activities and more will be on offer. Kathryn Morley, chief executive of OnSide North West, said: “The funding will transform the lives of the young disabled people we are now able to work with. “This investment will help us break new ground in terms of the sports on offer to young disabled people in the North West, and we can’t wait to welcome many more young people into our Youth Zones”. OnSide North West will also work with the SeaShell Trust to deliver sporting activities to young disabled people throughout school holidays and offer residential breaks. Nat Sloane, Big Lottery Fund England chair, said: “This project is set to make an enormous impact in terms of raising motivation, confidence and sporting and personal ambitions among young disabled people, who will be encouraged to be the best they can be.” n Tel: 01204 362128 n www.onsidenorthwest.

A COURSE that trains disabled people to be fitness instructors has been recognised by Prime Minister David Cameron with a Big Society Award.

SENSATIONAL! A CHESHIRE Sports Academy athletes produced some sensational performances at the Special Olympics in Bath. Returning with a record-breaking medal haul of 77 gold 32 silver and 18 bronze medals made the Games the most successful since

LL SMILES – and medals galore. Athletes at Liverpool’s Kensington and Fairfield Multisports Club put themselves among the very best at the Special Olympics. Club secretary Joan Bateman said: “This club is more than just providing 6pm-8pm sessions on a Friday. “We work with our athletes to help them become the best they can be. We help our coaches to develop, and we take boccia taster sessions into schools, day centres and colleges. “We also found the funding to allow our members to compete in the Special Olympics this year which we have been really excited about!” Boccia medal winners – Brendan Farell (two golds); Nicky Brown (gold, bronze); Jacky Brown (two golds); Steven Milner (two golds); Michael Daw (bronze); Vickie Hargreaves (gold, bronze). Footballers Colin Ashall and Phil Morris also helped the regional team gain fourth place. n Contact Joan Bateman on 0151 487 3741 or email joanbateman2000@yahoo.co.uk

the Academy was founded 20 years ago. Academy co director Jane Whetnall said: “The athletes are a credit to Cheshire East, Special Olympics and to disability sport as a whole. “The team behaved impeccably

Double gold for Nicky and Jacky

Stay ahead of the game

org.uk

and our high standards were commented upon by officials and games organisers.” Jane has just been selected as head rhythmic gymnastics coach for team GB for the World Special Olympic Games to be held in 2015.

The InstructAbility programme, set up by spinal injuries charity Aspire, offers participants the chance to gain a Level 2 gym instructor qualification. Since setting up the programme, over 40% of graduates have gone on to get jobs as fitness professionals – including people with spinal cord injury, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, and amputees. Others to get jobs incude those with visual impairment, post-traumatic stress, depression and loss of function caused by stroke, brain injury, osteoarthritis and other conditions affecting skeletal and neuromuscular function. Six courses have been launched this year with a further 30 scheduled across England following an £854,000 grant from Sport England. Mr David Cameron said: “This time last year we were celebrating the start of the greatest Paralympic Games ever. Today I’m delighted to be recognising the work of a programme that is doing so much to secure the games’ lasting legacy. “InstructAbility is encouraging more talented people with a disability to work in the fitness industry and creating the role models that will inspire others to get active.” Aspire chief executive Brian Carlin said: “We hope this award will raise the profile of the project and encourage more disabled people to take up opportunities to get involved either as gym users or as instructors. “We firmly believe that the way to ensure society becomes more inclusive is to ensure there is equality in service delivery as well as service use.” n Aspire tel, 020 8954 5759. n www.aspire.org.uk

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All Together NOW!

October/November 2013

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TELL US HOW WE CAN BE INVOLVED Shock report shows events not being promoted

The high life GOING up in the world FAST – that’s Reanne Racktoo, one of the up and coming blind climbers at Liverpool’s OnThisROC’s Paraclimbing Club. Reanne, 17, has just returned with a silver medal from the IFSC European Championships in Chamonix, France. Last year Reanne finished 8th in the world championships. Andy Coltart, pictured here with Reanne, assistant manager of the GB Paraclimbing Team, said: “We are really proud of Reanne and all she has achieved. “We’d also like to say a huge thank you to Children in Need and The Morgan Foundation for helping make this possible. “We are always looking for new members, so if anyone is interested please do get in touch with me.” The club meet on Thursdays at Awesome Walls in Athol Street, Liverpool. n Contact Andy on 07850 344144 or via email at info@onthisroc.co.uk

ORE than half of disabled people are not taking part in sport because opportunities are not properly promoted.

A shocking new report from the English Federation of Disability Sport also reveals that 70% of disabled people want to be more involved in sport and physical activity – but don’t know how to. Barry Horne, chief executive of EFDS, said: “This report highlights that there is still a big gap between ambition and reality when it comes to disabled people’s participation in physical activity. “Active promotion of appropriate opportunities is essential. “There has been a huge focus on elite level participation and the Paralympics produced fantastic role models but the real work and change is required at the

grassroots level. “Our research will help inform policy and practice that enables full participation at every level of sport.” The importance of the research has also been recognised by leading disability sports figures. Britain’s former top Paralympian Baroness Tanni Grey Thompson said: “EFDS have produced research which is both telling and timely as we seek to broaden opportunities for sporting participation and physical activity amongst disabled people. The findings should be used to influence and drive forward a key area of work.” The research also highlights a number of positive experiences: 69 per cent of those surveyed stated that playing sport or being active was important to them. The top three reasons people

surveyed gave for taking part is ‘because it is fun’, ‘to keep fit’ and ‘to keep healthy’. Disabled people who attended a special school were more likely to have enjoyed PE at school (69 per cent). The language used to describe opportunities plays a big role in how they will appeal to disabled people: disabled women prefer the descriptive term ‘recreational activities’ while disabled men surveyed preferred to use the term ‘sport’. Lisa O’Keefe, Director of Sport at Sport England, said: “This survey helps by providing valuable insight into the needs and requirements of disabled people, helping to shape our future work in creating more opportunities to enable disabled people to play sport” n www.efds.co.uk

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Stay ahead of the game

Top Mark HALTON council’s press officer Mark Allen came home with a table tennis silver medal from the British Transplant Games, which attracted almost 700 athletes to Sheffield . “My age group was the biggest in the event,” said Mark, 41, who had a double lung transplant in 2005. “It is always great to see other people whose lives have been saved or transformed through organ donation. “It hasn’t been plain sailing since my transplant and I looked with envy at those competitors who have had little or no rejection and are lucky enough to be able to run and jump. “But there are a lot of people who are not well enough to compete at all.”

Top coach ROB Greenwood has been appointed head coach of the new look British ParaSwimming programme. “This is a fantastic opportunity for me to join one of the biggest and most successful teams within Paralympic history and one that I could not resist,” Greenwood said. He will be based in Manchester with National Performance Director Chris Furber.

Top role SIR Philip Craven, President of the Brititsh Paralympic Association, has been nominated to be President of the International Paralympic Committee. The election for President of the IPC takes place in Athens at the committee’s General Assembly from November 2224.

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