Aug sep2015web by All Together Now

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AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 2015

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Royal cheer

WINNING TEAM: The Jewels cheerleaders. Below, Rebecca meets the Princess Royal

Princess and the pom pom champion

T’S not every day you get the chance to tell a Princess about your success as a cheerleader.

But that’s what Rebecca and fellow members of the awardwinning Jewels squad did during the Princess Royal’s visit to Arley Hall, Cheshire. The Princess was finding out about the remarkable achievements of people with learning disabilities, who are supported by the charity Hft, of which she is the Royal patron. Rebecca and her team greeted the Princess with one of their energetic dance routines that helped the Bradford-based squad gain first place in their category

at the Future Cheer Cheerleading Championships in Paris last year. As well as meeting the cheerleaders, the Princess was given an update on a variety of initiatives including Project SEARCH, an employment programme. And she was introduced to the charity’s dating and friendships agency Luv2meetU, run by and for people with learning disabilities, and its counterpart Hum Tum, especially for people with learning disabilities from Asian communities in Leeds. Celebrity hairdresser Andrew Collinge spoke about the transition from residential to supported living from a family

perspective. “My younger sister Joanne lives in a supported living house with three friends,” he said. “I see on a regular basis the wonderful care she receives from a dedicated team that help enhance not only Joanne’s life but those around her.” Andrew added: “It was an honour to be invited to speak in the presence of the Princess Royal as a representative of the families whose relatives Hft supports.”

n Hft currently supports about 70 people in Cheshire and more than 2,500 across the country. Tel. 0117 906 1700, www.hft.org.uk

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Disability champion joins BBC

ALISON Walsh has been appointed the BBC’s new head of disability, writes JOHN PRING. Ms Walsh, who previously championed disability at Channel 4, will work across the BBC to improve programming, commissioning and portrayal of disabled people. She led the search for disabled presenter talent for the Channel 4’s London 2012 Paralympics coverage, and helped write the bids that won the broadcaster the rights to broadcast those games and Rio 2016. But her time at Channel 4 was not without controversy. In December 2010, she defended Channel 4’s decision to allow comedian Frankie Boyle to tell offensive, disablist “jokes” about the son of model Katie Price on his show. And earlier that year, she had also defended the channel’s decisions to use the term “freak of nature” in trailers publicising a documentary on Paralympic athletes, and to call a new series in which people with facial disfigurements shared a house with beauty-obsessed people “Beauty and the Beast”. Ms Walsh said that her BBC appointment was “a dream role”, and added: “Disability is normal for so many of us – part of our lives, directly or indirectly. “The BBC, perhaps more than any other broadcaster, needs to reflect that normality and to nurture the best of the nation’s disabled talent. “We’ve seen real progress in disability portrayal in recent years, but that feels like just the warm-up. “I’m hugely looking forward to working with teams across the BBC, building on the great work they are already doing and helping create the next big breakthroughs.” BBC director general Tony Hall wants the BBC to quadruple on-screen representation of disabled people by 2017, and to increase disabled staff and leadership in the organisation to over 5% by 2017.

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It’s enough to make iron men cry . . .

NEWS

August/September 2015

Cameron and pals three-months walk

NTONY Gormley’s Iron Men on Crosby beach have a new brother and sister, thanks to a south Sefton MEET THE RELATIVES: Gary Mitchell (left) and colleagues introducing one of the Iron Men to his new 'relatives' day centre for people with disabilities. LETTER FROM THE EDITOR . . . WILL YOU BE A FRIEND?

One of the figures is an adult in a wheelchair, while the other is a young girl with a disability. The aim of the piece – known as Transitions – is to raise awareness of disability issues. Plans are also in the pipeline for the figures to be on display at Southport’s Atkinson arts centre in September, at the same time as an exhibition of Antony Gormley’s drawings called Elemental. Gary Mitchell, officer at the Dunningsbridge Centre in Netherton, which is run by Sefton’s social care provider New Directions, said: “This summer is the tenth anniversary of the arrival of the Iron Men on Crosby beach and our New Creative 4 U Group wanted to mark the occasion with a linked art project of our own.” As with most of the group’s artwork, Transitions has been created out of recycled objects and items of household waste. The group are using similar materials to create the main features of a New Directions oriental show garden for Southport Flower Show in August. See Page 7

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O GET the most from life – and to get things done properly – you need good friends.

And a few friends in high places can certainly help make things happen. All Together NOW! already has some extremely good friends – if we didn’t, we wouldn’t still be around after ten years, let alone having almost half a million readers – but the truth is we could do with a few more! A FREE charity newspaper like ours plays a huge role in helping to bring together communities – and helps public sector bodies to reach the huge numbers of older and disabled people who are not connected to the Internet. That’s why Liverpool Community Health Trust, Liverpool Clinical Commissioning

Group, Medicash, The Morgan Foundation, Park Group, and United Utilities are among our much-valued partners. Now we are trying to encourage other likeminded organisations – and individuals – to get on board with us. If you can help please get in touch with me. In the meantime I hope you like this actionpacked summer issue. See you in the autumn. Tuesday 6 October to be precise!

TOM DOWLING0151 230 0307 news@alltogethernow.org.uk

Red carpet treatment for young stars

BUDDING young filmmakers – most of whom have learning disabilities and difficulties – were the stars at an Oscar-style awards ceremony. Merseyside actor Michael Starke and X Factor finalist Chris Maloney were among the VIP guests who presented awards at Neet TV’s ‘The Producers’ evening at the Showcase Cinema, Liverpool. Neet TV – which is part of Knowsley Enterprise Academy–- helps children and young people to produce films and explore the potential of a career in the media industry

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Cameron and Richard, right, with BBC presenter Adam Henson and Boo

YOU can’t beat a good walk – that’s something hearing dog Cameron would certainly wag his tail at. The black labrador has just completed a marathon three-month journey, completing all ten of the Great British Dog Walk events and raising over £2,500 for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. Cameron and his energetic pal, Richard Carr, strode out at various National Trust sites across the UK, meeting lots of celebrity supporters along the way. Richard, who is profoundly deaf, said: “Before I had Cameron, life was tough. Being deaf always makes people less confident in life as there are so many pitfalls and challenges in your path, but Cameron has removed those barriers.” n Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, tel 01844 348100 (voice & minicom)

House of opportunity

BLACKBURNE House, which provides training opportunities for women, received £20,000 from Liverpool’s Holt Education Trust. The funding will support vulnerable and disadvantaged women in Merseyside to access further education and training, and was announced as the Trust launches its Centenary Year. A raft of bursaries for course fees, travel, and childcare costs will assist over 40 women to gain skills that will widen their horizons and improve their future prospects. n PH Holt Foundation, tel 0151 237 2663. Mobile, 0774 3309914

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Push to help more people live at home

FOUR big accommodation and care providers have joined forces to show how housing can help the NHS. Almost one third of NHS hospital bed days are taken up by patients who could have avoided being admitted if the had received care and support earlier. Now Riverside, Family Mosaic, Home Group and Midland Heart have teamed up to call for a greater role for housing providers in supporting the NHS to work more efficiently and plug a predicted £30bn funding gap by 2020. Carol Matthews, Riverside chief executive, said: “Inevitably it is the poorest and most excluded in society that suffer from the greatest levels of health inequalities. “Many of the people who use our housing services are in need of health support. “So by working in a more integrated way housing associations can provide early interventions that make a positive difference to tens of thousands of people and by doing this we can also ease the burden and costs on NHS services.”

Freephone help

A NEW Freephone service for carers of people with learning disabilities has been set up. The service, from The Family Carer Support Service, offers free assistance, including from mobiles, between 8.30am and 4.30pm weekdays. Support can also be accessed using The Big Word telephone translation service, available for people who don’t speak English. Rhianon Gale, FCSS manager, said: “Access to accurate and up to date information is a right. Family carers are often financially disadvantaged and shouldn’t have to pay for the support they need.” n Freephone 0808 801 0448, email familycarersupport@hft.org.uk

Wheelchair cab fear

ALARM bells are ringing over a town’s dwindling number of wheelchair accessible taxis. Jackie Snape, chief executive of Disability Action Yorkshire, said many disabled people were becoming isolated due to a lack of accessible taxis in Harrogate. Mrs Snape said people can only prebook a wheelchair-friendly taxi from 6.30am on the day they wish to make their journey. She said: “Taxi firms aren’t keen to buy these vehicles as they claim they are more expensive to run and their lifespan is far less than the usual vehicles used to ferry passengers. “Surely there should be a prescribed quota of taxis adapted to the needs of people with disabilities, based on population and age of population, which can be taken from the census.”

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August/September 2015

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FREE and easy on the wheelyboat

HEEL on up for a FREE canal boat ride in the heart of the beautiful Cheshire countryside.

That’s the offer being made by The Overwater Wheelyboat Project launched on the Shropshire Union Canal. The 17ft Maughan Lass has been specially designed with people who have mobility issues in mind, allowing easy roll on/roll off access for wheelchairs. It is named after the late Richard Maughan, who played a huge part in developing Overwater Marina at Newhall, near Nantwich. Rodney Cottrell, chairman of the new Overwater charity, said: “This new boat allows us to take people on two-hour journeys along a lovely stretch of the canal offering fantastic views and no locks!” Thanks to charitable organisations, local businesses and individuals, the charity raised £30,000 to have the boat built along with its special access jetty, and the immediate running costs. n To book the boat, which operates on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and is skippered by a volunteer crew, call 01270 812 677

Interrogation time

Your benefits are set to be reassessed

ISABLED people in North West England who been getting Disability Living Allowance indefinitely are now being reassessed for the Government’s new Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

The Department for Work and Pensions had been planning to start the reassessments in October. But new minister for disabled people, Justin Tomlinson, said they would instead begin in July for some claimants in some postcodes in the North West and Midlands regions – those beginning BB, BL, DE, LE, M, OL, PR, ST, WA and WN. The Government’s target is that all existing working-age DLA claimants will have been reassessed for PIP by late 2017. PIP has already been rolled out across Britain for new claimants, those who choose to claim PIP instead of DLA, those whose circumstances change, and those whose DLA award has come to an end, including children reaching the age of 16. In a written statement, Mr Tomlinson said he had decided to bring forward the last stage of the PIP rollout after new Government figures published in May showed that the average waiting time between someone returning their assessment form and actually

Toilet cord campaign

EMERGENCY cords in disabled people’s toilets are often hard to reach or tied up in knots. Now a Red Cord Campaign is under way to improve things. Thousands of eye-catching cards have been produced that can be attached to the cords to remind people how important it is that they hang correctly. Euan MacDonald, cofounder of disability website Euan’s Guide, which produced the cards, said: “It is vital that these cords reach all the way to the floor so that people can call for help if needed.” n SHOWSTOPPERS: young people with disabilities stole the Euan, who was diagnosed show at the parade for the annual Darnhill Festival in Heywood, with motor neurone disease Greater Manchester. The inspiration for this year’s procession in 2003, set up the website to was the UN International Year of Light and Solar Technology. give access information for n Children from Heap Bridge Primary School and Our Lady & venues including attractions, St Paul’s RC Primary teamed up with disability organisation cinemas, sports grounds, Chrysalis to show off the colourful carnival costumes they had and places to stay. made. The website also allows users to share reviews and having their assessment was now “unreasonable”, “irrational” and rate venues based on their just four weeks. acted “unlawfully” by delaying PIP accessibility. He added: “This improved payments to two disabled people for n If you want a card, email performance means I am pleased to up to 13 months. hello@euansguide.com or announce that we are now in a By the end of March, nearly visit www.euansguide.com position to begin the final phase in 23,000 disabled people had been July, initially at small volumes and in waiting longer than 20 weeks for a limited number of areas.” their new PIP claims to be decided. TAKE ME HOME! In July, the high court ruled that Of those, more than 3,000 people work and pensions secretary Iain had been waiting for more than a Duncan Smith had been year.

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All Together NOW! has again teamed up with one of our key parners, Park, to give you a fantastic chance to win their top-of-the-range Christmas hamper. The Empire hamper is worth £553.50 – and it will be all yours if you win our super prize draw. It’s the FIFTH successive year that Park have donated their monster hamper, which contains a huge range of Christmas food and drink to keep even the biggest family fed over the festive period. Park CEO Chris Houghton said: “Our previous competitions in All Together NOW! have all been extremely popular. We are confident that this one will attract even more interest.” So get your entries in now! n For more information about budgeting for Christmas, go to: www.getpark.co.uk/atn

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August/September 2015

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‘Act NOW on court’s ruling for families’

£1.6m to preserve disability history

MORE than £1.6m of Heritage Lottery Funding has been awarded to two projects focusing on the history of disabled people. The Shape Arts project has been handed £850,000 to create a digital archive of the 40-year history of the disability arts movement. And £880,000 goes to fund a three-year project that will uncover disabled people’s history by examining eight unique buildings across England. The Shape project will catalogue more than 1,000 pieces of artwork, print and film footage created by disabled people since the birth of the movement in the 1970s, and make it available through an interactive website. Meanwhile, Accentuate’s History of Place project will focus on buildings dating from the twelfth century through to the 1970s, researching the lives of their inhabitants and the social attitudes that prevailed at the time. The sites include Liverpool School for the Indigent Blind, the country’s first school for blind children, which was founded in 1791 by Edward Rushton, who campaigned for disabled people; and Maison Dieu, in Kent, the last remaining building from a medieval alms house and hospital on the pilgrimage route to Canterbury, where records of a disabled man’s skeleton were found.

Help for vulnerable

SOLICITORS are being given special guidance on meeting the needs of vulnerable clients – people with a range of physical and mental health problems including learning disabilities. Law Society president Andrew Caplen said: “Vulnerable people face particular obstacles in accessing justice, including getting help from a solicitor. “We have produced this important guidance to support our members and help their clients get the legal advice and tailored support that they need.” Law Society research in 2014 showed nearly two-thirds of firms (59%) had provided legal services to vulnerable clients in the preceding 12 months.

Great adventures

AN adventure centre for young people has been honoured with a new award. The fully inclusive Barstondale Centre, in Wirral, Cheshire, won the Community Enterprise of the Year award at the first ever Wirral CVS Third Sector Business Awards. Set in 15 acres of beautiful countryside, Barstondale includes accessible log cabins and a range of facilities aimed at building confidence and self-esteem. Visitors can take part in climbing, abseiling, rifle shooting, kayaking, forest skills, craft and much more. Manager George Jones said: “In the last 12 months we have made a concerted effort to implement some exciting developments, including a sensory trail. n Barstondale: 0151 648 1412. n www.barnstondale.org

Gateway to independence

HIGH ACHIEVERS: Some of the Gateway Award winners at Wallasey Town Hall

HE spotlights shone on more than 60 people with learning disabilities at a glittering prize ceremony. They were all being presented with Gateway Awards – similar to Duke of Edinburgh awards – for successfully completing an array of activities. The awards enable people with learning disabilities to become more independent, make new friends, get active in the community and lead healthier lives. Conservation work, fishing sessions, money skills courses, camping and a 50-kilometre

treadmill challenge were all part of the course. The winners, who attend day centres in Cheshire – Cambridge Road, Wallasey, and Oakenholt Day Centre, Moreton – collected their awards from Wirral mayor Councillor Les Rowlands. The Mayor said: “I am very proud to be here to celebrate these fantastic achievements. “The awards have given everyone the independence and skills needed to enrich their lives, as well as becoming ambassadors for future participants. “A massive thank all the Wirral Mencap staff and the two day

centres for all their efforts in helping people with disabilities to be able to achieve their goals.” Award winners also took part in football sessions at Tranmere Rovers Football Club and produced their own musical drama, Spring Tim, with the help of local band Melody Makers and Masque Theatre Company. The day centres are part of Wirral Evolutions, a local authority trading company that brings together nine day centre and daytime services from across the area to continue to offer highquality care for people with long-term and learning disabilities.

£50,000 UP FOR GRABS!

FABULOUS £50,000 cash prize is on offer in this year’s Stelios Award for Disabled Entrepreneurs.

Entries are wanted for the prize that recognises the talents of established business owners who are disabled, or who have long-term health conditions. Run in conjunction with Leonard Cheshire Disability, the UK’s leading disability charity, the award is personally chosen and presented by easyJet founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou at a special ceremony in London on November 4. Previous award winners have been drawn from the travel agency, homebuild and IT sectors as well as from companies specialising in disability/mobility aids. Sir Stelios said: “Creating opportunities for disabled people facing discrimination in business is essential. The Stelios Award for Disabled Entrepreneurs highlights their achievements and contribution to society. “We want to hear from talented disabled entrepreneurs who are able to show they have got

what it takes to run a successful business and meet a real need in the market.” Clare Pelham, chief executive of Leonard Cheshire Disability, said: “We are delighted to work with Sir Stelios on an award that celebrates the remarkable achievements of disabled entrepreneurs. “I know there are many talented and successful disabled entrepreneurs out there. I urge them to take advantage of this unique opportunity for valuable recognition of their business and skills – in cash and publicity – and apply.” Last year’s winner, Ben Wolfenden, said: “Winning has meant so much to me both financially and personally. I’ve been able to solidify the team and our offering, grow some fantastic new clients and build a better working environment for my health.” Ben said despite a gruelling regime of medication and five hours of physiotherapy every day, he and his team have grown Visibilis by over 1,000% in the year 2012-2013, with 2014 exceeding expectations.

n Deadline for applications: Friday, September 18.

Apply online at www.leonardcheshire.org

CHILDREN’S charities are calling on the Government to act urgently as the Supreme Court ruled it was wrong to stop disability benefits to a family while their son was in hospital. The court unanimously ruled that taking away Disability Living Allowance from the Mathieson family, whose disabled son Cameron had been in hospital for more than 84 days. was in breach of his human rights and unlawful. The ruling will have a significant impact on the estimated 500 families with severely disabled children who spend time in hospital undergoing treatment. Contact a Family and The Children’s Trust are now calling for the Government to issue guidance ensuring that similar unlawful decisions are not made, and scrap the rule that says that DLA should be suspended when a child has been in hospital more than 84 days. In a joint statement the charities said: “The Supreme Court judgement is absolutely incredible and a groundbreaking victory for the family who have fought tirelessly on behalf of some of the most severely disabled children in the UK who require hospital treatment. “The judgement shows that the court understands that many parents provide extra care that even the best equipped hospitals can’t give and have substantial costs – such as loss of earnings, travel and meal expenses, parking fees and childcare costs for siblings. “This is great news for families of disabled children.” Cameron, from Warrington, Cheshire, spent more than two years in hospital with cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy. His family acted as full time carers at the hospital until the five year-old’s death, in October 2012.

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August/September 2015

TELEPHONE

0151 934 3726

New Directions staff support people to get the best out of life, and our commitment to providing personalised services means that we deliver care where and when it’s needed. We to transform and improve services to ensure work with a range commissioners to transform and improve services to ensure of commissioners t we continue to provide the support that people want. that Our plans for our future focus on creating further life enriching opportunities for people including, for example, meeting vocational and employment needs through appropriate training and dedicated support. New Directions employs over 300 dedicated, enthusiastic and caring staff working across a wide range of services, meeting the needs of several thousand people across Sefton Borough and beyond. Our record of exemplary service is reflected by the Care Quality Commission in their inspection reports which can be viewed at www.cqc.org.uk. What satisfied customers have to say about their Sefton New Directions experiences:

I would like to thank all the carers who’ve been so kind to me since I came out of hospital. They have encouraged me and made me feel that I’m really improving. They have been pleasant and it’s been a pleasure to know them. I think you are invaluable and I’m very grateful to you all.

I can leave my son…knowing he is well looked after. I have total respect and a very high regard for the members of staff.

Thank you to each and every one of you... you truly made a difference.

Please contact us if you want to know how we support people who have disabilities, mental health issues or needs because of their age.

Telephone: 0151 934 3726 | Info-ND@ndirections.co.uk | www.ndirections.co.uk

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Does the Equality Act really work?

WHAT impact the Equality Act is having on disabled people since it became law five years ago, is to be investigated by Parliament. A new Lords committee has been set up on the prompting of disabled Liberal Democrat peer Baroness Thomas. Among her concerns are the “huge lack of housing suitable for independent living for disabled people”, and the failure of service-providers to make reasonable adjustments for their disabled customers. She said she was also concerned that the merging of the Disability Rights Commission with other equality watchdogs – with the formation of a new single equality watchdog, the Equality and Human Rights Commission, in October 2007 – had proved to be damaging for disabled people and their rights. Baroness Thomas said: “It seemed to me that the impetus for removing barriers to enable disabled people to fulfil their full potential had waned, and that things were in danger of going backwards.” She is joined on the Equality Act 2010 and Disability Committee by three other disabled peers: the crossbencher Baroness Campbell, Liberal Democrat president Baroness Brinton, and the Labour peer Baroness Wilkins.

‘Take in a stranger’

PEOPLE should consider inviting elderly strangers to live with them for a while to reduce isolation and the number of pensioners dying a “lonely death”. That’s the suggestion of health secretary Jeremy Hunt who also urged people to keep in closer touch with older relatives, friends and neighbours. Addressing the annual conference of the Local Government Association, the health secretary highlighted the recent case of a man found in Edinburgh three years after he died, and the eight council-funded “lonely funerals” a day in England, half of which involve over65s. “Are we really saying these people had no living relatives or friends? Or is it something sadder, namely that the busy, atomised lives we increasingly lead mean that too often we have become so distant from blood relatives that we don’t have any idea even when they are dying. “In Japan, nearly 30,000 people die alone every year and they have even coined a word for it, kudokushi, which means ‘lonely death’. “How many lonely deaths do we have in Britain where, according to Age UK, a million older people have not spoken to anyone in the last month?” “If we are to rise to the challenges we face, taking care of older relatives and friends will need to become part of all of our lives,” he said.

Why I can truly say: ‘I’m happy being me’ August/September 2015

FEATURE: MY STORY . . .

S SOMEONE living with a facial disfigurement I am acutely aware how important image is to the world we live in.

For many years I let the way I look hold me back. My confidence levels were on the floor. Social occasions were a no-no. I wouldn’t dream of starting a conversation and being the centre of attention just never happened, unless it was negative attention. Fast forward many years and my life has totally changed. I was born in Fazakerley Hospital, Liverpool, on March 1, 1973 with a rare condition called Goldenhar Syndrome, which meant I was born without a right eye and socket, my right nostril was underdeveloped, and I had skin tags on both sides of my face. I was bullied throughout school. But there have been various turning points or lightbulb moments in my life. The first was when my first boss said he was impressed with me at my job interview. I didn’t understand his comment. I was just Sharon, no one special. In 1991 I got a job as a civil servant working in Bootle and got in with a great crowd of people who took me under their wings and looked after me. They introduced me to a social life and I learnt to enjoy those nights out. I tried to forget I looked different to others. As the years went on, I found myself becoming an adult and doing grown up things. I got a mortgage, I got married and my confidence grew. I suddenly realised that although I looked different on the outside, it didn’t matter, because people were willing to look past that and love me for who I was. In 2002 I got a part time job with Merseyside Police as a community diversity trainer. I found myself up there, in front of a classroom full of people, talking about diversity and disability issues. When I returned to my job as a civil servant, I decided to transfer my skills and use them to

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www.alltogethernow.org.uk

by life coach SHARON HALL

I’m constantly pushing myself out of my comfort zone

deliver short diversity training sessions. These went down a storm and the requests for training came flooding in. I had found something I was good at. During a counselling session in 2006 I mentioned I would like to help people and make their lives happier. I didn’t know what it was called but I knew what it entailed. My counsellor then enlightened me and told me about life coaching. That was it. That was what I wanted to be. Two years later I qualified as a life coach. As part of the training I had to notch up 60 hours of coaching experience so I offered free coaching on local websites. I loved talking to people and helping them find a solution to their problems. By making people aware that their goals were achievable, they became reachable. My career as an associate trainer carried on in work and I began delivering training courses to members of staff. I developed my communication skills and I was asked to deliver two 40 minute sessions on diversity. It was only after I had said yes did the reality hit home – I was to deliver training to experienced trainers. It’s stressful enough having to train members of staff but to train the experts is another matter! But I got through them with flying colours and I had people coming up to me saying how well I had done. Last September I read that TV personality and presenter Jeff Brazier was training to become a life coach. Being a cheeky scouser, I emailed him with regards to a few tips on getting started. Fast forward to January and I became

Reach half a million readers . . .

affiliated to Jeff’s coaching agency, Come Coach with Me. My unique selling point is that I am a disabled coach. I have experienced bullying, lack of confidence and esteem. I was also diagnosed with type 2 diabetes when I was 24 so I also live with a long-term health condition which impacts on my day to day life. My goal for the next year is to reach out to local groups and charities to offer them my coaching skills and experiences. I will be running confidence workshops and motivation talks across the North West. I want people to come and socialise, listen to my story, try some coaching exercises and get a feel for what they can do and how they can help. My mum often asks me where I get my confidence. I don’t honestly know. What I do know is I constantly push myself out of my comfort zone. On a recent trainer development course I was asked if I was an introvert. My instant reaction was to say no. I am very outgoing. On reflection I discovered that deep down, I am an introvert. I force myself to talk to people and start conversations. If I acted as an introvert would, I would not achieve anything. I would miss out on wonderful experiences and opportunities. When I think back on my life so far, I have met some amazing people. The doctors who have operated on me over the years have done amazing things and made me look the way I do today. My ophthalmology surgeon, Mr James Hsuan, who is based in Aintree Hospital, is a miracle worker In the last year he has operated on me twice to reconstruct my eye socket. If I hadn’t been born with a disfigurement, I wouldn’t have met my husband, Stephen, who is hard of hearing. We met on a disability course and we married four years ago. He is a fantastic support to me.

Thirty years ago I would never have thought I would say this but I am proud to be disabled and glad I was born the way I was.

0151 230 0307

CONTACT SHARON, tel 07880 234221 email Sharonmariacoch@gmail.com www.coachwithsharon.co.uk

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

All Together NOW!

August/September 2015

Making a difference . . .

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

Over the past decade we have helped hundreds of organisations across the region, committing over £14 million. This year we will be giving away a whopping £2 MILLION to good causes. Created in 2001 by businessman Steve Morgan OBE, founder and chairman of Redrow plc, chairman of the Bridgemere Group of Companies and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, the Morgan Foundation supports charities

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

£258,648

– that’s how much we’ve given away this time

MORGAN Foundation administrator Jane Harris met up with Amy Garton-Hughes and friends at the Cockayne Sydrome Support’s annual conference at St David’s Park, Deeside, North Wales. With the help of her family and friends, Amy set up Amy and Friends in 2007 to help families all over the world who have Cockayne Sydrome, a premature ageing

THE Morgan Foundation is pleased to announce that £258,648 was awarded in our latest round of funding. Welcome on board to The Inclusion Network CIC; Imagine If Trust; Garston Adventure Playground; Rhyl Men’s Shed; Merseyside Offender Mentoring Service; Mid-Cheshire MIND; and Jus Kidz.

Here’s how our golf day is making a difference

n STAFF at North Perk Café in Bootle are very proud of their new doors, which were funded by The Morgan Foundation. The doors make access easier for prams and wheelchairs at the café, which is a social enterprise set up and run by Ykids Children’s charity with the aim of training young people in a career in catering and hospitality. Set up two years ago, the café aims to provide excellent food and excellent service – with profits going towards the work of the charity.

E ARE delighted that the £450,000 raised at our Golf day last year continues to make a difference!

The latest item of equipment to be donated via our partnership with Newlife Foundation went to six-year-old Abbie Hughes, from Bootle, who can now get out into the community and attend important hospital appointments, thanks to a new specialist car seat. Also benefiting from specialist car seats are Adam Cheshire, from Telford, and Benjamin Pitchford-Emmett, from Southport. ON THE ROAD AGAIN: Abbie There was more good news

ALL SMILES . . . Adam, Eva and Benjamin

for the Ebbrell family in St Helens. Eva, aged two, recently underwent hip surgery, has complex care needs, and is dependent on carers for assistance for all transfers. Her new ‘Squiggle’ chair provides the right level of

www.morganfoundation.co.uk Tel 01829 782800

support and will help her to get more involved in all kinds of fun activities with her friends at her nursery. The Morgan Foundation is working with Newlife to ensure more children with disabilities and terminal illness get the right equipment at the right time.

n A three-year grant from The Morgan Foundation will help Warrington-based Blue Apple charity with the rent of their town centre premises.

The Morgan Foundation

n We are also pleased to be supporting the ADHD Foundation, Liverpool, with three years funding for a Volunteer Co-ordinator.

@Morganfound

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Big rise in disabled fans at music fests MUSIC charity Attitude is Everything has revealed a dramatic rise in the number of deaf and disabled fans attending live music events in the UK. Counting ticketing sales from festivals and venues signed to its Charter of Best Practice, the charity found that almost 114,000 disabled tickets were sold in 2014, compared to 67,000 in 2013 – an increase of 70%. More than 100 festivals and venues have now signed the Charter, from large-scale events and arenas, including Glastonbury, Latitude, Download, Reading/Leeds and The O2 through to the 14 mid-sized venues owned by Academy Music Group and a diverse range of smaller clubs and student union halls. According to Suzanne Bull, founder of Attitude is Everything, the figures offer compelling evidence of how the music industry is waking up to the demand for improved access, and how forwardthinking businesses can reap the benefits. n Tel. 020 7383 7979. n www.attitudeiseverything.org.uk

Best ever line-up

BIGGER, better – and fully accessible for disabled music fans. That’s the awardwinning Chase Park Festival which returns to Gateshead with its strongest ever lineup. Irish rock legends Ash will be on stage along with some of the nation’s finest established and emerging disabled artists. The family-friendly, open-air festival will feature two stages of live music on Saturday, August 8, and will also welcome appearances from London’s chart-topping indie folk foursome Turin Brakes, Sunderland’s Field Musicbacked outfit SLUG, Glasgow’s post-pop assemble Monogram and Newcastle’s soul-singing sensation, Beth Macari. Earlier this year Chase was awarded the gold level of Attitude is Everything’s Charter of Best Practice, one of only three festivals nationwide to receive the accolade. The award recognises the wide range of access facilities and inclusive initiatives that the festival has embraced in welcoming deaf and disabled audiences, artists and volunteers. The only two other festivals to hold the Gold accolades are Glastonbury and Liberty Festival. The Chase festival, organised by North East care specialists Keiro, will also feature a second stage for disabled artists. n www.keirogroup.co.uk/chase-parkfestival-2015

FEATURE

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August/September 2015

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

We hear so many politically correct words to describe disabled people. Now it’s special needs . . . special schools . . . special Olympics. That’s why it always alarms me when I hear about Special Forces going to war …

Go on, Lee . . .

Things you you didn’t didn’t know know Things would would make make you you laugh laugh

OMINA Puma has muscular dystrophy – “one of the mildest types of the disease,” she says.

Born in Germany, Romina moved to Italy aged nine and has lived in the UK for five years. In 2012 she created a mixed Italian and “Having a progressive English comedy lab – disease means that I the London Puma – to have to work out how to introduce Italian deal with changes audiences to stand-up through my life, but I comedy. always find a funny way. Two years ago she also “It is hard to be disabled, especially if THEATRE GUIDE: p29 started to perform in English. you are not disabled Not Disabled Enough; Aug 6-30, enough!” except Aug 18, 12:15pm at The Free Romina takes to the stage at the Sisters, Maggie’s Front Room (part Edinburgh Fringe to talk about of the Laughing Horse Free becoming disabled, relationships, Festival) 139 Cowgate, Edinburgh. sex, wheelchairs and many other Free admission. things you never knew would make n www.facebook.com/romina.puma you laugh.

Be a Friend . . . and support this UNIQUE charity

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August/September 2015

All Together NOW!

Deaf millions are being denied TV

tell us another COMEDY KING: Rising star Lee uses a voice synthesiser on stage

EE RIDLEY can’t talk – but he’s fast becoming a sensation on the UK stand-up comedy circuit.

“I developed cerebral palsy as a baby,” says Lee, 33. “I lost my speech and walked funny.” But he’s always enjoyed making people laugh and stand-up was his dream job. Three years ago some of his friends suggested he should try his luck at club in his hometown of Newcastle – using his speech synthesiser. And he’s never looked back! “The voice is a bit posh for me, but I think that makes it funnier.” Lee – known as Lost Voice Guy – has already taken two of his shows to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. He also beat opposition from nearly 800 other upand-coming comedians to win the 2014 BBC Radio New Comedy Award, which has previously featured finalists such as Alan Carr, Peter Kay, Lee Mack, Russell Howard and Shappi Khorsandi. “It’s especially nice as it was a public vote. It’s very satisfying knowing that that many people think that you are funny!” Wearing a tee-shirt with the message “I was disabled before it was popular”, Lee entertained the audience at the final with gags such as: “I have lived in Newcastle all my life, but for some reason I still haven’t picked up the accent. However, if you are trying to place my accent, it’s from PC World.” Another: “I went to a school that had ‘spastics’ in

newspaper .

its name. They certainly knew how to make us feel good about ourselves.” Lee is was now looking forward to working on various projects with BBC Comedy. He said he would like to think that new technology like his Lightwriter communication aid was helping to break down barriers. “I certainly couldn’t have done this a few years ago. And a few years before that, I would have found it hard to communicate at all. “I just started doing stand-up because it seemed like a laugh, but I have realised since that it has opened people’s minds a bit. “If I can encourage other people with disabilities to follow their dreams then that has to be a good thing. “On the flip side, if I can help take some of the stigma away from being disabled, that’s good too.” Despite his success, he said he still faces the same barriers as many other disabled people, particularly around access. He said: “Some places – especially comedy clubs! – aren’t very accessible, although that is improving. “I also think that many people don’t know how to talk to disabled people yet. They either shout at us or ignore us completely and talk to our friends instead. “I don’t think they do it on purpose, they’re just not educated about that kind of thing. “Hopefully, as time goes by and disability becomes more mainstream, this will change too.”

LEE’S GIGS

Aug 7-30: Edinburgh Festival Fringe (1.15pm, The Stand Comedy Club) Sep 3-5: The Stand Comedy Club, Glasgow Sept 13: Comedy at the Clad, Clarence Arms, Kenilworth Sep 25: Kegworth Oct 3: Blyth, Nottnghamshire Oct 8-10: The Stand Comedy Club, Newcastle Oct 16-17: Frog and Bucket, Manchester Oct 24: Breakfast Comedy, Blue Lamp, Aberdeen Nov 7: Darwen Library Theatre Nov 27: Windmill Village Hotel, Coventry Nov 28: The Glee Club, Hanley www.lostvoiceguy.com

How to help – back page

CAMPAIGNERS are aiming to get a better service for the UK’s 7.5 million deaf TV viewers. National charity Action on Hearing say 80% of On Demand TV services have no subtitles. The charity claims that Video On Demand (VOD) companies are providing very low levels of subtitled content, with independent figures showing that even service leaders like Sky On Demand provide less than 4% of their content with subtitles. The charity’s Subtitle It! campaign is calling on the Government to deliver on its promise to introduce legislation if improvements haven’t been made by 2016. Paul Breckell, chief executive at Action on Hearing Loss, said: “Subtitles, or lack of them, is the biggest issue that we are contacted about by our thousands of members. “New technologies mean people now have a greater choice of programmes to watch, but not if you have a hearing loss. Subtitled content on VOD is woefully low and it’s totally unacceptable that millions of people cannot enjoy the same viewing experience as their hearing peers.” Deaf campaigner Kim Lucas said: “I pay the same subscription fee and all I want is equality so I can enjoy TV content whenever and however I want to watch it.”

Design us ALL in

MAKING websites, mobile phones, apps, software and documents easier for disabled people to use is the subject of a new animated film. The video explains what digital accessibility is, why it is important, and offers 15 tips to help designers improve the accessibility of their technology. Jaime Purvis, a team leader with the Digital Accessibility Centre, and who is blind, said: “Technology is becoming a big part of everyday life for the majority of people and the more people can use that technology the better.” n www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ik_ LHmZx8Y&feature=youtu.be

Irton House Farm

HA P P Y H O LID A WARD 2 AY 012 !

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

www.irtonhousefarm.com 017687 76380

All Together NOW!

YOUNG AT HEART

Why we must help people to quit smoking

ELPING older people with mental health issues stop smoking makes their lives better – not worse.

A link between smoking and poor mental health has long been widely documented. But new research has found quitting does not worsen depression among older people as previously thought. The findings strongly suggest that older smokers, including those with depression, should be actively encouraged and supported to give up, and that others with depression should be given the extra help needed to beat the weed. Giving up will do no harm at all, and there is likely to be an overall consequent improvement in physical health, say the research by Lion Shahab and colleagues from University College London and published in the British Journal of Psychiatry. Dr Shahab said: “Stopping smoking is the single most important step anyone can take to improve their health, whatever their age.”

Divorce time in retirement

NEW pension freedoms have led to an increase in so-called “silver splitter” divorces, according to one of the UK’s leading divorce lawyers. Jane Cowley, partner and divorce expert for law firm Howes Percival, has already seen an increase in such cases this year and points to figures from the Office of National Statistics that show a growing trend for divorce amongst couples around retirement age in recent years. “The new pension freedoms are designed to make it much easier and cheaper for people to withdraw money directly from their pension pots rather than purchasing an annuity. However, they have also prompted unhappy spouses to consider divorce proceedings. “Couples are less likely to simply make do, as perhaps generations previously would have done. Increased financial freedom has led to increased choice.”

August/September 2015

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Life is fragile, handle with care

MONEY MATTERS How just a little effort will bring you savings

LAST week I set my Epson printer to print a 19-page document in black ink. After two pages it stopped and the red light came on to say I needed to change a cartridge. This new computer of mine does not seem to give me the option of checking ink levels or if it does I haven’t found it yet. To my surprise it was the blue ink that had run dry. I needed a multipack and it meant a fiveminute trip to Staples. But first I searched online to find the best price as I know they will match. A couple of sites charged about £30 and then Amazon popped up at £14. I thought it must be a mistake or not a genuine Epson ink. Off I went to Staples to be told that they match retail stores and not online

prices. However, the helpful assistant used his I phone to check Tesco’s prices and lo and behold, they were matching Amazon at £14. What a saving, instead of £35 he charged me £14 so I bought two. The moral is inks are overpriced; do some homework before you buy. Staples advertise that if you find the same item cheaper within 14 days of purchase, they will refund the difference. It may be worth looking into if you have recently shopped there.

now chargeable. There is a connection charge and a usage charge. These are 0870, 0845 numbers etc. My suggestion to get them free again is to visit the website saynoto0870.com. Here you will, most times, be given a landline number. Another trick is to use the overseas number given by companies, particularly banks and credit cards. My credit card gives customer services as 08714100851 which costs a lot of money, but from overseas the number is 00441217125421. So just dial 01217125421 and you get a landline number, free in most packages. Enjoy your summer. Gordon Viner FCA CTA

Made a will? If not, DO IT! T WO-THIRDS of people in North West England risk leaving their families in turmoil when they die or become seriously ill because their affairs are not in order.

Millions could leave their family affairs in tatters and pile extra stress on relatives because they have not made a will or discussed their end of life wishes, research by the Dying Matters Coalition shows. Research repeatedly found a significant portion of the population had no will in place – and it was likely a similar number had not considered lasting power of attorney, said Jane Whitfield, chair of the Law Society’s Wills and Equity Committee. “The consequences of not having a will or having granted power of attorney can be hideous, both in terms of stress on your

YOU will have received an email from your phone provider and seen the newspaper notices to say that, from July, numbers that were probably free in your package, are

relatives and financially,” she said. “It’s a sensitive subject to talk about. But acting now will help relieve a massive amount of stress later. It could be the difference in paying a few hundreds pounds now, or a few thousand in the future.” The Dying Matters Coalition research, by ComRes, found: n 33% of people in the North West say they’ve written a will. n 8% say they’ve written down their wishes or preferences about their future care, should they be unable to make decisions for themselves. n 12% say they’ve asked a family member about their end of life wishes. Andrew Caplen, President of the Law Society, said: “Using a solicitor to write a will can save a lot of heartache, as dying without one can leave your family with a

nightmare, as they struggle to sort out your affairs. “Solicitors are insured, so if something goes wrong, it can be redressed.” Claire Henry, chief executive of the Dying Matters Coalition, said: “We need to change the nation’s approach to dying, so that all of us become better at making our end of life wishes known and asking our loved ones about theirs. “Talking more openly about dying and planning ahead, including through making and registering a lasting power of attorney and by writing a will can help us to get our wishes met and spare our loved ones from dealing with the fallout if we haven’t got our affairs in order.” n The Law Society’s Find a Solicitor service: www.solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk

SENIOR MOMENTS . . . with FRANK HARRIS

Tax queries

A VALUABLE service provides free, professional and independent tax help and advocacy for older people on lower annual incomes. Tax Help for Older People is available to those approaching 60 or older with an annual income of less than £20,000. The service, provided by the UK charity Tax Volunteers, offers caring and friendly advice on personal tax matters by expert advisers, which is jargon-free and individual to each client’s needs. For tax queries that cannot be resolved by phone, Tax Help will arrange a face-toface meeting, or home visit if required, with one of its team of volunteer tax advisers who work cross the North West. n Helpline 0845 601 3321 (local rate) or 01308 488066 or email taxvol@taxvol.org.uk. www.taxvol.org.uk

Claim, claim!

SOME of the very poorest pensioners are missing out on billions of benefits, according to the latest government figures analysed in Age UK’s Chief Economist’s Report. Around £3.7 billion in benefits designed specifically to help low-income pensioners go unclaimed each year. The latest official figures show that around 1.3 million people entitled to Pension Credit, which tops up the income of the poorest pensioners, did not take up this vital benefit in 2013/14. This amounts to £2.86 billion, or an average of around £2,132 per person per year. In addition around 260,000 pensioners missed out on Housing Benefit during the same period, sacrificing £820 million in total or £3,224 each a year. The number of pensioners living in poverty sits at the 1.6 million mark, with around 900,000 of those living in severe poverty.

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

All Together NOW!

August/September 2015

Don’t fall victim to bogus callers!

Beat the bogus caller • LOCK Home or away – keep all doors LOCKED

• STOP

United Utilities is calling on all customers to protect themselves from doorstep criminals. Bogus callers will often call at your door claiming there is an issue with the water and they need to check your taps; they will use this as an opportunity to trick themselves into your home claiming to be from United Utilities or ‘the water board’. Once inside, they will distract you while they or an accomplice help themselves to money and valuables. Genuine United Utilities’ employees always carry an ID card and are happy to show this to you. They will never put pressure on you to enter your home and will be happy for you to phone United Utilities to check their identity. And our employees won’t refer to ‘the water board’ as this hasn’t existed for more than 30 years! Bogus callers can be very persuasive, but our advice is to never feel under pressure to let someone into your home. To help you, we operate a ‘password protection’ scheme. Joining our password scheme is easy. It takes just one call to 0345 672 2888.

Is anyone EXPECTED? Is the back door LOCKED?

• CHAIN Put the CHAIN ON before opening the door

• CHECK Ask for caller’s ID card Check it by PHONING 0345 672 3723 Or ask for your PASSWORD if you are registered for our password scheme (see below for details)

We simply need your details and your choice of password. Then, whenever someone claiming to be from United Utilities calls at your home, you can ask them for your password. Only a genuine visitor from United Utilities will know what it is. It’s a simple deterrent that really does work and will give you the confidence to turn people away from your door. Most gas, electricity and telephone companies will operate a similar scheme – see a recent bill for further details and contact numbers.

Need a little ExtraCare? We offer a range of free services to help customers who: • are older • have a disability • have a serious illness • have sight, hearing or learning difficulties

m usto or c f d an gh

fo r d n ha

customers

wi th

extra needs s with g r e n tom pi ed s cus l e r n e o f h ra nd t A ha ex ng

in lp

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

customers with ext ra ne nd for a h e ds ing extra needs p h t l i w e s h er

he lp i

Our services include: • personal notification of water shut-offs • large print, Braille and talking bills

To find out more call 0345 672 2888. If you have hearing or speech difficulties and use a textphone, please dial 18001 followed by the number you require. 01/15/SD/6561

All Together NOW!

August/September 2015

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Fair play for instructors

Get into gear with these guides

FAIRER rules for those with a disability wanting to become a driving instructor have been introduced.

One of the changes is to scrap the out-dated title ‘disabled driving instructor’. Instead everyone taking on the role will be known as an approved driving instructor (ADI). People with a disability will also no longer have to take an additional test to prove they can handle a vehicle in an emergency situation. The ADI Registrar will, however, be able to make any instructor take the test, known as an Emergency Control Assessment, if they believe that there is a need for one for safety reasons. Other changes mean that people with a disability, whose licence is restricted to driving automatic cars only, will no longer be prevented from giving paid instruction in a manual vehicle where the trainee holds a full licence, for example, post-test driving courses such as Pass Plus. This is not, however, the case for teaching learner drivers and disabled instructors will continue only to be able to instruct in an automatic vehicle to this class of learner. The requirement to declare any disability for anyone applying to become a driving instructor will remain, as is the Registrar’s right to revoke a trainee licence, or remove an ADI from the Register if they believe any of these conditions are not being met.

48-hour climb for Motability TOP OF THE WORLD: The group at the peak of Glyder Fach

FEARLESS group from leading insurer RSA and their suppliers completed a Welsh Peaks Challenge, raising £10,000 for a new assessment vehicle for the Motability charity. All 15 participants took less than 48 hours to scale

Snowdon, Garnedd Ugain, the Glyders and Carnedd Dafydd. Rob Gibbs, Motability Director at RSA, said: “We’re thrilled and relieved to have finished this mentally and physically enduring challenge. We will shortly be celebrating 20 years of partnership with Motability

0800 916 3028

and over that time have worked together to help people retain their independence, fulfil their potential and live their lives to the fullest.”

n Motability Scheme, tel 0300 456 4566 n www.motability.co.uk

www.alliedmobility.com

PEUGEOT PARTNER HORIZON ™

ADVANCE PAYMENT from only

Unique EasyLift™ ramp Easy-clean lowered floor

THREE free updated motoring guides are available from Rica, the charity that gives independent consumer advice for older and disabled people. Wheelchair accessible vehicles Motoring after a brain injury Motoring after a stroke n The guides are available to download from the Rica website at: www.rica.org.uk. You can also get them by post by sending a £1.19 SAE for each guide to: Rica, Unit G03 The Wenlock, 50-52 Wharf Road, London N1 7EU

£1,195 * S model

Full original Peugeot seating throughout* Up to four seats plus wheelchair passenger Easy-use electric winch and parking sensors PLUS CD player, air conditioning and privacy glass. VW CADDY MAXI VISTA > Five seats plus wheelchair passenger > Unique EasyFold™ ramp, folds flat when not in use > Easy-clean lowered floor > Full original Volkswagen seating throughout > Easy-use electric winch > Parking sensors

ADVANCE PAYMENT from only

£3,095

PEUGEOT EXPERT INDEPENDENCE > EasyFold™ ramp > Up to seven seats plus wheelchair passenger > Wide choice of seating layouts > Easy-use electric winch and parking sensors

ADVANCE PAYMENT from only

£2,995

Vehicle hire service also available on all cars

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

ISITORS to Blackpool Zoo saw some unusual ‘guests’ … and came away with lots of inspiration!

Nestled among the elephants, camels and the Amazon experience, were a wide range of mobility cars and humans on hand to offer expert advice, which all helped to make Allied Vehicle’s North West Mobility Event a roaring success. On display were both S and SE models of the UK’s most popular wheelchair accessible vehicle, the Peugeot Horizon™, which proved to be a big attraction. The S model comes with full original Peugeot seating and converts back to a standard car when not in use by a wheelchair user, and the SE creates lots of added room in the back with the option of one or two rear seats. There was also the new Ford Freedom™. Based on the stylish Ford Tourneo Connect, Freedom™ is an exciting new addition to the Allied Mobility range of wheelchair accessible vehicles.

August/September 2015

All Together NOW!

READERS’ LETTERS

Why this FREE newspaper is a ‘must-read’ for EVERYONE

I ENJOY reading your free newspaper and find the items interesting, illuminating and thoughtful. As a result of reading I have made contact with the Liverpool Active Community Enterprise group with a view to somehow getting involved, maybe in the community garden or providing garden maintenance for a few elderly people in south Liverpool. I also like the positive reporting in your paper – so much great stuff goes unreported in the mainstream media that can give a skewed view of this fair city. In my view All Together NOW! should be distributed free to all single occupancy dwellings in the city. Maybe the council can help by locating these people via the council tax register. In short, I applaud your paper and look forward to the next ten years. Congratulations! G.F., North Drive, Wavertree, Liverpool

Manchester readers

EVER since launching, I have been a big fan ofAll Together NOW! But why has it suddenly got so much Liverpool-based health news? We live in Wythenshawe and would like to see more of what’s going on here to help people. We have many friends across Manchester and they feel the same. Come on; please think of your Manchester readers, too. Mrs B Smith, Hollyhedge Road, Wythenshawe

n EDITOR’S REPLY: Being a free charity newspaper we rely heavily on commercial partnerships/sponsorships. Liverpool Community Health Trust and Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group recognise that All Together NOW! is being eagerly picked up in supermarkets and health centres by tens of thousands of people who they want to reach. They have come on board with us, taking several pages within each issue to promote their health news and initiatives. We would love to get other NHS Trusts on board.

We’re not online!

All Together NOW! is a great paper but has one major failing: Why can’t we have phone numbers at the end of articles instead or in addition to website addresses? Not everyone has a computer – especially the people many of the articless are aimed at . . . pensioners. In a recent issue there was a story about ‘Two in Three have no idea help is there’. What about those who know help is there but can’t get it because they are not online? I don’t have a computer and never will. I live alone and all my relatives are deceased. I’m sure there are many other OAPs in the same boat. J Crompton, Ramsbottom, Lancs

n EDITOR’S REPLY: We are very conscious that more than half of pensioners and disabled people are not connected to the Internet. That’s why we are determined to keep the paper alive and kicking. We always try to provide phone numbers but, like you, we are finding it increasingly frustrating that more and more organisations just do not want (or who cannot afford) direct contact with people! Please stick with us – we are on your side.

PIP appeal

August/September 2015

THE transfer from Disability Living Allowance to the Personal Independence Payment is speeding up. The Department for Works and Pensions have published figures up to April of this year. There were 950,700 applications for PIP, of which 136,700 were reassessments. 82,800 of the reassessments were awarded PIP. Of those who failed to qualify for PIP and lost their DLA, 18,100 requested a reconsideration and by April 15,700 had been cleared. In 6,800 cases the decision was changed. The conclusion is clear. Apply for PIP when invited to do so and if your application fails then appeal.

www.alltogethernow.org.uk . . . OPINIONS

Can YOU live on just motivation . . ? ANOTHER Budget and another attack on the living standards of disabled people. The Employment Support Allowance (ESA) is to be abolished which will mean unemployed disabled people will receive only the basic Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) – a reduction of about £30 a week. It will apply to new claimants from 2017 who are placed into the Work Related Activity Group, who have to prepare for work as a condition of receiving the benefit. The Government argue that this will motivate disabled people to obtain work. It has produced no evidence to support this assertion, perhaps because there is none. It takes no account that people receive ESA because of their poor health or disability. It is just another part of the policy of dismantling the Welfare State. The origins of the ESA go back the

MAKING A POINT: Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, right, swapped her wheelchair for a wheelbarrow at the launch of the Wheelchair Charter. Joining her was Dr Jean Waters, left, and Fiona Carey from the Wheelchair Leadership Alliance

campaigns of the 1960s and 1970s when it was shown that unemployed disabled people had higher living costs than unemployed non-disabled people because of disability related expenditure. Although the Government of the day resisted calls for a comprehensive disability costs allowance they did introduce Incapacity Benefit for unemployed disabled people that was in addition to unemployment benefits. Eventually this became ESA and is now to be abolished with nothing to replace it. The ESA is not a reward for being disabled but a contribution towards the extra cost of being disabled. Its abolition will mean disabled people will have to meet those extra costs from their basic JSA. This could mean they lack the resources to look for work – unless they can live on motivation!

SOUNDING OFF

Action not words! E

SIR BERT MASSIE

IGHT hundred years years after King John signed the Magna Carter (or Great Charter) we have the new Wheelchair Charter produced by the NHS Wheelchair Alliance.

It took 18 months to produce but if disabled people hope this Charter will give new rights they will be disappointed. A charter is a written statement of the rights of a specified group of people, according to the Compact Oxford Dictionary. The Wheelchair Charter contains no rights but is instead a list of 10 pledges that users and the various providers of the wheelchair service are invited to sign and support. It states: We pledge our commitment to: n A person centred service that works in partnership with service users and their carers and makes the user/carer voice central to any design, innovation and service change. n Equality of access and provision for all, irrespective of age or postcode and including essential user skills training as standard. n Entry to service via referral from an appropriately skilled professional. The time from referral to delivery will be at least within the constitutional right of 18 weeks with

further substantial improvements by 2016/17 for all people using the service. n Assessments for all wheelchairs and associated postural support within nationally mandated timescales and priorities taking into account all aspects of individual needs including those of carers. n Establishing regular reviews with the user/carer according to their individual needs. n Prescriptions which take into account the current and future needs for all adults and children including those of carers. n Delivery, maintenance and emergency backup provided to nationally mandated timescales. n Innovative and flexible budgeting working with key partners to strengthen integration across health, social care, work and education, enabling the accommodation of individual needs, independence, health and wellbeing. n Recruitment of qualified staff in respect of numbers and skills, with support for ongoing development and training. n Supporting clinicians, manufacturers and independent organisations working together to develop innovative, affordable products and solutions.

The Charter seems to preclude self referral, which is something of an oversight and represents a step backwards. It would be understandable if people thought that it stated no more than the basic level of service that should be provided – but the disabled person has no right to the right wheelchair at the right time. How will we know whether the Charter is working? It contains no way to measure progress. Happily the Community Interest Company, Community Code of Practice Scheme (CECOPS), which I chair, has already produced a guide outlining how the wheelchair service could operate and sets clear targets that should be met. The Charter on its own will not make much difference but linked with a set of firm standards it would result in improved services. In the meantime the NHS should not have to campaign to improve the wheelchair service. It should impose standards that provide an excellent service. The Charter has the value that it has helped create a conversation about the wheelchair service but that is a long way from providing a good service.

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

All Together NOW!

August/September 2015

Robots

Paralysed people standing again

on the

march!

OBOTS are on a special mission: Showing what they can do to help people with autism.

Kaspa – a child-size humanoid robot designed to help teachers and parents support children with autism – will be the star of a new one-day conference at Old Trafford, Manchester. The conference, Autech 2015, explores autism, assistive technologies and sensory issues, and will bring together worldleading experts in robotics,

biometrics and cloud-based technology to explore how people with autism can be better understood, supported and encouraged to live the fullest lives possible. Jane Carolan, operations director at Wirral Autistic Society, the charity organising the event, said: “Today’s portable devices, apps and cloud computing are opening up a new world to the people we support. “Who knows where this innovation may lead us. “Over the next decade we may

even see thought-activated technologies and advanced robots – technologies that we once thought of as science fiction – becoming widely available and affordable. “Assistive technologies can be truly life-changing. “And we feel it is part of our mission as an autism charity to ensure everyone has access this information and is part of the debate about how we want to support people with autism in the future.”

n Autech 2015 takes place on Thursday, October 1, at Old Trafford, Manchester, and is for social care professionals, educators and autism practitioners – as well as the families and carers of those living with autism. n Wirral Autistic Society: 0151 334 7510. n To book places, visit www.autech2015.co.uk www.autistic.org

TRIALS have started to get paralysed people standing and walking using revolutionary robot technology. A 37 year-old man with a spinal cord injury at level T3 (chest), was standing in less than four minutes and completed a prescribed set of exercises. Rex Bionics Plc, the pioneer of the REX Robot technology that enhances the mobility of wheelchair users, successfully treated the man in its RAPPER II (“RobotAssisted Physiotherapy Exercises with REX”) clinical trial. Wheelchair users are at risk of developing numerous medical complications from extended periods of sitting. By enabling them to spend more time standing, walking and exercising, REX may offer significant health benefits. PhysioFunction, the first trial site, near Northampton, will be able to treat volunteers, free-of-charge, from all over the UK as well as from overseas, provided they meet the trial inclusion criteria. n Wheelchair users who would like to be considered for the trial should contact rex@physiofunction.co.uk

HAVING A BALL!

INDEPENDENT LIVING All Together NOW!

August/September 2015

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Fun, sun, and info galore, DAD’s Army does it again

NE of the best yet – that’s what the founder of the North West’s annual disability awareness day had to say about this year’s spectacular event. Dave Thompson, chief executive of the Warrington’s Disability Partnership, said: “Without doubt it’s been one of the best DADs I can remember. “I’d like to thank all our sponsors and supporters – especially our principal sponsor, Your Housing Group. They can all take pride in knowing that thanks to them, disabled people left our showground feeling empowered, better informed and thoroughly entertained.

“Special thanks to my son, Gavin, our head steward for this year, who together with his new deputies, John Munslow and Dave Williams, put in almost 100 hours’ work over ‘DAD Week’, leading DAD’s Army of volunteers. “Among my personal highlights were ‘Frogtastic’ – our party night for people with learning disabilities – and our Mega BBQ, Quiz and Charity Auction, which raised £4,896. “This was topped up to £5,000 by Warrington Worldwide and MBS Site Supplies, and then doubled to £10,000 by Barclays Access! “It’s that kind of incredible generosity which will fund extraspecial plans for our 25th anniversary show next year!” More than 20,000 visitors turned up at Walton Hall Gardens’ tented village, housing 250 exhibitors,and enjoyed an inclusive mix of arts performers and sports activities, as well as picking up information about a wide range of support. Other highlights included a wheelchair basketball tournament between the Your Housing Groupsponsored Cheshire Phoenix team and Warrington Disability Partnership, won by the charity.

ON THE BALL: Dave Thompson, founder of WDP, and Kathy Cowell, chair of Your Housing Group

Instant translations

EW software that can instantly translate speech across 25 languages will also revolutionise life for disabled people, say its makers.

Paralympian hopeful and world youth 100m and 200m champion Shaun Burrows received a sponsorship cheque totalling £1,500 from Your Housing Group chair Kathy Cowell. Over in the arts marquee, Ella Performance Group stole the show with excerpts from Oliver The Musical, which will be showcased for one night only at Pyramid & Parr Hall on Sunday 13 September. The prize for Best Voluntary Sector Stand was awarded to Rachel’s Journey, and the Best Business Stand was independently judged to be WDP’s trading arm, the Disability Trading Company.

n Disability Awareness Day 2016 will take place on Sunday, July 10. Tel. 01925 240064, www.disabilitypartnership.org.uk

“We invite the entire world to test Translate Your World for free,” says Sue Reager, the company’s CEO, who speaks 10 languages. “Translate Your World is not a replacement for an old way to communicate, it is a brand new way to bring the world together to share ideas, especially including people with whom it may have been difficult or impossible to converse in the past. “Just go to a web page and talk. The words of each speaker are instantly translated into the other language to appear as subtitles or be heard as a synthesised computer voice.” n Try it for free at: http://www.TranslateYourWorld.com

Looking for a cooker?

A NEW cooker guide gets to the heart of what makes some appliances easier than others. Designed to help blind and partially-sighted people, Choosing Cookers, Ovens, Hobs and Microwaves is available at www.pocklington-trust.org.uk and www.rica.org.uk n For a printed copy send a large (A4) self addressed

envelope with £1.17 in stamps to: Rica, Unit G03, The Wenlock, 50-52 Wharf Road, London N1 7EU. It is also available as an audio CD and in Braille on request from Thomas Pocklington Trust by emailing research@pocklingtontrust.org.uk or ring 020 8090 9268.

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Bionic hand for women

NEW bionic hand – using Formula 1 racing technology – is set to open up all sorts of new opportunities for women and teenage amputees across the world.

Nicky Ashwell, 29, was born without a right hand and until recently used a cosmetic prosthesis that was unable to move. Now, thanks to the new “bebionic small hand” developed by Steeper, Nicky is doing things previously impossible such as riding a bike, gripping weights with both hands, and using cutlery. Nicky, a product manager at an online fashion forecasting and trend service, said: “When I first tried the bebionic small hand it was an exciting and strange feeling. “It immediately opened up so many more possibilities for me.

The movements now come easily and look natural. I keep finding myself being surprised by the little things, like being able to carry my purse while holding my boyfriend’s hand. “I’ve also been able to do things never before possible like riding a bike and lifting weights.” Steeper say their new hand marks a turning point for prosthetics as it perfectly mimics the functions of a real hand via 14 different precision grips. The hand works using sensors triggered by the user’s muscle movements that connect to individual motors in each finger and powerful microprocessors. Development follows seven years of research and manufacturing, including the use of Formula 1 techniques and military technology along with advanced materials such as aerograde aluminium and rare earth magnets. n www.steepergroup.com

INDEPENDENT LIVING August/September 2015

Stand-up mobility scooter

OCTORS are repeatedly telling us that sitting for long periods of time is bad for our health and can aggravate other medical conditions.

But for people with reduced mobility, who require assistance with getting out and about, there have been very few alternatives to mobility scooters or wheelchairs . . . until now. The RollerScoot is the world’s first upright personal mobility vehicle with a 360 degree turning circle that enables you to remain standing. Think of it as a cross between a powered mobility scooter and a wheelchair, but with the additional advantage of being able to stand, therefore boosting independence and wellbeing. Invented by Ian Gray, director of RollerScoot Ltd who qualified as a chartered physiotherapist in 1990, the RollerScoot combines his medical expertise with 20 years’ experience in mobility equipment. “For many years, the only options for people in need of mobility assistance have been walking aids such as sticks and crutches, the rollator, manual/powered wheelchairs and the mobility scooter. The time was right to bring something genuinely innovative and life-changing to people’s lives,” commented Ian. Backed up by university research which focuses on the benefits of standing more

and sitting less, Ian is hugely enthusiastic about the extent to which the RollerScoot can make life easier for many people, while helping to promote a healthier lifestyle. What makes the RollerScoot so special? In short, a more interactive upright position for the user, combined with its lightweight design, manoeuvrability and ease of use. There is even a built-in seat should the user wish to take a rest. Thanks to its compact size and small turning circle, the RollerScoot can be used in areas where scooters and wheelchairs are often prohibited. A joystick controls the speed and direction, and the RollerScoot’s twin motors are powered by the latest lithiumion battery pack and capable of travelling up to 12 miles at a top speed of 4mph. The maximum user weight capacity is 114kg (18 stone). Ian says the RollerScoot is perfect for trips around supermarkets, garden centres and shopping malls as well as in the home. A lightweight aluminium frame means it dismantles easily into three parts – fitting into a small car boot as well as being suitable for taking on public transport.

n The RollerScoot costs £1,600 and is exempt from VAT. It’s available at DTC, Lifehouse, Liverpool. tel 0151 709 0121 or at Golden Square Shopping Centre, Warrington, tel 01925 416624

All Together NOW!

SHOPMOBILITY

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

August/September 2015

THE EIGHT lucky winners of our recent gardening competition are: Mr A Sproston, Parthenon Drive, Norris Green, Liverpool Mrs K Quigley, Curzon Road, Ashtonunder-Lyne Mrs A E Ellison, Boaler Street, Liverpool Mrs C A Roberts, Cuper Crescent, Huyton, Merseyside

Mr G Finding, North Drive , Wavertree, Liverpool Mr T Whitham, Ward Street, St Helens Ms G Parr, Belmont Ave, Billinge, Wigan Mrs B Rudge, The Greenway, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands All will receive a superb copy of the latest RHS Encyclopedia of Herbs, by Deni Brown, published by Dorling Kindersley

Can YOU help . . ?

HRIS Holt, founder and co-ordinator at Warrington’s John Holt Cancer Support Foundation, raised almost £1,000 from her ‘Five Hospital Challenge’.

Starting at Warrington hospital, Chris’s went by mobility scooter, wheelchair and on foot to Liverpool Women’s hospital, via Whiston, Broadgreen and Liverpool Royal. Chris’s charity is doing a grand job, but they could do with a bit of help with fundraising. Chris said: “Could you organize a coffee morning and raise funds for us? Or if you run a pub or club could you adopt The John Holt Cancer Support Foundation and hold fundraising events on our behalf?” n Contact Chris on 01925 240 054

HELP AT THE END OF A PHONE

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

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

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

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

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

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

CARERS’ CENTRES

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

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

All Together NOW!

August/September 2015

COOL IT! What to do if you linger too long in the sun

Dr Anjali’s top tips

ALLING all sun worshippers – don’t overdo things. That’s the message from consultant dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto from the British Skin Foundation.

Sarah’s golden moment

But if you do get burned, here are Dr Mahto’s valuable tips for reducing pain and limiting further damage: Act quickly – Cover up the affected areas and stay in the shade until your sunburn has healed. Wear loose cotton clothing that allows your skin to “breathe” over the sunburnt areas. Take pain relief – Analgesia or painkillers can help relieve the pain and reduce inflammation caused by sunburn. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen are ideal. Paracetamol will help with pain but has little effect on inflammation. Cool the skin – Apply a cool compress to the skin e.g. a towel dampened with cool water for 15 minutes, or take a cool bath or shower. Aim to keep the temperature just below lukewarm. If blisters are starting to

develop, a bath is preferable. Do not rub your skin with a towel, but gently pat it dry when you get out. Moisturise – After a bath or shower, use an unperfumed cream or lotion to soothe the skin. Repeated applications of this are necessary to reduce the appearance of peeling and this may need to be continued for several weeks. Aloe vera or gels and lotions containing soy can be beneficial in soothing the skin. But be wary of using creams or lotions that contain petroleum, benzocaine, or lidocaine. Stay hydrated – Sunburn can encourage fluid loss through the skin. Drinking plenty of water will prevent dehydration and help your body recover. Alcohol should be avoided. Use mild steroid cream – Using a weak steroid cream such as 0.5-1% hydrocortisone for 48 hours may decrease pain and swelling caused by sunburn and speed up the healing process. This is best avoided in small children. Leave blisters alone – They will settle by themselves after a few days.

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But 11-times gold medal winner Dame Sarah Storey was happy to break off from her Paralympic regime to launch a machine that will save many women’s lives. Dame Sarah was at

Liverpool’s Broadgreen Hospital to celebrate the state-of-the-art HologicSelenia Dimensions Mammography equipment – a vital new tool in the battle against breast cancer. The equipment was installed at Liverpool’s Broadgreen Hospital after charity Boot Out Breast Cancer raised around £130,000.

Charity patron Dame Sarah, a champion in cycling and swimming, said: “I am very proud of the work of Boot Out Breast Cancer. It is so fantastic to know that the equipment we are presenting today will make such a difference.” Fundraising activities included a glamorous Vegas-themed ball, which alone raised over £96,000.

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All Together NOW!

August/September 2015

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

in association with Healthy Liverpool

Starting a conversation about your health

Our five-year mission . . . DR NADIM FAZLANI

HEALTHY LIVERPOOL aims to ensure that by 2020 everyone in the city will be enjoying longer, healthier lives. Health and city council chiefs are determined to create a future in which everyone receives consistent, highquality healthcare, wherever they live in the city; with care delivered in the home, in communities, and in excellent hospitals. Dr Nadim Fazlani, chair NHS Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group, says: “I have been a practising GP for 25 years in Kensington, Liverpool and have seen first-hand the health challenges which the city faces. “Health and care services in Liverpool are good but there is much more still to be done. “We need to improve primary care, provide more support for people to manage their own care, invest more in illness prevention, provide more services in our communities and ensure we have the best hospital services in the country. “Some families and communities have become almost accustomed to ill health and that their expectations are low. We must find ways to raise expectations so that Liverpool people are ambitious for their own health and for that of their families. “The Healthy Liverpool programme is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform health and social care in Liverpool for the better. We want the people of Liverpool to play their part.”

NHS Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) has been looking at how patients can play a more active role in decisions about their health and care. Over the past few months patients and clinicians have been airing their views on how a joint approach might lead to better health outcomes. Clinicians have expert knowledge on treatment options – and patients know what is important to them, and their own goals. Dr Maurice Smith, Local GP and Governing Body Member at NHS Liverpool CCG, said: “Having worked as a GP for 25 years, patients often tell me that they want to be more involved in key decisions about their health. “We know that those patients that do get more involved have a better experience.” The idea of patients being more involved with decisions about their care and treatment is a change in the relationship patients traditionally have with their clinician. It is one of the approaches being proposed

as part of the Healthy Liverpool programme, which advocates a more personalised approach to care. However, some consultations, due to their nature, are not suitable for a shared decision making approach. For example, in the case of acute tonsillitis the treatment option is obvious and restricted. For others however, such as osteoarthritis and other long-term conditions, it might be more appropriate. Dr Smith adds: “It’s very important that we get the approach right and understand what matters most to patients when they go to see their GP. “At the heart of this new approach is understanding how doctors can best support patients to manage their health and empower them to make the right decisions for them. “We know from conversations we have had with GPs, practice nurses and patients, that involving patients in decisions about their health and wellbeing is variable and can be tricky.”

DR MAURICE SMITH

Cash bonanza for groups’ healthy ideas

THE second round of community grants aimed at getting the city healthier has been launched by Liverpool NHS Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group. Last year £3 million was handed to 64 local community and voluntary organisations to work with local people to improve health. To kick start this year’s application process, the CCG

hosted four information sessions for anyone interested in applying for a grant, which are open to small community organisations based in Merseyside. Small grants up to £10,000 are available, as well as larger grants of up to £70,000 over two years. Dr Nadim Fazlani, GP and chair of NHS Liverpool CCG, said: “We have ambitious

plans to transform the health of people in Liverpool as part of the Healthy Liverpool programme and working with local community organisations is an important part of Healthy Liverpool.” Maureen Williams, deputy chair of NHS CCG, added: “We are currently working with 64 really diverse organisations that were successful in the first year of

the funding. “We have been heartened by both the partnerships developed and the progress so far, and are delighted to be able to invite new proposals in 2015 that enable community groups to take action to improve health in ways they know will work for them - the communities that we serve.” n Key eligibility criteria at www.liverpoolccg.nhs.uk

DIABETES BOOST

EOPLE with diabetes in Liverpool are benefiting from improved access to medical care and advice following a £2.3m investment in services.

The city’s new approach to diabetes care moves the focus from hospital-based care to communitybased clinics that will promote good self-management, integrated delivery and education. Diabetes is one of the biggest challenges facing the NHS. Estimates suggest that more than 39,000 people in Liverpool – that’s 8.3% of the population – may develop the condition by 2030 unless more support is provided to help people take better care of their health and wellbeing. The new service has been designed to tackle this challenge head-on, with a shared vision to improve outcomes for people living with diabetes. It forms part of the Healthy Liverpool programme, which aims to transform healthcare in the city so that everyone receives “consistent, high-quality healthcare” that will lead to “longer, healthier lives” by 2020.

For further information visit ...

Dr Janet Bliss, GP and Governing Body Member of Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group, said:

“Our new service gives patients and their families the ability to access the care and advice they need to manage their diabetes in one place closer to home. “The partnership encapsulates what Healthy Liverpool is all about, which is providing healthcare that is person-centred, supporting people to stay well and offering patients the very best care.” As part of the service there are six communitybased clinics at locations throughout Liverpool including Garston, Speke, Kensington, Yewtree Centre, Townsend Lane, Breeze Hill and Princes Park Health Centre. All these clinics provide specialist support to patients to help them manage their diabetes. Patients are given resource packs and a care plan tailored to their health needs. They are also being offered the opportunity to attend diabetes education sessions that provide advice on how best to manage their condition.

DR JANET BLISS

www.healthyliverpool.nhs.uk

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

August/September 2015

in association with Healthy Liverpool

All Together NOW!

My My message message to to all all older older women women .. .. ..

IGBURTH mum of three, Brenda Collins, 74, knows only too well how important it is to be alert to the signs and symptoms of breast cancer: “It’s eight years since I was diagnosed with breast cancer,” she said. “In hindsight, I’d had a bit of tenderness in my right breast, but thought nothing of it. It was only when I received an invitation to attend a screening appointment that I mentioned it to the nurse. “A couple of days later, I was surprised when I received another letter inviting me to be tested again. “This time I was told by the consultant that I had breast cancer. “It didn’t hit me straight away, but when I got home, I broke down and cried my eyes out. You think the worst. “The staff that treated me couldn’t have been better. I had a lump removed very quickly. This was followed by radium treatment and tablets for five years. “Touch wood, I didn’t have to have my breast removed and I’ve been fine ever since. “My advice is don’t ignore any changes to your breasts – just go and see your GP.”

Got something to say on health in Liverpool . . ?

WE ARE determined make Liverpool a healthy place to live – and we want YOUR views on the future of health and health services in the city. If you are connected to the Internet visit our new web platform at www.liverpoolccg.nhs.uk and click on ‘what do you think?’ If you are not online, call us on

0151 295 8607

STAY ABREAST! n If you’re over 70, you can ask for a free screening every three years. Just get in touch with your local breast screening unit to make an appointment. n For further information about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, please visit: nhs.uk/breastcancer70 BARBARA COLLINS: “Don’t ignore any changes to your breasts”

OMEN aged 70 and over in Liverpool are being urged to be aware of the symptoms of breast cancer, as part of a new national ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign.

With 1 in 3 women diagnosed with breast cancer aged 70 and over, older ladies are being advised to get any signs and symptoms checked out early with their GP. Liverpool GP and cancer expert Dr Steve Connolly said: “A lump isn’t the only sign of breast cancer. “All ladies should check themselves regularly for any signs or symptoms, but it’s particularly important for older women. “If you notice any changes, please tell your doctor.” Possible signs of breast cancer include: n A lump or thickening in your breast or armpit. n Changes to the skin of your breast. n Changes in the shape or size of your breast. n Nipple changes or discharge.

n Pain in your breast. n Any unusual or persistent changes to your breasts. But, please, don’t panic – the chances are it isn’t breast cancer, but it’s best to get any symptoms checked out with your GP. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in England with around 41,200 women diagnosed each year. Unfortunately, the older you are, the more likely you are to get it. However, early detection makes breast cancer more treatable and your chances of survival are much better. Director of Public Health at Liverpool City Council, Dr Sandra Davies, said: “Research shows that survival rates in older women tend to be lower and this is because they are more likely to delay visiting their GP or not get their symptoms checked.

“If you notice any changes to your breasts, please don’t ignore them.”

DR STEVE CONNOLLY

. . . or you can put pen to paper and drop us a line at:

FREEPOST NHS Liverpool CCG

n NHS Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is made up of all 93 GP Practices in Liverpool. n Our job is to plan and arrange local health care, including hospital and community-based services. n The CCG is leading the Healthy Liverpool programme, which aims to transform health in the city by creating a system that: n Works around each individual’s needs. n Supports people to stay well. n Provides the very best in care, now and for the future.

Volunteers wanted

ARE YOU looking to volunteer or get active in your local community? NHS Liverpool CCG, supported by the city’s Volunteer Centre, has launched a programme to give local people the opportunity to get involved in how healthcare services are planned and delivered. If you’re someone with an interest in local healthcare services and you have some time or skills to share, Liverpool CCG would love to hear from you. From one-off and short-term volunteering roles, to ongoing involvement with a particular area, there is something for everyone, including helping out at events, sitting on project groups, and sharing health messages in your community. n Please email involvement@liverpoolccg.nhs.uk or call us on 0151 296 8607.

e-mail: healthy.liverpool@liverpoolccg.nhs.uk. Follow us on Twitter at: @healthylvpool

All Together NOW!

August/September 2015

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

MEDICAL NOTES

Scandal of ill-health among deaf people

VISITING a GP or hospital remains as much of a challenge now for many deaf people as it did 20 years ago. Deaf people’s health is poorer than the general population and they are more at risk of preventable ill-health. They are twice as likely to have high blood pressure, four times more likely to develop diabetes and generally have reduced life expectancy, an investigation found. A new report is now calling for urgent action to eliminate these disadvantages. Andrew Boff, deputy chair of the The London Assembly Health Committee, who led the investigation, said: “It’s shocking that deaf people are more likely to suffer ill health than the hearing population, just because it’s more difficult for them to access the health service. “This is entirely avoidable and needs to be addressed. Deaf people have waited long enough.”

MS sunshine link

NEARLY half of all multiple sclerosis insurance claims last year were from people aged between 18 and 40 – up 39% on 2013. The average age of all MS claimants in 2014 was 42, with 65.7% of all MS claims coming from women, figures from Legal & General show. More than 100,000 people in the UK suffer with MS, which affects nerves in the brain and spinal cord, causing a wide range of symptoms including problems with muscle movement. According to the MS Society 25% of people with MS are misdiagnosed, instead being told that they are experiencing a trapped nerve. The MS Society also says that the prevalence of MS is higher in countries further away from the equator, which might suggest that levels of Vitamin D could have an impact on the disease.

Arthritis ‘mistake’

AN opportunity has been missed to extend the use of special drugs that could help people with moderate forms of rheumatoid arthrits, charities say. The Government’s health advisors, NICE, recommended in June that the drugs – biologic DMARDS – remain available only to those most severely affected by the disease. Biologics are a new generation of medicines offering improved ways to treat RA by targeting particular chemicals or cells involved in the body’s immune system. Ailsa Bosworth, chief executive of The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, said: “Our helpline hears just how bad it can be for people in the moderate to severe category unable to access biologic therapy. “So now we know this is as costeffective as treating severe disease there can be no excuse to keep the restriction. There are approximately 690,000 people in the UK living with RA.

Paul’s got brain injury on the run MEMORY JOGGER: Paul’s focus on fitness has aided his recovery

AVING suffered a life-threatening brain injury when the victim of a violent, unprovoked attack, Paul Spence faced a battle to survive.

A brain haemorrhage, caused when he fell back and hit his head on a ceramic floor, left his life hanging in the balance. He spent the next five days in and out of consciousness and repeatedly suffered seizures on a high dependency ward in hospital. Doctors said he was lucky to be alive, but Paul’s fighting spirit played its part. Just a month later, Paul returned home to his loved ones. His life though, was far from returning to normal, and it was only then that he, and those close to him, started to realise that a much bigger battle had only just begun. “Nothing could prepare me or my family for the battle of brain recovery,” said Paul, now 35. “I was home, but it was a real struggle and I had to be cared for by family and friends. “I faced a two-year road to recovery, but was told I would never be the same again. “There would be lasting brain damage, but to what extent they didn’t know. That was hugely difficult accept or understand, and part of my identity was lost that day. I didn’t know who I was, or who I would be. “I have thankfully come a long way since, but it’s a long, hard road to walk. Every aspect of your life is blown to pieces. “The best way to describe it is to imagine a jigsaw puzzle that is your life, then imagine it all going up into the air and you having to

From near death to marathon feat

rebuild it. That’s what it has been like for me, and that’s why I am working hard to support others who find their lives blown apart.” Paul admits there was a time when he could have given up hope of life returning to any kind of normality, and says it was the positivity of running and fitness, which pulled him through. “I can remember four or five months after my injury sitting at home in a daze and thinking that I had to do something positive,” he said. “I knew I was stuck in a bit of a hole and I had to do something, so I did three squats, three press-ups and three sit-ups. I can remember it feeling good, and I felt happy that I’d had the thought process to do it. It was a big step forward, and I did that every day for the next few weeks. It was a positive moment for me.” From that point, Paul placed his focus on fitness and healthy living. He joined a local gym, and with the help of a personal trainer, gradually became stronger. He began by running around the block near his home, before going an extra mile each week over a 26-week period from last October to complete his first full marathon on Easter Sunday, three years after the attack on him, which he admits “shattered” him.

“Running and fitness saved my life, I am sure of it,” he said. Three years after his injury, Paul is now fighting fit and proving an inspiration to others who find themselves in similar situations with brain injuries. He has recently established his own charity, Paul – My Brain Recovery – and already helped many in the UK and abroad, by charting a timeline of his recovery, and the difficulties he and his family faced, on his website. It comes on the back of fundraising efforts, which have helped him raise £30,000 for the Neurology Ward at Hull Royal Infirmary. Paul’s long term goal, however, is to open a walk-in centre for people with brain injuries in his home city of Hull, somewhere which will provide support he felt was badly lacking. And it was this goal that provided the motivation behind his latest and biggest fundraising challenge yet – running four marathons over four consecutive days around the coastline of Ibiza. “I wanted people who find themselves in a similar situation to me to be able to look at what I have done and where I am now and feel there is light at the end of the tunnel. You can get better, but you have to stay positive.” Paul’s Ibiza challenge was supported by a number of local businesses, including personal injury specialists Neil Hudgell Solicitors, who covered the cost of his support vehicle. n Find out more about Paul’s charity work at www.paulmybrainrecovery.co.uk

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Don’t fall for these ‘traps’ at home

LIVERPOOL’s district nurses have come up with a quick and easy guide to reduce the number of falls by older people in their own homes. Falls represent over half of all hospital admissions for accidental injury, and can cause serious injury at any time of life. Every year, a third of all people aged 65 or over suffer a fall and the risk increases with age. Kim Reid, a district nurse in Liverpool Community Health Trust, said: “Falls are one of the most common accidents in the home. “Not only can they lead to serious injury, but also to a loss of confidence and independence. “We want to make sure that patients are given all the help and support they need to be safe at home. “Simple steps like clearing hallways of clutter and wearing wellfitting, supportive footwear can ensure that the home remains a safe, accessible environment for those most vulnerable to slips, trips and falls.” Top tips include: n Mop up any spillages immediately. n Remove any clutter, trailing wires or frayed carpet. n Wear well-fitting shoes that are in good condition and support the ankle. n Look after your feet by trimming your toenails regularly and visiting the GP or chiropodist. n Avoid loose-fitting, trailing clothes that could trip you up. n Organise your home so that stretching, bending and climbing are kept to a minimum. n If there is something you may struggle to do safely on your own, ask a relative or neighbour for assistance.

All Together NOW!

August/September 2015

longer healthier lives

The gateway back to life

SPECIALIST support centre to help people recovering from strokes has opened in Liverpool.

There is also a ‘falls clinic’ and support for people who have had hip replacements and are recovering from broken limbs. The investment in Venmore is part of the council’s £6 million ‘Transformation’ plan for services which has seen a number of Health and Wellbeing ‘hubs’ created to provide help and support for people with a range of conditions including dementia, physical and learning disabilities and sensory impairment.

SIGN UP! Venmore Reablement Centre in Anfield offers intensive help and support to get people back on their feet so they can return home. The building features a gym with steps and walking bars for people to do strengthening exercises, along with a specially equipped kitchen and bathroom.

HEN it comes to getting the right wheelchair at the right time, Liverpool’s Wheelchair Service leads the way.

Last year, LWC launched its Wheelchair in a Day programme for children, providing them with assessments and a chair all on the same day! The adults’ programme opened for business in May. But it’s a completely different story for thousands of other people across the country who need a wheelchair. Many have to wait months, in some case almost a year, for appointments. To try and improve things, the NHS have launched a new National Wheelchair Charter – and want as many people as possible to support it. The Charter, which is part of the National Right Chair Right Time Right Now Campaign, encourages

Wheelchair Charter calls for new standards

MPs, Clinical Commissioning Groups, and the general public to pledge their support to the campaign, and to take positive action to help bring about improvements to local wheelchair services.

n You can pledge your support to the Wheelchair Charter and campaign online at: PICTURED: Christine McGhee, manager of n www.rightwheelchair.org.uk Liverpool Wheelchair Service, with All n Liverpool Wheelchair Together NOW! editor Tom Dowling and Service, tel 0151 296 7770

Now ear this about cotton buds . . .

COMMUNITY nurses in Liverpool and Sefton are encouraging people to pin their lugholes back for advice on earwax.

NHS treatment rooms, run by nurses from Liverpool Community Health NHS Trust at 18 different locations, see more than 1,000 patients every month with problems caused by impacted earwax. To reduce the risk of developing problems, community nurses are advising people to avoid the temptation to put objects into their ears, such as cotton buds, matchsticks and hairpins. Libby Horridge, a nurse leader at LCH, said: “Despite what many people think, you should never try to remove earwax with cotton buds. “As well as possibly damaging the ear canal or eardrum, sticking things in your ears can cause earwax to become lodged in the ear canal. “In most cases, earwax falls out on its own, so there’s no need to remove it. However, if it’s blocking the ear canal and causing pain or hearing loss, a few drops of plain olive oil used can be used. “In cases where the problem refuses to go away, people should speak to their GP who may decide to arrange an appointment for them to have their ears syringed.”

Everyone a winner at annual awards night

Tanvi Vyas (Wheelchair Alliance)

ELEBRATION time for the team behind Liverpool’s Adult Wheelchiar in a Day programme.

The team scooped the Award for Creativity and Integration at Liverpool Community Health’s sixth annual prize-giving bash at St George’s Hall.

Roll of honour

Award for Care – Community Intermediate Care and Urgent Care Sefton Award for Community – Anticoagulation Service Award for Courage – Sue McCormick, Specialist Health Visitor Award for Collaboration & Integration – Meningitis C Immunisation Team Award for Commitment – Andrew Bell, Senior Management Accountant Learner of the Year – Tracy Kewish, Organisational

Development Manager Award for Creativity and Innovation – Adult Wheelchair in a Day Project Team Employee of the Year – Angela Fox, Team Leader & Christine Beltran, Physiotherapist (Joint winners) Leader of the Year – Ian senior, Mobilisation Manager, Siobhan Galloway & Margaret Alderman, Clinical Leads, Community Physiotherapy Service (Joint winners)

LEFT, Christine McGhee receives the award from Professor Matt Wilson, nonexecutive director of LCH, and watched by Rebecca Denson, Joanne O’Neil, and James Brown. RIGHT, Community Care Sefton team

Chair’s Award for Health and Wellbeing – Treatment Rooms Service Volunteer of the Year – Gary Thomas, Liveability Service Volunteer Award for Equality and Diversity – Sylwia Parr, Health Link Worker Award for Quality – Specialist Palliative Care Team Team of the Year – Rehab at Home

RIGHT, the Anticoagulation Service team

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

All Together NOW!

August/September 2015

Appointment reminders Beatrice Fraenkel chair, Mersey Care NHS

HE Attitudes to Mental Illness report reveals a record number of people in England now say they would be willing to live, work and have a relationship with someone who has experience of a mental health problem.

Public attitudes to mental health are changing with a 6% overall improvement in the past three years and considerable leaps since this national survey was first conducted 20 years ago. This is encouraging news for frontline organisations like Mersey Care. It is well evidenced that early intervention can provide effective treatment and reduce the chances of more severe problems – but barriers such as stigma, lack of education or understanding have traditionally prevented people accessing mental health services at an early stage. The latest report shows numbers of people acknowledging they know someone close with a mental illness increased from 58% in 2009 to 65% in 2014, perhaps due to greater levels of openness about mental health. Encouragingly, over two thirds (68%) of respondents said they know what advice to give a friend to get professional help for their mental health problem. This is manna from heaven for me that collective campaigns and efforts are making an impact. But we must not be complacent as a separate study collated by the University of Manchester shows alarming trends in suicides among men. Suicides among men who had come into contact with mental health crisis resolution and home treatment services is up by 29% since 2006 – and the increase among men aged 45 to 54 was much bigger. It is a complex issue and should be taken in the context that over two-thirds of people who take their own life have not been recently in contact with mental health services. That does not diminish the fact that suicide is a needless loss of life with a devastating impact on all those affected by it. The Mersey Care Board has taken this further and asked for an appropriate biography of anyone in future in our care who takes their own life to be sent to the board so that we always remember it’s a person and not a statistic we are dealing with. I would urge everyone to talk more openly and in a less stigmatising way about suicide and its prevention. Mersey Care is being much more proactive too, supporting an approach we call “perfect care.” We are heavily committed to World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10 and have organised an awareness-raising walk around Aintree Racecourse with our Big Brew antistigma campaign the following month. Join us at this free family event and let’s talk the talk and walk the walk... n Open from noon for a 5k walk starting at 1pm, Sunday October 4, admission free, Aintree Racecourse, Ormskirk Road, Liverpool, L9 5AS.

BLIND, deaf and disabled people can look forward to getting appointment reminders and test results in an accessible format. From next summer, NHS England’s Accessible Information Standard aims to provide people who have a sensory loss, a disability or an impairment with information that they can easily read or understand. People will get NHS information in large print, Braille or via a British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter. Lesley-Anne Alexander, head of the Royal National Institute for Blind People, said: “This is a massive step forward for blind and partially sighted people. “We have campaigned for accessible health information for many years, joining forces with blind and partially sighted people across

the country to get the NHS to make this right a reality. “The new standard is far reaching and applies to all organisations that provide NHS or adult social care, including GPs, hospitals, pharmacies and local authority social services. “Blind and partially sighted people can now look forward to getting letters, test results and appointment reminders in an accessible format, by right and without a fight, enabling the same levels of independence and privacy expected by everyone else. “We urge all NHS organisations and local authorities to implement the new standard without delay.”

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Bedroom threat

YOU could be sharing your bed with thousands of dust mites, a new survey shows. Poor bedroom hygiene is putting millions of us at high risk of the tiny menaces and despite the risk of allergic reactions to mites, the research found: n 59% of Britons fail to wash bedding once a week to reduce dust mites, and two-thirds of the nation (77%) wash bedding below the recommended 60 degrees. n One in four admitted they never vacuum their mattresses, where dust mites like to reside. A further 12% stated they had never turned theirs over. n Overall, 29% of Brits suffer from dust mite allergies, with allergies more common among women than men. Jonathan Warren, from online bed retailer Time4Sleep, who conducted the survey, said: “We were shocked to see how many people are placing their homes at risk. “Regular vacuuming and turning of your mattress can reduce your risk, plus keeping non-essential fabrics like throws and cushions down to a minimum, as these can be home to thousands of dust mites.”

Super specs n RNIB Helpline 0303 123 9999 n www.rnib.org.uk n www.england.nhs.uk/ accessibleinfo

For children like Henry, bifocals make the world of difference...

BOY of 12 is showing how bifocal glasses can transform the world for children with Down’s Syndrome.

New lenses have made an “amazing” difference to Henry’s life. And mum Caroline says she is thrilled by the resulting progress in his reading, writing and everyday skills. Children’s vision expert Dr Margaret Woodhouse, whose tests provided the prescription for Henry’s glasses, now aims to find out why it is that bifocals seem so beneficial to youngsters with Down’s Syndrome. “We hope to discover more about how bifocals improve the vision of children with Down’s and their ability to explore the world around them,” says Dr Woodhouse, whose SEEING IS BELIEVING: Bifocals make an “amazing” difference to Henry, says mum Caroline work is being funded by charity Action Medical Research. Dr Woodhouse, based at Cardiff University, this. He is already practising using the till in a “Our work could lead to better ways to predict friend’s shop! said: “It was delightful to meet Henry. Like which children will benefit from bifocals, along most children and young people with Down’s “He took to the bifocals really quickly and is with new prescribing guidelines for specialists syndrome, he is very able if you do things at starting to read. He still needs lots of in eye clinics, who don’t all know how to the right pace and make it fun!” encouragement but now wants to read his key prescribe bifocals for children.” Caroline hopes the research will lead to words every day. His handwriting is becoming Henry’s lenses are helping him to develop clearer because he can see what he is writing,” nationwide guidelines so no child misses out: everyday skills such as doing up buttons and “The primary years are key and the right she added. using computer games. glasses at this stage make such a difference,” Better eyesight will also benefit Henry’s “At the moment, Henry says he wants to work health. “Henry has coeliac disease as well as she says. “Bifocal glasses have opened up in a shop or café when he’s grown up,” Henry’s world properly. The difference has Down’s syndrome, and needs to be able to Caroline says. “Being able to read confidently been amazing.” read labels so he can choose gluten-free and use IT equipment will help him achieve foods,” Caroline explains.

The perfect tonic . . .

HALF A MILLION

All Together NOW!

August/September 2015

www.alltogethernow.org.uk

Memories are made of this...

ATIENTS from the North West are taking part in important trials to help people with head injuries remember better.

Memory is one of the most common thinking skills that can be affected by traumatic brain injury from such things as car crashes or falls. Being able to remember things is so vital to everyday life that when this skill is impaired it can have an enormous effect on a person’s quality of life. Indeed, one effect can be to make brain injury patients forget appointments related to their treatment, said assistant psychologist Alexandra Whitelock from Liverpool’s Walton Centre, which is taking part in the national study. The trial, entitled ReMemBrIn (Rehabilitation of Memory In Brain Injuries), will attempt to discover whether a 10-week structured group programme is better at helping patients recover their memory than the care routinely offered. It has been funded by the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment . A number of services around the UK run different

types of groups to help people with memory problems – but little is known about their effectiveness which is why researchers want to evaluate a structured groupbased therapy specifically aimed at reducing forgetting in everyday life. The study is being led by Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. The Walton Centre, a specialist brain hospital, joined the trial 12 months ago and is still recruiting patients. Alexandra added: “There is no single brain area for memory so people may experience memory problems in different ways, e.g. forgetting names, getting details easily mixed up or having difficulties learning a new skill.” The 10-week programme is delivered in small groups of four to six people either in the hospital or in a community setting. A total of 400 people are being recruited for the study. If successful, it is hoped the programme can be rolled out and become routinely offered to all patients recovering from serious head injuries. TRIAL: Alexandra Whitelock n Find out more at www.remembrin.org

Miracle masks

MASK that reverses damage done by eye disease while you sleep has been revealed by a team from Britain.

The medical breakthrough, in the form of a light therapy eye mask worn at night, offers “extraordinary opportunities” in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and other eye diseases. Two teams of vision experts from the North West, along with colleagues from the North East, unveiled their exciting new development at one of the world’s leading scientific gatherings, in the US. Made of fabric, the eye mask works by incorporating a light-emitting unit, or “pod”, which provides a precise dose of light therapy during normal hours of sleep, preventing further damage to the retina. But importantly it also sends the retina into “repair mode”, helping reverse damage already done. And as a home-based, non-invasive, monitored therapy it can be delivered at a fraction of the current treatment cost, potentially making huge savings for the NHS. It is now hoped large-scale clinical trials of the treatment will take place. The UK INSIGHT team’s presentation to the meeting of 10,000 scientists, in Colorado, was selected as a Hot Topic, an honour given only to the most innovative research work. Experts from the University of Liverpool’s Department of Eye and Vision Science, the city’s St. Paul’s Eye Unit and Durham-based photonic medical device company, PolyPhotonix made up the UK team. Martin Holland, of PolyPhotonix said: “Current interventions in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy include laser photocoagulation and intraocular injections. Both are highly invasive, hospital-based and very expensive.

Shade heals eye damage as you sleep

“EXTRAORDINARY”: The light therapy mask which goes to work in the night

“The eye mask has the potential to revolutionise the treatment of eye disease and make a huge difference to thousands of patients. “The ARVO conference gave us a powerful

people are reading these pages . . .

platform to showcase our work and share knowledge and expertise. We are committed to making our vision a reality.” The conference was hosted by the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) which is the largest and most respected eye and vision research organisation in the world. Professor Simon Harding, representing the University of Liverpool and St Paul’s Eye Unit said: “The use of light therapy represents groundbreaking progress in the treatment of retinal diseases and the development of this eye mask offers extraordinary opportunities.”

MEDICAL NOTES

Hospital staff ‘don’t know what’s needed’

CHILDREN with physical or learning disabilities, or mental health needs, have a poorer experience in UK hospitals than those without. The vast majority of non-disabled children and young people were happy with their treatment, a survey of 137 acute NHS trusts showed. But fewer than half of parents and carers of children with a physical disability, mental health needs or a learning disability felt that staff definitely knew how to care for their child’s individual needs. This compares to 72% of parents and carers of children without these conditions. Almost 19,000 children and young people who stayed in hospital overnight, or were seen as a day patient, took part in the Care Quality Commission’s first children and young person’s survey. Jolanta Lasota, CEO at Ambitious about Autism, said: “Parents and carers know their child better than anyone else so it is disappointing to see they don’t feel the understanding is there from those who look after their children. “This is representative of a wider need for more understanding of the needs of those with special needs. “Educating staff is the first step in solving this issue and we urge Government to address this problem.”

Animated advice

A NEW film from an award-winning director will help women facing the prospect of a breech pregnancy. The animated video, which explores the choices open to women in this dilemma, is by Ellie Land, whose previous productions have been shown at the Cannes Film Festival. A senior lecturer in animation at Northumbria University, Ellie wrote and directed “Breech” in collaboration with Dr Rebecca Say of Newcastle Centre for Health Research. Ellie, whose films have also featured at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum, codesigned two female characters, Polly and Rachel, using Dr Say’s research. It will be hosted on the NHS Choices website and be available to an audience of millions. Up to 4% of women in the UK experience breech birth at the end of pregnancy, where the baby is lying feet or bottom first, as opposed to the normal position which enables the baby to be born headfirst through the birth canal. Breech is common at the beginning of pregnancy, however as the baby grows and gets ready for labour it tends to turn itself around so that its head is in the correct position. About three in every 100 babies are in the breech position at TAKE ME HOME! full-term.

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TAKE ME HOME!

BOX OFFICE SENSATION!

Until Aug 23: Halfway To Paradise – The Billy Fury Story. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Tribute featuring Fury’s Tornados. Until Aug 29: Puttin’ On The Ritz. Blackpool Grand Theatre. All songs from Hollywood’s Golden Age. Aug 4-5: Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom. Liverpool Empire. Musical adventure for children. Aug 4-8: Barnum. Salford Lowry. Aug 6: The Basil Brush Show. Llandudno Venue Cymru. Aug 6: The ELO Experience. Liverpool Empire. Tribute to ELO. Aug 6-8: Ghost The Musical. Sale Waterside Arts Centre. Aug 7: Let’s Hang On. Southport Floral Hall. Tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Aug 7: West Coast – The Beach Boys. Liverpool Empire. Tribute to the Beach Boys. Aug 7-8: Pink Floyd’s The Wall – Live. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Recreation of Pink Floyd concert. Aug 8: Roy Chubby Brown. Liverpool Empire. Stand-up comedy. Aug 9: Magic of Motown. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Tribute to Motown. Aug 10-15: Love Me Tender. Liverpool Empire. Musical featuring the music of Elvis Presley. Aug 11: King Pleasure And The Biscuit Boys. Salford Lowry. Swing Music. Aug 13: The Bootleg Bee Gees. Rhyl Pavilion. Tribute to the Bee Gees. Aug 13-15: West Side Story. Manchester Palace Theatre. Aug 14: Thank ABBA For The Music. Rhyl Pavilion. Party style tribute show. Aug 15: Name Of The Game. Llandudno Venue Cymru. A celebration of ABBA. Aug 15: Roy Chubby Brown. Rhyl Pavilion. Stand-up comedy. Aug 15: Victor Michael In Concert. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Aug 16: Joan Armatrading – The Solo Tour. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Her last major world tour. Aug 20: That’ll Be The Day. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Rock ‘n’ Roll nostalgia show. Aug 20: The Magic Of Pinocchio. Rhyl Pavilion. Family show. Aug 20-29: Priscilla Queen Of The Desert. Manchester Opera House. Based on the smash-hit movie. Aug 21: Back To Broadway. Rhyl Pavilion. The best songs from the greatest musicals. Aug 21: Roy Orbison & Friends. Llandudno Venue Cymru. Tribute to Roy Orbison. Aug 22: Let’s Hang On. Rhyl Pavilion. Tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Aug 22: The Ken Dodd Happiness Show. Llandudno Venue Cymru. Stand-up comedy. Aug 22: The Rat Pack Vegas Spectacular. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Tribute to the Rat Pack.

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BOX OFFICE NUMBERS

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

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

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

Summer time specials

compiled by ROBERT DAY

Aug 26: Joe Longthorne plus support. Rhyl Pavilion. Aug 27-29: Bugsy Malone. St Helens Theatre Royal. Musical tribute to 1920’s gangster films. Aug 29: Solid Gold 70s Show. Bolton Octagon. The best of 70s music. Aug 29: That’ll Be The Day. Southport Floral Hall. Rock ‘n’ Roll variety show. Aug 30: Mark McGann’s In My Life. Liverpool Royal Court. Tribute to John Lennon. Aug 30: Sing-A-Long-A Frozen. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Interactive viewing of the film. Aug 31-Sep 5: Jesus Christ Superstar. Llandudno Venue Cymru. Legendary rock classic. Sep 3: Stop The Train. Preston Charter Theatre. Explosive new musical. Sep 3: The Manfreds. Runcorn Brindley. Sep 3-12: Britain’s Got Bhangra The Musical. Manchester Palace Theatre. A new production of the hit Bhangra

musical. Sep 4: An Evening Of Clairvoyance. Runcorn Brindley. With renowned supernaturalist David Holt. Sep 4: Bob Geldof With Guests. Preston Charter Theatre. Sep 4: On Tour With Elvis. Rhyl Pavilion. Tribute to Elvis. Sep 4: Ultimate Eagles. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Tribute to the Eagles. Sep 4-5: The Cat In The Hat. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Engaging theatre experience for young children. Relaxed Perfromance, Sat Sep 5, 10.30am. Sep 4-5: The Tommy Cooper Show. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Tribute Stand-up Comedy. Sep 4-Oct 3: Bouncers. Liverpool Royal Court. Comedy. Sep 4-Oct 3: The Family Way. Bolton Octagon. Life in 1960s Bolton. Audio Described, Tue Sep 15, 7.30pm. Signed, Thu Sep 24, 7.30pm.

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All Together NOW!

August/September 2015

They’ll put a spell on you

ISABLED actor – and trained hypnotist – Paul Henshall is about to mesmerise audiences in his new starring role at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Paul plays Simon LeStrange, a Victorian Steampunk wide-boy intent on making as much money as possible with as little effort as necessary, in the new comedy, The Marvellous Mechanical Mesmerist. And hypnotising members of the audience is all part of the fun. One of Britain’s busiest wheelchair-using actors, Henshall was awarded an honorary doctorate from Staffordshire University for Services to Acting and the Promotion of Disabled Actors – and is the first disabled actor to gain certification in armed and unarmed stage combat. He is soon to appear in the ITV comedy smash hit Off their Rockers – Blue Badge Special.

Sep 5: Joe Longthorne. Runcorn Brindley. Sep 5: The Intimate Magic Tour. Port Sunlight Gladstone Theatre. Paul Daniels & Debbie McGee. Sep 8: 24 Hours From Tulsa – Remembering Gene Pitney. Rhyl Pavilion. Tribute to Gene Pitney. Sep 8-12: Sunset Boulevard. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Blockbuster musical. Sep 8-12: The Phantom Of The Opera. Runcorn Brindley. Musical. Sep 10: Leo Sayer. Salford Lowry. Sep 10-14: Manford’s Comedy Club. Runcorn Brindley. A selection of Jason Manford’s favourite comedians. Sep 10-19: The Full Monty. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Stage production of the film. Sep 11: Blake. St Helens Theatre Royal. Brit-award-winning harmonisers. Sep 12: Beyond The Barricade. Preston Charter Theatre. Recreating

Playing LeStrange’s wife is Anna Scutt, who has also appeared in film and on stage, although she is more usually seen singing in Gilbert and Sullivan concerts around her Cornwall home. The show is written and directed by Jonathan Chase (who will cameo as LeStrange’s father-in-law), award winning stage hypnotist and cabaret comedy writer, founder of the production company, Academy of Hypnotic Arts. As the cast and director use wheelchairs, the costs involved in taking the show to Edinburgh are higher than normal. To get the show on the road, they have set up a campaign on crowdfunding website Indiegogo, where you can buy DVDs, t-shirts, and even the opportunity to learn stage hypnosis. n The show goes on at The SpaceUK @the Symposium Hall - Venue 43 - from Monday to Saturday 24-29 August at 7:20pm. n Tickets, £8 and £7

It’s confession time, say Laurence

LOOK INTO OUR EYES . . . Paul Henshall and Anna Scutt at the Edinburgh Fringe EVER bitten a policeman? Or made a waiter cry? Liverpool comic Laurence Clark has. You can watch him squirm as he attempts to justify these and other despicable deeds in his new show, Moments of Instant Regret, in the Edinburgh Fringe at Assembly George Square until August 24. Laurence starred in the BBC1 documentary We Won’t Drop the Baby – a film about his personal life. He was also awarded Shortlist magazine’s Funniest New Comedian and came runner-up in the BBC2 Entertain/Amused Moose Laughter Awards 2012.

hit musical songs. Sep 12: Martin Carthy And Dave Swarbrick. St Helens Citadel. British Folk Music. Sep 13: Magic Of Motown. Wolverhampton Grand Theatre. Sep 14-19: The Sound Of Music. Liverpool Empire. Musical. Sep 15-19: Handbagged. Salford Lowry. Liz vs Maggie. Sep 15-19: Quartet. Runcorn Brindley. Wickedly funny and joyous play. Sep 15-26: Annie. Manchester Opera House. Musical. Sep 17: An Evening Of Dirty Dancing. Preston Charter Theatre. Tribute to Dirty Dancing. Sep 17: Leave Hitler To Me, Lad. Runcorn Brindley. A new family musical. Sep 17-19: Sister Act. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Musical comedy. Sep 18: Forbidden Nights. St Helens Theatre Royal. Male variety show.

Sep 18: Hats Off To Led Zeppelin. Rhyl Pavilion. Tribute to Led Zeppelin. Sep 19: Dancing Queen – The Concert. Southport Floral Hall. 70s Nostalgia Night. Sep 19: Illegal Eagles. Preston Charter Theatre. Tribute to the Eagles. Sep 19: Judie Tzuke. St Helens Citadel. Sep 20: ABBA Mania. Rhyl Pavilion. Tribute to ABBA. Sep 20: Billy and Wally’s Big Variety Night Out. New Brighton Floral Pavilion. Sep 20: Patsy Cline & Friends. Runcorn Brindley. Tribute to Patsy Cline, Hank Williams and Jim Reeves. Sep 21: Chris Ramsey’s All Growed Up. Runcorn Brindley. Stand-up comedy. Sep 21-26: Priscilla Queen Of The Desert. Stoke Regent Theatre. Musical based on the movie. Audio Described, Sat Sep 26,

CRAIG HILL – Playing with my Selfie! EICC (Venue 150). Aug 6 - 30 (not Aug 17/25), 7.15pm (8.15pm). BSL shows on Sat Aug 15 & 22 Aug by Catherine King. DANIEL SLOSS: Dark. EICC (Venue 150). Aug 6 - 30 (not Aug 17/25), 8.40pm (9.40pm); 10.00pm on Fri’s/Sat’s Aug 14/15; 21/22; 28/29. BSL shows 10pm show on Sat Aug 15 & 8.40pm show on Thurs Aug 20 by Catherine King. JIMEÓIN – YEEHAA! EICC (Venue 150). Aug 6 – 30 (not Aug 17/25), 7.30pm (8.30pm). BSL shows on Fri Aug 14 & 21 Tickets: 0844 847 1639

2.30pm. Signed, Sat Sep 26, 2.30pm. Sep 22-26: An Inspector Calls. Llandudno Venue Cymru. Sep 23-26: Swan Lake. Salford Lowry. Ballet. Sep 24: Billy And Wally’s Big Variety Show. Runcorn Brindley. A night of pop legends and comedy. Sep 24: The Bogus Woman. Bolton Octagon. Story of an African woman fleeing to England. Sep 24-26: Acorn Antiques The Musical. St Helens Theatre Royal. Based on the hit soap opera parody. Sep 25: David Gest’s (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life Tour. Preston Charter Theatre. Sep 25: King Pleasure And The Biscuit Boys. St Helens Citadel. Swing band. Sep 25: The Simon And Garfunkel Story. Runcorn Brindley. Tribute to Simon and Garfunkel. Sep 26: ABBA Mania. Preston Charter Theatre. Tribute to ABBA.

Sep 26: Fleetwood Bac. Runcorn Brindley. Tribute to Fleetwood Mac. Sep 26: Led Into Zeppelin. St Helens Citadel. Tribute to Led Zeppelin. Sep 26: The Bay City Rollers Story. Southport Floral Hall. Starring Les McKeown. Sep 26: The Smiths Ltd. Sale Waterside Arts Centre. Tribute to the Smiths. Sep 27: ELO Again – A Night Of ELO. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Re-enactment of an ELO concert. Sep 27: The Tommy Copper Show. St Helens Theatre Royal. Tribute stand-up comedy. Sep 27: West Coast – Music Of The Beach Boys. Manchester Palace Theatre. Sep 28-Oct 3: A Murder Is Announced. Blackpool Grand Theatre. Agatha Christie TAKE ME HOME! mystery.

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Books

All Together NOW!

n If I Can Do It You Can Too! by Antony Stagg, published by Antony Stagg Ltd, £10.99

COMPILATION of inspirational, shocking and graphic stories recounting extraordinary personal journeys of overcoming adversity – from addiction and fighting cancer to life changing disabilities – demonstrating that even when life seems impossible the human spirit has the power to inspire and overcome adversity. Rita Hunter survived cervical cancer five times and has gone on to live life to the full, establishing her own travel business which turned over £1m in the first 18 months. Ben Donolley, who after recovering from alcohol addiction and a failed suicide attempt, has gone on to save over 1,000 lives by counselling people through their own addictions. Terry Nelson has spent over 12 years in and out of hospital due to kidney failure and as a result has a leg amptutated. Today he has established his own sports coaching business and counts Cristiano Ronaldo as a client. Based in Liverpool, Antony Stagg delivers inspirational career and goalsetting training to students aged 14-19. He is passionate about helping young people into employment and has one of the most viewed YouTube channels in the world for interview skills. n Mindfulness for Carers: How to Manage the Demands of Caregiving While Finding a Place for Yourself by Dr Cheryl Rezek, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, £6.99

CARERS are particularly vulnerable to feeling stressed, worried and worn down by the vast demands that often come with caregiving, be they physical, psychological or emotional. Dr Cheryl Rezek provides an accessible introduction to mindfulness, and explains how simple practices and psychological concepts can be used to manage the day-to-day demands of caring effectively, helping carers to gain a greater sense of control and maintain a more positive and balanced outlook. The book includes easy-to-use and enjoyable mindfulness exercises, short enough to fit into a busy day, as well as accompanying audio tracks to support and guide the reader through these exercises. An essential read for all those involved in caring for people with acute or longterm health and mental health conditions, disabilities and other support needs, including relatives and other informal carers as well as professional medical, health and social care staff.

August/September 2015

ARIES March 21st - April 20th

importance in mid-August. The second half of August proves quite sociable. Spending time with friends helps put your life in a healthier perspective. You’ll be able to negotiate a much better deal than you are initially offered in early September and you will have fewer personal responsibilities in the second half of the month. A Lunar Eclipse on the 28th brings a health matter to your attention.

Resist the urge to rush an intimate relationship in the opening days of August. Winning someone’s trust will take time and patience. A generous relative will give financial or practical support during the first half of the month. Your health gets a big boost near the 11th. Prepare to change your opinion about a fellow worker you have always trusted. You need to be a lot more realistic about work deadlines at the beginning of September. A seemingly simple job will take much longer than you think. A Lunar Eclipse on the 28th will tempt you to radically alter your appearance. Don’t, or you will be sorry.

SAGITTARIUS November 23rd - December 21st

TAURUS April 21st - May 21st

It will be easier to get help from your best friend, lover, or business partner in the early days of August. All the hostility and resentment that has been brewing will magically disappear. The New Moon on the 14th could prompt you to make changes to your domestic routine. A Solar Eclipse on September 13th is perfect for launching a creative project, showing off your art work, or taking a romantic risk. A Lunar Eclipse on the 28th forces you to capitulate to a big bureaucracy. You won’t be able to fight the authorities at this time. Giving in gracefully will save time, money and aggravation. Don’t let pride stop you putting an end to this nightmarish situation.

GEMINI May 22nd - June 21st

Travelling with a group will be lots of fun in the beginning of August. The New Moon on the 14th will prompt you to take an art class. The second half of August is perfect for expanding your home or finding a bigger place to live. Money for a house payment or tuition will arrive in early September. Resist the urge to squander these resources on something that will afford short term pleasure. Don’t be surprised if you have to take over some of your friend’s responsibilities. A Lunar Eclipse on the 28th marks the sudden end of a friendship or group association. You simply can’t afford to connect yourself with people who are involved in under the counter activities.

CANCER June 22nd - July 23rd

Your self esteem will be low in the opening days of August. Don’t confuse your personal self worth with the amount of money in your bank account. It is impossible to put a price on your humour, wisdom and compassion. The Full Moon on the 29th will force you to defend your beliefs to a sceptical relative or colleague. The opening days of September will be confusing. You aren’t sure of where you should be heading. A Solar Eclipse on the 13th will bring enlightening information. A Lunar Eclipse on the 28th brings an abrupt end to a public role. Spend the lion’s share of your time on domestic pursuits as September turns to October.

LEO July 24th - August 23rd

Resist the urge to talk about your private life with family in the beginning of August. Finding new sources of income will be easier as you approach mid-month. The Full Moon on the 29th warns against buying things on

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RUSSELL GRANT CALLING . . .

credit. Focus on living beneath your means. A Solar Eclipse on Septmber 13th attracts a new source of income. The second half of September will prove quite busy. A Lunar Eclipse on the 28th forces you to part ways with someone who has offensive beliefs. You can’t afford to be connected with such a troubled individual.

VIRGO August 24th - September 23rd

An intimate relationship will give you tremendous pleasure in early August. If you’re not in a relationship, this is the perfect time to find romance. Don’t be surprised when your popularity soars at midmonth. The Full Moon on the 29th warns of putting too much pressure on your best friend, lover, or business partner. Things will be a little tense between you and a lover at the beginning of September. A Solar Eclipse on the 13th is ideal for branching into unfamiliar territory. A Lunar Eclipse on the 28th brings an abrupt end to a source of unearned income. This will be a secret relief.

LIBRA September 24th - October 23rd

A festive party gives early August a glamorous feel. The New Moon on the 14th is perfect for joining a humanitarian organisation. Working on behalf of a charity will put life in perspective. Problems won’t seem so difficult when you are focused on helping underprivileged people. It will be virtually impossible to get help from colleagues in the beginning of September. Your amour will have a delightful surprise in the second half of September. A Lunar Eclipse on the 28th forces you to let go of some unrealistic expectations about your best friend.

SCORPIO October 24th - November 22nd

It becomes easier to exercise your authority in the opening days of August. Prepare to face off with an overambitious authority figure. Teamwork takes on an increasing

Don’t question your abilities in early August. The New Moon on the 14th is perfect for accepting a plum position that allows you tremendous creative freedom. Your leadership ability will be applauded on the 23rd, when you’re put in charge of an important project. The Full Moon on the 29th prompts you to spend more time on domestic pursuits. You’ll be asked to take the helm of an important group in the beginning of September. Your personal responsibilities will dramatically increase during the second half of September. A Lunar Eclipse on the 28th forces you to take a more realistic approach to a romance.

CAPRICORN December 22nd - January 20th

Friends will help with heavy responsibilities at the beginning of August. If you need assistance, just ask for it. The New Moon on the 14th brings money from a refund, inheritance, or legal settlement. The Full Moon on the 29th marks the end of a friendship with an overly demanding person. Your willpower is extremely strong in early September. You’ll be able to assert your authority more effectively on the 25th, when a chaotic situation demands your attention. People who used to challenge your assertions will gladly take direction from you when panic sets in.

AQUARIUS January 21st - February 19th

Responsibilities at work increase in early August. The New Moon on the 14th signals a romantic interlude. The Full Moon on the 29th brings about an ethical dilemma. Obey your conscience. Finances will be tight at the beginning of September, so budget accordingly. The Solar Eclipse on the 13th is ideal for an intimate encounter. Be selective about the company you keep during the second half of September. A Lunar Eclipse on the 28th prompts you to end your association with an organisation. Now the leadership of this group has changed, you’re no longer interested in belonging to it.

PISCES February 20th - March 20th

Help from religious, educational and cultural leaders becomes more readily available in early August. The New Moon on the 14th is perfect for launching a fitness regime. The second half of August proves very productive, when you’re able to team up with a creative colleague. Be realistic about your expectations of a romantic partner in early September. Becoming a little more independent will take a whole load of pressure off your partner. The Lunar Eclipse on the 28th marks the end of a source of income, forcing you to make last minute adjustments to your budget. You might have to cancel an expensive order.

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August/September 2015

All Together NOW!

TEN PRIZE PRUNERS TO BE WON

GOOD pair of secateurs is essential for gardening and we have TEN pairs of the best, the Darlac compound pruner, worth £13 each, to be won.

These are not only double awardwinners but easy to use for people with weak or small hands. They came out top in two exhaustive, independent tests: “best buy” with a score of 93% in a comparison of 12 pruners by Which?, the Consumers’ Association magazine, and “best in test” of eight secateurs by Garden Answers magazine. This prize pruner is a by-pass type with a unique lever action, which means it pushes as well as cutting so needs little pressure to cut through stems. It is light, weighing only 172g (6oz), and fairly small with the handles opening to a maximum of 13cm (5.5in). It has Teflon-coated carbon steel blades and contoured, soft-grip handles. The locking catch is in the centre so the

Throw a tomato tomato party! party!

CHECKLIST

pruner can be used with left or right hand and it cuts through woody stems up to 20mm thick. To enter the competition, answer this question: What did the Darlac compound pruner score in the Which? test? Send your entry with your name and address on a postcard or sealed envelope, stating where you picked up your copy of All Together NOW! to Darlac Pruner Competition, All Together NOW!, The Bradbury Centre, Youens Way, Liverpool L14 2EP, to arrive by Friday, September 25, or enter online at www.alltogethernow.org.uk Please also tell us what you think of All Together NOW! n Darlac is a long-established British family firm specialising in genuinely useful, value-for-money tools. For the full range of products phone 01753547790 or go to www.darlac.com.

EASY DOES IT: The Darlac compound pruners in action

UR guests were just a little uncertain when I presented them with the predinner nibbles.

An old baker’s tray (normally used for drying off onions) was arrayed with 12 plates. The guests had a choice – anything they liked as long as it was tomatoes. I had grown 17 varieties and needed to identify the tastiest for a feature I was writing. They varied from tiny, elongated yellow fruits to large red specimens with green stripes. Familiar cherry and beefsteak types were joined by such exotics as Vintage Wine, Yellow Pear, Banana Cream and Christmas Grapes. Despite their caution, our dinner guests enjoyed the experiment and most reckoned Stupice, a Czech variety bred for cool climates, took some beating for taste. Now, how do your tomatoes grow this summer? Just the same as ever with Moneymaker all in a row? Then it really is time to grow something else. You are missing succulent cherry tomatoes, whopping beefsteak types full of rich flavour, outdoor bush varieties with currant-sized fruits and the trailing kinds bred for patio containers and hanging baskets. And tomatoes are good for you. Not only can a

single fruit supply 35% of a person’s daily Vitamin C requirement, but the lycopene in tomatoes helps fight cancer. Research shows that the higher the lycopene blood level, the less likely you are to suffer from cancer. From the 80 varieties I have grown and compared over the years, I have settled on four greenhouse favourites although they could change as new ones appear and more heritage varieties are introduced. They are Sakura, a cherry type with great sweet/acid taste; Suncherry Premium, a smaller and sweeter cherry; Andine Cornue (Horn of Andes), with deliciously plummy, curved fruit; and Country Taste, one of the best beefsteak kinds. If you are a beginner at growing tomatoes, start next year by buying young plants. The best range is to be found online. When you become more experienced, try sowing seeds with heat in late February or early March, maintaining a temperature of 13C (56F).

Which varieties should you choose? The easiest to manage are cordon (indeterminate) types that should be trained up a cane and have the sideshoots removed as they appear. Pinch out the leading shoot when four to six trusses of fruit have set, or up to eight on cherry tomatoes. For the largest fruits, choose beefsteak types, all of which have a rich flavour for cooking and are also good for slicing into sandwiches. Where no greenhouse is available and space is limited, grow trailing kinds in pots or baskets. The most popular is Tumbling Tom, in both Red and Yellow varieties and, with those, who needs petunias? They make attractive plants and produce a heavy crop of tasty little tomatoes, the Red quite sweet and the Yellow tangy. The less common varieties are available only as seed. Andine Cornue is listed by The Organic Gardening Catalogue and Stupice by Thompson & Morgan. Tomatoes have come a long way since British gardener John Parkinson wrote unpromisingly in 1629 that the new fruit was “like an orange full of slimie juice and a watery pulp”.

FLOWERS: Take cuttings of soft evergreen perennials such as candytuft and aubretia, under a leaf joint, cutting off all but a few of the topmost leaves, then set them in pots of gritty compost in a shady position. SHRUBS AND TREES: Dead-head roses, pruning back to an outward-facing leaf-joint. Spray with a pesticide where aphids are prevalent. Clip hedges, tapering them so that the base is wider that the top to allow light to reach the lower leaves and avoid dieback. PATIOS: Spend a few minutes every day deadheading container flowers. Make sure the compost does not dry out and give a liquid feed regularly. PONDS: Remove blanketweed and excess duckweed, and pull off the dying leaves of water plants. When the water level falls in dry weather, provide fish with oxygen by trickling water on to the surface, but not near water lilies which dislike disturbed water. VEGETABLES: Keep picking courgettes and beans as soon as they are big enough. The more you pick, the more the plants will produce. By midAugust, sow spring cabbages for cropping early next year. FRUIT: Apples yielding a small crop should produce more if pruned in summer. 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: Take cuttings of shrubby herbs like sage, rosemary and thyme. GLASS: Water and feed tomatoes and other crops regularly. Plants in growing bags or pots may need watering twice a day. In tomatoes, splitting and blossom-end rot – where a dark, decaying patch appears on the opposite side to the stalk - are caused by irregular watering. HOUSEPLANTS: Repot if roots are showing through the base holes in the pot or on the compost surface. Replant in a pot at least 2.5cm (1in) wider and deeper. E ME HOME! TAK E ME

All Together NOW!

August/September 2015

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

★

8 9

10 10

★

18 20

DOWN 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 12. 13. 15. 16. 17. 18. 22. 24. 25. 26. 27.

14. 16. 18. 19. 20. 21. 23. 26. 28. 29. 30.

A B C D

Pugwash Ahab Birdseye Scarlet

★

Cutting pasta to length Using starch for thickening Making small portions Using fat in making pastry

QUESTION 3 – for 3 points: A volcanic eruption in which country caused major air traffic disruption in 2010? A B C D

Spain Norway Canada Iceland

QUESTION 4 – for 4 points: What may need removing if it is said to be ‘grumbling’? A B C D

Deciduous tree (8) Accumulate (5) Bury (5) Distort, mangle (6) Jaw (4) Arab nomad (7) Horned ruminant (4) Animal appendage (4) Prayer ending (4) Not any (4) Compassion (4) Apartment house (8) Item (7) Unmitigated (6) Hide, protect (5) Paddle-propelled boat (5) Finest (4) Fourth dimension (4)

Appendix Voice box Stomach Epiglottis

QUESTION 5 – for 5 points: Steven Gerrard was England’s third most capped player when he retired in 2014. How many caps did he win? A B C D

104 114 124 134

QUESTION 6 – for 6 points: What is the Japanese word for the art of paper folding? A B C D

Netsuke Ikebana Oregano Origami

A B C D

Footballer Steven Gerrard. See Question 5

Orkneys Faeroes Outer Hebrides Inner Hebrides

QUESTION 13 – for 13 points: The Backstreet Boys are the best-selling boy band in history, but they have only had one UK No 1 hit. What is it?

QUESTION 7 – for 7 points: To where do European eels migrate in order to breed? A Sargasso Sea B South China Sea C Bay of Biscay D Gulf Stream

A B C D

QUESTION 8 – for 8 points: Which of the following words is used to describe a single dot within a picture on a computer screen? A Serif B Byte C Pixel D Mite

Quit Playing Games Anywhere For You Larger Than Life I Want It That Way

QUESTION 14 – for 14 points: What is studied by a gerontologist? A B C D

Family trees Dialects The ageing process Plant propagation

QUESTION 15 – for 15 points: Which chemical element is found in all proteins? A B C D

Nitrogen Carbon Calcium Iron

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.

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

Mount Olivet Mount Sinai Mount Ararat Mount Carmel

QUESTION 12 – for 12 points: Which islands lie to the north-west of the Shetlands?

QUESTION 9 – for 9 points: Who wrote the novel The Prince and the Pauper? A Mark Twain B Charles Dickens C Daphne du Maurier D Rudyard Kipling

SUDOKU

EASY

China South Africa Australia Indonesia

A B C D

Frugal (7) Alligator pear (7) Episode (7) Stabilizing weight (7) Violent wind in southern France (7) Adult males (3) Saucy (4) Assistant (4) Norse deity (4) Peer (4) Grandmother (colloq.) (3) Reprocess (7) Skin bubble (7) Make progress (7) Wise king (7) Violent stream (7)

A B C D

★

1. 8. 9. 10. 11.

QUESTION 10 – for 10 points: Where is the main source of commercially mined opals?

QUESTION 11 – for 11 points: Which of these mountains is still used as a sacred Jewish burial ground?

★

ACROSS

chosen answers and keep a record of your points total. Maximum total points 120. QUESTION 1 – for 1 point: Who was the captain in Herman Melville’s novel Moby-Dick?

QUESTION 2 – for 2 points: What does the term shortening mean in cookery?

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Each question has four possible answers and is worth from one to 15 points. Circle your

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TAKE ME HOME!

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.

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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?

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

2 ABC

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SHARP

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DUNE

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PIECE

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EXTREMELY

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BIRD DELIVERY SEAT

2. large vehicles 584 437 628 812 732 536 961 567 791 262 241 766 975 684 413 473 136 446 313 682 531 332 537 128 713 878 227 815 691 562 337 138 351 826 537

3. English county towns 967 518 769 274 343 124 356 736 731 337 291 393 837 123 336 731 226 274 343 145 682 378 371 667 942 419 279 425 169 367 312 437 837 187 876

4. Beatles songs 743 156 837 196 817 366 915 263 193 783 732 917 532 731 753 273 163 184 253 818 617 433 193 556 917 826 274 631 727 372 225 197 483 714 357

and phrases 5. words involving numbers 738 361 332 359 174 671 749 133 381 863 371 743 237 163 134 448 189 358 312 767 853 717 498 417 367 313 483 121 743 318 361 266 626 363 687

6. types of butterfly 222 224 319 448 317 331 236 472 517 925 569 824 517 246 833 152 391 867 864 737 435 517 322 625 178 775 313 673 767 122 623 793 551 232 889

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 11 ABBA hits.

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 9?

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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 a writing implement.

1. items for overseas travellers 727 776 781 232 241 869 351 247 546 318 425 381 786 826 156 846 614 843 326 651 354 713 567 718 728 351 232 783 716 677 848 617 373 553 68

MISSING LINK

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Spaces and any punctuation marks are represented by 1.

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

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All Together NOW!

August/September 2015

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TABUN 1) An inhabitant of Tabor, the Czech town founded in 1420 by reformist Hussites;

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

2) A sloping buttress for deflecting a ball in the games of fives and real tennis;

1. The Mamas and the Papas’ recording of Monday, Monday reaches No 1 in the US charts and No 3 in the UK.

Y M E

MAKE A DATE

A U

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

WORD WIZARD

2. The first North Sea gas is pumped ashore by British Petroleum.

3) An organic phosphorus compound which can be used as a nerve gas.

3. Pictures of Chinese premier Mao Tse-tung swimming in the Yangtze River are published by the world’s press.

Add the given letter to the first word to make a new word. Clue: A skeletal piece can be tolerated.

WAS IT? a) 1964; b) 1966; c) 1968; d) 1970; e) 1972.

____ +R=__R__

ALL THE ANSWERS Pathwords: Waterloo; Fernando; The Winner Takes It All; S.O.S.; Dancing Queen; Take A Chance On Me; Super Trouper; Money, Money, Money; Mamma Mia; Chiquitita; I Have A Dream.

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KAKURO MEDIUM

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Accumulator Quiz 1 – B; 2 – D; 3 – D; 4 – A; 5 – B; 6 – D; 7 – A; 8 – C; 9 – A; 10 – C; 11 – A; 12 – B; 13 – D; 14 – C; 15 – A. Starspot Crossword Across – 1 Sparing; 8 Avocado; 9 Chapter; 10 Ballast; 11 Mistral; 14 Men; 16 Pert; 18 Aide; 19 Odin; 20 Earl; 21 Nan; 23 Recycle; 26 Blister; 28 Advance; 29 Solomon; 30 Torrent. Down – 1 Sycamore; 2 Amass; 3 Inter; 4 Garble; 5 Jowl; 6 Saracen; 7 Goat; 12 Tail; 13 Amen; 15 None; 16 Pity; 17 Tenement; 18 Article; 22 Arrant; 24 Cover; 25 Canoe; 26 Best; 27 Time. Star Name: JO BRAND Word Wizard No 3 is correct. Tabun is a nerve

gas discovered in Germany in the 1930s. Dialling Codes 1. passport; beach towel; airline ticket; suntan lotion; guidebook; flip flops; travel adapter; mosquito repellent. 2. juggernaut; breakdown lorry; coach; snowplough; fire engine; double decker bus; dustcart; low loader; fuel tanker. 3. York; Trowbridge; Chelmsford; Derby; Exeter; Bedford; Cambridge; Gloucester; Norwich; Warwick; Oxford; Chester; Truro. 4. She Loves You; Penny Lane; Yesterday; Please Please Me; Ticket To Ride; Yellow Submarine; Paperback Writer; Help.

5. seven deadly sins; six feet under; pieces of eight; twelve apostles; sixth sense; five a side; Ten Commandments. 6. cabbage white; red admiral; swallowtail; painted lady; tortoiseshell; peacock; purple emperor; Camberwell beauty. Spot Check A = 3; B = 1; C = 6; D = 2; E = 4; F = 5. Missing Link sand; time; youth; lady; urgent; safe. Writing implement: stylus. Make a Date The year was 1966. Transformer Bone + R = Borne.

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August/September 2015

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Fair play for deaf please

n ORIGINATING in Canada in the 1970s, wheelchair rugby developed from the “murderball” game. n One of the only fullcontact disability sports, two teams of four aim to score by carrying the ball across the opposing team’s line. n Wheelchair rugby was first recognised as a full medal sport at the 2000 Paralympic Games in Sydney, Australia. n It has since featured at the Paralympic Games in Athens in 2004, Beijing in 2008, and in London 2012.

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

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TELLY TREAT T V CHANNELS are set to screen a host of live and online coverage of disability sport in the run-up to next year’s Paralympics.

ITV have announced they will screen live coverage of the inaugural BT World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge in the autumn. And Channel 4 have committed to show more than 30 hours of live events and highlights on TV and online. As part of the ITV deal, ITV4 will show live evening matches of the hard-hitting sport, often called “Murderball”. The coverage will include five hours of live broadcasting each day, presented by a wealth of sporting and broadcasting talent and experience including Martin

Bayfield, the former England and British Lions player; Steve Brown, captain of the GB London 2012 Olympic wheelchair rugby team; former England and British Lions player, Ugo Monye; reporter Rachael Latham; and commentators Simon Ward and Mike Spence. ITV’s director of sport Niall Sloane said: “We are excited to be the broadcaster of this important new tournament which presents a fantastic opportunity to engage the public in a tremendous sport at the top level and entertain with first class live action.” Taking place from October 12 – 16, the tournament will be bringing together the best

Wheelchair singles next for Wimbledon

WIMBLEDON will include men’s and women’s wheelchair singles championships from next year. The announcement was made on finals’ day at this year’s tournament, which also saw Britain’s Jordanne Whiley and Yui Kamiji (Japan) claim their second successive Wimbledon wheelchair doubles title, while Gordon Reid and his French partner Michael Jeremiasz took the runners-up prize. Geoff Newton, eexecutive director of the Tennis Foundation, said: “We hope that introducing wheelchair singles into The Championships will take the sport to a whole new level and inspire a new generation of people to play tennis, whatever their ability.”

“Murderball” teams in the world. Meanwhile, Channel 4’s coverage will include the very best Para sport athletes competing at the Para Tri, a mass-participation disability sport event, and the IPC Athletics World Championships from Doha. There will also be highlights of the Sainsbury’s IPC Athletics Grand Prix Final and National Paralympic Day 2015. Stephen Lyle, the station’s commissioning editor for sport, said: “With just over a year to go, the countdown to the next Paralympic Games has begun and these are some of the last major tournaments before the athletes take centre stage in Rio.”

GB men’s wheelchair tennis team secured a historic first World Group title at the BNP Paribas World Team Cup in Antalya, Turkey, after Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid gained straight sets wins in their singles rubbers to

Stay ahead of the game . . .

PEOPLE with hearing difficulties want to get more involved in sport but don’t – mostly because of communication barriers. The first national survey into deaf and hard of hearing people’s participation in sport and physical activity found that communication was the main barrier stopping deaf and hard of hearing people from taking part. Three quarters (75%) of those surveyed identified spoken English (including lip reading or hearing assisted technology) as one of their preferred forms of communication, while 31% preferred British British Sign Language. Lee Dolby, director of development at UK Deaf Sport, said: “Sport and physical activity can have a profound effect of the lives of deaf people, improving a person’s health, confidence and social interaction. “These results are a starting block for many to change the way they deliver activities for deaf and hard of hearing people.” Last year UK Deaf Sport received £365,872 of National Lottery funding through Sport England’s Inclusive Sport Fund to help to increase deaf and hearing impaired people’s participation in sport and physical activity for the next three years.

give Great Britain a 2-0 victory over France. The women’s trio of Jordanne Whiley, Lucy Shuker and Louise Hunt clinched their sixth medal in seven years, winning bronze after beating Germany 2-0.

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August/September 2015

All Together NOW!

SPORTS SHORTS

Football club ruling ‘a great day for access’

ALL European professional football clubs will now have to appoint a Disability Access Officer to improve stadium access, following a new UEFA ruling. Joyce Cook, chair of UK access charity Level Playing Field, said the ruling was “a great day for access and inclusion”. Ms Cook said it will “make a huge difference over the long term, and sends a very clear message of the need for better access for disabled people”.

Dwarf sport survey

FUTURE STARS: Above, wheelchair racer Ben Callander struck gold and silver. Below, Conor Rooney grabbed two golds (800m and 100m). Right, Nicole Loyd winning bronze in the discus event

The gold rush M

ORE than 240 of the country’s finest young disabled athletes have run, jumped and thrown for gold at the Typhoo National Junior Athletics Championships.

The annual event is one of the highlights in the disability sports calendar with some competitors hoping their success might lead to a golden career in athletics. Among those taking part in the two-day championships at the University of Warwick’s athletics track was wheelchair racer Conor Rooney from Prescot, Merseyside. Part of the North West team, the 15-yearold, who attends St Edmund Arrowsmith, in Whiston, bagged two golds in the 100m and 800m in his classification of T54. Conor, who competes for Knowsley Challenge, has been racing for three years after his talent was spotted by Blackpool’s Shelly Woods, the elite Paralympian wheelchair racer.

log on to . . .

Ben Callander, from Warrington, Cheshire, also struck gold. The 14-year-old pupil at St Gregory’s Roman Catholic High School won gold in the 200m and silver in 100m. Meanwhile, the five-strong team from Bluebell Park School, Kirkby, Merseyside, returned with a hatful of medals and can now boast four national champions in their classifications and age groups. Reece Day, u18 T36, won 400m gold, 100m silver; 200m silver; Nicole Lloyd, u20 T20, won 100m gold; shot silver; discus bronze; Amy Shaw, also in the u20 T20, won javelin gold; discus silver; shot bronze;

Libby Johnson, in the u18 T20, won discus gold; shot silver; and Alex Dawber, in the u20 T20, won discus silver; shot bronze. Somnath Saha, head of Typhoo Ltd, said: “This is an important celebration of talent and Typhoo has been delighted to support it. “Sport can change lives and that is certainly true for those who have taken part in the regional qualifiers and the national championships. “Being active can help with physical and mental health, confidence and fitness and promote social interaction. “That’s why it was great to see such a high number of young disabled people taking part, supported by an army of volunteers, families and schools. “And one day, who knows, some of these youngsters might emulate the likes of Hannah Cockroft, David Weir, Jonnie Peacock and other Paralympians and take their talent to even bigger stages.”

THE Dwarf Sports Association UK has launched a new survey, which aims to help increase the number of sporting opportunities for people with dwarfism and restricted growth in the UK. If you prefer to a paper copy of the survey, call Nigel Burton, tel. 07712 572884, email nigel.burton@dsauk.org n www.dsauk.org

New role for David

FORMER 5,000 metre world record holder David Moorcroft is the new patron of British Blind Sport. “I am looking forward to extending my support to both children and adults with sight loss,” said Moorcroft, who is still the holder of the UK 3,000 metres record. n BBS, tel. 01926 424247 www.britishblindsport.org.uk

Game for this?

YOUNG amputees aged between 11-18 are invited to take part in this year’s Junior Games, at Stoke Mandeville Stadium on Saturday October 10. Participants will be able to try a wide range of Paralympic sports including wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball, athletics, table tennis and handcycling. Contact Andy Brittles on: andy@limbpower.com or 07503 030702 www.limbpower.com

Wheelchair platform

A state of the art wheelchair viewing platform is being developed by Wrexham Football Club Disabled Supporters Association in partnership with the club and Glyndwr University. So far over £12,000 has been raised for the platform, due to be completed in time for the new season. It will accommodate up to 10 TAKE ME HOME! supporters who are in wheelchairs

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