All Together NOW! August-September issue

Thanks to the Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund for paying the printing costs of this issue

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AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021

years of bringing people of all abilities together

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What’s inside NEWS

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NEWS

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STEVE MORGAN FOUNDATION

NEWS

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021

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More new promises for easier rail travel

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UNITED UTILITIES

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DISABILITY AWARENESS DAY p10-11

MOTORZONE

INDEPENDEMT LIVING

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16th ANNIVERSARY

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HEALTHZONE

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CONTACT BOARD

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SPORT

THE Government has promised to publish its first “robust” national strategy to improve the accessibility of the rail network.

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p18-19 p26

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Can YOU help? 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.

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A brolly good show!

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UNDREDS of multicoloured umbrellas have been raised in Liverpool – and it wasn’t even raining.

A busy city centre space is glowing with bright reds, blues, greens, yellows, and oranges thanks to a canopy of vibrant, uplifting, suspended umbrellas.

After a hiatus last year due to the pandemic, the ADHD Foundation Neurodiversity Charity’s famous Umbrella Project has returned to Liverpool for a fourth year.

The brolly installation aims to flip the narrative of neurodiverse individuals, by focusing on the strengths and abilities of those with cognitive differences.

It has achieved global recognition with further displays in Heathrow Airport and BBC’s Media City, while more installations were set to launch throughout the summer in Switzerland, Gloucestershire, plus in over 50 participating schools across the country.

ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia and

dyspraxia all sit under the “umbrella” term of neurodiversity – hence the idea for the Umbrella Project was born.

Dr Tony Lloyd, chief executive of the ADHD Foundation, the largest user-led ADHD agency in Europe, said: “When we first launched this small project back in 2017, we were unprepared for the massive impact it was going to have – nationally and internationally.” n The project remains in Church Alley, in front of the Bluecoat arts centre, until late September.

The pledge came in its new white paper, which aims to transform the railways in Great Britain.

The white paper – which the Government is calling the WilliamsShapps Plan for Rail – promises to have more fully accessible trains and stations.

At present, only about one in five stations have step-free access to all platforms, according to the white paper.

The plan promises that real-time updates on station accessibility will be rolled out at stations, on trains and directly to passengers through third-party providers, which will help people know whether lifts are working, how busy a service may be and where the most accessible point of a platform is.

Mobile app

Meanwhile, the rail industry has launched its much-delayed Passenger Assistance mobile phone app.

Although the app will offer passengers the choice to request assistance, update their own details and review their journeys, it has been criticised for failing to allow disabled passengers to book a ticket or a wheelchair space at the same time as they book assistance.

In June, the rail industry was served with a blunt warning from Transport Minister Chris Heaton-Harris to start fulfilling your legal commitments to disabled passengers.

Heaton-Harris, also responsible for transport accessibility issues, said it was bizarre that there were still trains on the rail network that were not accessible to disabled people.

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years of bringing people together PRIDE: Cllr Gerard Woodhouse and my brother, Brian, outside the Adele Dowling Food Union centre

ADELE’S LEGACY

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T WAS great to be part of an event that highlighted some of the magnificent things being done in Liverpool.

It was also an occasion that filled my family with pride – the naming of a food and clothes bank as the Adele Dowling Food Union, in recognition of the support my late sister-in-law gave to the community.

Liverpool Six Community Association had kindly invited us all to the event in Queens Road – the area where Adele FOOTNOTE: Just before attending the L6 Community event I’d been reading about the Liverpool Bread Riots that took place in the coldest of winters in 1855.

Thousands of Irish immigrants (including my great great grandad), who’d fled their small farms during the Great Potato Famine, were starving in ‘Little Ireland”, in the

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lived and served for eight years as a city councillor, the area where we played as kids, and, tragically, the area that now ranks among the poorest in Europe.

Last year, the L6 charity gave food and clothes to more than 1,100 people – 60% of whom were in low-paid work.

Lord Mayor Cllr Mary Rasmussen said: “The L6 Association is doing a terrific job, helping people faced with serious

City’s bread riots,1855

Great Howard Street area of the city.

Frost and ice had blocked the canals and port, preventing fleets of ships from entering or leaving the docks and causing massive unemployment.

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financial problems. Adele was always there to help. She came into politics for all the rights reasons – to help people. That’s all she wanted to do. It is only fitting that she will be remembered this way.”

Cllr Gerard Woodhouse added: “Adele did so much for our community. She was always helping us here, always trying to fix people’s problems – right up until the day she died. Through the Adele Dowling Food Union we’ve made sure that she will be remembered every day.”

Adele died in April 2020, aged 73.

For weeks, my family, and hundreds like them, had been totally reliant upon the goodwill of charities for a few handfuls of bread and biscuits.

Fast forward almost 170 years and how moving it is that our family name is now linked to a Liverpool charity doing the same vital work ... and in a part of the city where we all lived.

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Government guilty of discrimination!

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ON THE day Prime Minister Boris Johnson launched his National Disability Strategy, the Government were found guilty of discriminating against deaf people.

Katie Rowley, 36, from Leeds, started court action after two TV Covid-19 briefings went ahead without interpreters on screen.

Ms Rowley took action against Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove in relation to the “data briefings” on 21 September and 12 October 2020.

She had argued that being unable to access the official information had caused her stress and affected her wellbeing.

Mr Justice Fordham said: “The lack of provision – the provision of subtitles only – was a failure of inclusion, suggestive of not being thought about, which served to disempower, to frustrate and to marginalise.”

The level of damages awarded to the claimant would be assessed by a county court judge, he added.

Many who use BSL as their first language say they cannot rely on subtitles because the average reading age for deaf people is nine years.

Cerrie’s new hopes

n NEW PROMISES, OLD PROBLEMS: p4

CHILDREN’S TV presenter Cerrie Burnell is hoping her new role at the BBC’s will help to improve the way disability is portrayed.

Cerrie, pictured, who was born with a short right arm, has joined Kay Ashton and Nicola Garde at the Beeb’s newly created disability team.

Cerrie said: “I’m beyond excited to be working with the BBC to elevate disability narratives, so they become integral to all storytelling and groundbreaking content in a deeply authentic and enlightening way.” n The BBC set out its 50:20:12 workforce targets in September 2020, which will see the broadcaster employ 50% women; at least 20% black, Asian or minority ethnic staff; and at least 12% disabled people by 2023.

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NEWS

Covid rules ease – but too scared to go out

MANY disabled people say they are too scared to go out in public again.

Half are concerned about their health, and more than a third are anxious because they’re not able to comply with safety measures, such as wearing a face covering.

National disability charity Sense says Covid-19 restrictions led to increased isolation and loneliness, with almost two thirds of disabled people now experiencing “chronic loneliness”.

The charity’s research is part of a new report that calls on the Government and local communities to do more to support disabled people as we move out of lockdown.

Richard Kramer, Sense chief executive, said: “The severe impact of the pandemic has meant that many disabled people are now fearful and anxious about going out into public, and unless we support and prioritise them, isolation and loneliness will become a bigger problem.“

Best and worst sites

CLOTHING retailer H&M’s homepage topped a new table for accessible websites for blind people.

At the other end of the table, motoring retailer Halfords’ homepage scored the lowest.

Superdrug was the least accessible site for the three million colour blind users, and Boots was worst for Screen Reader users.

The survey was carried out by website development company LCN.

8,000 ‘wrongly jailed’

THOUSANDS of people with a mental health disorder are in prison because no safer alternatives were available when a court had to pass sentence.

Up to 8,000 prisoners — around 10% of inmates in England and Wales — could have missed out on a community sentence or a suspended prison sentence with a Mental Health Treatment Requirement (MHTR) because specialist mental health services do not have the resources to deliver them, says the Royal College of Psychiatrists To improve uptake of MHTRs the Royal College of Psychiatrists has produced guidance to encourage psychiatrists regardless of specialty to deliver them.

The RCP is also calling for £12m funding for mental health services so that no-one who could benefit from an MHTR is denied one because of a lack of availability within mental health services to deliver them.

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021

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Give learning disabled booster jabs first

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EOPLE with a learning disability must be prioritised for the Covid-19 booster jab, says national charity Mencap.

The call comes after a new report in medical journal The BMJ revealed that people with a learning disability who have Covid are five times more likely to be admitted to hospital – and eight times more likely to die compared with the general population of England.

Dan Scorer, head of policy at Mencap, said: “The findings provide further evidence of the shocking health inequalities faced by people with a learning disability during the pandemic.

“As we move into a new phase of

the pandemic, it’s critical that the Government prioritises everyone with a learning disability for booster jabs in the autumn.

Despite the shockingly high death rate of people with a learning disability from Covid-19, it’s not clear whether they will be prioritised.

“We also urge the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation to include disabled young people in the vaccine programme, as is happening in other countries.

“This is particularly important for young people who are clinically extremely vulnerable.” n Helpline on 0808 808 1111 (10am-3pm, Monday-Friday) or email helpline@mencap.org.uk

New promises, old problems

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HARITY and union leaders have been quick to blast the Government’s long-awaited National Disability Strategy.

More accessible housing, improved public transport and better job prospects are among the £1.6bn worth of pledges made in the 120-page document.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson hailed it as a chance in a generation to build a better and fairer life for all disabled people in the UK. He said: “Our new National Disability Strategy is a clear plan. From giving disabled people the best start in school to unlocking equal job opportunities, this strategy sets us on a path to improve their everyday lives.”

But after a decade of Tory cuts to services and benefits, and unfulfilled promises, many feel it is a missed opportunity, and that action not words matter now.

Much of the strategy’s focus seems to be on helping those who can work, with little mention given to those who just can’t.

Social care reform, a promise the PM made two years ago, has been left for a later date, and while there are ambitious plans to increase the use of technology and online services, there is no mention of tackling digital exclusion, which affects 12m people in the UK. Kamran Malik, chief executive at Disability Rights UK, says: “There has also been a lack of proper engagement with disabled people and organisations. There was an online questionnaire, and there’s a judicial review happening to decide if that was legal.

It’s as though they don’t want to hear what our real requirements are in order to change society.”

Ismail Kaji, parliamentary officer at the learning disability charity Mencap, said: “We were promised a disability strategy that would change the lives of disabled people but,

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A MISSED OPPORTUNITY: Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s National Disability Stragey under fire

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right now, there is still a long way to go.”

Mike Hobday, director of policy at the National Deaf Children’s Society, said: “We’re very pleased to see the publication of a strategy, though it will remain an uphill struggle to ensure an urgently needed transformation.

“There’s a bitter irony in the fact that this strategy has been published on the same day that the Government has lost a court case on failing to provide sign language interpretation at its Covid-19 briefing.”

Business Disability Forum’s head of policy, Angela Matthews, said: “To have long term impact, the strategy must also be accompanied by financial investment. Much of the funding announced today is not new. The Prime Minister has made it clear that this is a “down payment” only. We will await the

helen@alltogethernow.org.uk

Autumn Spending Review when we must see more on long-term, additional funding for the strategy.

“The strategy has put disability higher on the political agenda but it is what happens next that is important.”

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “The Government has once again missed the chance to act. Disabled people are far less likely to be in paid employment – and when they are, they are hit by a 20% pay gap, which is growing year-on-year. The way to end this is to make employers report on their disability pay gaps – but ministers have failed to support this.”

Nell Andrew, GMB equality officer, said: “This will be remembered as an historic missed opportunity.”

Tel. 07511 839397

Love is in the air

www.alltogethernow.org.uk NEWS

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OOD news for people with learning disabilities or autism looking to make friends – or find romance.

A new friendship and dating agency is up and running in Cheshire and Merseyside, and organisers want to hear from anyone wanting to take their first steps towards finding a friend or partner.

Spring into Action received a grant of £25,000 from Cheshire and Merseyside Transforming Care Partnership to develop Meet ‘N’ Match – the friendship and dating agency for adults with a learning disability and/or autism.

Erin Blanchard, who is running the project from Birkenhead, Wirral, said: “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this project. I

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AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021

Schools are ‘failing our deaf students’

FRIENDS FOREVER: new friendship agency is up and running in Merseyside and Cheshire

feel this is an area that, until now, has been overlooked in terms of services specifically designed for dating and friendships for people who have learning disabilities and/or autism.

“I believe active social lives and healthy relationships are the cornerstone of maintaining a person’s overall wellbeing and having a learning disability shouldn’t be a barrier to achieving that.

“I can’t wait to meet people, to match people, and to enable our members to take those first steps to finding new friendships and love!”

Project coordinator Lucy Hamlin said: “People in the Cheshire and Merseyside areas have been asking us for the last two years to bring the project here.

“We are more than just a dating agency.

Yes people can join and we can look for

matches and support them to start, develop and maintain friendships and relationships, but we also provide social activities where people can go for a night out, and relationship training, where we teach people how to date and how to stay safe in relationships.

“Generally, people with a learning disability have limited opportunities to meet their peers and to form lasting connections. This can leave them feeling lonely, isolated and depressed.

“We know that this is one way of improving people’s physical and mental wellbeing, whilst opening up possibilities for the kind of relationships that others take for granted.” n Contact Erin Blanchard: Tel. 0782 814 2611 or email erin@meet-n-match.co.uk www.meet-n-match.co.uk www.spring-projects.co.uk

JUST a third of deaf students received two A-levels or equivalent last year compared to more than half of hearing students, new research reveals.

The National Deaf Children’s Society is calling on the Government to urgently address the issue.

Martin McLean, at the NDCS, said: “Despite year after year of evidence, major advances in technology and constant Government promises of a superb education, the fact remains that two-thirds of deaf students still fall short of what they set out to achieve.

Injustice

“There’s a gulf in results between deaf and hearing students and it’s an injustice now ingrained in the education system.

“Deafness isn’t a learning disability and there’s no reason why deaf students can’t achieve the same results as their hearing classmates. No one involved in their education should rest until they do.”

The exam data, which includes all students aged 18 across England, also shows the number of deaf students reaching two A-levels or equivalent fell for the first time in four years, dropping by 2%. n NDCS Helpline: Tel. 0808 800 8880

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Scandal of people who die 25 years too soon

DEVASTATING and long-standing inequalities for people with a learning disability are highlighted in a new report.

Concerns centre around “do not resuscitate” decisions during the Covid19 pandemic and shocking inequalities faced by people from minority ethnic communities.

The Learning Disability Mortality Review also shows once again that people with a learning dying are more likely to die younger and die avoidably.

Dan Scorer, head of policy at the learning disability charity Mencap, said: “The report shows people with a learning disability are dying 25 years younger than the general population, and are three times more likely to die avoidably.

“There are also shocking inequalities faced by people from minority ethnic communities. People with a learning disability who are Asian or Asian British are eight times more likely to die in early adulthood than people from white British backgrounds.” n Mencap Helpline: 0808 808 1111 or email helpline@mencap.org.uk

The Virus Diaries

ARTIST Emily Holt has produced an online film telling what it’s been like to be clinically vulnerable during the pandemic.

Diagnosed 20 years ago with multiple sclerosis at the age of 23, Emily is losing the use of her arms, hands, legs, bodily functions, swallowing, sight and her voice.

Her film, The Virus Diaries, contains dramatic flashbacks, and a detailed explanation of what ventilation actually involves.

n www.emilysutcliffe.wixsite.com/my-site-1

Save us from e-scooters

BLIND people have welcomed news that e-scooter operator Voi is trialing a low humming sound on its vehicles.

The news comes after months of campaigning by Sight Loss Councils to ensure e-scooters are audible to everyone.

Voi have added the artificial noise to 60 e-scooters in Liverpool, Birmingham and Bristol.

Mike Bell, at Sight Loss Councils, said: “E-scooters are being ridden on our roads and illegally on our pavements, quickly and silently, causing a real risk to the safety of blind and partially sighted pedestrians.”

Sight Loss Councils’ #StreetsForAll campaign is also calling for mandatory on-road parking bays for e-scooters; a reduction to the speed limit; and Geo-tagging to prevent pavement use.

www.alltogethernow.org.uk LIFE ON THE OCEAN WAVE: Ricochet the pooch lends a helping paw to war veteran Jose Martinez

Just go for it!

War veteran Jose is now up for anything, thanks to his amazing pal

OUR STATESIDE correspondent updates us on how the dog that surfs the ocean waves continues to revolutionise disabled people’s lives.

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HERAPY dog Ricochet became the world’s first-ever “canineassisted surfing dog” when she jumped on the board of a teenager with a spinal cord injury.

In the 12 years since, she’s been helping wounded warriors and veterans with post traumatic stress syndrome ever since.

Her latest student is US war veteran Jose Martinez, who lost three limbs after stepping on an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan.

Ricochet and the charity set up to help disabled surfers – One More Wave – have handed Jose a custom adaptive board, which he hopes will get him to the Paralympics.

"I can't thank Ricochet enough for her continued support,” says Jose, who was awarded a purple heart for his bravery.

“We have changed people's minds and hearts, showing them anything is possible.”

Jose was on a foot patrol with members of the 2/3 Infantry Division in Kandahar when he stepped on a 60-pound IED meant for a vehicle.

The force of the blast threw him in the air and instantly amputated both his legs, right arm, a finger on his left hand and some internal organs. His unit worked feverishly

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FIGHTING BACK: Jose Martinez inspiring others who think life is over . . .

to get him ready for an airlift to hospital.

Ten days later, against all odds, he woke up from a coma. Jose was in the hospital for two years, enduring 21 invasive surgeries and months of aggressive therapies.

In 2014, he was introduced to surfing as part of his rehabilitation with the Naval Medical Center in San Diego. He didn’t surf prior to his accident, but now he says he can’t imagine life without it. He has become a dynamic competitor and has won medals at national and international tournaments.

About 22 US veterans take their life by suicide every day.

helen@alltogethernow.org.uk

“I’m still here for a reason, and that reason is my brothers and sisters in arms thinking their lives are over, because they aren’t. I thought mine was, but it was honestly just getting started. Thankfully, I was able to save myself, and now I’m here trying to save everyone else.”

Now medically retired, Jose is married to Liseth, who has been by his side throughout his recovery. Jose walks on prosthetic legs, drives, rock climbs, surfs and anything else he wants to take on.

“The only way to win the battle on earth is to first defeat the battlefield inside ourselves,” he says. n www.onemorewave.com/

Tel. 07511 839397

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All Together NOW!

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021

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Making a difference . . .

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

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

More than £50m has so far been awarded to over 650 charities and organisations, and this number will increase dramatically over the coming years

after Steve committed £250m additional funding to the Foundation in 2017.

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

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

If you need help, contact us – details below

Maggie’s charity moves into our new centre FLASHBACK: Winter 2019 ...

Steve Morgan and guests at the ‘sod cutting’ ceremony at Maggie’s Wirral

WE’VE DONE IT!

RIGHT: how the centre looks today

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HILANTHROPIST Steve Morgan has spoken of his pride after a landmark day in the history of the cancer support charity Maggie’s.

Mr Morgan, CBE, chairman of the Steve Morgan Foundation, said: “This is a very proud moment for everyone involved in the project. It is one of our largest capital projects to date, but our involvement has gone far beyond funding.

“We’ve been responsible for the planning, design, project management as well as the entire funding, which is almost unheard of for a foundation.

“My wife, Sally, first introduced the foundation to Maggie’s, and we have watched with pride as the building has come to life. It has been a real team effort.

“The sad reality it that cancer affects so many people’s lives and the work undertaken by the Maggie’s Centres has never been more needed. We know what a difference this will make to so many people.”

PROUD: Steve and The new centre, Maggie’s Wirral at the Steve Morgan Foundation Building, will provide more space, allowing the staff to deliver more core services, courses and support groups.

The library and private rooms will offer individual, one-to-one and family support

What an honour . . .

space for people who are not ready for group support.

Kathy Wright, centre head at Maggie’s, said: “It’s wonderful to have a permanent centre here on the Wirral and we’re excited to be able to start supporting more people with cancer in the Sally Morgan surroundings of a truly uplifting and inspirational building.”

The centre, designed by Dennis Swain of HB Architects, is open to see people alongside digital support.

Liz Bishop, chief executive of The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, Wirral, said:

WE’RE delighted to report that NEO Community – one of the Steve Morgan Foundation’s long-term supported charities – has received a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Jane Harris, Director of Regional Grants at the Foundation, said: “The volunteers work tirelessly to benefit the disadvantaged community of Rock Ferry and its surrounds with a project that has contributed to improving access to healthy food, reducing food waste, providing employment training and volunteering opportunities, reducing social isolation and improving self-esteem.” n If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for Neo NEO’s founder Ema Wilkes with Ruth Dixon, left, and Community, call 0151 647 5981 or visit Jane Harris from the Steve Morgan Foundation www.neocommunity.org.uk

www.stevemorganfoundation.org.uk Tel 01928 706555

“We have seen how beneficial Maggie’s professional, practical, emotional and psychological support has been since the interim centre was built on site and we know the new centre will provide support to many more people at what is possibly the hardest time of their lives.” n There are 18,000 new cancer diagnoses every year in Merseyside and Cheshire.

n A second Maggie’s, also funded by the Steve Morgan Foundation will be built in the grounds of the new Royal Liverpool Hospital in the city centre and supporting patients of the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool.

It is hoped that construction will start at the earliest opportunity, likely 2022.

What a Smiley Bus . . .

ONE OF the Steve Morgan Foundation’s Smiley Buses has clocked up 100,000 miles.

The bus was awarded to Cheshire Buddies in 2015.

Co-founder Stephanie Lawley said: “The bus has completely changed the way we operate. It has given the charity freedom, flexibility and independence. The bus is used five days a week (often twice a day for different groups) and transports on average 70 children and young people a week to a range of activities.

“Thank you to everyone at the Steve Morgan Foundation. The bus has changed so many children’s lives.”

Steve Morgan Foundation

@stevemorganfdn

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We need a Minister for Older People

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021

Marathon is next for hospice doctor

HOSPICE doctor Richard Latten is familiar with helping patients and families through challenging times.

Now, he’s preparing for his own, very different, very unfamiliar challenge – running this year’s London Marathon.

But the Wirral Hospice St John’s, where he is the palliative care consultant, will not be far from his mind, as he raises money towards patient care there.

Back in 2019, Richard was a long way from the physical and mental mindset required to run a marathon.

He said: “I was finding things really tough with the challenges that work in our field can sometimes bring to the surface, while also dealing with a bereavement a few years before, which had had an emotional impact on my own family.

“Joining some of my hospice colleagues, friends and family, in running in our local Parkrun was the turning point in getting myself back on track.” n To support Richard call 0151 343 0778

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RAFT of measures to change attitudes towards getting older are needed now, the Government has been told.

More than half of over 65s are more confident and resilient in later life and fiercely object to terms like “pensioner” , “old fogey”, and “codger”, says a new report, which highlights ageism as a big problem in the UK – and needs fixing.

The major study into people’s experiences of ageing, and beliefs about growing older, was carried ouy by leading retirement homes developer McCarthy Stone.

John Tonkiss, the company’s chief executive, said: “Our report shows the UK is blighted by ageist attitudes that prevent society from providing the support and opportunities older people need.

“We are calling on Government and society

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ON YOUR BIKE! So many positives about getting older

to make positive changes to establish Britain as the best place in which to live and grow old.”

Among its recommendations, the report calls for a dedicated Ministry for Older People.

Increasing representation of older communities in Westminster, with a dedicated Minister for Older People are among the demands being made.

The UK currently languishes in 17th place in the list of best countries in which to grow old.

Anna Dixon, CEO of the Centre for Ageing Better, who was one of those interviewed, said: “The current portrayal of older people in the UK is so negative, with disability and decline unfairly presented as inevitable consequences of ageing.

“These stereotypes have a hugely detrimental impact, both on individuals and society more broadly.

“But we know that these assumptions don’t reflect the reality and diversity of how people experience later life. We need to see action across society to tackle ageism and create a more age-inclusive culture.”

McCarthy Stone is also calling for mandatory Age Gap reporting for businesses, a Kickstart scheme to incentivise hiring an older workforce, and a technology fund to boost connection between generations.

The research underpins McCarthy Stone’s new Vision for Later Life in Britain report – an extensive analysis of ageing, based on a poll of 5,000 adults and in-depth interviews with later life experts and elderly citizens.

Almost half of people under 65 fear they’ll be regarded as frail and somehow less important in older age, yet more than half of over 65s say they actually feel more confident and resilient in later life.

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ForceThirteen

Live chat server: discord.gg/ forcethirteeQ n

Nathan’s 10m global Force

F

ORCE THIRTEEN is an international community of severe weather enthusiasts, and also covers interests in earthquakes, volcanoes, as well as wider science and technology topics.

Now in its tenth year of operation, the organisation sprang from humble beginnings, much like its founder, Nathan Foy. Living near Wigan, Nathan was diagnosed on the autism spectrum in 2008, at the age of 13.

After a series of incidents growing up, he required a lot of support with depression and was incredibly isolated from the outside world at times due to social anxiety.

However, with the help of his interests, as well as support groups and workers, he gradually started living a better life upon reaching adulthood.

Today, Nathan and his large worldwide team of volunteers provide video broadcasts, graphical products, and web articles to over ten million users

per year, a number that’s constantly rising.

Along with his usual work, Nathan is regularly looking for ways to help out in the local and regional communities, particularly in the areas he knows through lived experience – mental health issues, growing up with depression and anxiety, and being there for people who are lonely and those who need inspiration and opportunities to succeed.

Over the last six years, Nathan has also built an online community for Force Thirteen that today resides on the chat platform Discord.

To date, this heavily moderated community is home to over 2,600 members, many who share the same interests, and is a very inclusive place with people from all walks of life around the world.

n In 2018, Nathan produced his own documentary about his life.

Nathan Weathering the Storm can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxQvyCUSJxo

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

All Together NOW!

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021

Summer event is not to be missed!

9

Disability Awareness Day takes place on Sunday 12th September at Walton Hall Gardens in Warrington.

The show opens at 10am and finishes at 4pm, and entry is FREE Visit www.disabilityawarenessday.org.uk www.disabilityawarenessday.org.uk Visit for further information. for further information.

One of the UK’s most popular disability events is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year!

“Disability Awareness Awareness Day Day is is aa fantastic fantastic “Disability event which which we’ve we’ve supported supported for for many many event years. We’re We’re proud proud to to be be one one of of the the years. main sponsors sponsors this this year, year, especially especially main as the event is celebrating its 30th 30th as the event is celebrating its anniversary. Thousands Thousands of of people people from from anniversary. across the the UK UK visit visit the the event event with with lots lots of of across entertainment for for people people of of all all ages. ages. It’s It’s entertainment brilliant family family fun fun day day out out while while also also aa brilliant being aa great great showcase showcase for for the the services services being and equipment equipment available available to to allow allow and people to to live live independent independent lives, lives, with with people SOHQW\ RI RUJDQLVDWLRQV RQ KDQG WR RDŽ HU HU SOHQW\ RI RUJDQLVDWLRQV RQ KDQG WR RDŽ help and and support. support. help “This year, year, the the United United Utilities Utilities stand stand “This will be be bigger bigger and and better better than than ever ever will before, and we hope as many people before, and we hope as many people as possible possible will will pop pop along along and and say say as hello. We’ve We’ve got got lots lots of of advice advice on on how how hello. \RX FDQ EH ZDWHU HDž FLHQW LQ WKH KRPH \RX FDQ EH ZDWHU HDž FLHQW LQ WKH KRPH and garden garden and and there there will will be be lots lots of of us us and

available to to talk talk to to you you and and answer answer your your available questions. questions.

“We can can also also tell tell you you more more about about “We Priority Services, Services, our our free free scheme scheme Priority which provides provides additional additional support support with with which your water water services. services. We We can can register register your you for for free free on on the the day day so so please please come come you DORQJ DQG LJ QG RXW PRUH ZHàUH ORRNLQJ QG RXW PRUH ZHàUH ORRNLQJ DORQJ DQG LJ forward to to seeing seeing you you there.” there.” forward

Visit unitedutilities.com/priorityservices

for full full details details about about United United Utilities’ Utilities’ Priority Priority Services Services scheme scheme and and to to register register online. online. for

07/21/SD/9181 07/21/SD/9181

Visitors to to this this year’s year’s Disability Disability Visitors $ZDUHQHVV 'D\ FDQ H[SHFW WR LJ QG QG $ZDUHQHVV 'D\ FDQ H[SHFW WR LJ huge tented tented village village with with around around aa huge 200 exhibitors, exhibitors, including including equipment equipment 200 suppliers, transport, holidays, leisure, suppliers, transport, holidays, leisure, employment, support support groups groups and and employment, services. There’s There’s also also aa sports sports zone zone services. including scuba scuba diving, diving, an an arts arts marquee marquee including and lots lots of of family family entertainment entertainment taking taking and place throughout throughout the the day. day. place Amanda Phillips, Phillips, Priority Priority Services Services Amanda Manager at at United United Utilities Utilities said: said: Manager

Are you involved in a Volunteer Group?

10 All Together NOW!

If yes, you may be eligible for

Awards are intended for groups led by volunteers and provide benefit for local communities

For further information contact the Merseyside Lieutenancy

Tel: 0151 363 9528

email: msl.clerk@lieutenancy.info

Nominations close on 15 September 2021 and must be submitted using the online form at

https://qavs.dcms.gov.uk

THE SHOW

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS . . .

‘The safety of our visitors is always our main priority’

T

HE North West’s 30th annual Disability Awareness Day – DAD – has been given the go-ahead, following talks with public health and council safety teams.

Event co-ordinator Dave Thompson, chief executive at Warrington Disability Partnership, said: “The health and safety of our visitors, exhibitors and our team is always our number one priority.

“This is particularly important given the communities that DAD involves. After consulting with Public Health and our Local Authorities Events Safety Team to ensure we can follow national and local guidance, we are pleased to confirm that our 30th annual event will go ahead on Sunday 12 September.

“We are also pleased to announce that disability education specialists, Expanse Learning Group, and the North West’s water supplier, United Utilities, are leading our list of sponsors.

“Thanks to the combined support of the Cheshire Community Foundation and the Steve Morgan Foundation, we are also able to offer up to 120 charities that are operating in Warrington, Cheshire East or Cheshire West, a free 3m x 3m exhibition stand (inside or outside) at the event.

“It’s what disabled people can is the theme of this year’s even,” says Dave.

Exhibitors will showcase solutions supporting independent living and mobility. There will also be experts on transport, employment, education, training, health and social care to provide tip top advice – alongside over 100 charities/support groups.

A huge tented village of marquees will be surrounded by a Sports Zone, a Centre Arena, a huge Performing Arts Marquee and a children’s play area.

Dave added: “Visitors can gain an insight into the

PLAN YOUR VISIT to RHS Bridgewater – Occupation Road, Greater Worsley, Manchester M28 2LJ. Helpline/ Wheelchair Hire: 0161 503 6100.

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WALTON HALL GARDENS, WARRINGTON

help and support that is available locally, regionally and nationally. They can “have a go” at sports activities including basketball, fencing, boccia, football, rugby league, boxing, cricket, tennis and scuba diving.”

For those looking for those looking for a more relaxed day, there’s a fantastic line-up of talent in the Arts Marquee with some of the UK’s leading disabled artists, while the Centre Arena will feature watching dog display teams, birds of prey, bands and sports demonstrations.

Children can also visit the funfair rides or accessible onsite zoo, crazy golf, high ropes and pitch and putt.

DAD 2021 will be the finale of a week of complimentary events that includes Frogtastic in the Park, Disability Confident Seminar and a fundraising dinner for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup Physical Disability tournament.

Lifehouse Liverpool, 0151 709 0121

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021

All Together NOW!

SUNDAY 12 SEPTEMBER

n SUPPORT services include a free accessible Park and Ride service, free accessible buses from Warrington Town Centre, a free scooter and wheelchair loan service with trained enablers, British Sign Language interpreters, additional unisex wheelchair accessible toilets and over 100 trained stewards and helpers all eager to make it a day to remember for everyone. n DAD continues to capture the imaginations of organisations around the UK and worldwide with events planned in Cameroon, India, Uganda and more.

n Warrington Disability Partnership: Tel. 01925 240064 n www.disabilityawarenessday.org.uk n E-mail: info@disabilitypartnership.org.uk

“Nobody expected the event to be running for 30 years, and that it would have grown to be recognised not just locally, but now internationally.

It is testament to all of the team involved who are aptly named DAD’s Army” – Dave Thompson

11

12 All Together NOW!

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021

DaVinci can help get you mobile

L

OOKING for something to help you get in and out of your car more easily – or need some hand controls to help you get out and about?

Or what about a new wheelchair, a motorised scooter, or a powered handbike?

Well, if you are yearning to get yourself active this year then Vin Ross and his team at DaVinci Mobility can help you.

“We can help with all kinds of problems, “ says Vin, who set up the company, based in Gillmoss, Liverpool, 17 years ago.

“There is nothing we can’t help with. We are wheelchair-users ourselves so we know all about the problems and frustrations people have in getting and staying mobile.

“It can sometimes be challenging, but in most cases it’s not impossible. It’s just a question of being creative and adapting to new situations.

“Our team can offer expert advice – and can solve problems. That’s what we are here for.”

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

Co-partner Steve Curran says: “Lots of people may be recovering from an injury or a health issue and think they have lost their independence.

We can show them that’s not necessarily the case.

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

n DaVinci: Tel. 0151 548 1999.

Manual & Powered Wheelchairs Power Trikes & Hand Bikes Spare and replacement parts

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CHARGING UP: It’s no easy task for many disabled motorists

Charge points for EV-eryone

N

EW access standards are on the way to ensure disabled drivers can use electric vehicle (EV) charge points.

Designers at the British Standards Institute will look at issues including providing adequate space between bollards, charging units being of a height suitable for wheelchair users, size of the parking bay and the kerb height.

Minister for Disabled People Justin Tomlinson said: “As electric vehicles become more popular it is imperative that disabled people have the same opportunities to access them as everyone else. The new accessibility standards for charge points will help make this a reality.”

Barry Le Grys, CEO at Motability, said: “There is a risk

that disabled people are left behind as the UK’s transition to electric vehicles approaches. Motability looks forward to a future where electric vehicle charging is inclusive for all.”

Motability is also working with Designability, a charity that creates products to enable disabled people to live with greater independence, and to identify their requirements for accessible charging.

Catharine Brown, chief executive at Designability, said: “Over 1,000 disabled drivers have volunteered to feedback to Motability and Designability on how we can make electric vehicle charging accessible for all.” n Motability will be holding a series of workshops on accessibility and electric vehicle charging in August. email: innovation@motability.co.uk

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AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021

Lessons for teachers

A FREE school toolkit is available to help staff understand the needs of pupils with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes and joint hypermobility syndrome.

Affected children may have poor attendance due to outpatient appointments or high symptom levels, while some families resort to home education.

Typical symptoms can include dislocations, sprains without a clear cause, pain, tiredness, clumsiness, dizziness and anxiety. n EDA Helpline: 0800 907 8518 n Hypermobility Helpline: 03330 116 388 n Toolkit available at www.theschooltoolkit. org

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

LEFT: What it’s like to have diabetic retinopathy.

RIGHT: How sight is affected by age-related macular degeneration

How the world looks to some people

F

OR the first time, the rest of the world can see how life looks through the eyes of a blind or partially sighted person.

A new video uses augmented reality to simulate the six most common sight conditions in the UK today: cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, hemianopia, age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma.

The video shows each condition, with increasing severity, overlaid with a simulation

onto moving footage of everyday activity. Each simulation has a narration describing the condition in terms of cause, demographics, impact and any available treatment.

Charles Colquhoun, head of the Thomas Pocklington Trust, which produced the video, said: “Visual impairment varies greatly from person to person and it is sometimes difficult to demonstrate what people with the various conditions experience – until now.

“We hope this video will help other businesses

and sight loss organisations in their work – whether for staff and volunteer VI awareness training, to educate architects and town planners or engage corporates in campaigns. We are very proud to be leading on this work”.

It is available to watch as one continuous video or by selecting a condition or conditions. www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxqXEt5tuQs n Find out more about the six common eye conditions on the TPT website: www.pocklington-trust.org.uk

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IF YOU’RE AGED BETWEEN 16 & 65, VISIT WWW.MEDICASH.ORG OR CALL 0800 011 2222 TO START ENJOYING THE BENEFITS OF MEDICASH TODAY Medicash is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

news@alltogethernow.org.uk

A

FULLY accessible Changing Places toilet facility is now available for passengers at London’s Euston rail station.

Unlike the standard “disabled” toilets, Changing Places loos provide additional aids such as: n Height-adjustable adultsized changing bench. n Ceiling mounted hoist.

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

n Centrally placed toilet with space either side. n Non-slip floor. n Height-adjustable washbasin. n Emergency alarm.

It is hoped the new loos will give those with profound and multiple disabilities, their carers, assistants and families the confidence to travel through the station.

Karen Hoe, Changing Places manager for Muscular

Dystrophy UK, which cochairs the Changing Places Consortium, said: “Changing Places toilets are a lifeline for the 250,000 people across the UK who rely on them.” n The Changing Places toilet is opposite the existing loos on the eastern side of the station.

Tel. 0207 803 2876. Email changingplaces@muscular dystrophyuk.org

Tel. 0151 230 0307

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021

Bosses fail disabled workers

ALMOST one in three disabled workers say that they’ve been treated unfairly at work during the pandemic, a new survey has found.

Coronavirus risks undoing recent improvements in getting disabled people into work, and pushing disabled people back out of the labour market, warns the TUC, who commissioned the poll.

Before Covid, disabled workers were hugely underrepresented and underpaid in the labour market, while recent government figures show redundancy rates are now 62% higher for disabled workers.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “Before the pandemic, disabled workers were already up against huge barriers getting into and staying in work. Covid-19 has made it even worse.

“Employers are failing disabled workers.

Many disabled and shielding workers felt

unsafe at work. And too many disabled workers told us their boss is breaking the law by not giving them the adjustments they need.”

Disabled workers told the TUC that their disability or shielding status meant they were treated unfairly, and worse than other colleagues during the pandemic.

Ms O’Grady added: “Ministers must act. We need proper enforcement of disabled workers’ rights to reasonable adjustments and safety at work, and a duty on employers to report and close the pay gap between disabled and nondisabled workers.”

The YouGov poll also uncovered: Shielding workers put at risk: More than one in five (21%) shielding workers worked outside of their home most of the time – even though employers could use furlough to protect shielding workers who could not do their jobs from home.

Hostile workplaces: One in eight (12%)

disabled workers have not told their employer about their disability or health condition, with many of them fearing being treated unfairly (24%) or losing their job (21%) if they were open about it. Meanwhile, 8% said they were subjected to bullying and/or harassment, were being ignored or excluded, singled out for criticism or monitored excessively at work.

Employers failing disabled workers: Only just over half (55%) of those who asked their employers for reasonable adjustments during the pandemic said they had been made in full.

Almost a third (30%) said they didn’t get all their reasonable adjustments, and one in six (16%) said they had none implemented.

Unsafe workplaces: A quarter of disabled workers said they felt unsafe at work during the pandemic due to the risk of catching/spreading the virus – and this rose to nearly one in three (30%) among those who worked outside their homes throughout.

GIVE US A CHANCE

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Students need more support

A

THIRD of young people with visual impairments are struggling to gain quality education and employment because they don’t get proper support.

And once they find themselves without work or a place in education or training, some young people find themselves actively discouraged by JobCentre Plus staff from seeking employment, in favour of long-term benefits.

The results of an 11-year-study following the lives of 82 young people from the age of 14, showed that while many did well at school, things went awry once they turned 16.

Rachel Hewett, from the University of Birmingham’s Vision Impairment Centre for Teaching and Research, said: “The research identified key challenges once the young people transitioned into further education.

Many found adjustments were not put in place in time and they had a lack of access to specialist support.

“Careers guidance often focused on keeping the young person in education, with limited support for transitioning into employment.”

Reasonable adjustments

D

ISABLED people are being shut out of the music industry largely because of the way employers view them.

That’s the conclusion of a disturbing survey that found four out of five deaf and disabled people working in music believe barriers related to their impairment had affected their career.

And among those looking for work in the business, more than half have withdrawn from a job application for access-related reasons, while two thirds admitted they either always or sometimes conceal impairments or health conditions.

One of those interviewed said: “I often find job offers are suddenly unavailable when I ask about access adjustments.”

An overwhelming 93% of those questioned said the biggest barrier they faced in the music and live events industry was other people’s perceptions of their capabilities.

Perceptions stop us from working

Attitude is Everything, which campaigns to improve accessibility to live music, released the research as it published its new, free Accessible Employment Guide.

Robin Millar, the disabled, award-winning record producer of albums such as Sade’s Diamond Life, and chair of disability charity Scope, said: “I’m here because, in 40 years in the music business in this country, I’ve never been offered a job.”

He said that research had shown that more than half the population had admitted being awkward when talking to disabled people.

Millar added: “The big answer: Let’s get

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rid of special schools. Let’s make sure we end up in a country that has had a whole generation that by the time we all get to 18, our classmates have been every sort, type, gender, colour, race, creed, ability, disability, mental acuity, deafness, blindness, you name it.

“It will then never occur to any of them to start a business where they can’t embrace the most talented, interesting, fun, engaging of all their friends. I’m really saying that attitude is everything.”

The guide has been endorsed by organisations including UK Music, the PRS Foundation and the Association of Independent Music.

Ben Price, from Harbourside Artist Management, said the guide was “a huge step forward in simplifying and demystifying some of the assumptions employers sometimes make”. n Attitude is Everything: Tel. 020 7383 7979 n www.attitudeiseverything.org.uk

helen@alltogethernow.org.uk

15

Many barriers were observed once they moved into higher education, such as an inaccessible application process for UCAS and Disabled Students’ Allowance, inaccessible virtual learning environments and a failure from institutions to make reasonable adjustments.

This led to some withdrawing from courses, repeating modules or entire academic years, or leaving with a degree classification which they feel did not reflect their ability.

Tara Chattaway, head of education at the Thomas Pocklington Trust charity said: “We are calling on Government to bridge this gap and ensure the Skills and Post-16 Education Bill, and their response to the impending SEND review, truly supports the aspirations and learning needs of vision impaired students.”

At the end of the study 66% of the remaining participants were in some form of employment, while 17% were not in education, employment or training, including seven young people who by the age of 25 had never experienced employment.

Tel. 07511 839937

Half a million people across Merseyside and Chesh

16 All Together NOW!

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021

People who are, DISABLED, OLDER, or from BAME communities are worse affected

www.alltogether

OUR SHOCKING DIG H

ALF a million people across Merseyside and Cheshire are missing out on information that could make a vital difference to their lives.

NEW TECH: Digitally connected people with diabetes and other health issues are benefitting from all kinds of innovative technologies

While more services continue to go online, one in five of the population who are not connected are more likely to suffer poorer health outcomes and will continue to miss out on wide-ranging social and work opportunities, says a new study.

Research by Liverpool City Region shows 20% (300,000) of residents lack basic digital skills to go online due to age, poor long-term health and/or disability, unemployment, and education.

Another 200,000 people in Cheshire are also digitally excluded.

The LCR report says: “The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the marginalisation of those without either the basic skills and/or financial or practical means to access digital connectivity and public, financial, health, and retail services, accessing culture and entertainment, socialising and, perhaps most devastatingly, learning.

“This is even more so in places such as the Liverpool City Region with relatively prevalent and high levels of deprivation. Essentially, those already at a disadvantage are most likely to be missing out further thus widening the social inequality gap.”

At the same time, the internet is increasingly needed to access public authorities or services, many of which are

now “digital by default”, the study adds.

“For many, this is convenient. However, for others it presents a significant challenge and makes already diffic circumstances yet more trying.

“One clear example is claiming Universal Credit or completing a ”jobsearch journal” without the internet acc that many take for granted, further exacerbated by the closure of libraries during the Covid pandemic,” adds the report.

According to Lloyds Bank Consumer Digital Index 2020 age remains the most significant indicator whether an individual is online with 77% of over-70s being considere to have very low digital engagement and only 7% likely t

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hire denied vital information to improve their lives

rnow.org.uk

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021

THE NHS say these sections of the population are more likely to be digitally excluded than others: n Older people. n People with disabilities.. n Those in lower income groups n People without a job.

n Those in social housing. n People with fewer qualifications, those excluded, and those who left school

before 16. n Those living in rural areas. n Homeless people. n People whose first language is not English.

Almost half of Liverpool’s population are over 65 or disabled . . .

Liverpool City Region’s Spatial Development Strategy Evidence Base report reveals: n Liverpool City Region has high levels of health deprivation and disability. n 47% of neighbourhoods are in the top 10% most deprived in the country. n 20% – 300,000 – of the population are aged 65 or above, higher than the figure of 18.4% for England.

n Almost 230,000 people aged 16-64 have a long-term disability that limits their lives or ability to work (23.6% of the total 16-64 population – higher than the national average). n Over two-thirds of adults are overweight or obese – higher than the national average. n The prevalence of severe mental health disorders is higher than nationally.

GITAL DIVIDE

cult

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0,

ed to

n 11.9m people in the UK (22% of the population) do not have the digital skills needed for everyday life. n By 2030, 4.5m people (8% of the population) will remain digitally disengaged. n People with a disability are 35% less likely to have essential digital skills for life.

— Annual UK Consumer Digital Index from Lloyds Bank

have the capability to shop and manage their money online.

The LCR report warns: “ONS data over the last decade demonstrates that the share of non-users aged over-65 is rising. Although each successive generation may be more digitally engaged than the last, health and cognitive decline may lead to declining digital engagement, while technological advances may render people’s previous skills obsolete.

“Across all age groups, disabled adults make up a large proportion of adult internet non-users. In 2017, 56% of adult internet non-users were disabled, much more than two and a half times the 22% proportion of disabled adults in the UK population as a whole. A similar pattern of non-use is also seen amongst people who are economically inactive, including those on long-term sick leave.” n IN A separate study in June that focused on Liverpool’s mass Covid-19 testing pilot, Dr Mark Green at the University of Liverpool, said: “We found strong digital inequalities in testing patterns, with areas less confident in using the internet also having lower uptake.”

People living in the most deprived areas of the city and from black, Asian, and other non-white ethnic groups and areas classified with high digital exclusion were among those who did not take up the offer to be tested.

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OLD TECH: Newspapers are still the only way that many older and disabled people access the information they need

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SHOPMOBILITY

n ALTRINCHAM . Tel 0161 929 1714 n ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE. Tel 0161 339 9500 n BARROW. Tel 01229 434039 n BIRKENHEAD. Tel 0151 647 6162 n BLACKBURN AND DARWEN. Tel 01254 690566 or 07757 502217 n BLACKPOOL. Tel 01253 349427 n BOLTON. Tel 01204 392946 n CARLISLE. Tel 01228 631564 n CHESTER. Tel 01244 312626 n CHORLEY. Tel 01257 260 888 n COLWYN BAY. Tel 01492 533822 n CREWE. Tel 01270 580 031 n ELLESMERE PORT. Tel 0151 355 1420 n KENDAL. Tel 01539 740 933 n LEIGH, Wigan.

Tel 01942 777 985 n LIVERPOOL. Tel 0151 707 0877 n MANCHESTER Trafford Centre. Tel 0161 747 2684 n MANCHESTER Arndale Centre. Tel 0161 839 4060 n NELSON. Tel 01282 692 502 n NORTHWICH, Vale Royal Tel 01606 288820 n OSWESTRY. Tel 01691 656882 n PENRITH. Tel 01768 895 438 n PRESTON. Tel 01772 204 667 n RHYL. Tel 01745 350665 n ROCHDALE. Tel 01706 865 986 n RUNCORN, Halton Lea Tel 01928 710144 n SHREWSBURY. Tel 01743 236900 SKELMERSDALE. Tel 01695 550066 n ST HELENS. Tel 01744 613 388 n STOCKPORT. Tel 0161 666 1100 n WARRINGTON. Tel 01925 240064 n WARRINGTON. Birchwood Tel 01925 822 411 WIDNES: 0151 511 8833 n WIGAN. Tel 01942 776 070 n WINSFORD Tel 01606 557550 n WREXHAM. Tel 01978 312390 MIDLANDS n BIRMINGHAM. Snow Hill Railway Station. Tel 0121 236 8980. Level 2, Centre Car Park, Bullring. Tel 0121 616 2942 n STAFFORD. Tel 01785 619456 n STOKE ON TRENT. Tel 01782 233333 n SUTTON COLDFIELD. Tel 0121 355 1112 n TAMWORTH. Tel, 01827

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021

The gardeners’ bible

Water butt winners THE 10 winners of our summer competition to win a super Water Butt from United Utilities are:

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Kathleen Schroder, Longfield Avenue, Crosby, Liverpool; John Alkins, Buffs Lane, Wirral; Linda Price, Park Road South, Prenton, Birkenhead; Carole Radosavljevic, Prospect Vale, Liverpool; Mr Harry McCarthy, Tongbarn, Skelmersdale; June Gillies, Elwyn Drive, Halewood Village, Liverpool; Frank Fairhurst, Moss Bank Road, St Helens; Mrs Diana O’Connor, North Dingle, Kirkdale, Liverpool; Robert Hodgson, Queens Drive, Liverpool; and Mrs Norma Neville, Kirkland Close, Liverpool

CONGRATULATIONS to the five lucky winners of our competition to win a copy of How to Garden, courtesy of Dorling Kindersley.

Miss Grace McCoy, Rowan Road, Huyton, Liverpool.

Mrs S Chadwick, Bosworth Road, St Helens.

Mr J I Sadler, Green Avenue, Davenham, Northwich.

Mary Harrop, Lynwood Road, Woolton, Liverpool.

Hayley Todd, Fifth Avenue, Flint, Flintshire.

LET’S ROCK . . .

Your chance to star in online gigs

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USIC lovers and performers across the region – who also have learning disabilities – are being invited to rock ‘n’ roll with hundreds of others across the UK.

Mel Boda, head and co-founder of the Electric Umbrella charity, said: “We’re inviting people to plug in, switch on, and get ready for the ride of their life.

“We want everyone to experience the joy and power of music and see how it brings BROLLYWOOD STARS: Jonathan Watson and Tom from Electric Umbrella people together from all walks of life.

“Best of all, it’s completely free to join Tony Hadley. Dan and Tony also sang on ShopMobility UK, the Electric Umbrella, and you don’t need any the charity’s Christmas single, The Best nationwide network of referral from your local authority.”

Christmas (In Lockdown). charitable/local authority The Hertfordshire-based charity was set up Creative Director and co-founder Tom centres that loan out mobility five years ago by Mel and Tom Billington to Billington said: “We believe our members can scooters and wheelchairs for provide a platform for learning disabled people do anything they want and be anyone they want shopping and leisure to enjoy live music and challenge perceptions. to be and we encourage them every step of the activities, has launched a new Electric Umbrella provides live interactive way. website for easier access to experiences including singalongs, open mic “We’d love to see a world where people are no information and membership nights and big name guests. longer defined by their disability but they are services.

Guest performers have included Sophie recognised for their incredible talents.” www.shopmobilityuk.org Ellis-Bextor, Toyah Willcox, Andrew Self, n www.electricumbrella.co.uk Dan Gillespie Sells from The Feeling and

HELP AT THE END OF A PHONE

n ANGLESEY: TARAN Tel 01407 721933 n BLACKPOOL Disability Information and Support.

Tel 01253 472 202.

Textphone 01253 476 450 n CHESHIRE CIL Tel 01606 331853 n CHESTER Dial House Tel 01244 345655 n DENBIGHSHIRE Tel 01745 354445 n ELLESMERE PORT DICE Tel 0151 355 1420

n HALTON Disability Service Tel 01928 717222 n KNOWSLEY DISABILITY CONCERN. 0151 480 4090 n LANCASTER DISC Tel 01524 34411 n LIVERPOOL Association of Disabled People. 0151 263 8366. Text 0151 260 4076. n ACSIL (Amputees and Carers), Tel, 0151 261 1166 n THE BRAIN CHARITY Tel 0151 298 2999

n MANCHESTER (GTR) Coalition of Disabled People Tel 0161-273 5154 n MOLD Flintshire Disability Tel 01352 755546 n NELSON: Pendle Pakistan Welfare Association.

Tel 01282 603 616 n PRESTON DISC: Tel 01772 558 863.

Text 01772 204 787 n RHYL Tel 01745 350665 n STOCKPORT: Disability

Stockport. 0161 480 7248 n WARRINGTON Disability Partnership. 01925 240064 n WIRRAL WIRED Tel 0151 670 1500 n WEST LANCS HELPLINE Freefone 0800 220676 n ST HELENS DASH Tel 01744 453053 MIDLANDS n BIRMINGHAM Disability Resource Centre Tel 0121 789 7365

n Disabled People’s Network Solihull Tel 0121 788 1544 n STOKE: Disability Solutions Tel 01782 683800 n WOLVERHAMPTON Elder and Disabled Group Tel 01902 448552 n WEST MIDS Amputee

Group. 07891 794733; 07585 958322; 07557 228154

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AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021

Queen honours Hazel

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ONGRATULATIONS to Hazel Brown, head of communities at Liverpool-based charity Local Solutions, for being included in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

RICHLY DESERVED: Hazel who has just received an MBE

and trips to theatres and cinemas.

More than 60 leisure and hospitality providers have signed up to the scheme.

Local Solutions chief Tom Harrison said: “This award is richly deserved. Caring for a loved one is not a 9-5 job and many carers need physical and emotional support.

“The devotion Hazel has brought to strengthening their resilience has impacted directly on thousands of carers in Liverpool.”

LET’S DANCE . . .

Hazel, who has been awarded an MBE, has played a pivotal role at the Liverpool Carers Centre over the last 24 years.

In 2017 she developed the pioneering Mytime scheme, which gave carers the chance to take a much-needed break at hotels or enjoy afternoon teas

Our easy steps to boost your body and mind

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REE online dancing classes for people with sight loss from a South Asian background are being set up.

Dance Dosti is a new website containing over 100 dance sessions in English, Bengali, Gujarati and Hindi.

All sessions are delivered by South Asian dancers, with a choice of seated and standing dance, and video and audio formats for different abilities.

Rashmi Becker, founder of Step Change Studios, said: “Since the pandemic, people from a South Asian background, and disabled people, have reported greater isolation and inactivity.

“As an inclusive dance provider, we know the positive difference dance makes to our quality of life, irrespective of age or ability. It benefits both body and mind.

“Our free digital programme is designed

VISUAL PROBLEMS n ACCRINGTON Tel 01254 233332 n BARROW Tel 01229 820698 n BIRMINGHAM Action for Blind Tel 0121 665 4200 n BLACKBURN Tel 0125 554143 n BLACKPOOL: N-Vision Tel 01253 362696 n BURY Tel 0161 763 7014 n BURNLEY Tel 01282 438507

as short sessions that can be fitted in to daily life.

“We want to support people to enjoy learning to dance, to be active at home, and to transition to creative and physical activity outside the home,” added Rashmi, who was recognised with an MBE for services to disabled people in the

Queen’s Birthday Honours List Olivia Curno, chief executive of the Vision Foundation, said: “We couldn’t be more excited about funding this project.” n To take part in Dance Dosti digital visit: www.dancedosti.com n Dance Dosti trailer: https://youtu.be/z0FXt0iS0ls

HELP AT THE END OF A PHONE

n CARLISLE: Action for Blind People Tel 01228 595121 n CHESHIRE & N WALES: Vision Support. Tel 01244 381515 n CUMBRIA (West) Tel 01946 592474 n CUMBRIA (Sth Lakeland) Tel 01539 726613 n GUIDE DOGS Tel 0118 983 5555 n HENSHAW’S 0161 872 234 or 0151 708 7055

n LIVERPOOL: Bradbury Fields.Tel 0151 221 0888: Action for Bind Tel 0151 298 3222 n MANCHESTER: Action for Blind Tel 0161 787 9252 n PRESTON: Action for Blind People Tel 01772 320550 n OLDHAM Tel 0161 682 8019 n ROSSENDALE Tel 01706 873256 n SIGHTLINE (North West)

Tel 0800 587 2252 n WIGAN Tel 01942 242891 n WIRRAL Tel 0151 652 8877 HEARING ISSUES n BIRMINGHAM Institute for Deaf Tel 0121 246 6101 n CHESHIRE Deaf Society Tel 01606 47831 n CUMBRIA Deaf Society Tel 01228 606434 n LANCASHIRE (EAST) Deaf Society Tel 01282 839180

n MANCHESTER Deaf Centre. Tel 0161 273 3415 Genie Networks.

Tel 0161 941 4549.

Text 18001 0161 941 4549 n MERSEYSIDE Society for Deaf Tel 0151 228 0888 n SOUTHPORT Centre for the Deaf Tel 01704 537001 n ST HELENS: Deafness Resource Centre Tel 01744 23887 n WOLVERHAMPTON Centre for Deaf Tel 01902

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CARERS’ CENTRES

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

Tel 01228 542 156 Penrith.

Tel 01768 890 280 Barrow-in-Furness.

Tel 01229 822 822 Kendal.

Tel 01539 732 927 Whitehaven, Tel 01946 592 223 n CHESHIRE & WARRINGTON Helpline:0300 102 0008 n KNOWSLEY Tel 0151 549 1412 n LANCASTER Tel 01524 66475 nLIVERPOOL Tel 0151 705 2307 n MANCHESTER Tel 0161 835 2995 n MORECAMBE Tel 01524 833456 n PRESTON Tel 01772 200173 n RUNCORN Tel 01928 580182 n WIDNES Tel 0151 257 9673 n SALFORD Tel 0161 833 0217 n SEFTON Tel 0151 288 6060 n ST HELENS Tel 01744 675 615 n STOCKPORT Tel 0161 442 0442 n WARRINGTON (WIRED) Tel 01925 633 492 n WEST LANCS Tel 01695 711243 n WIGAN & LEIGH Tel 01942 705959 / 486923 MIDLANDS n BIRMINGHAM Tel 0121 675 8000 n SOLIHULL Tel 0121 788 1143 n WALSALL Tel 01922 610 810 NORTH WALES n ANGLESEY Tel 01248 722828 n BANGOR Tel 01248 370 797 n CONWY Tel 01492 533714 n DENBIGHSHIRE: NEWCIS, Tel: 0845 603 3187 nDOLGELLAU Tel 01341 421167 n FLINTSHIRE: NEWCIS, Tel: 01352 751436 n WREXHAM CARERS SERVICE

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20 All Together NOW!

MEDICAL NOTES

A little housework can go a long way

SIT LESS – if you can – and move more. That’s the advice from experts after new research found a less sedentary lifestyle can significantly improve quality of life after bowel cancer.

The lives of 400 bowel cancer survivors were followed for two years to assess how sedentary behaviour and moderate to vigorous physical activity impact health-related quality of life and fatigue.

Importantly, the findings also show that even without increasing moderate to vigorous physical activity, spending less time being sedentary can still have a positive impact.

This may be particularly relevant for those survivors who may not be able to perform activities – like brisk walking or running – at moderate to vigorous intensity.

For them, replacing sedentary behaviour with things such as gentle housework or light walking may be especially important.

Moreover, the study shows that the combination of sitting less and moving more can especially improve the daily functioning of survivors after the end of cancer treatment.

About 54% of bowel cancer cases are preventable due to lifestyle factors, which include: eating too much red and processed meat, not eating enough foods containing fibre or wholegrains, being overweight or obese, not doing enough physical activity, drinking alcohol and smoking tobacco.

Perils of online care

THE rapid move over to online care forced by the pandemic has hit those with eating disorders hard.

Among the concerns expressed about remote care was individuals seeing themselves more often on video calls, giving them more opportunities to be self-critical of their appearance, or being asked to weigh themselves at home.

Now a new effort is being made to identify the problems with providing treatment online and to design technology that can help overcome those issues.

Building on her previous research, Dr Dawn Branley-Bell, from Northumbria University’s Department of Psychology, will work alongside people with lived experience of eating disorders, healthcare providers, eating disorder charities, technology designers and other experts in the field. n If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s health, you can contact Beat, the UK’s eating disorder charity, on 0808 801 0677

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

DEDICATED: The Royal Liverpool University Hospital cardiology and respiratory teams

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HOUSANDS of people in Liverpool living with cardiovascular disease or asthma could benefit from projects aimed at reducing the high numbers of both in the city.

City’s war on cardio, asthma levels

Lipid management, a NICE-approved method to help reduce cholesterol; FeNO testing, which aids the diagnosis of asthma; and asthma biologics, a treatment for severe asthma, will all receive funding through the NHS Rapid Uptake Products programme.

More than £300,000 in all will be handed over to Liverpool University Hospitals Trust and five primary care networks in Merseyside.

The money will help overcome practical obstacles to making the services available to patients, and will cover dedicated staff working in pharmacies, GP practices and visiting the homes of asthma patients.

The lipids programme is focused on the management of

cholesterol by the improved use of medicines.

Alice Foster, an advanced clinical pharmacist in cardiology at Liverpool University Hospitals, said: “There are about 15,000 people in Liverpool who have known cardiovascular disease with insufficient cholesterol management. Reducing this number would have a significant impact on the future health of this population and could ensure a better quality of life for longer.”

Dr Hassan Burhan, Liverpool asthma programmes head, said: “We know that deaths from respiratory disease in our area are 42% higher than the national average.

“There are a lot of people who will benefit from new ways of working which will help reduce severe asthma and avoid the side effects of repeated use of steroids.”

The bids were backed by the Innovation Agency, the Academic Health Science Network for the North West Coast.

LITTLE BOX THAT’S

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HEN football star Christian Eriksen suffered a sudden cardiac arrest during his country’s opening match in the Euros, the world watched first in shock, and then relief as he recovered.

In the UK, 250 people who had a cardiac arrest on the same day as Eriksen were not lucky enough to have nearby an automated external defibrillator, or AED – the small piece of equipment that saved the former Premier League star’s life.

Denmark star Eriksen has since been fitted with an ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) which will be able to shock his heart if it goes into a fatal arrhythmia (heart rhythm disorder) again. His very own internal AED.

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More than 100,000 people die each year from sudden cardiac death in the UK — more than breast cancer, lung cancer, and AIDS combined. Unlike a heart attack, when a sudden cardiac arrest occurs every minute counts with immediate access to CPR and a defibrillator being vitally important.

If Eriksen had been at home, on the team bus or even in the car park, he may not have been so fortunate, and we could be mourning the loss of a great sportsman.

CPR alone provides a 9% chance of survival; CPR and the use of an AED increases the chance of surviving a sudden cardiac arrest to over 70%. Sadly, not everyone has access to an AED. When a potentially fatal heart rhythm occurs, only shocking the heart back into a normal rhythm within the first few minutes

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gives the person a chance of survival. And only an AED can deliver the appropriate shock.

The charity Arrhythmia Alliance, which raises awareness of arrhythmias (heart rhythm disorders) and sudden cardiac arrest, has long campaigned for this life-saving equipment to be easily accessible in all public places and communities, highlighting that they should be as commonplace as smoke alarms and fire extinguishers.

Fire extinguishers and smoke alarms are required by law – this needs to be the same for AEDs, says the charity, so that we all have access to an AED within three minutes of suffering a sudden cardiac arrest. For every minute that passes your chance of survival decreases by 10% -– so it is vital to have quick access to an AED.

Tel. 0151 230 0307

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021

headline runs across pafe

Do YOU know where your nearest defibrillator is . .?

MEDICAL NOTES

Fight to beat MS gains momentum

A BIG LIFESAVER

DEFIBRILLATORS: “All public venues should have them,” says Fabrice

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ORMER Premier League star Fabrice Muamba also suffered a sudden cardiac arrest on the pitch and survived – thanks to an AED.

The one-time Bolton Wanderers star, now a TV pundit and motivational speaker, is backing calls to make defibrillators on hand in public spaces by law.

Fabrice, whose heart stopped for 78 minutes afer he collapsed in an FA Cup match in 2012, said: “I was extremely fortunate to be surrounded by the best medics with the right equipment but I know that others are not as lucky because they don’t have access to a defibrillator quickly enough.”

The Ambassador for Arrhythmia Alliance, added: “I back all calls for legislation to make this life-saving equipment a legal

requirement for schools, workplaces and publicly accessible venues in the same way fire extnguishers are.”

Top golfer Bernard Gallacher is an Arrhythmia Alliance Ambassador, who survived a sudden cardiac arrest in 2013.

He said: “It is great to see Eriksen continue to recover.

“But it is important to remember those who also suffered a sudden cardiac arrest that day weren’t so fortunate and tragically lost their lives. It is vitally important that we push for AEDs to become mandatory in public places.”

Claire Page, a mother who lost her fiveyear-old daughter after not having access to an AED, said: “I have been fightng for the last seven years since the tragic and sudden death of my daughter Lilly-May who

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collapsed as I collected her from school.

“If there had been a defibrillator at the school, my princess would still be alive today. Defibrillators must be accessible; awareness needs to keep being shouted about!”

Trudie Lobban, Arrhythmia Alliance founder and head, added: “Look around you right now. If the person next to you suffered a sudden cardiac arrest, would you be able to quickly find your nearest AED?” Trudie, who lost her husband to sudden cardiac death, added: “Anyone can use an AED – the machine speaks to you, telling you exactly what to do and it only shocks the person if their heart is in a potentially fatal heart rhythm. You cannot harm anyone when using the AED.” n Arrhythmia Alliance: Tel. 01789 867 501

helen@alltogethernow.org.uk

THE worldwide effort to halt multiple sclerosis has received a major financial boost – with three pioneering UK projects among those getting cash backing.

Dr Clare Walton, head of research at the MS Society, said: “We already have over a dozen licensed treatments for people with the relapsing form of MS, and some emerging for early active progressive MS. “We believe we can stop MS and these projects will bring us one step closer to finding treatments for everyone.”

Professor David Baker, from Queen Mary University of London, will explore how to protect nerve cells from becoming dangerously overexcited.

Overexcited nerve cells can die, and nerve cell death plays a big part in MS progression.

Prof Baker said: “If we can use our new chemical to control this function and protect nerve cells from death in the process, it could be a complete game changer for MS treatment.”

Dr Don Mahad and his team, based in Edinburgh, discovered last year that the diabetes drug pioglitazone could be another piece in the puzzle of stopping MS, through its ability to protect nerves from damage.

Oxygen treatment

Dr Mahad said: “We’re now able to take our findings forward to see if what we’ve found in mice is also true in brain tissue from people with MS.” At University College London, Professor Ken Smith will explore when the fatal injury that leads to nerve cell death in progressive MS happens.

His team will look at whether targeting oxygen shortage in the inflamed nervous system affects the subsequent accumulation of disability.

As well as the three UK projects, scientists in the USA, Italy, Australia, Finland, Germany, Netherlands, Canada, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Ireland and France will be awarded funding from the International Progressive MS Alliance.

Among some of the most exciting international projects are Professor Francesco Bifari’s work in Italy, which will test whether particular nutritional supplements in mouse models of progressive MS can increase cellular energy and mitochondria function in nerve and immune cells.

And in Germany, Professor Ludovico Cantuti-Castelvetri will explore if a new antibody can help to clear damaged myelin out of the brain, and in turn slow brain damage.

Tel. 07511 839937

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22 All Together NOW!

MEDICAL NOTES

New scans bring hope to sick babies

A CHILDREN’S hospital is to use new MRI technology that could revolutionise the care of babies with congenital heart disease.

Pioneering 4D Flow MRI software is intended to make scans safer and less intrusive for infants – reducing the time taken from up to an hour to less than 10 minutes.

Congenital heart disease is one of the most common types of birth defect and while survival rates have improved, diagnosis and imaging of newborns can be challenging.

Until now, CT imaging has been preferred to MRI, due to reduced noise and faster scan times, while MRI has necessitated breath-holding and patient sedation with the risks that brings to the very young.

But the use of CT requires X-rays and gives doctors less information to work with than MRI. Leeds Children’s Hospital’s Congenital Heart Unit is the first in the UK to use the 4D Flow MRI from Siemens Healthineers, which provides a comprehensive, noninvasive assessment of the heart in one go, allowing medics a greater insight into which children may need surgery in the future.

The new equipment includes an MRI coil and an MRI-safe closed incubator, which cuts the noise the infant is exposed to, allowing scans to take place as the baby sleeps in a safe and comfortable environment.

Kate Bratt-Farrar, Chief Executive at Heart Research UK, said: “This project will have a real effect on how capable we are of providing better care to patients, in this case often very unwell babies.”

Rare syndrome boost

RARE and complex syndromes in children are to be investigated by new a research network.

The Cerebra Network for Neurodevelopmental Disorders aims to shed light on the challenges faced by children with genetic syndromes and neurodevelopmental conditions associated with intellectual disability, such as fragile X syndrome, SmithMagenis syndrome, Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, Prader-Willi syndrome, Down syndrome, and Cornelia de Lange syndrome.

The network is being led by Dr Caroline Richards (University of Birmingham), Dr Jo Moss (University of Surrey), Dr Jane Waite (Aston University) and Dr Hayley Crawford (University of Warwick). n Cerebra: Tel. 01267 244200

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021

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Obesity link to fatty liver disease

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AMPAIGNERS are warning of a liver disease crisis after hospital admissions related to obesity hit the one million mark last year.

And a charity is calling for greater awareness of a silent yet serious form of fatty liver disease, non-alcohol related steatohepatitis, or NASH – usually seen in people who are overweight.

NASH can lead to liver failure, liver cancer and liver transplantation. The disease – a form of non-alcohol related fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is difficult to diagnose as there are often no symptoms in the early stages.

Pamela Healy, head of the British Liver Trust, said: “The alarming reports of an increase in obesity-related hospital admissions in 2020, should act as a warning of the ticking time bomb we are

facing if action is not taken. In less than 50 years deaths from liver disease in those aged 64 and under have increased by more than 400%, while death rates for other major diseases including diabetes, respiratory, heart disease and most cancers have declined.

“A major reason for this is the obesity epidemic and we urgently need the Government to address this.”

The very early stage of NAFLD, or simple fatty liver disease (steatosis), is a largely harmless build-up of fat in the liver cells that may only be diagnosed during tests carried out for another reason.

One in three people in the UK are believed to have early-stage NAFLD, which can be slowed or reversed if lifestyle changes are made. However, if not addressed, it can progress to NASH, then

fibrosis and cirrhosis. At this point the damage is permanent, there are limited options for treatment, and for some only a transplant will save their life.

Professor Stephen Ryder, a leading hepatologist and medical advisor to the British Liver Trust said: “Greater awareness of the risk factors of fatty liver disease is crucial.

“If you are diagnosed with NAFLD, losing weight and eating a healthy diet is also the first line of treatment,” Professor Ryder explains.

“There is good evidence that losing 10% of body weight can control and, in some cases, reverse the condition.” n You can get a snapshot of your liver health by taking the British Liver Trust’s online liver health screener at britishlivertrust.org.uk/at-risk-screener/

Treatment currently focuses on managing symptoms and preventing the arteries from becoming more clogged, which will reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Medications may also be prescribed to reduce cholesterol or treat high blood pressure – both risk factors for developing peripheral artery disease.

But exercise programmes may offer another treatment approach. A team at Northumbria University found that for people with intermittent claudication, a supervised, walking-based exercise programme is most likely to improve their symptoms.

They say it should ideally be carried out at least three times per week, and over a minimum of three months. People should try to walk at a challenging pace (meaning it

causes them to experience strong leg pain) for three to five minutes before resting until the pain goes away. The walk-rest pattern should be repeated for about 30 to 60 minutes.

Resistance exercise (such as lifting weights) can also help to improve muscle strength in patients with intermittent claudication.

The team also say that walking while experiencing claudication pain could, over time, stimulate the growth of new blood vessels in the legs and improve symptoms.

However, people are advised not to exercise if they feel unwell and should go and seek medical advice if they experience any concerning symptoms when they do exercise – such as chest pain, dizziness or sickness.

OUCH, THAT’S GOOD! Some leg pain may actually help you

P

AIN really could equal gain for people with peripheral artery disease who stick to a regular exercise programme.

Walking at a pace that causes them strong pain can relieve symptoms for those suffering from the common type of cardiovascular disease, say researchers.

Peripheral artery disease affects 236 million people worldwide and occurs when the arteries in the legs and feet become clogged with fatty plaques through a process known as atherosclerosis.

While some people with this disease experience no symptoms, the most classic symptoms are pain, cramps, numbness, weakness or tingling that occurs in the legs during walking – known as intermittent claudication.

news@alltogethernow.org.uk

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Tel. 0151 230 0307

SIMPLE WAY TO STOP A STROKE

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Even one small change can help dodge a killer

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HEY say a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. But when it comes to strokes, a little knowledge could stop you falling victim to the country’s fourth biggest cause of death.

Only 6% of adults think they’re at high risk of a stroke, despite the fact that one in every five adults in the UK will have one in their lifetime, research has found.

A survey commissioned by the UK’s leading stroke charity shows this may be because people don’t know what puts them at risk.

Yet the Stroke Association says if more people were aware of the risk factors, even one small change to their lifestyle could help them avoid a stroke.

Half (47%) of the country don’t know that high blood pressure is a top risk factor for stroke. Blood pressure is one of the biggest causes and 55% of stroke patients have hypertension (high blood pressure) when they suffer a stroke.

This is concerning because conservative estimates predict that while as many as one in six adults have high blood pressure, only 14% of people would focus on their blood pressure to reduce their stroke risk.

Worryingly, knowledge of the top risk factors was low across the board in the survey: n Three in four people don’t know weight is a top risk factor for a stroke n Nine out of 10 people don’t know that your diet can increase your risk of stroke n Three in four people said they have had no information about stroke reduction recently.

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AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021

MEDICAL NOTES

Brain training the way for dementia?

MOTIVATOR: Rescue greyhound Rory has helped Dave turn his life around

Rory to the rescue

DAVE Wilson turned to a four-legged friend to help him make lifestyle changes after his stroke – a rescue greyhound called Rory.

Rory helps give Dave the motivation to exercise and improve his health, cutting the risk of a further stroke.

Dave, 55, was on a caravanning holiday with wife, Gerry, when he had his stroke. He said: “Every stroke is different. When I got home I was lucky in that I could walk, talk and use my hands, arms and legs, although not to the same extent as I could before my stroke.

“As a result, I started to change my life. I changed everything from diet to exercise, the whole lot. I completely overhauled my lifestyle.

“Now I’m doing more exercise, I’ve got a dog and have become much more active. Rory is just over six years old now and we have had him for about two and a half years.

“Having him has done great things for And this rockets to over four in five of over65s – who are those most at risk of having a stroke.

Nine in 10 strokes are associated with elements of your lifestyle that can be changed to reduce your risk.

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me and my wife. Walking is a wonderful experience for me as, after my stroke, walking was not easy. We walk every day and hit at least 10,000 steps.

“Getting fresh air, enjoying the sounds of birds and seeing wildlife is mentally soothing and helps stress. The exercise is great for my overall health.

“You need to walk a dog and this motivates me whatever the weather. I thought if I can walk a dog what else can I do?

“My wife did a lot of research into how to prevent strokes and we changed our lives. I didn’t eat chocolate or sweets, alcohol, or anything that was fattening. I ended up losing four and a half stone as a result.”

Dave now volunteers with the Stroke Association’s Moving Forwards After Stroke programme, helping stroke survivors to become more active and live a healthy lifestyle. n Stroke Helpline: Tel. 0303 3033 100 According to the INTERSTROKE study, the world’s largest examination of stroke causes, the alterable risk factors that cause the most strokes in countries such as the UK are high blood pressure, high body weight and poor diet.

helen@alltogethernow.org.uk

WHILE billions of pounds have been spent in the search for effective drugs, could it be that a little brain training is the best weapon in the fight against dementia?

Exciting research carried out four years ago showed a small amount of cognitive training significantly reduced the risk and incidence of dementia among older adults.

Now more than £32m is being provided to researchers in the US to carry on that work and test the effectiveness of BrainHQ computerised brain exercises in reducing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia.

Thousands of people aged 65 and over will take part in the Preventing Alzheimer’s with Cognitive Training Study at the University of South Florida.

Dr Henry Mahncke, head of Posit Science – makers of BrainHQ – said: “This study addresses the central question that most people have about brain training – does training your brain reduce your chances of dementia?

“Billions have been spent in the thus far unsuccessful search for drugs to prevent MCI and dementia, and so it’s great to see a serious commitment to evaluating the plasticity-based training that has delivered so many promising results in recent studies.” n Try BrainHQ for free at www.brainhq.com

Stigma for women

THE stigma around incontinence, especially among women, is preventing them from seeking help.

A survey of women who had experienced incontinence found 41% had chosen to use period pads or liners instead of specialised products, and over 24% have never used any products.

A YouGov study for period brand Natracare revealed that “73% of people assume only elderly women suffer with urinary incontinence”, when in fact one in three women experience incontinence at some point in their life, and at any age.

Sharna Waid from Natracare, said the real cause for concern was whether stigma is impacting on people’s recovery from the problem.

She said: “Research shows that 84% of women are cured of stress incontinence after six session of pelvic floor physiotherapy, and yet women wait on average seven years before seeking help.

“During our research we’ve found people are really willing to share their experiences so we hope to amplify their voices and help others seek support faster.”

Tel. 07511 839937

23

SUBSCRIBE!

24 All Together NOW!

SAM’S SAD SAGA AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

‘New card will help many deaf people’

them as the priority has been keeping everyone safe, but with the added barrier of masks, it has been really challenging.

“There was one particularly difficult situation where a communication card like this would have really helped me. I was in a coffee shop with my mum who uses two hearing aids, and we just couldn’t understand what was being said because of all OMEDIAN and actor Sam the background noise.

Baines is hoping a new “The staff were all wearing masks digital card will help deaf and they were stood behind a people avoid angry encounters like Perspex screen. We could not the one she faced in a cafe. understand what they were saying to The card for people with hearing loss – us and they were getting quite stored on their mobile phones – alerts annoyed because we asked them to others to their condition and suggests repeat themselves. the best ways they can communicate “I asked them to lower their masks without becoming frustrated. so we could lip read. But they said Since the pandemic struck and face ‘no’ in an aggressive way and then masks became compulsory in many continued to just shout in order to indoor settings, communication has communicate. become more difficult for deaf people.

“It was all just too stressful and not Sam, who has starred in The Crown a very nice experience. If we had had and Call The Midwife, has given her a card like this on our phone I could backing to the communication card have shown them this and indicated produced by hearing loss charity RNID. the best ways to communicate with The award-winning comic, an me.” ambassador for RNID, said: “Going to Sam, who last year published her the supermarket and places like that has first children’s book, Harriet Versus been really difficult over the last year. I The Universe, about a girl with a have anxiety and get anxious socially hearing aid, added: “The card allows anyway, but on top of that, I now have to you to advocate your needs – and worry about a face covering and educate others on the best ways to communication as well as potentially communicate with you.

Sam Baines backs new communcation card knocking out my hearing aid while “I think it’s great and I hope as wearing the mask! many people as possible make their people when you say ‘Sorry, I can’t hear.

“You worry you won’t be able to hear own cards.”

Can you repeat that again please?’ people, you worry you are going to have to n RNID Infoline: 0808 808 0123.

“I don’t think many places have been ask them to repeat themselves too many n www.rnid.org.uk deaf aware. It’s not been a priority for times and you can see the frustration in

C All Together NOW! is helping and inspiring tens of thousands of people.

But the charity needs to find ways to balance the books.

You can help in a big way by becoming one of our loyal subscribers. For a suggested £20 donation (more, if you can afford it!) we will send you the next SIX editions.

NAME

ADDRESS

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

I’m proud of Medicash’s achievements TALKBACK .... YOUR VIEWS, COMMENTS, OPINIONS

REGARDING the article about Medicash donating to charities.

I am 83-years-old, disabled due to an industrial injury when I was 35. I have been a member of Medicash (under previous names) since I was a teenager.

A number of years ago, benefits to members were reduced and the convalescent homes were closed.

They had been a godsend for myself, my wife, for many older people, and for those with chronic illness.

If the Medicash fund was in surplus, I feel it should have been returned to the members or previous benefits should have been restored.

The fund was set up to benefit the membership and not charities selected by who?

Carl Leckey MBE, Wirral RESPONSE from Sue Weir, Chief Executive, Medicash THE convalescence homes previously

operated by Medicash in Wales were owned

by The Merseyside Health Benefits Council Charitable Trust (the Charity) and not directly

by Medicash Health Benefits Ltd (Medicash).

Over the years, Medicash made several sizeable loans to the Charity to ensure the upkeep of the homes, but with the healthcare market changing, annual costs in excess of £1m and usage dropping to below 1% of the overall policy base, the Board made the difficult decision to close these centres in 2008.

Significant additional expenditure would have been required to modernise this site if it had been kept open.

The purpose of the Charity, now known as The Medicash Foundation, was always to support health and wellbeing related charities and community projects and not just the running of the convalescence homes.

Medicash’s goal is to keep its operating costs as low as possible, whilst keeping claims ratios as high as possible without

running at a loss. As such, Medicash is proud to say that its direct policyholders have only had one premium increase since 2008.

Having grown significantly from just over 100,000 policyholders in 2008 to over 300,000 today, any surpluses made are very small when considered as a per capita amount.

As such, over recent years Medicash has taken the decision to pass on some of its trading surplus to the Medicash Foundation to help support the vital work that many of these charities do in the community.

Without this support, especially during the pandemic, many of these charities and their services would have either been lost or significantly curtailed.

As Chief Executive of Medicash, I am proud of the wide range of health cover that we provide for our policyholders right across the UK, proud of our local roots and proud of the impact our charitable work, through the Medicash Foundation, has had.

SEND your letters to: Editor, All Together NOW! The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP – or email: news@alltogethernow. org.uk

250,000

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READERS . . . BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021

“WE HAD a brilliant response to your article about our Atrial Fibrillation Ambassador programme – and lots of people phoned us to find out how they could become an AF Ambassador.

Thanks to All Together NOW! many more people with an irregular heart rhythm will now be detected, get the right medication and this will prevent them from having strokes.”

— NHS Innovation Agency

All Together NOW!

25

“WE’VE advertised in All Together NOW! for the past 14 years – and haven't missed a single issue. It's a fantastic publication that does a brilliant job of presenting disability interests and issues in a positive and inclusive manner. We get a great respons to our advertising – and the team is always great to deal with.”

Donald Pow, MD, Allied Mobility “WE HAVE proudly advertised in All Together NOW! for over 12 years. It is an excellent newspaper, with endless, interesting and helpful facts for all readers. We have always received great responses to our advertisements. The newspaper is freely available to so many people throughout the North West and is appreciated by so many.

Heather Maddox, A-Line Mobility

“All Together NOW! is a valuable link to hundreds of thousands of disabled people.

We have used this free charity newspaper to promote the services of our mobility shops and the annual Disability Awareness Day and know that it is reaching huge numbers of people who otherwise would go uniformed.”

— Dave Thompson Warrington Disability Partnership

COST-EFFECTIVE ADVERTISING More than a newspaper – the key to independence

All Together NOW! has been a real help to us. We’ve been involved with the paper since its launch in 2004 and always get a great response to our adverts. Here’s wishing the paper every success — Steve Curran, co-director, DaVinci Mobility “OF ALL the marketing that United Utilities puts into the community, nothing generates as much feedback and response as All Together NOW! It is a great platform that’s helping us to get our messages to our vulnerable customers.”

— Louise Beardmore, Customer Services Director United Utilities

facebook.com/ AllTogetherNews/

@ATNnews

You can benefit from our in-paper and online audiences with cost-effective advertising and sponsorship.

Your advertisement will be

250,000

local, seen by and highly relevant readers – don't let your business miss out on our huge audience!

Contact me now

Helen McLoughlin Tel 0151 929 3912 07511 839397 helen@alltogethernow.org.uk

“WE HAVE supported All Together NOW! for the past 13 years and are proud to be one of the charity’s main sponsors – recognition for the way in which the newspaper helps bring together so many people and organisations. There is no doubting the importance of this excellent publication. All Together NOW! makes a unique contribution to improving the quality of life of disabled people and their families. We are delighted with the huge progress the paper has made, and we know from the number of telephone calls we receive from people who have read the paper that distribution is on the increase and is reaching the right audience.”

— Steve Morgan OBE, chairman Steve Morgan

www.alltogethernow.org.uk Registered Charity: 1106387

26 All Together NOW!

Books

Don’t let anyone dent your dreams

n Love is Blind by Ruth E Vallis, Amazon

BLIND before the age of three, Ruth Vallis offers incredible insight into growing up blind.

Determined to succeed, Ruth quickly learned that you can let those who don’t understand you define who you are, or you can ignore them and follow your dreams—as she did.

At every stage of her extraordinary life in Canada, Ruth defied the low expectations of others, and took on such challenges as biking from Ottawa to Toronto, completing a Master’s of Science degree online, and more.

Through it all there was her tender mother, Peach, offering encouragement, support and humor to overcome enormous challenges.

Love is Blind will have you laughing, crying and being inspired within moments of reading through the first chapter.

A physiotherapist for 32 years, Ruth lives in Toronto with her guide dog, Darwin. n www.ruthvallis.com

Caring for parents n Day by Day:Emotional Wellbeing in Parents of Disabled Children, by Joanna Griffin, Free Association Books, £14.99

PARENTING a disabled child can elicit complex emotional responses. For many parents their focus is solely on the child and their own needs become neglected.

Psychologist Joanna Griffin uses personal experience as a parent of a disabled child and her professional expertise to explore what helps and hinders parent carers’ emotional wellbeing.

Griffin has identified seven areas that provide support.

She offers tools to help families navigate the complicated emotions that can impact everyday life such as acknowledging feelings, connecting with positive others, empowering yourself, regularly engaging in self-care and finding your own sense of meaning and purpose in life.

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021

ARIES (March 21st-April 20th)

confidence at the end of August. Friends will be a source of tremendous support in the opening days of September. During the middle of the month you’ll get some great feedback about a writing or education project that’s been consuming lots of energy. On the 20th, the Full Moon bring a romantic relationship to a whole new level; it’s a great time to make a commitment. As September comes to an end, you should beware of taking family for granted.

There might not be much time for fun and games in early August. Responsibilities weigh heavily on your shoulders. On the 22nd, the Full Moon will mark the end to a big group project. You should be justifiably proud of this work, which will improve the lives of many people in your community. The final days of August are ideal for entering a partnership. A closes relationship will be a source of great comfort and happiness during the opening days of September. The New Moon on the 7th could attract a fabulous opportunity. The Full Moon on the 20th brings your spiritual needs to light; this is a great time to take up a sacred practice or adopt a new belief system.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23rd-December 21st)

TAURUS (April 21st-May 21st)

Your hair-trigger temper could cause problems at home. Resist the temptation to lash out at a smug relative. You’ll become a virtual love magnet in mid-August; don’t be surprised if you fall for someone with an alluring accent. The Full Moon on the 22nd could mark a big career achievement; prepare for a big raise, promotion, or both. Although chances for fun will be few and far between at the start of September, you will be very successful with work. Try not to take it personally if your family isn’t very enthusiastic about your interests. You shouldn’t need anyone else’s approval to enjoy your hobbies.

On the 20th, the Full Moon brings the successful conclusion to a group project.

GEMINI (May 22nd-June 21st)

The New Moon on the 8th could bring some deep, dark secrets to light; prepare for several shocks. Your family will be a tremendous source of comfort throughout the middle of August; trust a relative’s advice about a romantic matter. On the 22nd, the Full Moon could mark a legal victory. Your gift with words will attract admirers from every direction.

September’s New Moon, on the 7th, could inspire you to make some big changes. A big breakthrough looks likely around the 20th, when the Full Moon illuminates your professional accomplishments. A former romantic partner may try to contact you at the end of September.

CANCER (June 22nd-July 23rd)

A windfall from a business or romantic partnership could arrive in mid-August, helping you to breathe easier about meeting economic obligations. During the second half of the month, friendships will assume added importance. The Full Moon on the 22nd finds you overcoming a deep fear. If you’re single, you could meet someone special via a neighbourhood network. Home is where the heart is at the beginning of September. The New Moon on the 7th may bring exciting news about a community matter; this is cause for celebration. On the 20th, the Full Moon could mark the end of something special; alternatively, a legal decision could be rendered in your favour.

LEO (July 24th-August 23rd)

You’ll notice a definite generation gap during the first half of August. Beware of obeying an impulse to change your look on the 8th, when a challenged New Moon can tempt you to overhaul your image. Your financial and professional prospects will soar during the middle of the month. The Full Moon on the 22nd will cause a close relationship to burst into flower. Expect a great

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RUSSELL GRANT CALLING . . .

offer to arrive on or shortly after September 7th, thanks to an enriching New Moon, while the Full Moon on the 20th could attract a financial windfall in the form of an inheritance.

VIRGO (August 24th-September 23rd)

Push yourself to mingle on the 8th, when the New Moon could deliver a good opportunity.

By mid-month, you’ll be attracting people who fuel your energy. The Full Moon on the 22nd could yield results of an ambitious fitness plan. Now that you have reached one goal, you’ll be ready to embark on a much healthier lifestyle. September opens with you radiating animal magnetism more powerfully than ever before. On the 20th, the Full Moon could bring about an exciting breakthrough in a close relationship. Getting engaged or married is possible, as is entering a business alliance. It may be time to revise your fees or renegotiate your salary at the end of the month.

LIBRA (September 24th-October 23rd)

The opening days of August could be quite draining, due to some demanding friends and group obligations. The New Moon on the 8th could prompt you to break away from a social situation that has become oppressive. On the 22nd, the Full Moon could mark a turning point in your love life. Home can be a source of pleasure or pain at the beginning of September, depending on your attitude. On the 7th, the New Moon could deliver an affordable repair professional who can get your household up and running in no time flat.

The sooner this work is finished, the happier you will be. During the final days of the month, you’ll reconsider some opinions that feel limiting.

SCORPIO (October 24th-November 22nd)

Whatever you do may not be enough at the start of August. A former romantic partner could resurface quite suddenly during the second half of the month. The Full Moon on the 22nd could find you relocating to another city or revamping your current abode.

Gorgeous surroundings will boost your

Lording your knowledge over others will cause great resentment. Instead of broadcasting your brilliance, be quick to recognise people’s contributions. On the 22nd, the Full Moon brings an end to a very busy schedule. Instead of running errands all day, you will be able to read, write, play music and do anything else that makes you happy.

Be realistic about professional commitments at the beginning of September; there may not be much opportunity for rest and relaxation.

The New Moon on the 7th could bring a fabulous opportunity that makes your spirits soar. The Full Moon on the 20th will resolve a stressful family matter; you’ll breathe a sigh of relief when you find an affordable way to deal with this problem.

CAPRICORN (December 22nd-January 20th)

Bills could pile up, making you nervous.

Beware of tying your personal worth to your financial standing on the 8th, when the New Moon makes you feel defensive and defeated. By mid-month, your financial fortunes will dramatically improve. Giving a public presentation at the end of August should go smoothly. People appreciate your wit, style and sophistication. September’s New Moon on the 7th could bring an exciting opportunity. Taking an intensive online workshop is strongly advised. In the middle of September, you will have to get things into better shape. Use your leadership skills to create a lean, efficient team that is highly successful.

AQUARIUS (January 21st-February 19th)

A close relationship will show signs of strain.

The New Moon on the 8th could find you arguing with relatives about your choice of romantic partner. An intimate encounter will cheer you up during the middle of the month.

On the 22nd could find you stepping down from a prominent role, allowing you more time for creative pursuits. Your playful persona will be highly attractive in the closing days of August. Your love life will sizzle with excitement at the start of September. Try not to give in to pessimistic thinking about your professional prospects in mid-September.

PISCES (February 20th-March 20th)

If you’re unemployed, fill time between interviews with exercise. Moving your body will help relieve stress and give you an attractive glow. A romantic or business partner can give you much needed support; two heads will be much better than one. The Full Moon on the 22nd finds you spending more time on your own, focusing on peaceful pursuits that keep you balanced and content.

Be realistic about a partnership at the beginning of September. Instead of expecting a perfectionist to go with the flow, give thanks for their high standards.

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021

All Together NOW!

27

CHECKLIST

MEDITERRANEAN MAGIC: a simple water feature, Greek-style urn, pebbled paths and a blaze of colour from petunias in an Ali Baba terracotta pot

IT’S THAT RIVIERA TOUCH

I

F YOU can’t head for the Med this year, then have a go at creating your own Riviera at home.

The ingredients are fewer than you might think – a summery surface underfoot, pots that look the part, the sound of water, and palm tree lookalikes.

Even small backyards can be transformed.

Impress by changing colours and textures where necessary.

Large paving slabs in an irregular pattern suggest a more leisurely life and the view can be varied to conjure that lazy Med mood by removing a few and planting herbs in the spaces, in soil topped with small stones.

Pebbles or pea-gravel evoke a beach, especially if a few rocks can be added.

Bare soil should be covered with a plastic membrane first to suppress weeds. The pebbles can be planted through with ground-hugging herbage.

Thymes are ideal because they tolerate being trodden on occasionally – when they release their spicy scent – and produce appealing pink or

purple summer flowers that bees and butterflies love. If your boundaries are walls of red brick, fine. If not, paint them warm orange or red. In either case, fix a trellis or wires in front and clothe the wall with exotic climbers such as jasmine, passion flower and a fig tree pruned into a fan shape.

Containers play a dual role. The materials they are made of and their shapes can add atmosphere to the scene. Then they are a major stage for flowers and foliage. Terracotta could have been invented to give gardens a glow.

A collection of pots mixed with vivid flowers can make an eye-stopping feature. For exotic shape choose Cretan jars, Greek-style urns and Ali Baba pots, and pots decorated with garlands or grapes.

Advertise here . . . Contact . . .

A small water feature, perhaps combined with statuary, is all that is needed to add the sound of splashing or trickling, perhaps from the mouth of a wall-mounted figure or animal or bubbling up from a sunken pebble pool.

One or two spiky, palm-like plants add essential character. Cordyline australis comes from New Zealand but does a passable impression of a palm, growing quickly as long as the soil is welldrained and reaching 6m-8m (20ft-25ft) after a few years.

Young specimens can be grown in pots for the first two or three years to make them more prominent. The New Zealand flax, phormium, looks similar but remains a shrub – a very effective one in yellow, green or bronze – and the hardy Yucca filamentosa from the US makes a large spiky shrub and produces huge panicles of white, bell-shaped flowers from mid-summer.

Hot-coloured annual flowers conjure up the Med – petunias, pelargoniums (often wrongly-called geraniums) and any with a sub-tropical character, like portulacas, brilliant-leaved coleus, or, for perennial displays, the sun-loving daisy flowers of osteospermums or gazanias.

helen@alltogethernow.org.uk

FLOWERS: Propagate your best fuchsias. From healthy, pest-free plants take cuttings 7cm-10cm (3in-4in) long, ideally from the tips of shoots that have flowered lower down. Cut halfway between two pairs of leaves and pinch out the shoot’s tip, leaving one pair of leaves. Insert the cuttings one to each 7.5cm (3in) pot of gritty compost and place them in a light position out of direct sunlight. Cover the pot with a glass jar or clear plastic bag.

SHRUBS AND TREES: Deadhead roses, pruning back to an outward-facing leaf-joint. Spray where aphids or the fungal diseases blackspot or mildew are prevalent. Clip hedges and topiary, removing all new growth unless it is needed to fill gaps or add height.

LAWNS: Raise the mower blades – grass can take weeks to recover if sheared too short in hot weather.

PONDS: Remove blanketweed and excess duckweed, and pull off the dying leaves of water plants. When the water level falls due to dry weather, top up the pool by trickling water on to the surface (to discourage algae and provide fish with oxygen) but not near water lilies.

VEGETABLES: Pick courgettes and runner beans as soon as they are big enough. The more you pick, the more the plants will produce. By mid-August, sow spring cabbages and finish planting leeks for cropping early next year.

FRUIT: Apples producing a small crop will benefit from summer pruning. Shorten all mature side shoots – the dark, woody ones – to within three leaves of the base. This year’s shoots, lighter in colour and more supple, should be cut back to one leaf.

HERBS: Sow parsley for a late autumn crop. Take cuttings of shrubby herbs such as sage, rosemary, thyme and santolina (cotton lavender).

GLASS: To avoid blossom-end rot in tomatoes, continue to water plants regularly and evenly, and to feed every few days. Remove lower leaves as they start to turn yellow.

HOUSEPLANTS: They need extra water through summer but don’t water until the compost starts to dry out. Give a weekly liquid feed to those that are due to flower in autumn or winter.

Tel. 07511 839397

28 All Together NOW!

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021

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

2

3

★

5

5

★

6

6

★

7

8

★ 9

4

12

★

★

A B C D

A B C D

17

QUESTION 2 – for 2 points: What is a futon?

13 14

★

18 20

15

16

19 21

21

24

23 26

27

★

★

★

22 24

25

A B C D

28

A B C D

30

ACROSS

DOWN

1. Eyeglass (7) 8. Particular form, translation (7) 9. Exempt from duty (3-4) 10. Roman sea-god (7) 11. Breather (7) 14. Append (3) 16. Leave (4) 18. Witty saying (4) 19. Belonging to the second person (4) 20. Gangster (4) 21. Day before (3) 23. Whirling round (7) 26. Importune (7) 28. Violent windstorm (7) 29. Weariness (7) 30. Receptacle for dirt (7)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

12.

13.

15.

16.

17.

18.

22.

24.

25.

26.

27.

Beetroot Bacon Banana Butter

A B C D

An aged female sheep A type of bed A bread roll with currants A climber’s spiked axe

Ludo Snakes and ladders Draughts Monopoly

A B C D

North America Australasia Africa South America

QUESTION 5 – for 5 points: American Hulk Hogan was a multiple world champion in which sport?

A B C D

Wrestling Weightlifting Cage fighting Rugby league

A B C D

A B C D

Edward Lear King Edward VII Theodore Roosevelt Sir Edward Elgar

A B C D

Prince Andrew Prince Edward Prince William Prince Harry

Henry I Edward I Stephen William II

QUESTION 14 – for 14 points: Which of the planets was described as being the ‘Bringer of Jollity’ by composer Gustav Holst in his Planets Suite?

QUESTION 8 – for 8 points: “You’re gonna need a bigger boat” is a line from which thriller film?

A B C D

Port Talbot Maesteg Caerphilly Pontypridd

QUESTION 13 – for 13 points: Which king of England was the youngest son of William the Conqueror?

Jaws The Perfect Storm The Deep Waterworld

A B C D

QUESTION 9 – for 9 points: Send in the Clowns is a song from which musical?

SUDOKU

Neptune Saturn Mars Jupiter

QUESTION 15 – for 15 points: What are Dani, Ga, Motu and Nguni?

A B C D

Mac and Mabel Aspects of Love A Little Night Music Sunset Boulevard

Islands on Lake Victoria Languages Currency units Zulu chieftains

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

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

A B C D

QUESTION 7 – for 7 points: Who is next in line to the throne after Prince Charles?

A B C D

QUESTION 6 – for 6 points: The teddy bear was named after which famous person?

Vermont New York New Hampshire Maine

QUESTION 12 – for 12 points: Singer Tom Jones was born in 1940 in which Welsh town?

Singer Tom Jones. See Question 12

QUESTION 4 – for 4 points: Budgerigars are native to which continent?

Driver (8) Connection (5) Welsh dog (5) Flattened (6) Snare (4) Alcoholic drink (7) In the past (4) Bath stopper (4) Cloth strip (4) Stained (4) Wharf (4) Wolfram (8) Degree of excellence (7) Examined carefully (6) French novelist (5) Freeze (3,2) Divan (4) Zoo enclosure (4)

M58 M63 M69 M90

QUESTION 11 – for 11 points: Which is the most easterly state of the USA?

QUESTION 3 – for 3 points: In which board game can an opponent lose a piece by being huffed?

29

★

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

QUESTION 10 – for 10 points: Which motorway runs from Leicester to Coventry?

10 11

Each question has four possible answers and is worth from one to 15 points. Circle your QUESTION 1 – for 1 point: In the American sandwich known as a BLT, what does the B stand for?

7

10

★

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DIFFICULT

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

4

3 6

7

9

9 6 5 7

7 2 1 5

7 3 5 2 8 6 4 2

9

2 8

4 7

Fill in the blank squares in the grid with numbers so that each horizontal or vertical line adds up to the total given in the box either to the left or above it.

Horizontal totals are given in the top right corners of the shaded boxes; vertical totals in the bottom left corners.

You can use the numbers 1 to 9, but may not use the same number more than once in any run. The number may be used again, however, in the same row or column but as part of another run.

MEDIUM 5

16

19

13

20

11

15 27

32 7 4

21

27 4 7

7 11 29 24

8

15

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

Each number in our Cross Code grid represents a different letter of the alphabet. You have three letters in the control grid to start you off.

Enter them in the appropriate squares in the main grid, then use your knowledge of words to work out which letters should go in the missing squares.

As you get the letters, fill in other squares with the same number in the main grid and control grid. Check off the alphabetical list of letters as you identify them.

6

5

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 the surname of a novelist.

BLUE

––––

BOY

GOLD

––––

HOUR

FIND

–––

COMPASS

––––––

POINT

OVER

–––––

UPON

TENNIS

–––––

GREASE

SIDE

1 []’–

2 ABC

3 DEF

4 GHI

5 JKL

6 MNO

7 PQRS

8 TUV

9 WXYZ

Spaces and any punctuation marks are represented by 1.

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

(

29

DIALLING CODES

CROSS CODE

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AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021 1. old and new 645 317 827 814 726 122 731 387 566 415 487 317 686 319 273 174 681 328 466 154 566 387 315 324 831 566 814 624 146 871 366 816 468 831 866

units of measurement

2. gases 358 674 631 936 661 638 426 317 767 263 163 661 493 764 361 266 664 216 487 643 613 849 536 316 994 361 435 486 124 567 463 127 466 172 366

3. reptiles 837 727 461 242 635 366 126 272 188 785 312 771 549 273 186 786 473 143 256 126 226 632 125 544 286 717 288 537 625 314 482 621 276 263 453

4. famous cricketers 556 931 836 385 527 176 237 714 282 752 715 272 127 236 261 442 516 674 261 878 362 612 673 371 742 427 371 468 441 927 631 928 441 268 426

5. constellations 437 285 371 724 488 274 871 674 661 236 828 787 122 623 714 937 212 946 871 274 371 877 216 256 717 472 371 436 464 173 427 871 263 766 332

6. on the left 625 821 463 421 926 242 162 642 421 766 254 212 977 871 345 416 372 518 424 526 317 464 276 731 639 193 252 631 842 632 172 547 826 186 642

PATHWORDS

SPOT CHECK

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

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

M A

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A

S W A

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M M G

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countries which drive

1

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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?

A C B E D

BOLIDE

F

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B

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H

E MAKE A DATE

R O

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

G

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A

D O

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G

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A

A

D

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A

O D

1. America’s space shuttle Atlantis successfully docks with the Russian Mir space station.

P

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L

D L U C L E TRANSFORMER

D

A

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1) An arboreal term meaning very broad, with particular reference to the circumference of a tree’s trunk; 2) A large meteor, especially one that explodes;

2. The Royal Yacht Britannia is decommissioned.

Y

3) An insecticide used to control the weevils whose larvae infest cotton plants.

3. The UK transfers sovereignty of Hong Kong, the largest remaining British colony, to the People’s Republic of China.

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

Clue: Imprison domestic.

WAS IT? a) 1993; b) 1994; c) 1995; d) 1996; e) 1997.

______+AL=______AL

ALL THE ANSWERS

5 4 2 7 6 8 9 3 1

7 9 6 4 1 3 8 2 5

9 2 8 1 7 4 3 5 6

SUDOKU EASY

6 7 1 8 3 5 2 4 9

3 5 4 2 9 6 1 8 7

4 6 9 3 8 1 5 7 2

1 3 5 6 2 7 4 9 8

2 8 7 5 4 9 6 1 3

8 1 5 3 6 2 9 4 7

9 6 7 5 1 4 3 8 2

4 3 2 7 8 9 5 6 1

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CROSS CODE

6 5 3 9 7 1 8 2 4

7 2 8 4 5 3 1 9 6

3 7 6 2 9 5 4 1 8

5 4 1 6 3 8 2 7 9

2 8 9 1 4 7 6 5 3

SUDOKU DIFFICULT

24 29 7 27

8 4

1

9

3

6 2 7

21

4

7 32 13 5

7

1

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8 1 3 27 15

9

7

2 11

1

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KAKURO MEDIUM

7 20

6 15

4 9

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8 3 11

Accumulator Quiz 1 – B; 2 – B; 3 – C; 4 – B; 5 – A; 6 – C; 7 – C; 8 – A; 9 – C; 10 – C; 11 – D; 12 – D; 13 – A; 14 – D; 15 – B. Starspot Crossword Across – 1 Monocle; 8 Version; 9 Tax-free; 10 Neptune; 11 Respite; 14 Add; 16 Quit; 18 Quip; 19 Your; 20 Thug; 21 Eve; 23 Eddying; 26 Solicit; 28 Tempest; 29 Fatigue; 30 Dustpan.

Down – 1 Motorist; 2 Nexus; 3 Corgi; 4 Evened; 5 Trap; 6 Liqueur; 7 Once; 12 Plug; 13 Tape; 15 Dyed; 16 Quay; 17 Tungsten; 18 Quality; 22 Vetted; 24 Dumas; 25 Ice up; 26 Sofa; 27 Cage.

Star Name: NELLY FURTADO

www.ecogee.co.uk

8 1 3 9 5 2 7 6 4

(

Word Wizard No 2 is correct. A bolide is a meteor.

Dialling Codes 1. mile; quart; gram; acre; furlong; litre; pound; yard; pint; fathom; kilometre; league; knot; inch; hour; foot; minute; ton.

2. fluorine; xenon; methane; propane; neon; hydrogen; ammonia; nitrogen; ethylene; oxygen; helium; chlorine; argon; radon.

3. terrapin; chameleon; cobra; turtle; asp; lizard; tortoise; gecko; anaconda; alligator; rattlesnake; iguana; crocodile.

4. Lloyd; Tendulkar; Sobers; Gavaskar; Lara; Bradman; Hick; Morgan; Trueman; Border; Richards; Gough; Warne; Waugh; Botham.

5. Hercules; Sagittarius; Orion; Centaurus; Cancer; Hydra; Cygnus; Aries; Ursa Major; Pisces; Gemini; Pegasus; Andromeda.

6. Malta; India; Zambia; Namibia; Somalia; Cyprus; Fiji; Nepal; Thailand; Singapore; New Zealand; Uganda; Pakistan; Tonga.

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

Missing Link bell; rush; out; needle; there; elbow.

Novelist: Brontë.

Make a Date The year was 1997.

Transformer Intern + AL = Internal.

Boiler & Insulation Scheme

Pathwords Eye Level; Tragedy; Sailing; Mamma Mia; Figaro; Woodstock; Clair; Grandad; Lucille; Dancing Queen; She; Blockbuster; Waterloo; Vincent; Bohemian Rhapsody.

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30 All Together NOW!

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021

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The day a US legend brought his Wild West extravaganza to town

BUFFALO BILL IN THE PARK PICTURED: The poster for Buffalo Bill’s Wild West spectacular; Annie Oakley, one of the world’s greatest sharpshooters; the young and the older Bill; and in his full “Western” regalia

W

ILLIAM Frederick Cody was renowned first across America – and then the world – by his better known name . . . Buffalo Bill.

The legendary US soldier, bison hunter and showman created his spectacular travelling Wild West Show in 1883.

His extravaganza toured the world, taking in the greatest cities, with Liverpool among them.

Cody first brought the show to the city for 12 days in the summer of 1891, were they performed twice a day in Newsham Park.

On an otherwise sleepy Sunday in early July, 200 performers – including cowboys, rough-riders and Native Americans, 200 horses, dozens of covered pioneer wagons, and a herd of buffalo disembarked from a 72-carriage train at Knotty Ash station.

They made their way through the suburbs of Liverpool to the park, attracting vast crowds of astonished onlookers en route.

Thousands came from across Merseyside every day, paying a shilling a time to see the show. In the huge outdoor

KEN PYE has just published latest book, Liverpool Murders and Misdemeanours, featuring some of the city’s grimmest and

most unusual crimes and their perpetrators.

It’s available in all good bookshops or from Ken directly (as are all of his books, DVDs, and CDs)

Tel. 0151 427 2717 email – ken@discoverliverpool.com www.discover-liverpool.com

arena, they witnessed the roping and branding of cattle, the horsemanship skills of the rough-riders, and the recreation of a Sioux attack on a wagon train featuring the real-life chiefs, Short Bull, Kicking Bear, and Long Wolf.

Locals had never seen anything like it before and gasped in awe at the authentic sights, sounds, and smells of the men and animals, of the gunshots, and of the flame

and smoke. They cheered as the US Cavalry rode to the rescue of pioneers in the nick of time, in true Western movie fashion.

Extra ferries had been laid on to carry spectators across the river, and extra trams and omnibuses brought people from across the city, and beyond, to shout in thrilled excitement as the actual Deadwood Stagecoach was attacked by

bandits.

Adults and children alike were amazed to see the world-famous sharpshooter, Annie Oakley (1860-1926), known as “Little Sure Shot”, shoot the pip out of an Ace of Spades from 100 yards away!

Here was Buffalo Bill in person, just as they had seen him in photographs in the newspapers, and in sketches in the “penny-dreadful” comics, with his long, flowing white hair, curling moustache, and neatly-trimmed goatee beard.

In his white buckskins, fabulous boots with engraved buffalo figures, and sporting his silver six-guns with their pearl handles, Buffalo Bill brought the Wild West to life.

At the end of the two-week run, 250,000 people had seen the show and £20,000 had been taken – worth £2m in today’s money.

Cody was so happy with his profits that, in May 1903, he returned to Liverpool for three weeks – and with three trains and over 500 horses!

The venue this time was in a purposebuilt event arena on Edge Lane Drive, where the Corporation bus sheds used to stand.

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AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021

World’s best golfers set for the Open

TOP TEAM: From left: Sophie Morgan, JJ Chalmers, Ed Jackson, Ade Adepitan, Clare Balding, Adam Hills, Steph McGovern, Vick Hope and Arthur Williams

All set for 300-hour TV marathon C

HANNEL 4 is set for its most ambitious ever coverage of a Paralympic Games.

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Paralympics to get ‘best ever’ coverage

coverage and award-winning marketing campaigns for London 2012 and Rio 2016.

“Now we’re finally able to get excited about bringing the long-awaited Tokyo 2020 Paralympics to UK viewers with even more coverage than ever before across multiple platforms, from multiple locations and hosted by a stellar presenting team.

“We’re looking forward to bringing the best coverage possible to the British public so we can all get behind ParalympicsGB and celebrate their success in Tokyo.”

Channel 4 and More 4 will carry live subtitles, and the Opening Ceremony will have live signing and live enhanced open AD/commentary simulcast on 4Seven. The majority of content on the Paralympics Microsite will also have subtitles.

More than 300 hours of action will be screened, with a regular Paralympic Breakfast Show and morning sports competition coming live from Leeds.

The Highlights show will then come from Tokyo, before returning to Leeds for an early evening show celebrating ParalympicsGB medals of the day, followed by The Last Leg, which will be broadcast daily from London.

Live overnight sport then comes from Japan.

In a first for the broadcaster, More 4 will be a dedicated team sports channel live from Tokyo which will see matches featuring ParalympicsGB teams in wheelchair rugby and wheelchair basketball.

Presenters include Ade Adepitan, Sophie Morgan, JJ Chalmers, Ed Jackson, Lee McKenzie and Vick Hope.

In the UK, Clare Balding will present live

sport finals from Leeds, which take place UK morning time, while Arthur Williams and Steph McGovern will head up a daily Paralympics Breakfast Show.

Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson, Steve Brown, Liam Malone, Danny Crates and Liz Johnson will also be analysing performances.

Channel 4’s Director of Programmes Ian Katz said: “Channel 4 has long played a fundamental role in bringing a global audience to the Paralympic Games and for shifting perceptions of disabled people through our significant investment in

n The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games will take place from 24 August – 6 September. www.paralympics.org.uk/

MORE sporting opportunities for blind people will be created over the next three years, thanks to a £1m funding package from Sport England.

The Royal National Institute of Blind People and British Blind Sport are using the cash to develop their See Sport Differently project.

Matt Stringer, RNIB chief executive, said: “The benefits of sport are essential to anybody leading a fulfilled, positive, and healthy life and plays a major part of an inclusive society. The project will also help break down perceptions that sight loss is a barrier to participating in sport.”

Alaina MacGregor, chief executive of British Blind Sport, added: “We hope to inspire and activate our community by sharing positive messages about the achievements and experiences of blind and partially sighted people in sport and physical activity.” n RNIB Helpline: 0303 123 9999

New £1m sporting chance for blind people stay ahead of the game . . .

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DISABLED golfers from all over the world are expected to be competing again in Scotland in September for the Sidey British Open.

The Open, taking place from September 7-9 at the Strathmore Golf Centre’s Ranneleroch Course, will be played over 54-holes with champions being announced for Scratch, Stableford and overall net players.

Then, from September 13-15, the Scots and English teams travel to Elmwood Golf Course for three days of traditional match play golf in what will be the 27th of the disabled Ryder/Solheim Cup. Jim Gales, founder of Scottish Disabled Golf and Curling, said: “This is a great opportunity to raise the profile of the SDGC and Scotland, while hosting these two highly prestigious competitions for disabled players.

“Previous winners of the Open have come from places as far afield as South Africa and the USA.” The SDGC is also hosting a tuition hub at Elmwood just prior to the competition. n Jim Gales: Tel. 07903 596 552 www.scottishdgc.org.uk/

What a goal!

MANCHESTER United Foundation has developed an online sensory experience of Old Trafford for disabled fans to enjoy a matchday experience from home.

Elaine Curran, lead practitioner at Kingfisher Special School in Oldham, said: “The sensory story has enabled children to experience something they might never encounter.

“For many of the children an actual matchday would be too overwhelming and so by engaging with the sensory story they can have the experience in a safe environment at school or home.

“For the children lucky enough to visit Old Trafford this story allows us to prepare them for the sights and sounds they might encounter.”

The video – www.bit.ly/30cZ9RZ — has been produced in partnership with Bag Books, a charity that provides multisensory books for people with learning

Tel. 0151 230 0307

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32 All Together NOW!

AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2021

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